The Independent Travel Reader Offers

Six nights from £599 per person

Selected departures June to October 2012

It seems incredible that although Spain is one of the most visited countries on earth, vast swathes of it are hardly known at all. But during the past few years its more historic and scenic aspects have been brought to the attention of the discerning traveler.

For many centuries Spain did not really exist as a nation state, being more a collection of countries such as Aragon, Castille, Cantabria and of course, Catalonia. Often separated by high mountain ranges, they evolved separately becoming strikingly different with even their own languages. These differences were ruthlessly suppressed during the Franco years but since this time, have been allowed to blossom and today Catalonia retains a distinct regional identity which borrows little from the rest of Spain.

Set on a plain rising from the clear blue Mediterranean through a range of wooded hills then to a superb backdrop of high mountains, the scenery is lovely. It is as diverse as any area can be, from tiny medieval villages to one of the world’s most vibrant cities – Barcelona: classical Renaissance art to Salvador Dali’s avant garde. The list is endless and on this tour we see some of the best it has to offer.

In Roman times Tarragona was one of the largest cities in the Empire, and had a population of 250,000 with a wealth of buildings to match, many of which are still in evidence today. The delightful city of Girona has been fought over by not only the Romans, but Charlemagne, the Moors and the French all having left their mark, but is now famous as having the most outstanding Jewish Quarter in Europe and surrounded by stunning countryside. Ancient monasteries abound and include some of the most sophisticated ever constructed with many still in use. Lush vineyards sweep off to the horizon and produce that most superb of drinks, the sparkling wine – Cava.

Catalonia also boasts the best food in Spain, but that is what the Catalans themselves tell you and to be fair they perhaps have a point, but the only real test is to come with us and see for yourself.

Fully escorted price includes:

Return flights to Barcelona
Six nights bed and breakfast in quality four-star hotels as mentioned
Guided tour of Barcelona – Spain’s most happening city!
Visit to the beautiful medieval city of Girona
Visit to Tarragona, the ancient Roman capital
Visit to the world famous monastery at Montserrat
Visit to Cava vineyard
Executive coach travel in Spain
Escorted by our experienced tour manager
The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room
Single rooms are subject to availability at a supplement of £159 per person
Entrance to Picasso museum €9, Sagrada Familia €10, approximate costs, payable locally