Catalonia is a small but extremely diverse and rich territory in the north east of Spain known for its capital city Barcelona, the sunny beaches of Costa Brava and scenic Pyrenees Mountains.
Its flavours have been inherited from a thousand years of history as Roman and medieval remains come together with unparalleled architecture by the great masters from Antoni Gaudí to Norman Foster. Age-old centennial shops and craft workshops share the same neighbourhoods with boutiques featuring the latest trends, luxury hotels and Michelin starred restaurants.
In the last year and a half, the destination has come up with new tourism products and initiatives that keep safety, security and hygiene of travellers their priority. In light of the current situation, the tourism board has launched a new product, The Grand Tour of Catalonia. It covers 2,000 km of circular open-air itineraries that link the most iconic natural and cultural sites in the region. The itinerary covers a vast range of landscapes from the Pyrenees Mountains to the 500km of Mediterranean coastline. The whole trip can be done in 13 days or in shorter lengths based on one’s interest. It is a perfect option for self-drives on electrical vehicles as tourists can enjoy tailor-made, slow-pace, outdoor and safe holidays in Catalonia.
Patrick Torrent, CEO of Catalunya, Catalonia's Tourism Board, who is personally in town to meet the regional trade and media, tells us, “Grand Tour of Catalonia will provide us a fantastic opportunity to show off Catalonia, with its capital Barcelona, and the enriching experiences based on exclusive, personalized treatment, adapted to the culture and particular needs of all each high-end visitors. It is a Mediterranean destination with a millenary history, its own culture and language, a wealthy historical and natural heritage, a temperate and mild climate and a land rich in wines and fresh products from the sea and mountains.”
Another product – Catalunya Premium – boasts a wide range of top-level companies, specialized hotels, DMC, transportation, restaurants and activities offering unique products and exclusive services for the most demanding customers.
Here are some experiences that are available as part of Catalunya Premium for the luxury traveller:
GASTRONOMY AND BEVERAGES
Catalonia is good enough to eat – new and old flavours created by the most prestigious chefs have their origins in this region. Local producers and grandma’s recipes, the gastronomic DNA of Catalonia is innovative and cutting edge, an ode to the amazing Mediterranean diet, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Enjoy a fascinating variety of workshops and tastings of the best desserts created by internationally renowned chefs; learn how to make tapa, visit local markets with chefs followed by a masterclass and beverage pairing.
ART NOUVEAU
A visit to Gaudí’s most emblematic works accompanied by an art expert to understand their true meaning, including the Temple of the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia. Two centuries have passed, but you can still enjoy the vestiges of the 19th century by riding in a vintage car to discover the architectural legacy of Gaudí and other contemporaries as if you were in Barcelona at the beginning of the 20th century. La Pedrera, a magical building that attracts both queues and fans, can be visited at guests own pace. A private evening in a magnificent bourgeois residence designed by Gaudí at the beginning of the 20th century.
ART AND HISTORY
Learn about Dalí’s legacy in Girona, Roman and medieval Barcelona or contemporary architecture accompanied by expert historians in the field or discover Catalonia accompanied by a renowned professional photographer to help you capture its best moments. Book the best box at Liceu opera house or Palau de la Música for a night to remember.
SHOPPING
Barcelona at its most fashionable can be found in streets such as Passeig de Gràcia, filled as it is with trends, major brands, a host of dining options and a great deal of beauty indeed. Have a personal stylist shop with you or an art shopper to help navigate the studios of internationally renowned, prestigious local artists.
SAILING
Visit the coves of the Costa Brava aboard a sailing boat, accompanied with a local fisherman to help you cap off your experience by enjoying freshly caught and prepared food on board. There are many ways of viewing Catalonia and one of these is from the sea at sunset. Accompany this sight with a glass of sparkling Catalan cava and the picture is complete for an idyllic postcard image. Equally exceptional is travelling aboard a luxurious yacht accompanied by an expert chef.
FC BARCELONA/LEISURE
Setting foot on FC Barcelona’s football pitch is now possible thanks to Tour Excellence, which also includes a visit to Camp Nou’s most inaccessible areas. Once there, relaxation and excitement in equal parts, as you enjoy a glass of cava in the VIP area or step onto the grass of the pitch. Play on a PGA golf course, surrounded by vineyards and under the Mediterranean sun, feel the rush of adrenaline at PortAventura World, the largest family leisure centre in Southern Europe or work as a team, with true team building behind the wheel of a racing car at a Formula 1 circuit.