Experience Overview
Spanning an untamed stretch of northeastern Spain, the Costa Brava is a golden sweep of hidden coves, peaceful fishing villages and some of the best beaches in the country. In short, the ideal destination for a week of coastal walking. With our expert tour leader guiding the way, we set out on foot to discover the highlights – medieval towns, pretty fishing communities and a showreel of coastal vistas – while also stopping at a vineyard for a wine tasting and Salvador Dali’s summer house. Starting and ending in the electric seaside city of Barcelona also allows us to enjoy a touch of culture without getting too swept up in the bustle.
Profile
— Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels) — Five days of walking — Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Low altitude throughout — Well-marked trails and paths — Travel by private air-conditioned minibus — Option to travel by train to your adventure
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels) — Five days of walking — Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Low altitude throughout — Well-marked trails and paths — Travel by private air-conditioned minibus — Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
There are five days of walking. The terrain and path type will vary but most are good-quality coastal paths and gravel tracks. The walks are not technically difficult; however, you need to cover distances of up to 10mi (16km) so a basic level of fitness is required. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness should be comfortable with the daily distances and height gained.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts are included and will be continental with cold cheese, meats and bread, plus pastries, tea and coffee.
Vegetarians: While a meat-and-fish diet is the norm in Spain, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems here. However, the choice of vegetarian and vegan meals may not be as extensive as you are used to.
Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.
Transportation
Transport, including airport transfers, is usually by private air-conditioned minibus.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia, C. d’Aragó, 08026 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 932 45 89 05
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Barcelona Airport (BCN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
The climate in Catalonia is Mediterranean with mild temperatures and most rain falling in winter, but possible throughout the year. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, summer and autumn. Heatwaves can hit between mid-June and September. For this reason, we avoid departures during the hottest months of July and August. In April and October, expect temperatures around 5C-25C (41F-77F). May, June and September are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 10C-30C (50F-86F).
Spending Money
We recommend you allow approximately €50 per day for meals, coffees and other drinks. So approximately €300-€350 overall; however, this depends on which restaurants you choose.
Local taxes: Catalonia has introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1 and €5 per person per night. For this trip, please allow approximately €10 for the week.
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution between €20 and €25 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the trip. For your driver, we recommend approximately €15-€20 per person.
Highlights
— Marvel at the highlights of Barcelona — Enjoy picturesque views from the Sant Pere church in Pals — Sip the local produce at Finca Bell Lloc, an idyllic vineyard and winery — Spot wildlife in the vital animal habitat of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park — Visit Salvador Dali's quirky summer houseTrip Details
Product Code: 4070
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: minibus.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TSC
Starts: Barcelona, Catalonia
Finishes: Barcelona, Catalonia
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating: Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts — All accommodation — Airport transfersAccommodation
Three-star hotels in Barcelona, Begur and CadaquesWe spend six nights in three-star hotels, each chosen for their comfort and location. Below are the hotels we typically use: Barcelona: Catalonia Sagrada Familia (night 1) This three-star hotel has a lounger-lined dipping pool, ideal for a post-flight refresher. The rooms are modern and unfussy, while the snack bar – serving tapas and a selection of cocktails – is the perfect spot to mingle with the group. Begur: Hotel Rosa (nights 2-4) Enjoy views of Begur Castle from the terrace or mingle in the games room at this 21-room hotel. A town centre location makes this retreat perfect for exploring the best of Begur. Cadaques: Hotel Octavia (nights 5-6) Hotel Octavia has a prime location, a two-minute walk from Platja Gran beach, where you will find a monument to Salvador Dali and a string of bars. When you’re not out exploring, relax in your light, airy room.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3040 (CAD 434 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure begins in Barcelona, the seaside capital of Catalunya and a dream destination for art lovers, shoppers, foodies and more. This evening, we get to know each other a little better with a trip briefing and our first meal as a group. Accommodation: Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)
After breakfast, we have a quick tour of Barcelona stopping at: La Rambla, a landmark avenue of stalls and street entertainers; La Boqueria, a sensation for the senses with a multitude of market traders selling fresh produce; the 195ft (60m) tall Christopher Columbus statue; the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral; and the Gothic Quarter. We then take a private transfer to Begur, a medieval town crowned by a hilltop stone castle. On arrival, we have lunch at one of the many great restaurants near our hotel. Afterwards, we being our walking with a circular route – a fantastic introduction to the dramatic landscape of the Costa Brava, taking in secluded coves, fishing villages and rugged cliffs. Accommodation: Hotel Rosa (or similar)
This morning, we walk directly from our hotel to the picturesque town of Pals, where we can admire the restored gothic architecture and the Torre de les Hores, a 50ft (15m) tall stone tower that was once attached to a castle but has now become a symbol of the city. From here, we wander through the winding narrow streets to the small gothic church of Sant Pere (which was built using stones from the old Pals castle) for breath-taking panoramic views. We also have lunch in Pals, a good chance to sample the local paella recipe. There will be free time this afternoon and we recommend exploring the old quarter in Begur, visiting the medieval castle, the church, the 16th-century defensive towers and the cultural centre. Accommodation: Hotel Rosa (or similar)
From Begur, we walk south following the coast, taking in the stunning landscape and wandering through a trio of coastal towns: Tamariu, Llafranc, and Calella de Palafrugell. We are greeted by fantastic views of the shore, with turquoise waters and wild scenery. The route today is mostly on undulating coastal paths. From Calella de Palafrugell, we take a private transfer to Finca Bell Lloc, an idyllic vineyard and winery where we enjoy a wine tasting. Relaxed, we take a private transfer back to Begur. Accommodation: Hotel Rosa (or similar)
This morning, we take a one-hour private transfer to Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park, a vital wetland and habitat for a range of animals and plant life. It’s home to a large number of reptiles (toad-headed turtles, three-toed skinks, water snakes), amphibians (various frogs, marbled newts), fish, mammals (rabbits, weasels, badgers, fallow deer), and, of course, birds both permeant residents and migratory. After our walk, we take a private 45-minute transfer to the coastal village of Cadaqués, where we stay for the last two nights. This afternoon, we have free time. We recommend exploring Cadaqués, one of the most charming towns in Catalunya with its seafront promenade, cobblestone streets, and white houses. Alternatively, if weather permits, you can chose to visit one of the beaches near the city centre and enjoy a dip in the sea. Accommodation: Hotel Octavia (or similar)
Today, we walk directly from our hotel and head to the summer house of artist Salvador Dali, a fascinating building decorated with surrealist artwork and furniture. From here, we can enjoy the olive gardens and fantastic Mediterranean Sea views. Afterwards, we set off for Cap de Creus and its lighthouse, our last coastal walk. On our way, we discover more pristine coves and wander around the narrow streets and picturesque waterfront of Cadaqués. In the evening, we have our farewell group dinner in a sea-view restaurant, an excellent chance to relive our adventures together. Accommodation: Hotel Octavia (or similar)
Our adventure ends with a transfer from Cadaques to Barcelona Airport. If you’ve still got the appetite for a bit more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Barcelona hotel.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
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