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A hidden cove with crystal-clear turquoise water and lush green pine trees on rocky cliffs along the Costa Brava in Catalonia, Spain.
Spain

Choose your Pace: Hike Spain’s Wild Coast of Catalonia

Program No. 22550RJ
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
14 days
13 nights
What's Included
23 meals ( 12B, 3L, 8D )
16 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m Your Group Leader will be on hand to assist until your room is ready.
Afternoon:
Orientation. 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Note that dinners in Spain are generally much later than in North America, meaning little or no free time in the evenings Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
We will enjoy a group dinner with complimentary mineral water and a glass of wine; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Both groups: Walking up to 3 miles around Barcelona on many cobblestone streets and in pedestrian-only areas. Use of public transportation (metro), which does not have escalators or elevators at most stations and will require climbing up and down flights of stairs. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving to Girona is approximately 65 miles or about 2 hours.
Breakfast:
We will have a buffet at the hotel, which traditionally includes a selection of cold cuts, cereal, bread, pastries, fruit, yogurt, jam, coffee, tea, juice, milk, and water.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and drive to downtown Barcelona - from there we will walk to to the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) for an introductory walking exploration. With your local expert, we will discover Barcelona’s magnificent Gothic cathedral and the former Jewish quarter. We will also visit some hidden treasures such as the Plaza Felipe Neri, which still shows evidence of bombing during the Spanish Civil War, the columns that remain of a Roman temple, and Plaza del Pi, home to the 15th-century Gothic church Santa Maria del Pi. We will also visit Las Ramblas, the city’s most famous boulevard, observing the lively cafes and restaurants.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
We will depart by motorcoach to the historic city of Girona. Upon arrival at the program hotel, we will check in and take some time to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
At or near the hotel, we will have our Welcome Dinner with water and a complimentary glass of wine. Beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At Leisure
Activity Note
Both groups: Walking about 3 miles around Girona up steps without railings, narrow cobblestone streets, and some steep slopes.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Led by our local expert, we will embark on a walking field trip of the Old Town of Girona. Located within the city’s medieval walls, we will see ancient arcaded houses, grand Romanesque and Gothic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Catalonia’s most extensive and best-preserved medieval Jewish quarter. An impressive highlight, we will also explore the city's Baroque cathedral, with its striking pillar-less nave and Romanesque cloister, which towers over the main cathedral square.
Lunch:
On your own to explore local cuisine.
Afternoon:
We will continue to discover Girona and enjoy an afternoon "merienda" of ice cream at the shop of the multi award-winning, Michelin-starred Roca Brothers chefs.
Dinner:
At leisure to enjoy local cuisine in Girona
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on/off van. Driving 35 miles total, about 1.5 hours. . Moderate Hike: St Feliu to Platja d’Aro Distance: 5.5 miles | Duration: approx. 4 hours |Elevation gain: +328 ft./ -489ft.; rugged coastal path with some steep descents, including steps. Challenging Hike: St Feliu to Palamós Distance: 9 miles | Duration: approx. 6 hours | Elevation gain: +561 ft./ -583 ft ; mixed terrain with several ups and downs along the coast, including rocky paths and multiple flights of steps.
Breakfast:
Hotel Buffet
Morning:
Both groups: We will check out and transfer to the picturesque seaside town of Sant Feliu de Guixols, where we will begin our expert-led walk along the coastal path from the top of Puig de les Forques to the Platja de Sant Pol, passing through pine trees and astonishing views. Upon arrival at Platja de Sant Pol, we will follow the seafront promenade and learn about the 19th-century seaside villas built by industrial and merchant families from Barcelona, used as seasonal residences that reflected new patterns of leisure and social distinction linked to the coast. Our walk will continue along the shoreline and end at Platja d’Aro.
Lunch:
On your own to explore local cuisine.
Afternoon:
Moderate Hike: After some time to relax on the coast, we will transfer by van to Palamós, where we will check in to our hotel Challenging Hike: We will continue hiking along the coastline toward Palamós, following a varied route with natural ups and downs, including rocky sections, forested stretches, and occasional steep steps carved into the landscape. The path offers continuous views of small coves and the changing coastal relief of this section of the Costa Brava, where fishing activity and maritime life have historically shaped settlement patterns along the shore. On arrival, we will check in to our hotel. Late afternoon we will join our Group Leader and head out again by van for an expert-led wine tasting workshop at a local vineyard in the countryside.
