- Enjoy free time in Cadaques, a fishing town where Salvador Dali formed his surrealist vision, and discover the artist’s workshop, library and gardens.
- Experience Michelin-starred cuisine with a farewell dinner at an inventive restaurant in the Basque Country
- Visit the salt mines in Cardona
Tour Inclusions
- 7 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Driver & Tour Leader
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- European breakfast daily (B), 3 evening meals (D)
- Entrance included to: Salvador Dali House, Salt Mountain Cultural Park, Parador de Cardona, Olite Castle.
Day 1
DAY 1 BARCELONA – GIRONA – EL PUERTO DE LA SELVA
Our Spanish odyssey begins with a tour of Barcelona’s highlights. Leaving the city buzz behind, we arrive at El Puerto de la Selva and make a stop via Girona. A welcome dinner in this secluded town is the perfect way to make ourselves at home for our two-night stay. (D)
Accommodation: Hotel Porto Cristo
Day 2
DAY 2 EL PORT DE LA SELVA – CADAQUÉS – EL PORT DE LA SELVA
The morning takes a turn for the surreal as we visit the Salvador Dalí house-museum in Port Lligat. A labyrinthine home built using fishermen’s cabins, it’s fascinating to peer into the artist’s workshop and library, and wander through the gardens. Next up is free time in Cadaques. This elegant, arty town is ideal for a leisurely stroll before we return to El Port de la Selva. (B)
Accommodation: Hotel Porto Cristo
Day 3
DAY 3 EL PORT DE LA SELVA – BESALU – RIPOLL – CARDONA
Today we climb from the shores of the Costa Brava to the northern mountains. Besalu, a medieval village with Romanesque architecture, makes an intriguing gateway to this rural region. We continue upwards, stopping at Ripoll before arriving in Cardona. (B)
Accommodation: Hotel Premsa
Day 4
DAY 4 CARDONA
Cardona has our full attention today. First up is the remarkable Salt Mountain, where we take an underground tour of one of the world’s most important salt mines. Then it’s back to the surface for free time in the town centre, whose origins trace back to the 11th century. As we wander ramparts and climb towers, we learn about the dukes of Cardona – known as the ‘kings without crowns’ because of their wealth and power. (B)
Accommodation: Hotel Premsa
Day 5
DAY 5 CARDONA – JACA
It’s back on the road through the mountain passes of the Spanish Pyrenees. Soul-stirring views wait around every turn. Next, we reach Jaca, known as the ‘Pearl of the Pyrenees’ and spend the night here. (B,D)
Accommodation: El Caserio de Fatas
Day 6
DAY 6 JACA – OLITE – PAMPLONA – LAGUARDIA
What better place to begin our exploration of this historic region than Olite, the medieval town that was once the seat of the Navarre court. Seek out hidden walkways and courtyards before we drive to Pamplona. Then, we follow the road to Laguardia. (B)
Accommodation: Hotel Eguren Uguarte
Day 7
DAY 7 LAGUARDIA – LA RIOJA – LAGUARDIA
While in La Rioja, we pay homage to the region’s winemaking heritage in the best way possible: sampling local wines. We’re lucky enough to visit a distinguished winery, accompanied by authentic pintxo snacks. Then it’s back to Laguardia where we dine for dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, renowned for its creative recipes. (B,D)
Accommodation: Hotel Eguran Uguarte
Day 8
DAY 8 LAGUARDIA – GETARIA – BILBAO
Our first stop is the village of Getaria where we learn more about a favourite fixture of tapas menus at an artisan producer. We continue our drive until we reach Bilbao where our tour comes to an end. (B)
