Barcelona is one of the world’s most vibrant, diverse and popular destinations; famous for its culture, architecture, beaches, nightlife, shopping and its cuisine!
With a major international airport located just 18 kilometers away; sun 320 days a year; all the entertainment you could dream of; and the Balearic Islands on the doorstep, Barcelona and Costa Brava are the ideal option for discovery and relax!
DAY 1: PORT VENDRES – COSTA BRAVA (25-30MN/2H30 CRUISE)
Morning – Start your day embarking in Port Vendres, a picturesque town on the French- Spanish border. Cruise along the Costa Brava towards Barcelona. This coastline is known for its dramatic rock formations and wild landscape and offers protected anchorage to explore unspoiled areas that can only be accessed by sea.
Afternoon – Anchor off Roses or Cadaqués in the natural park of Cap de Creus and take the tender to visit these hidden gems:
Option 1: Cadaqués- this charming village has inspired many artists and is the location of Dalí´s summer house (visits by private arrangement). Its picturesque bay is awash with white houses. Explore the historical centre, stopping for lunch in the courtyard of Compartir, its cuisine focusing on “sharing dishes”. For an authentic experience, eat at Casa Anita, a family-run restaurant where guests share tables and are treated to dishes of the day.
Option 2: Winery Tour, Cadaqués- 10 minute car ride to Celler Martin Faixo for a wine tasting and delicious lunch at the vineyard.
Option 3: Dalí Museum, Figueras- (45 mins by car) tour of the museum, designed by Dalí and featuring many of his surreal works.
Afternoon – Enjoy the late afternoon sun back onboard, sunbathing on deck with a cocktail, or swimming in the blue bays of Cadaqués or Roses.
Evening – Have your chef prepare the freshest seafood for you to enjoy with a backdrop of twinkling lights in a peaceful bay, along with excellent local wines.
DAY 2: COSTA BRAVA – BARCELONA (80NM/7H CRUISE)
Morning – Relax and enjoy breakfast on board.
Afternoon – The coast offers a multitude of excuses to stop off en route to Barcelona:
Option 1: Port Estartit – one mile in front you will find Medes Islands; seven islets forming part of a protected marina park, excellent for diving.
Option 2: Begur – boasting eight coves and small beaches, you could moor your tender at Hotel & Restaurant Aigua Blava and go by private car to Begur’s medieval castle, overlooking the town´s numerous colonial-style houses. Eat at Platillos, a restaurant with only a few tables and incredible dishes inspired by Catalan cuisine.
Option 3: Peratallada – one of the best fortified medieval villages in Spain, you can explore the maze of narrow streets and sunny squares. Various towers punctuate the skyline as well as a 14th century palace.
Option 4: Sa Tuna & Sa Riera – beautiful beaches to swim in..
Restaurant Sa Rascassa presents Catalan food in a romantic setting.
Option 5: Visit Sant Sebastià Lighthouse and have a drink at Hotel El Far. Drive to the next cove, Llafranc, a quaint fishing village housing Casamar, a Michelin restaurant on the water´s edge.
Option 6: Visit the spectacular Cap Roig Castle and gardens.
Option 7: Tossa del Mar – medieval town on a mountain creek.
Evening – Arrive at Marina Port Vell marina in the centre of Barcelona.
DAY 3: BARCELONA
Option 1: City Tour – Visit some of the main attractions, such as the Gaudí-designed church, La Sagrada Familia; the Gothic Quarter; or the Montjuïc Park with its museums, Olympic Stadium and spectacular views over Barcelona.
Option 2: Museum Tour – Visit Barcelona’s fantastic museums, ranging from those dedicated to the artists Picasso, Miró and the modernist movement to the impressive art collections of the MNAC museum or the MACBA for contemporary art.
Option 3: Architecture Tour – Take a guided tour to learn about the many examples of modernist, avant-garde and medieval architecture.
Option 4: Sports Tour – sport fans can take a private tour of the most emblematic “backstage” facilities of Barcelona FC´s Camp Nou and its museum, followed by a visit to Montjuïc Mountain, which offers stunning views of the city and is the location of the 1992 Olympic Games Stadium and facilities.
Option 5: Shopping – Explore the hundreds of luxury brand stores, antique shops and boutiques that conform the famous Passeig de Gràcia shopping street, or browse through in the bohemian district of El Born, where you will find unique and local fashion brands.
DAY 4: BARCELONA – COSTA DORADA, SITGES
After an early breakfast on board, set sail south of Barcelona to explore the Costa Dorada coastline, mooring at Vilanova Marina, a 10-minutes car ride from Sitges. Alternatively, you can drive directly by car to Sitges, 45km from Marina Port Vell.
Option 1: Sitges – This charming fishing village has been revamped in style. Sitges has a range of quality restaurants, from the exclusive Fragata to the charming Café-Bar Roy. Discover its picturesque beaches, narrow streets, and historical buildings and enjoy your lunch in the sun.
Option 2: Garraf – Between Sitges and Barcelona (30km away), the beautiful Garraf Beach offers a pleasant option for swimming and relax in the brand new Soho House beach location. Have a drink at La Cupula beach club or explore the 5 kilometres of sandy beaches at Castelldefels next door, nestled between two distinct ecosystems: the wetlands of the Llobregat River delta, and the limestone highlands of Garraf Park, which you could also visit.
Early evening – Cruise back to Barcelona.
DAY 5: WINE TOUR
Morning – Spend the day exploring the wine regions of Catalonia with an expert wine guide. There are 10 acclaimed wine appellations to choose from.
Option 1: Alella (20km north of Barcelona) – Pick up by luxury tender. Cruise 30 minutes along the coast to Masnou Port then take a 10-minute drive to the wineries of Alta Alella. Enjoy a tour, wine tasting and al fresco lunch at a family-run vineyard.
Option 2: Penedés (60km south of Barcelona) – Helicopter from Port Vell to Penedès; one of the most prestigious wine-making regions of Spain and the birthplace of Cava, Spain´s delicious answer to Champagne. Go via Montserrat and marvel at the sight of its mountain range and hilltop Monastery, which you could also view taking a hot air balloon journey. Have a private tour of the Codorniu, the home of cava and the world´s largest underground cellars, stretching 34km. You could visit Monserrat Monastery and the Catalonian Wine Museum, nearby.
Option 3: Empordà (130km north of Barcelona) – Pick up by chauffeured car or helicopter. Together with an expert sommelier, visit exclusive wineries in the countryside with a tour of the vineyards and cellars, learning about the history and characteristics of the local wine. Taste different wines at a family- owned bodega and enjoy a typical Catalan lunch with the owners, or head to the prestigious winery of Martin Faixo for wine tastings and a fine lunch on the grounds of the bodega. In this area, you can also experience horse riding along some of the most impressive landscapes of the region; across fields, forests, and the beach.
Option 4: Priorat & Montsant – Take a custom-made tour of this famous region, approximately 150km south of Barcelona.