Dinner:
We will enjoy a dinner of local Catalan produce at the winery. Mineral water and glass of wine included. Other beverages available for purchase
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Minimal driving, under 1/2 hour. Moderate Hike: Palamós to Cala Sènia : Distance: 3 miles | Duration: approx. 1 hour Elevation gain: +700 ft./ -650ft. Challenging Hike: Palamós to Calella : Distance: 8 miles | Duration: approx. 5 hours | Elevation gain: +1305 ft./ -1279 ft. Be prepared for both sandy coastal trails and dirt trails with some rocks, and some uphill climbing.
Breakfast:
At hotel
Morning:
Both groups: Today's hike begins at our hotel - from where we will follow the recently restored, historical, coastal trail along a succession of flights of steps to Cala S’Alguer. This is a picture-perfect scene, with fishermen’s huts dating from the 16th century. We will continue the walk to Platja del Castell, where we will find an Iberian archaeological site dating from the 4th century BCE. Moderate Hike: We will continue the short walk to the picturesque cove of Cala Sènia, from where we will transfer by van to Calella. Challenging Hike: We will continue to the National Park of Castell-Cap Roig, with its hidden coves and sandy beaches, until we reach Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most picturesque villages of the Costa Brava. Here we will learn why the town is known as the Catalan capital of "havaneres" - popular songs related to the Catalan settlers who emigrated to Cuba. We will have time to rest and enjoy lunch on our own in Calella de Palafrugell.
Lunch:
On your own to explore local cuisine.
Afternoon:
We will return to Palamos by van, where we will have some free time. Group Leader will offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Minimal driving, under 1/2 hour. Moderate Hike: Tamariu to Fornells: Distance: 3 miles | Duration: approx. 1.5 hours | Elevation gain: +750 ft./ -630ft. Mixed terrain, paved paths & dirt roads, steep flights of steps, up and down. Challenging Hike: Sant Sebastià to Fornells: Distance: 9 miles | Duration: approx. 6 hours | Elevation gain: +1190 ft./ -1476 ft. Steep ascents and descents, mixed terrain including many steps, rugged narrow paths with dirt and rocks, and paved roads.
Breakfast:
At hotel
Morning:
Both groups: We will check out of our hotel and transfer by van to the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse, a remarkable watchtower with stunning views over the Mediterranean, dating from 1445. Moderate Hike: We will continue by van to Tamariu, a traditional fishing village built around a sheltered bay, with a gently curving sandy beach framed by rocky headlands and Mediterranean pine forests. This landscape is typical of the Costa Brava, where steep cliffs meet small coves known locally as “calas.” From here, we will walk along dirt paths and up and down flights of steps to reach the crystalline waters of Aiguablava and Fornells beach. Challenging Hike: We will begin our hike at the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse on a trail that descends through a lush forest to Cala Pedrosa, continuing along rocky paths to the Camí de Ronda and Tamariu, before hiking steep ascents and descents to the bay of Aiguablava and Fornells.
Lunch:
We will enjoy a picnic lunch along the trail.
Afternoon:
We will transfer by van to Begur, where we will check in to our hotel. Later, we will set off on an expert-led visit of this medieval village, where we will discover the colonial stories of the "indianos", Spanish emigrants who returned from Cuba and South America, bringing traditions and folklore with them. We will wrap up our visit with a mojito-making workshop, representing one of the traditions brought back from Cuba.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the local fare in Begur. Your Group Leader will be happy to provide suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off van, driving around 50 miles, under 2 hours. Riding about 15 miles, about 2.5 hours, by electric bike on mostly flat terrain and dirt roads with breaks in villages. NOTE: Participants who do not have experience on bikes or e-bikes will follow by private van, still taking part in all activities.
Breakfast:
At hotel
Morning:
Following check-out, we will drive north for 30 minutes to Gualta, from where we will begin our journey on electric bikes or by van to discover the mosaic of rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Baix Empordà. Settlements in the region date from prehistoric times and have withstood a succession of invaders, from Greeks and Iberians to Romans and Franks, who have all left their mark. The 15-mile ride will take us through some of the most representative medieval villages of the region—Llavià, Ullastret, Peratallada, Palau Sator —over country trails and across traditional rural farmland.
Lunch:
On your own in one of the medieval villages en route. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions
Afternoon:
We will transfer by motorcoach to Cadaqués, an enchanting village whose history can be traced back to Greco-Roman times and whose unique light has been the inspiration for many renowned artists and painters over the years, including both Dalí and Picasso. Upon arrival, we will check in to our hotel.
