If you are one of those who love to sit behind the wheel and explore every corner of a territory, consider this name: Grand Tour of Catalonia. Have you heard of him? It is a new tourist proposal to learn about the identity of this region through a circular route with which to cover the main cultural points, natural landscapes, as well as a wide variety of gastronomic and wine experiences, both in rural and urban environments.
The Grand Tour is divided into 5 sections that allow the traveler to adapt the route to their tastes and possibilities. And if you are not sure how to combine the sections to get the most out of this adventure, you can count on the experts at Viajes El Corte Inglés, which with more than 50 years of experience can advise you to get your ideal trip.
Specialized in finding options that adapt to the needs of each traveler, they accompany you throughout the entire process, from choosing the trip until you set off on this travel experience, and even in the evaluations upon your return. In this case, They will be able to advise you on the best alternatives to immerse yourself in local traditions and customs. while you tour Catalonia for several days.
What is the Grand Tour of Catalonia?
At a historical level, the trip through Europe made by some young people between the 17th and 19th centuries was known as the Grand Tour. The objective was get to know first-hand the essential destinations of the continent and learn from them and their culture.
Inspired by this philosophy, the Grand Tour of Catalonia seeks for the visitor to obtain a complete vision of the region and enjoy it from different perspectives. On the one hand, its objective is for the traveler to discover the numerous Catalan cultural attractions, visiting emblematic monuments such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Monastery of Montserrat and the World Heritage Site in the Vall de Boí; or visiting museums and cities full of history.
On the other hand, you can’t stop exploring the impressive landscapes it offers. From the crystalline beaches of the Costa Brava to the majestic mountains of the Pyrenees, Catalonia offers surprising natural diversity. It will also delight those who enjoy hiking trails, cycling tours and walks through natural environments that leave you breathless.
All this without forgetting the weight that local gastronomy has. Part of the trip will be to delight in traditional dishes that reflect the rich culinary culture of the region.participate in wine tastings at local wineries and discover the story behind each wine, from the Cava del Penedès to the robust wines of Priorat. Whatever your taste, you will find in the Grand Tour of Catalonia a section that adapts to what interests you.
Don’t choose between sea and mountains: Vineyards with a taste of the Sea from Barcelona to Tarragona
He section 1 of the Grand Tour of Catalonia It begins in the capital of the region. Barcelona has thousands of unique corners to explore, some of the best-known being the Sagrada Familia or Casa Batlló. But the same architect of these monuments, Antonio Gaudí, left another gem that is worth visiting: the crypt of Colonia Güell. The city of Barcelona in itself could be a trip, with its numerous museums, its historical legacy and its great gastronomic, leisure and shopping offer.
However, we are going to get on the road to know one of the most special enclaves in the region, the Montserrat Abbeywhere the Virgin of Montserrat, popularly known as ‘La Moreneta’, is kept. For wine tourism lovers, the gourmet visit to the Abadal Wineries in the Pla de Bages DO will bring together everything they like: wine, oil and honey. After regaining your strength, continue exploring the most monumental Catalonia in the town of Cardona, where its castle and its original salt mines await you.
Also let yourself fall in love with Solsona, declared a ‘city with character’ for its outstanding baroque heritage. Do you want to have unparalleled views? Choose to tour Monumental Solsona from the air in a hot air balloon. Continuing with the heritage jewels, in the Vall del Lord is Sant Llorenç de Morunys and just 12 kilometers from Solsona stands the Miracle Sanctuary, known for its impressive baroque.
A unique way to end the day is by enjoying a starry night from the historic Lladurs castle. Are you accompanied by your best canine friend? If he is as adventurous as you, the next morning Don’t hesitate to try Cani-Kayak, kayak rental with a dog.
The Penedès, the unforgettable Catalan wine region, will welcome visitors with its breathtaking landscapes. Over there You can visit and taste wineries. Taste Recaredo cava and learn to bring out all the nuances of each glass. Are you more into wine? Then you have to take advantage of the wine and tapas pairing offered by Bodegas Torres. If you prefer to combine these gastronomic visits with some nature and sports, take a look at the Ebike Route, a tour to visit two wineries in Penedès on two wheels.
