Gulf of Roses and the Costa Brava
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Fishing boats at a harbour in Cadaques, Costa Brava in Spain
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Temps de Flors, Girona ©Girona City Council - Laia Masip
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Cadaqués, Portlligat, Spain
Discover the Sunny Costa Brava!
Sitting on the Gulf of Roses, and often described as the most picturesque of all the holiday destinations on the Costa Brava, the popular resort of Roses offers splendid beaches and beautiful sunsets. It’s also the ideal base from which to explore Catalonia, where we will visit a whole host of hidden gems that are sure to charm. See the stunning whitewashed seaside town of Cadaqués, once home to Salvador Dalí. We also visit Figueres, Salvador Dalí’s birthplace. Here we can discover his surreal world in a museum and theatre dedicated to the artist.
Additionally, we spend a day exploring Catalonia’s capital – Barcelona. We take a panoramic tour of this incredible city and learn all about its fascinating history, taking in its beautiful architecture and bustling streets.
Including Girona, Figueres and Perpignan
During this tour we also visit the magnificent town of Girona. In medieval times, the town’s wealth led to the production of numerous fine Romanesque and Gothic buildings. The River Onyar divides the pedestrianised historic centre from it’s modern counterpart – a gleaming commercial centre. We also experience some stunning natural beauty at the Cap de Creus Nature Park. Take a trip on the charming Roses Express train through the park, where the combination of sea and mountain landscapes is sure to stun. We will also venture out of Spain and into France to visit the capital of French Catalonia, Perpignan. This former capital of the Kingdom of Mallorca has a magnificent 13th-century palace and a charming old town.
Dates
February - December 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1-2
Travel to Roses
Depart from the UK, heading to Dover for your ferry crossing to Calais. Head south, through France, stopping for an overnight in the Orléans area. The following day, continue through France into Spain and travel to your hotel in the beautiful resort of Roses on the Costa Brava. Check in in time for dinner.
Day 3
Cap de Creus Nature Park
Today we enjoy a morning at leisure in Roses before taking the charming Roses Express through the Cap de Creus Nature Park. Take in the scenic views of this rugged landscape and beautiful coastline. Many of the curious rock formations here were inspiration for Salvador Dalí’s surrealist paintings!
Day 4
Girona
Today we travel to Girona, a lovely, medieval walled town with narrow streets, cobbled lanes and some remarkable architecture. Of particular note are the brightly painted, and frequently photographed, façades of the houses overlooking the River Onyar, and the Cathedral of St. Mary, which has the widest Gothic nave in the world.
Day 5
At leisure in Roses.
There’s free time today to relax in the hotel and then take a walk along the beach-side promenade to the charming yet bustling town.
Day 6
Perpignan
This morning we take a scenic journey across the eastern end of the Pyrenees to cross into France to visit Perpignan, the capital of French Catalonia, and something of a hidden gem. Prominent among the tangle of narrow streets in the old town is the imposing Palais des Rois de Majorque, a vast fortress palace that hosted the 13th-century Majorcan kings.
Day 7
Cadaqués and Figueres
Today we head first to Cadaqués, a fashionable, whitewashed seaside resort, often described as being one of the most beautiful and unspoilt villages on the Mediterranean. This easternmost point in Spain was home to Savador Dalí. We travel inland to the town of Figueres, Dalí’s birthplace, where the Dalí Theatre and Museum is full of his surrealist masterpieces. The man himself is buried in the crypt. It’s a remarkable and often baffling collection, but a truly memorable experience.
Day 8
A day in Barcelona
Today we explore the spectacular city of Barcelona with a knowledgeable tour guide. Take a stroll along the tree-lined Ramblas, admire the unique, distinctive and often whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudí, and explore the historic Gothic Quarter. Why not visit the remarkable Sagrada Família, the city’s world-famous, and still unfinished, Roman Catholic church. Perhaps hop on board the Montjuïc cable car and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the sea from the castle.
Day 9-10
Return to the UK
The time has come to leave the picturesque Costa Brava behind and begin your homeward journey. Retrace your steps into France, stopping in the Orléans area overnight. Continue back to Calais for your return ferry crossing to the UK.
Featured hotels
Prestige Hotel Coral Platja ***
Located in front of the beach and 300 metres from the town. The hotel offers 167 rooms, buffet restaurant, indoor and outdoor pool and solarium.
Hotel Mediterraneo Park, Roses ****
The hotel offers 93 superior bedrooms, 105 standard bedrooms and seven spacious, family bedrooms. The hotel has restaurants, bars, outdoor pools, animation programmes (seasonal), fitness and spa areas.
Looking for alternative tours to Iberia?
| Dates | Half twin | Single supplement |
| February – December 2024 | From £515.00 per person | Price on Request |
