Christmas & New Year in the Costa Brava

Day 2 Christmas Eve, Montserrat

We will gain an insight into the local culture today with an included visit to Montserrat, a sacred mountain and Catalonia's religious heart. Here we'll step inside the famous cliffside Monastery of Montserrat. The original building was destroyed during the War of Independence and the structure we see today dates back to 1844 and is inhabited by around 80 Benedictine monks. The monastery is home to the Montserrat Boys' Choir and a museum displaying works by El Greco and Picasso. At its heart is the statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, which is shrouded in legend. This evening we'll gather to enjoy a festive Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel, which includes wine.

Day 3 Christmas Day, Lloret De Mar

It's Christmas Day, so enjoy a leisurely morning. Perhaps take a stroll into the delightful town of Lloret De Mar to work up an appetite for a festive lunch. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Day 4 Boxing Day, Costa Brava coastline

We'll take a scenic drive along the Costa Brava's spectacular coastline this morning. So sit back, relax and soak up its scenic beauty. You can spend the rest of the day just as you wish, enjoying the facilities at your hotel or exploring Lloret de Mar further with your travelling companions.

Day 5 Barcelona

On the fifth day, we are heading to Barcelona, one hour away from Lloret de Mar. During a full-day tour we'll discover so many of the highlights of this vibrant city, which displays the wonderful work of architect Antoni Gaudi. We'll see many fascinating and iconic places, inviting squares and maze-like lanes, with stunning examples of Gaudi's work all around, not least the magnificent Sagrada Familia. This grand basilica is one of the most visited attractions in Barcelona and to see it at close quarters is quite breathtaking.

Day 6 Besalú & Girona

We'll head off on another day of sightseeing, starting in the medieval town of Girona, Catalonia's largest city. Located on the banks of the River Onyar, here we'll see its wonderfully preserved medieval Jewish quarter, ancient houses and winding cobbled streets enclosed by defensive walls. Next we make our way to another quaint medieval town, that of Besalú, which we'll approach via a fortified bridge featuring a gateway at its mid-point. Amongst its maze of narrow streets we'll see the remains of a medieval synagogue and the town's restored Mikva. This is a ritual Jewish bath dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries and it's one of just three surviving in the whole of Europe.

Day 7 Lloret de Mar - at Leisure

Today is free for you to spend just as you please. We recommend you visit the neighbouring town, Tossa de Mar. A short stroll away, the seafront is lined with bars, restaurants, and cafés where you can relax with your travelling companions and take in the lovely views.

Day 8 Lloret de Mar - at Leisure

You can spend a further day at leisure, relaxing at your hotel or enjoying this part of the Costa Brava. You can also choose to join an optional trip to the vibrant port city of Tarragona in the neighbouring Costa Dorada. Roman history comes roaring to life amongst its ancient architecture, which includes a seaside amphitheatre. A highlight of our tour is the wonderfully preserved UNESCO-listed Poblet Monastery, founded by Cistercian monks in the 12th century.

Day 9 New Year's Eve, Lloret de Mar

Spend more time at leisure today, or come with us on an optional trip to Figueres. This is the birthplace of artist Salvador Dali and home to his largest surrealist work, the Dali Theatre and Museum. We'll be back at the hotel in time to get ready for this evening's festivities, a New Year's Eve gala dinner with wine included.

Day 10 New Year's Day, Lloret de Mar

After a late night you'll probably want to spend a relaxing day at your hotel. We'll gather for a New Year's Day lunch a la carte and this evening we'll enjoy a farewell get-together.

Day 11 Departure