8-day Costa Barcelona tour – Barcelona, Sitges, Montserrat and the Penedès region, with cava and the beach

Day 1: Departure for Barcelona

You’ll arrive and travel by taxi or public transport to your hotel for the next two nights. Spend the afternoon getting to know this cosmopolitan city. Stroll through the lively neighbourhoods and soak up the atmosphere of Spain’s trendiest spot.

Day 2: Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter

Today you’ll explore Ciutat Vella and the Gothic Quarter with its narrow, medieval alleyways. Discover the contrasts between the traditional Sardana dance and modern architecture such as the MACBA. Admire Gaudí’s iconic works, from the Sagrada Família to Park Güell, or enjoy the view over the harbour from Montjuïc.

Day 3: More Gaudí: Colònia Güell

Heading north, you’ll stop at Colònia Güell, where Gaudí’s UNESCO-listed crypt is an absolute highlight. You’ll continue the route through the Serra de Montseny, Catalonia’s largest nature park. This reserve encompasses almost all European ecosystems and offers a peaceful alternative to the city.

Day 4: Vic, home to the finest cured meats and a beautiful historic centre

You’ll visit the episcopal city of Vic, famous for its handmade charcuterie and embotits. Stroll across the impressive Plaça Major and explore the medieval quarter with its cathedral and Jewish quarter. It’s a city where the traditions of the Catalan interior are still palpable everywhere.

Day 5: Montserrat, the mysterious mountain with stunning views

You’ll travel to the impressive pilgrimage site of Montserrat. This mountain, with its unique silhouette, served as a refuge during times of oppression and is home to the famous Black Madonna. On a clear day, you can look out over the Pyrenees from the summit and even see Mallorca in the distance.

Day 6: Sitges, the charming seaside resort with beautiful beaches

You arrive in Sitges, a seaside resort full of character with white sandy beaches and Cuban-style mansions. These houses were built by entrepreneurs such as Don Facundo Bacardi, who made their fortune in the rum distillery. Visit the house of Santiago Rusiñol for a touch of bohemian atmosphere or take a stroll along the coastline.

Day 7: Penedès and Cava, one of Catalonia’s most prestigious wine regions

Today, the focus is on the 400 vineyards of the Penedès. Visit major cava producers such as Freixenet and Codorníu, or opt for a smaller, local wine-making family such as Torres. You’ll learn all about the process at the Wine Museum in Vilafranca and end the day with a tasting amongst the vines.

Day 8: Back home

Your holiday is coming to an end and you’ll head back to the airport for your flight home. If you haven’t had enough of the Catalan sun, you can of course decide to stay a little longer.

Frequently asked questions about Costa Barcelona

Is a hire car necessary for this Costa Barcelona tour?

Not strictly speaking in Barcelona itself, but highly recommended for the rest of the trip. With a hire car, you can easily reach Montserrat, Vic, Sitges and the Penedès wine region, and combine several stops in a single day without relying on fixed transport links.

When is the best time for this Costa Barcelona tour?

April to October is ideal for a tour of Catalonia. In spring and autumn, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures for city visits and excursions. In summer, Sitges is perfect for the beach and a lively atmosphere, whilst September and October are ideal for cava and wine in the Penedès.

What makes this Costa Barcelona tour different from a standard Barcelona city break?

You’ll discover the many facets of Catalonia in a single trip. From Gaudí and Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter to the tranquillity of Montserrat, the charm of Vic and the beaches of Sitges, complemented by cava in the Penedès.