Linda and Steph recently travelled to Girona, Spain, for a weekend familiarisation trip to experience the hotel, excursions, and meet our expert local tour guide, Danny. If you would like to find out more about this Girona and Catalonia escorted holiday, please email Steph here.
Here is Steph’s travel diary below:
Friday 14 October 2022 – Travel to Girona & Calella
Linda and I arrived at Manchester Airport at 6.45am for our 9am flight to Girona, Catalonia. This trip was designed to familiarise ourselves with some of the top excursions and experiences included in our Catalonia holidays.
Travelling with hand luggage only, we headed straight to security, which was quick and efficient. After a smooth flight with stunning views over the Pyrenees mountains, we landed at Girona Airport just after 12pm local time, slightly ahead of schedule, and were welcomed by warm Spanish sunshine.
After changing into our summer clothes, we were greeted by our friendly local guide Danny and his partner Kena. Following introductions, we set off for our first stop – lunch! Driving through beautiful Catalonian countryside, with farmland and mountain views, we were immediately struck by the region’s natural beauty.
We arrived at Can Tosca, a charming traditional venue offering a wide selection of authentic Spanish cuisine.
After lunch, we visited Girona Old Town, famous for its annual flower festival. The historic streets were filled with boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants, all centred around the stunning cathedral. After a quick refreshment in the main square, we continued to our hotel in Calella on the Costa Brava.
We checked into our seafront hotel, the GHT Maritim Hotel in Calella, at around 6.30pm. Check-in was smooth, and the rooms were clean, modern, and offered fantastic sea views.
That evening, we dined at a lively tapas restaurant in nearby Pineda de Mar, sampling pintxos – delicious small bites typically served on bread with skewers. The restaurant had a fantastic atmosphere, and we enjoyed a wide variety of freshly served dishes. After a long but rewarding day, we headed back for an early night.
Saturday 15 October 2022 – Besalú, Dalí Museum & Costa Brava
After a restful night and a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we were picked up by Danny at 9.30am for a full day of sightseeing in Catalonia.
Our first stop was Besalú, a beautifully preserved medieval town near Girona, known for its iconic stone bridge. We explored the cobbled streets and took in the stunning historic architecture.
Next, we visited the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, dedicated to the famous surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. Built on the site of the former municipal theatre destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, the museum is a reflection of Dalí’s unique and eccentric style. It opened in 1974 and remains one of the most popular attractions in Catalonia.
For lunch, we travelled to Tossa de Mar, a picturesque coastal town on the Costa Brava. We enjoyed a meal in a traditional restaurant along the lively cobbled streets leading up to the historic Vila Vella (old town), complete with ancient walls and towers. The beach was vibrant, with visitors enjoying the warm October weather.
Later, we visited the botanical gardens in Blanes, where we admired exotic plants from around the world and breathtaking views over the Mediterranean coastline.
Dinner that evening was at La Roda in Calella, well known for its chicken dishes and refreshing Sangria. During our stay, Calella was hosting its Oktoberfest celebration, with a large tent set up along the beachfront. We ended the evening soaking up the lively atmosphere alongside both locals and international visitors.
Sunday 16 October 2022 – Barcelona Highlights & Sightseeing
After a good night’s sleep, we enjoyed breakfast followed by a relaxing walk along the Calella beachfront, taking in the beautiful sunrise over the Mediterranean Sea.
We were then picked up for a full-day excursion to Barcelona, one of Spain’s most iconic cities.
Our first stop was Freixenet Cava Winery (optional excursion), where we enjoyed a guided tour of the cava production process, including a visit to the underground cellars, finishing with a tasting of two glasses of cava.
Next, we visited Park Güell, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works. This UNESCO-listed park features stunning gardens, unique architectural elements, and panoramic views over Barcelona. Tickets often sell out, so pre-booking is essential.
We then took a guided drive through the city, stopping near the world-famous Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, which has been under construction since 1882.
Continuing our tour, we stopped at Jardines del Mirador, offering spectacular views over Barcelona’s skyline, marina, and coastline.
Our final stop was Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s bustling central boulevard, filled with shops, street performers, cafés, and restaurants. Nearby attractions include the Gothic Cathedral and the stunning Palau de la Música Catalana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring the area, we returned to Calella.
For our final evening, we dined at La Torre restaurant, enjoying delicious pizza and tapas in a relaxed outdoor setting with fairy lights and a warm Mediterranean atmosphere.
Monday 17 October 2022 – Return Journey
We started the day early with breakfast before heading home. Our return flight departed from Barcelona El Prat Airport.
We travelled by train from Calella to Barcelona Sants, enjoying scenic coastal views along the way. The journey was excellent value and very comfortable, with a simple transfer for the airport connection.
At Barcelona Airport, we had time to explore the wide range of shops and restaurants before boarding our two-hour flight back to Manchester.