Dinner:
At or near the hotel. Mineral water and glass of wine included. Other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Minimal driving, under 1/2 hour. Moderate Hike: Cadaques to Cala Guillola: Distance: 2.5 miles | Duration: approx. 2 hours | Elevation gain: +345 ft./ -330ft. Some uneven, rocky terrain & a gentle ascent. Challenging Hike: Cadaqués to Cap de Creus Lighthouse: Distance: 5 miles | Duration: approx. 4 hours along an undulating rocky trail, with loose gravel on a gradual ascent. Elevation gain: +850ft./ - 653ft.
Breakfast:
At hotel
Morning:
Moderate Hike: We will walk from the hotel to the bay of Portlligat, a small natural harbour closely linked to the life and work of Salvador Dalí, and continue on to Cala Guillola, a remote cove shaped by the rugged geology of the Cap de Creus peninsula. From here, we will transfer by van to the Cap de Creus Lighthouse, dramatically set on a rocky headland overlooking the Mediterranean. Challenging Hike: Starting at our hotel, we will walk into the Cap de Creus Natural Park, the easternmost point in Spain, known for its striking rock formations sculpted by strong tramontana winds and sea erosion. A narrow rocky trail, bordered by dry-stone walls typical of the region, will lead us to the Cap de Creus Lighthouse, dating from 1853.
Lunch:
We will enjoy a lunch of regional products. Mineral water included.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we will transfer by van to the Dalí House-Museum, located in the bay of Portlligat, whose stark, wind-shaped landscape directly influenced the work of Salvador Dalí. Here, staff will lead us in small groups through this labyrinthine structure, created by the artist himself as his residence and place of work from 1930 until the death of Gala, his wife and muse, in 1982. Later, we can choose to walk one mile back to Cadaqués along the same coastal setting that shaped much of Dalí’s imagery, or transfer by van. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore independently.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local cuisine in Cadaques.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on/off van, driving about 10 miles, under 1 hour. Moderate Group: Free morning to enjoy Cadaques. Extent and duration of activities according to personal choice. Challenging Hike: Cadaqués to Port de la Selva: Distance: 7 miles | Duration: approx. 5 hours Very little or no shade. Mostly on dirt roads but be prepared for some sections on loose gravel trails with some steep descents and ascents and occasionally strong Tramuntana winds. Elevation gain: + 990ft. / -1112ft.
Breakfast:
At hotel
Morning:
Moderate Group: After checking out of the hotel, this morning there will be free time to explore Cadaqués, a whitewashed fishing town known for its narrow streets, seafront setting, and strong artistic heritage. Your Group Leader will provide cultural and gastronomic suggestions to help you make the most of your time. Later, we will transfer by van to Port de la Selva to join the rest of the group. Challenging Hike: We will check out of our hotel in Cadaqués and transfer by van to the rugged landscapes of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, whose wind-sculpted rock formations and stark coastline deeply influenced Salvador Dalí. From here, we will hike all the way to Port de la Selva, following a demanding coastal route of rocky paths and open views over the Mediterranean. A portion of the hike follows the GR-11, one of Europe’s major long-distance trails, which crosses the Pyrenees from the Cantabrian Sea to the Mediterranean.
Lunch:
On your own to explore local cuisine
Afternoon:
Both groups: We will check in to our hotel in Port de la Selva, a fishing village set within the northern edge of the Cap de Creus Natural Park. The village has retained a strong maritime identity, with its harbour still playing an active role in local life, alongside low-rise whitewashed architecture typical of the area. The surrounding landscape is defined by rocky hills, dry stone walls and open Mediterranean views shaped by wind and sea over centuries. We will enjoy a siesta or time at leisure before dinner.
Dinner:
At hotel, water, and a complimentary glass of wine; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on/off van, driving about 15 miles, around 1 hour. Moderate Hike: Port de la Selva to Platja Cau del Llop Distance: 3,5 miles | Duration: approx. 2 hours. Mostly flat terrain and paved paths, Elevation gain: +225 ft./ -180ft. Challenging Hike: Port de la Selva to Llança Distance: 6 miles | Duration: approx. 4 hours Rugged and uneven terrain. Mostly flat with some occasional ups and downs and one section of steep flights of steps. Elevation gain: + 456ft./ - 486ft.
