Before or after Barcelona
Catalonia beyond La Rambla
The city as Marc shows it to friends, and the backcountry through the less travelled backroads.
Length4–6 nights
SeasonMarch–June, September–November
StaysAlmanac Barcelona; Hotel Peralada Wine Spa & Golf; Mas de Torrent; Terra Dominicata
Budget$500 – $900 USD per day per person
Why this page exists
More Med cruises begin and end in Barcelona than anywhere else; why not use this opportunity to venture beyond the city limits and visit Barcelona’s hinterland?
First-hand
This is Marc’s backyard
All recommendations have been tried and tested.
This is one of many possible itineraries.
Illustrative route, not to scale.
Day by day
Catalonia’s Coast, Castles, and Cru: From the Costa Brava to Priorat
Day1Barcelona to Girona and FigueresDrive north from Barcelona to Girona to wander across the Eiffel Bridge, explore the historic Jewish Quarter, and admire the colourful houses along the Onyar River. Continue up to Figueres to visit the surrealist world of the Dalí Theatre-Museum before settling into a luxury hotel or countryside estate nearby.
Day2The Rugged Coast of Cadaqués and Port LligatMake your way east along coastal mountain roads to the stunning, whitewashed fishing village of Cadaqués. Walk along the seaside path to neighbouring Port Lligat to tour Salvador Dalí’s eccentric former home, then finish your day with fresh Mediterranean seafood by the bay.
Day3Medieval Villages of Baix EmpordàHead south into the rolling hills of the Empordà countryside. Spend your day exploring beautifully preserved medieval villages like Peratallada, Palau-sator, and the ancient ruins of Ullastret, before dining at a traditional Catalan masia.
Day4Deep into Wine Country to Terra Dominicata (Priorat)Take a scenic drive southwest into the dramatic, rocky valleys of the Priorat. Check into Terra Dominicata, a 5-star luxury monastery retreat tucked into the Montsant mountains, and spend your afternoon touring the estate’s private winery before a quiet dinner under the stars.
Day5Exploring Escaladei & GratallopsMake the quick 5-minute trip to explore the historic 12th-century ruins of the Cartoixa d’Escaladei monastery, where local winemaking began. Afterwards, head to the village of Gratallops for an exclusive tasting at a boutique, world-class family estate.
Day6Priorat to BarcelonaBreak up your drive back to Barcelona with a stop in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, the heart of Spanish sparkling wine country. Enjoy a private tasting of premium cava and a final vineyard lunch before the easy 45-minute drive back into the city.
Four nights is city plus one Empordà day; five adds the coast; six adds Priorat.
“This itinerary blends breathtaking coastal cliffs and medieval stone villages with a luxurious journey through Catalonia’s finest world-class wine regions.”
Ready when you are
Tell Marc where the ship starts and where it stops.
He’ll take it from there.