The Catalan Coast and Montserrat at Christmas

London to Palamós

After meeting at our dedicated Departure Office in St Pancras, we board the Eurostar to Paris and transfer for our First Class rail journey to Girona, in Spain's stunning Catalonia region. Our base for seven nights is the 4-Star Hotel Trias, set on the seafront in the traditional port town of Palamós.

Begur and Girona

After a morning at leisure we travel to Begur, an attractive town lapped by the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean, whose narrow, labyrinthine streets are crowned by a 16th century hilltop castle. You have free time here; perhaps enjoy a festive stroll, admiring the fine blend of Moorish and Spanish architecture.

On Day 3, we visit bustling Girona, an incredibly well-preserved medieval town famous for its imposing Gothic cathedral. We discover the city on a fascinating guided tour, followed by time to explore at leisure.

Barcelona and Christmas Day in Palamós

We visit Barcelona today, discovering the Gaudí-designed Sagrada Familia and the vibrant tree-lined boulevard of Las Ramblas on a guided tour. After some free time, we return to Palamós for Christmas Eve dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 5 is Christmas Day and you are free to relax and soak up the festive atmosphere in Palamós. This evening we visit a nearby restaurant, where we are indulged with a special dinner.

Montserrat mountaintop monastery

Our Boxing Day excursion is to the Montserrat mountains and the eponymous Santa Maria de Montserrat, an active monastery inhabited by over 70 monks. We travel on the Montserrat Rack Railway, climbing 1,804 feet to reach the striking Benedictine Abbey, which is nestled on an escarpment and flanked by dramatic cliffs; a position which affords phenomenal views across Catalonia.

Pilgrims travel here in their multitudes each year to pay homage to one of the world's most revered Black Madonnas; a 12th century statue known as 'Our Lady of Montserrat' which is housed above the high altar in the Basilica. You are at leisure to stroll through the intricately decorated and hallowed halls before we return to Palamós, pausing en route at a local winery for a tasting.

At leisure and return to London

Enjoy a day at leisure in Palamós today. You could head to Museu de la Pesca for a fascinating insight into the local fishing culture, or explore the historic Old Town, whose quaint streets and pretty painted houses are built around the 15th century Santa Marie church. This evening, we are treated to a farewell dinner.

On Day 8 we transfer by coach to Girona for our First Class rail journey to Paris, where we connect with the Eurostar service to London.

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.