Breakfast:
At hotel buffet
Morning:
Moderate Group: We will walk from Port de la Selva, along the curve of the bay on mostly level terrain, hiking along a mix of paved paths and seaside tracks, with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. As we go, we will observe how the landscape shifts from the sheltered harbour of Port de la Selva to a more exposed coastline shaped by the strong tramontana winds, which play a defining role in this region’s climate and vegetation. The exceptionally clear waters, a result of the rocky seabed and minimal river input, are among the purest along the Catalan coast. From Cala Cau del Llop, we will board our van and transfer to Llançà. Challenging group: From Port de la Selva, we will hike to the harbor of Llançà, a small coastal village located ten miles from the French-Spanish border. Until the end of the Civil War, the fishermen of Llançà lived in the original 10th-century settlement, which was built inland as a defense against pirates, and used the port only for their work. The old village has a number of historical buildings surrounding the Plaza Mayor including the Chapel of Sant Silvestre de Velleta, the 11th-century Chapel of Terrer, and the defensive Bell Tower.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant with mineral water and a complimentary glass of wine. Other beverages will be available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Both groups: We will transfer by motorcoach from Llançà to the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes for an expert-led field trip. Considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Catalonia, its documented origins date back to 878 CE, although most of the surviving structure was built between the 10th and 12th centuries. After centuries of abandonment, it has been carefully restored and features notable architectural influences, including elements linked to Carolingian traditions, along with two imposing Romanesque towers. The monastery has also been associated in local tradition with early pilgrimage routes, and some have suggested it as a possible starting point connected to the Camino de Santiago, although this is not historically confirmed. After the visit, we will transfer by motorcoach back to Port de la Selva.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the local cuisine.
Activity Note
Getting on/off van, driving about 40 miles total, under 2 hours. mixed terrain, sections of rocky trails with loose gravel, gentle ups and downs. Moderate Hike: Llança to Colera: Distance: 4 miles | Duration: approx. 2/3 hours | Elevation gain: +425 ft./ -480ft. Challenging Hike: Llança to Portbou Distance: 7 miles | Duration: approx. 4+ hours, dirt trails with rocks and loose gravel. Steep climb of 700 feet by the end of the stage on a rocky trail. | Elevation gain: +1479 ft./ -1433 ft.
Breakfast:
At hotel
Morning:
Moderate Hike: After checking out of our hotel, we will hike to the small coastal town of Colera, following a varied section of the northern Costa Brava. The route combines coastal footpaths with inland tracks that pass through olive groves, dry landscapes, and terraced hills shaped over generations by local farming. Along the way, we will gain insight into how people have adapted to this geography over time, making use of limited flat land while living closely connected to the sea. From Colera, we will board our van and transfer to Portbou to meet the rest of the group. Challenging Hike: We will check out of our hotel and cover the final miles of our walking trail from wild Mediterranean coastal forest to vineyards swept by the infamous Tramuntana northern winds. We will discover hidden coves, bunkers, and mountain passes with views of the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees Mountains. During our trek, we will learn about the key strategic role of this area during both Spain’s Civil War and World War II. At the end of the Civil War, the frontier town of Portbou was one of the main lines of retreat of the Republican army and thousands of civilian refugees seeking exile in France to escape from the Franco regime. Later, during WWII, it was a place of passage for those fleeing south from the Nazis. These combined experiences make the area an exceptional place to learn about Europe’s struggle against fascism in the 20th century.
Lunch:
On your own in Port Bou.
Dinner:
We will enjoy a Farewell Dinner, with mineral water & a complimentary glass of wine. Toast to new Road Scholar friends and share your favorite experiences from the program.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow afternoon.
Activity Note
Walking and standing in the Dalí Museum for about 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At hotel
Morning:
Both groups: We will start the day with an expert-led field trip to the Dalí Theatre-Museum. Inaugurated in 1974, the museum rises on the remains of the former Municipal Theater in Figueres (the artist’s birthplace) and is considered the last great work of Salvador Dalí. Every piece of the bizarre and eclectic collection was conceived and designed by Dalí himself with the aim of drawing the visitor into his unique and captivating world. The museum takes us on a journey through Dalí's artistic life, from surrealism and his artistic philosophy of “nuclear mysticism,” to his passion for science, culminating in the works he created towards the end of his life.
Lunch:
At leisure
Afternoon:
This afternoon we will transfer to our final hotel in Girona
Dinner:
We will have a light dinner in Girona
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. Airport transfers beginning at approximately 3:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet, flight times permitting. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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