The soul of Catalonia. Urban and rural landscapes

Have a go at some water sports in Vall de Núria, sample some artisan sausage, see the works of Salvador Dalí in the flesh, or take a balloon ride over the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa. Live it and feel it first-hand, the only way to understand this fine land. Time to start?

Day 1

Vic - Vilanova de Sau
The journey begins in Vic, where you'll be awaited by a segway tour with an instructor from Sotacingles, as well as an audio guide to teach you all about the cathedral, the Museu Episcopal, the Plaça Major, and many other incredible places. The route then moves on to Folgueroles, where you'll discover the life and times of the poet Jacint Verdaguer at his House-Museum. Nearby, you can take advantage of en excursion between the Parador de Turisme Vic-Sau traditional hotel and the Monestir de Sant Pere de Casserres, a Romanesque monument with magnificent views of the Sau reservoir. Partially accessible for guests of reduced mobility. Round off the day in Vilanova de Sau, where you'll learn all about the region's plants in a quite unique place: L'Herbolari de Sau.

Day 2

Vilanova de Sau - Sant Hilari Sacalm
The Sau Reservoir, with the bell tower of the Sant Romà church emerging through its waters, is the perfect introduction to the Vall de Sau Collsacabra countryside. Discover all of it on one of the canoe trips organised by Club Nàutic Vic-Sau. After that little excursion, get down to Arbúcies and have some fun at the La Selva de l'Aventura adventure park! Time to take a break from all the thrills how about a spot of relaxation at the Balneari Font Vella spa in Sant Hilari Sacalm? And what about a very special overnight stay in one of Cabanes als arbres treetop log cabins? Just two relaxing experiences for you to enjoy.

Day 3

Vall d'en Bas - Santa Pau
If you like the more rural side of tourism, whilst you're in Vall d'en Bas you can't miss out on the Joanetes's La Tosca agroecological farm, or the Mas la Carrera cattle farm in Sant Esteve d'en Bas. You'll also love Santa Pau Tour Turístic's horseback and walking excursion through the Fageda d'en Jordà, a striking beech forest located in the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa, a prime example of the Iberian Peninsula's volcanic landscape. In the very same forest there's also a functional dairy cooperative, La Fageda, which you'll be able to visit.

Day 4

Figueres - Olot
The Teatre-Museu Dalí is the biggest cultural attraction in Figueres. After paying a visit and indulging in the works of the world-renowned painter, it's time for a bit of action. In Besalú, Aventures a cavall offers a riding route through the outskirts. If you feel like taking a trip through the mountains, you'll love unearthing the landscapes of Garrotxa on Trescalia's volcano running trail, or the balloon ride offered by Vol de Coloms, which includes baskets adapted for seniors, guests of reduced mobility, or wheelchairs. To round it all off, head to the Museu dels Volcans in Olot, the Museu Comarcal de la Garrotxa and enjoy the dramatised tour with dinner at the Montsacopa volcano included. Get down to Turisme d'Olot and book your place.

Day 5

Camprodon - Vall de Núria
The Camprodon valley is the perfect setting for a bit of mountain biking and a photo by the famous medieval bridge over the Ter river. Next, it's on to Ripoll, where the history and legend of Catalonia's birth awaits you at the Romanesque Monastery of Santa Maria. From there, it's definitely worth heading to Vall de Núria. The funicular up through the valley also offers the option of heading up in a period wagon! And whether it's winter or summer, you can get down to the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Núria where there are endless activities for you to enjoy.

Day 6

La Pobla de Lillet - Rupit
The best thing about a trip away isn't the destination, it's the journey. No more so than the Tren del Ciment, a tourist railway between La Pobla de Lillet and Castellar de n'Hug. On the way you can stop at the Jardins Artigas and take advantage of a trip through Las fuentes del Llobregat, the place where it all begins. Find a different bit of culture in les Masies de Voltregà, at Museu del Coure, where you'll uncover the history of copper. To round off the route: an evening stroll through Rupit, one of the most picturesque towns in the whole region. Don't forget your camera. It looks like a postcard!