Activities and tours in Costa Dorada
Barcelona City Tour with Poble Espanyol Entry
Barcelona continually tops Europe's city break charts – it's a buzzing metropolis with enough wow-factor sights to bowl any visitor over. Discover Poble Espanyol, Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas, Plaça Espanya and Montjuïc hill. Martina, one of our expert local guides, says ‘Originally built for an exhibition almost 100 years ago, Poble Espanyol is a ‘village' which is home to 117 replicas of some of Spain's most celebrated architectural gems. The onsite fine art museum has works by Picasso, Dalí and Miro on display, and lots of local artisans make and sell their handicrafts here.'After a look around Poble Espanyol, the next stop offers the chance to see the striking exterior of the Sagrada Familia, a church resembling a wave-worn sandcastle – the most famous legacy of legendary local architect Antoni Gaudi. Martina adds, ‘Construction began on the Sagrada Familia way back in 1882. The current estimated completion date is 2026 – meaning that the building will be completed 100 years after Gaudí died. I think he would be proud to see how well his ideas have been realised.'You'll then have plenty of free time to explore Barcelona under your own steam. Maybe take a stroll along the pedestrianised Las Ramblas and visit La Boqueria indoor market where you could opt to try some of the tasty treats on offer. A panoramic drive through Plaça Espanya and over Montjuïc Mountain, with its bird's-eye views of the city and waterfront, round off the day before heading back to base.
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Monastery of Montserrat Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
As the spiritual heart of Catalonia, Montserrat is one of Europe's top pilgrimage sites. This famous Benedictine abbey occupies a striking location at the foot of towering rock formations in the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona, Spain. You'll have the chance to visit the Vestry and see the statue of La Moreneta. Hugo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Thought to have been carved in Jerusalem in the early years of Christianity, the famous ‘Moreneta' or Black Madonna is a sacred wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus. The Black Madonna is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain.'Firstly, a train will take you more than 700 metres up to Spain's largest Benedictine monastery. You'll enjoy exclusive access to the beautifully decorated vestry and skip the line to see the statue of La Moreneta. The monastery complex consists of several buildings, including the basilica, the sacristy, the choir stalls, the library, and the museum. The basilica was built in the 19th century and it's a prime example of neo-Gothic architecture. The monastery is also served by a renowned boys' choir, the Escolania de Montserrat, which dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest in Europe.As you look around, you can sample the herb liqueur made by the monks and watch the brand new, interactive audio-visual presentation on Montserrat's history. And don't miss the chance to buy tickets for the funicular to the summit – the views of the Llobregat valley from the top are phenomenal.
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Rural Catalonia bike and wine tour
An exclusive cycling tour in the heart of the Catalan countryside, this half-day bike route takes you through the wine-producing region of Montsant. And after pedalling your way through some spectacular scenery, you're rewarded with a tasting of local vino at a family-run winery.
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A magical night out awaits you in Salou. There will be baffling magic tricks, mystifying mind reading, cabaret performance and hilarious comedy on this quirky night out at Sylvester Oscar Scary's House of Illusion – all accompanied by free-flowing inclusive drinks.
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Barcelona Zoo Visit and Free Time
Barcelona Zoo is ideal for family days out. Over 7,000 animals from all over the world call this place home, including everything from lions, kangaroos and elephants to meerkats and creepy crawlies. It makes for a wild day trip from Salou.There's something for everyone at Barcelona Zoo. And once we arrive, you'll have an afternoon of exploration ahead of you. Toddlers can pet the goats and guinea pigs at the farm, while older children get stuck in with the interactive exhibits. Don't forget to check out the art gallery – all the pictures have been drawn by the resident gorillas.Within the park, there are plenty of restaurants and picnic areas where you can stop for lunch. And, afterwards, you'll have some free time to explore. You could take out a rowing boat on the lake in the nearby Ciutadella Park, or go for a stroll around the bar-lined marina.
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Want to explore Barcelona under your own steam? This trip is for the independent visitor who knows where they want to go and what they want to do. A great way to get into the centre of Barcelona without the hassle of crowded trains and long tedious journeys on public transport.
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Bonavista Market shopping tour
Sunday mornings near Salou were made for strolling around the local market and soaking up all the sights, smells and life around the busy stalls. This morning excursion takes you to the largest market in the Costa Dorada where rows of stalls are piled high with everything you could imagine.
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Tarragona is dripping in history, yet you'll find a place that's buzzing with eateries and a great vibe. This half-day trip gives you the lowdown on the city's history and sights with a trolley train tour, then free time to weave your way around the alleys crammed within the ancient walls.
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It is the golden-sand beaches of the Costa Dorada that give it its name of the golden coast – and the coast's vivid beauty is best appreciated from at sea. Drink in the views from a different perspective whilst fully relaxing aboard a catamaran on this afternoon of maritime indulgence.
The beautiful hills of Catalonia's nature parks are ideal for exploring by bike. Take the hard work out of it by getting picked up in Salou and driven to a faraway summit, where your bike will be waiting for you.
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Barça Immersive Tour at FC Barcelona Museum & Free Time
The gods have been kind to Barcelona. Not only does the city boast some of the world's most eye-catching architecture, it's also home to one of its best football teams. Immerse yourself in the past, present and future of FC Barcelona with a visit to their museum. Add in some free time in the city and you've got yourself a winning combination.With an audio guide, you'll get to explore the museum at your own leisure. Learn all there is to know about the club, before heading to the new Spotify Camp Nou experience. See what it looks like to be in the centre of the pitch, and live the emotions felt by some of the best footballers in the world.Once you've caught your breath, we'll drop you in the city centre for free time to explore in your own way. Wander along the pedestrianised Las Ramblas, explore the medieval maze of the Gothic Quarter or admire the modernist architecture of l'Eixample– it's totally up to you how to take advantage of the time.
Full-day Barcelona sightseeing tour
Visit four of Barcelona's main attractions in one day on this day-and-night guided tour. The day kicks off with half an hour at FC Barcelona's home, Spotify Camp Nou. Here, you can see the construction work of the stadium first-hand from the viewing gallery, watch would-be footballers taking on the Robokeeper Challenge, and shop for souvenirs at the remodelled Megastore.Next stop is Poble Espanyol, or the Spanish Village, an open-air architectural museum where you can see the most iconic features of traditional Spanish architecture in one place. Then, you'll head over to the famous Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, where you can admire the intricate details of its exterior – and snap an Instagram-worthy photo in front of its enormous towers.Then, to round off the day, you'll stop at Port Vell – which means Old Harbour in Catalan – in the city centre, where you'll have plenty of free time to stroll around the famous Las Ramblas, wander through the Gothic Quarter, or shop for some souvenirs.
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