From Barcelona: Explore the Costa Brava Small Group Tour – Lunch Included

Tour Schedule

8.15am – Explore Catalunya Office, opposite the Palau de la Musicá

You will join your tour at our main office, which is right across from the world famous Palau de la Musicá, where you’ll be introduced to your guide who will give you an introduction to the day. Your tour will start at 8.30am, but we always recommend arriving 15 minutes before. There are restrooms available, and a cafe nearby if you want to grab a quick coffee or sandwich before your tour begins.

8.30am – Eixample District, Barcelona

You will leave Barcelona though the Eixample district of town, famous for its modernist architecture. As you head out of the city, your guide will give you a brief history of Barcelona, before letting you sit back and relax on the 90 minute drive to the Costa Brava.

9.45am – Cala San Fransesc, Blanes

In just over an hour you will be transported from the hustle and bustle of the busy Mediterranean city of Barcelona, to one of the most breathtakingly beautiful stretches of coastline in the whole of Europe – the Costa Brava. You will visit one of the few remaining coves on the coast that has avoided commercial developments, and is known only to locals – it’s an absolute gem. Your early morning departure from Barcelona means you’ll have the beach to yourself, and you’ll be able to enjoy a secluded swim in the crystal-clear waters, or wander alone the shoreline. You have the option to stay on the beach for the next two hours, or leave the sand for another day and come with us to the famous botanical gardens. With a little bit of effort, you’ll even find time to do both.

10.30am – Mar i Murtra Botanical Gardens, Blanes

After visiting the nearby cove, some of you might prefer to leave the sand and sea and come with us to the clifftop botanical garden. The gardens are home to a wide variety of exotic plants, but it is the amazing views from high up on the cliffs that make this stop an absolute must. The turquoise blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea stretch out endlessly into the distance, while far beneath you the waves crash in an explosion of white against the wild coastline. It is possible to make a whistle-stop tour of the garden and return to the beach for a longer visit and swim.

1.00pm – Sant Joan Medieval Castle, Blanes

Before lunch, you will make a quick visit to a local medieval castle with magnificent views over Blanes. The remains of an old archway are the perfect frame for a spectacular picture of Blanes. It’s become something of a local tradition for newly weds to come here just after saying their vows to photograph themselves under the archway. 

1.30pm – Traditional Farmhouse Style Lunch

For lunch, you will go to a very traditional converted farmhouse dating back to 1607 for a traditional Catalan menu.  All the dishes are lovingly handmade and they have built a deserved reputation as one of the best traditional restaurants in the area. 

3.30pm – Tossa de Mar

You final stop of the day is the town medieval Tossa de Mar, home to the last remaining preserved fortified town on the Costa Brava Coast. You will have time to walk up to the lighthouse along cobbled streets with the ever-present backdrop of the Costa Brava coastline completing your view. From the lighthouse, you’ll wander back down through the old medieval town before dropping into a maze of narrow streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses and shops. 

6.30pm – 7.00pm Plaça Catalunya, Barcelona

We end the day back in Barcelona in Plaça Catalunya. From here, you can easily take the metro or a taxi back to your hotel. Otherwise, your guide will be more than happy to make some recommendations of where to have dinner.