Across the Pyrenees: Barcelona to Carcassonne and Catalonia’s Volcanic Valleys

Spain

Spain

7 Days

Barcelona -> Carcassonne -> Garrotxa -> Barcelona

This seven day journey traces a thoughtful path from Barcelona’s architectural icons to the fortified grandeur of Carcassonne and into the volcanic landscapes of Garrotxa. Designed with balance and depth, it weaves together gastronomy, history, nature, and living Catalan tradition, creating a richly layered experience across the Pyrenees.

Day 1

Barcelona After Dark: A Catalan Welcome

Arrive in Barcelona and settle into your hotel on Passeig de Gràcia before stepping into the city’s culinary soul. This evening, a private guide leads you through atmospheric streets and intimate neighborhood establishments, introducing the flavors, wines, and cultural undercurrents that define Catalonia.

Day 1

Barcelona After Dark: A Catalan Welcome

Arrive in Barcelona and settle into your hotel on Passeig de Gràcia before stepping into the city’s culinary soul. This evening, a private guide leads you through atmospheric streets and intimate neighborhood establishments, introducing the flavors, wines, and cultural undercurrents that define Catalonia.

Day 2

Gaudí and the Grand Narrative of Barcelona

Spend the day immersed in Barcelona’s architectural and historical story. With a private guide, move seamlessly between Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter’s medieval lanes, and panoramic viewpoints above the city.

Day 2

Gaudí and the Grand Narrative of Barcelona

Spend the day immersed in Barcelona’s architectural and historical story. With a private guide, move seamlessly between Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter’s medieval lanes, and panoramic viewpoints above the city.

Day 3

Into Medieval France: Carcassonne

Travel north through the Pyrenean corridor into southern France, arriving at a restored countryside château just beyond Carcassonne. In the afternoon, step inside the fortified cité with a private historian and walk the ramparts overlooking the Languedoc landscape.

Day 3

Into Medieval France: Carcassonne

Travel north through the Pyrenean corridor into southern France, arriving at a restored countryside château just beyond Carcassonne. In the afternoon, step inside the fortified cité with a private historian and walk the ramparts overlooking the Languedoc landscape.

Day 4

Besalú and Catalonia’s Volcanic Heart

Cross back into Catalonia and begin in Besalú, where a Romanesque bridge leads into one of Spain’s most atmospheric medieval towns. Continue into the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park for scenic exploration before arriving at your secluded woodland retreat.

Day 4

Besalú and Catalonia’s Volcanic Heart

Cross back into Catalonia and begin in Besalú, where a Romanesque bridge leads into one of Spain’s most atmospheric medieval towns. Continue into the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park for scenic exploration before arriving at your secluded woodland retreat.

Day 5

Above the Volcanoes and Onward to Rupit

Rise early for a private hot air balloon flight over Garrotxa’s dormant volcanoes. After landing, continue to the medieval village of Rupit for a relaxed countryside lunch and gentle exploration before returning to Barcelona.

Day 5

Above the Volcanoes and Onward to Rupit

Rise early for a private hot air balloon flight over Garrotxa’s dormant volcanoes. After landing, continue to the medieval village of Rupit for a relaxed countryside lunch and gentle exploration before returning to Barcelona.

Day 6

Castellers and Catalan Identity

In Barcelona’s Gràcia district, join a Castellers team inside their rehearsal space to understand the discipline and symbolism behind the famed human towers. Participate in foundational techniques before sharing a traditional Catalan meal.

Day 6

Castellers and Catalan Identity

In Barcelona’s Gràcia district, join a Castellers team inside their rehearsal space to understand the discipline and symbolism behind the famed human towers. Participate in foundational techniques before sharing a traditional Catalan meal.

Day 7

Departure from Barcelona

Enjoy a final morning in Barcelona before your private transfer to the airport.

Day 7

Departure from Barcelona

Enjoy a final morning in Barcelona before your private transfer to the airport.

blue and white painted houses on the cliff

Ready to bring this Pyrenean journey to life?