A new day can begin with the adventure of following the trail of the truffle and discovering how this precious mushroom and the entire culture around it is obtained. The sea welcomes the traveler upon arrival at Sitges, a quiet coastal town where you can find Noucentista jewels like the Maricel Palace.
Leaving the coastal city, make a stop in El Vendrell, where you can visit the house-museum of the renowned cellist Pau Casals. Towards the end of this stage, in the historic city of Tarragona, it is worth taking a slight detour to the Royal Monastery of Santes Creus, one of the most impressive examples of Catalan sacred architecture and part of the Cistercian route in the region. . This section of the Grand Tour of Catalonia ends by traveling back in time to the ancient Tarracowhose Roman archaeological complex has been declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
Very close to heaven: from Lleida to La Seu d’Urgell
He section 3 of the Grand Tour of Catalonia starts in one of the highest points of Lleida, the Seu Vella. The city’s former cathedral is located in a privileged location, in the highest area of the town. Its architecture combines Romanesque and Gothic and its cloister is its most representative element. In the city you can also visit the new cathedral, which is currently the main temple and was built in the 18th century thanks to donations from King Carlos III.
Doesn’t that seem close enough to heaven to you? Leaving the capital, head towards Àger, where you can take paragliding and hot air balloon flights. Discover the magnificent natural environment of the region from above. And, if it gets dark, you can always go to the town’s Universe Observation Center, where young and old will learn about the secrets of the cosmos and can observe the stars, since the Montsec mountains have been declared a ‘Tourist and Tourism Destination’. Reserve Starlight’.
If adventure is your thing, you can find a great variety in this area, since Adventure activities are offered such as zip lines or climbing trees. On the other hand, you can opt for the lake train, a nostalgic trip to the lakes of the Pre-Pyrenees. There is also the possibility of choosing this transport to visit Vall Fosca and its hydroelectric plant on an organized route. On the other hand, if you prefer to go more on your own, after taking this train you can take part in the Cinquè Llac route, which will take you to discover these landscapes full of legends.
The next day continue the path while continuing to discover the immense history of the region. To do this, you can approach the Vall de Boí where you can find several Romanesque hermitages declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. In the beautiful charming town of Taüll is Sant Climent de Taüll, a mandatory stop as the most representative example of this religious architecture and which will delight lovers of Art History.
These jewels of sacred art are perfectly framed by the Aigüestortes i Sant Maurici National Park, the only one of this category in all of Catalonia and whose glacial origin gives it its curious orography. The next stop will also be a natural wonder and is the Val d’Aran, a rich territory that even has its own language, Aranese. Furthermore, in winter it becomes a privileged destination for practicing snow sports, such as alpine skiing, at the Baqueira Beret resort.
The next stop could be Noguera de Pallaresa, one of the best rivers in Europe for rafting, as well as other water and adventure sports. Tired of strong emotions? Nearby, in Esterri d’Àneu, there is Casa Gassia Ecomuseum, a magnificent example of an agro-livestock house which magnificently represents a time when the basis of the local economy was agriculture and livestock raising. To continue with the more cultural part, in Salàs de Pallar you can visit the curious museum shops: old shops that you can explore and learn from.
Finishing this section of the Grand Tour with a good taste in your mouth is easy by doing a visit with tasting to the Castell d’Encús and explore the differences with high mountain wineries like Batlliu. A great accompaniment to this drink can be the Tros de Sort cheeses, with which you can discover the flavor nuances of the Pyrenean cheese factories.
They are so numerous activities and corners that can be visited on the Grand Tour of Catalonia that adapt to the tastes of almost everyone. However, it is best to go to the experts at Viajes El Corte Inglés, who will make this getaway unforgettable.
- MADE BY ALAYANS STUDIO
This content has been prepared by ALAYANS STUDIO, Henneo’s Branded Content unit.
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