Secrets of Southern Catalonia CT4
Heritage, nature, wine and scenery - a different side of the Costa Dorada
Based on 10 nights self-drive independent tour in Catalonia
Gastronomic delights, wonderful wines, breathtaking scenery, fascinating heritage… whatever you’re looking for this short trip has it all – plus the Mediterranean climate and never far from the Costa Dorada.
Well known for its bucket-and-spade seaside resorts this fascinating corner of Catalonia is laden with secret gems just waiting to be discovered.
In Tarragona, the lively regional capital, you’ll find a city to rival Barcelona but without the tourist crowds – and with spectacular Roman remains. Nearby Reus has some splendid Modernist buildings and a Gaudí museum tracing his roots in the region.
Head north or south and you’re in wine country of Priorat and Cava. Hiking trails among the vines offering stunning scenery to enjoy between tastings.
You’re never far from the coast and here also there are some lesser-known gems such as delightful Altafulla and Ametlla del Mar or elegant Sitges. At the southernmost point awaits the Ebro Delta where a immensely rich birdlife thrives among the rice fields proving a unique eco-system and spectacular views. Head inland and explore medieval Tortosa and Miravet set below the 1500m mountains of Els Ports.
- Tour Highlights:
- Roman Tarragona - amazing ruins right by the beach
- Cava vineyards in Alt Penedes
- Fascinating Modernist architecture in Reus
- Priorat - hiking and world-class wines in breathtaking scenery
- Flamingos - and so many more birds - in the Ebro Delta
- Historic Tortosa and the magnificent Els Ports mountains
- Costa Dorada beaches - there are some hidden gems - never far away
1300 p/p
* Indicative mid-season price for 10 nights (including car hire – flights not included) in our suggested hotels.
Day 1 to 3 - Priorat & Montsant Wine Region
- The Priorat wine region: Exceptional wines from one of the smallest wine regions
- Montsant Natural Park: Stunning rock formations with breathtaking views
- Walk or cycle amongst the vines
- Catalan Modernist wineries - 'Cathedrals of Wine'
- Explore the historic charms of Siurana and La Cartoixa de Scala Dei
- Take a trip to Reus for Modernist architecture and Vermouth
Day 4 to 6 - Ebro Delta and Tortosa
- Superb bird watching in the Delta
- Delicious rice combined with locally caught seafood
- Tortosa, gateway to the mighty Ebro river
- Head up-river to picturesque Miravet
- Great cycling, among the rice fields or on the Via Verde
- El Ports mountains, soaring to over 1500m
Day 7 & 8 - Alt Penedés - Cava Country
- Home of Cava and fine Penedés wines
- Visit the Modernista 'Cathedrals of Wine'
- Witness the death-defying 'castellers' human towers
- Hit the coast at nearby Sitges, or unspoilt Altafulla
- Year-round hiking among the vineyards
Day 9 & 10 - Roman Tarragona & Modernist Reus
- Spectacular remains of Roman Tarraco - among Spain's finest
- Take a walking tour of the medieval old town, set amongst Roman remains
- Reus, a treasure trove of Modernist architecture
- Join in the local Vermouth culture - see where it's made in Reus
- Try the city beaches or head south to Tamait and Altafulla, just nearby
& why not?
- Add a stop in Barcelona, Catalonia's oh-so-lively capital
- Stay in a magnificent early-medieval castle - Parador de Cardona
- Add an overnight stop at the 4-star Parador de Lleida
- Extend your stay at any of the stops - they´re all worth it!
- Ask about superior rooms or a larger car
- or more economical options if you're on a budget...
- Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
The itinerary includes the following:
- Accommodation in our listed hotels – 2 sharing 1 std. double ensuite, B&B
- Economy 4-door car hire
- Regional guide book
- Personal Travel App including highlights, weather forecast and restaurant suggestions for all areas en-route
- Instructions to find all accommodation
Not included:
- Flights – but we are able to advise
- One-way car hire charges, where applicable (see your quote email)
- The following car hire extras – these can be added at pick-up point
- extra driver
- child seats
- GPS
- Garage parking where applicable (mostly city stops) – please ask us about parking charges
Getting there
Southern Catalonia is extremely well served with flights from the UK with flights from most UK airports to Reus (Costa Dorada / Tarragona) and Barcelona.
This circular trip can be adapted to suit any of those airports as a start point.
See your options in the table below:
| English airports | Reus connections | Barcelona connections |
| London Gatwick | TUI | Easyjet, Vueling |
| London Stansted | Jet2, Ryanair | Ryanair |
| London Heathrow | B.A., Vueling | |
| London Luton | Easyjet | Easyjet, Ryanair |
| London City | B.A. | |
| London Southend | Ryanair, Easyjet | |
| Manchester | Easyjet, Jet2, TUI, Ryanair | Easyjet, Jet2, Ryanair, Vueling |
| Birmingham | Jet2, TUI, Ryanair | Jet2, Vueling, Ryanair |
| Bristol | Jet2, TUI | Easyjet, Ryanair |
| Newcastle | Jet2, TUI | Ryanair |
| Leeds Bradford | Jet2, Ryanair | Jet2 |
| Liverpool | Ryanair | Easyjet, Ryanair |
| Nottingham | Jet2, Ryanair | |
| Cardiff | TUI | |
| Irish airports | Reus connections | Barcelona connections |
| Dublin | Ryanair | Aerlingus, Ryanair, Vueling |
| Cork | Ryanair, TUI | Ryanair |
| Shannon | Ryanair | |
| Belfast | Jet2, TUI, B.A. (city) | Easyjet |
| Scottish airports | Reus connections | Barcelona connections |
| Glasgow | Jet2, TUI | Easyjet, Ryanair (Prestwick) |
| Edinburgh | Jet2 | Ryanair |
| Aberdeen | TUI |
PLEASE NOTE some flights are seasonal.
NB: Flights are not included
Getting around
As part of your package we will include a hire car. Normally we include a 4 door economy class car but please let us know if you would like something different.
New for 2025
Secrets of Southern Catalonia