Our sample itineraries are just the beginning. Every Adler Marlow trip is designed around you, your pace, your passions, your people. Let us tailor something extraordinary.

Start Planning My Trip

blue and white painted houses on the cliff

Ready to bring this Pyrenean journey to life?

Our sample itineraries are just the beginning. Every Adler Marlow trip is designed around you, your pace, your passions, your people. Let us tailor something extraordinary.

Start Planning My Trip

blue and white painted houses on the cliff

Ready to bring this Pyrenean journey to life?

Our sample itineraries are just the beginning. Every Adler Marlow trip is designed around you, your pace, your passions, your people. Let us tailor something extraordinary.

Start Planning My Trip

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Day 1

Barcelona After Dark: A Catalan Welcome

Arrive in Barcelona and settle into your hotel on Passeig de Gràcia before stepping into the city’s culinary soul. This evening, a private guide leads you through atmospheric streets and intimate neighborhood establishments, introducing the flavors, wines, and cultural undercurrents that define Catalonia.

Day 1

Barcelona After Dark: A Catalan Welcome

Arrive in Barcelona and settle into your hotel on Passeig de Gràcia before stepping into the city’s culinary soul. This evening, a private guide leads you through atmospheric streets and intimate neighborhood establishments, introducing the flavors, wines, and cultural undercurrents that define Catalonia.

Day 2

Gaudí and the Grand Narrative of Barcelona

Spend the day immersed in Barcelona’s architectural and historical story. With a private guide, move seamlessly between Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter’s medieval lanes, and panoramic viewpoints above the city.

Day 2

Gaudí and the Grand Narrative of Barcelona

Spend the day immersed in Barcelona’s architectural and historical story. With a private guide, move seamlessly between Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter’s medieval lanes, and panoramic viewpoints above the city.

Day 3

Into Medieval France: Carcassonne

Travel north through the Pyrenean corridor into southern France, arriving at a restored countryside château just beyond Carcassonne. In the afternoon, step inside the fortified cité with a private historian and walk the ramparts overlooking the Languedoc landscape.

Day 3

Into Medieval France: Carcassonne

Travel north through the Pyrenean corridor into southern France, arriving at a restored countryside château just beyond Carcassonne. In the afternoon, step inside the fortified cité with a private historian and walk the ramparts overlooking the Languedoc landscape.

Day 4

Besalú and Catalonia’s Volcanic Heart

Cross back into Catalonia and begin in Besalú, where a Romanesque bridge leads into one of Spain’s most atmospheric medieval towns. Continue into the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park for scenic exploration before arriving at your secluded woodland retreat.

Day 4

Besalú and Catalonia’s Volcanic Heart

Cross back into Catalonia and begin in Besalú, where a Romanesque bridge leads into one of Spain’s most atmospheric medieval towns. Continue into the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park for scenic exploration before arriving at your secluded woodland retreat.

Day 5

Above the Volcanoes and Onward to Rupit

Rise early for a private hot air balloon flight over Garrotxa’s dormant volcanoes. After landing, continue to the medieval village of Rupit for a relaxed countryside lunch and gentle exploration before returning to Barcelona.

Day 5

Above the Volcanoes and Onward to Rupit

Rise early for a private hot air balloon flight over Garrotxa’s dormant volcanoes. After landing, continue to the medieval village of Rupit for a relaxed countryside lunch and gentle exploration before returning to Barcelona.

Day 6

Castellers and Catalan Identity

In Barcelona’s Gràcia district, join a Castellers team inside their rehearsal space to understand the discipline and symbolism behind the famed human towers. Participate in foundational techniques before sharing a traditional Catalan meal.

Day 6

Castellers and Catalan Identity

In Barcelona’s Gràcia district, join a Castellers team inside their rehearsal space to understand the discipline and symbolism behind the famed human towers. Participate in foundational techniques before sharing a traditional Catalan meal.

Day 7

Departure from Barcelona

Enjoy a final morning in Barcelona before your private transfer to the airport.

Day 7

Departure from Barcelona

Enjoy a final morning in Barcelona before your private transfer to the airport.