Catalonia today is a region defined by its warm soul and generous welcome. It seduces travellers with a kaleidoscope of architecture, culture, landscapes and traditions – all framed by nearly 600 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline. Nowhere else quite mirrors the serenity of the Ebro Delta, the elegance of the Garraf coast, or the rugged beauty of Costa Brava. And yet, they all share a sun-drenched, salt-tinged essence – a lifestyle where simple pleasures take centre stage. This is a journey into the authentic countryside of Catalonia, where timeworn masías (country estates) stand proudly, keepers of rural legacies and ancient recipes passed down through generations. Here, we’ll taste oysters straight from the Ebro Delta, and uncork the secrets of Cava — Spain’s sparkling treasure — with private visits to two exceptional wineries in Penedès. One of them even lets you bottle your own vintage to take home. We’ll cook Catalan dishes in intimate workshops, and don the traditional bib to join locals in the delightful ritual of eating calçots – chargrilled spring onions dipped in romesco sauce, a celebration in itself. One day, a boat will carry us to Salvador Dalí’s dreamlike home in Cadaqués. Another, our van will take us to the wild hills of Priorat for a wine-soaked lunch in this mystical terroir. We’ll roam Girona’s acclaimed culinary corners, and in Reus – Gaudí’s birthplace – we’ll uncover why the town is hailed as Spain’s capital of vermouth. Two exceptional garden-to-table restaurants will welcome us with seasonal menus born from their own soil, in the spirit of the “zero-kilometre” philosophy. Our path will wind through pine-scented villages like Tamariu, where powdery beaches meet crystalline Mediterranean waters, and through time-suspended towns such as cliff-top Pals and bohemian Sitges.

• Cooking class with dinner paired with local wines
• Wine tasting in Priorat accompanied by lunch at a traditional local restaurant
• Oyster tasting on the delta of the Ebro River
• Lunch at an authentic masia with its own garden
• Cava adventure featuring a tasting and lunch of local products
• Vermouth tasting with tapas in a classic distillery
• Cava and chocolate pairing
• Cider tasting and lunch with a zero-kilometre menu
• Scenic boat ride along the stunning Costa Brava coastline
• Visit to the Salvador Dalí House-Museum
• Visits to 10 charming Catalan towns
• Discover 3 historic Aragonese towns
• Relax on 6 iconic beaches
• Immerse yourself in 3 thematic museums
• And several delightful surprises along the way

16 – 23 November

*This journey is guaranteed to run and is not dependent on a minimum number of participants.

*Catalan Gastro Safari can also be arranged as a bespoke private experience for families, groups of friends, or corporate occasions.

*A deposit of one third of the total cost is required upon booking. The remaining balance can be paid in two instalments, with final payment due no later than one month before departure.

*Sol Dias Travel also reserves the right to modify dates and itinerary in the event of changes to flight schedules imposed by the airlines.

After arriving at El Prat Airport, a private transfer whisks us away to our charming countryside retreat, which will be our sanctuary for the next five nights. Nestled in the Catalan hills, our house blends rustic warmth with local character. Once refreshed, we set out to explore nearby Vilafranca del Penedès – the historic capital of the Alt Penedès wine region, where medieval heritage dances hand in hand with modern Catalan culture, industry, and architecture. A brief wander through cobbled streets will tempt us into a quick tapas stroll before we return to our hostess’s kitchen, where aprons are tied and secrets are shared. Guided by her local wisdom, we’ll prepare traditional Catalan dishes – bold yet humble – which we’ll enjoy together in the garden, paired with local wines as the Mediterranean dusk settles in.

Our path follows the Ebro River, whose fertile delta is a cradle of Catalonia’s culinary riches. En route through the rice paddies, we delve into the cultivation of local rice and are tempted by tales of the area’s famous oysters. A short boat ride delivers us to a near-floating restaurant, where cava flows and oysters are shucked fresh from the water — salty, clean, and utterly unforgettable. Later, we climb inland towards Terra Alta, to a secluded masía surrounded by pines, olives, almonds, and ancient oaks. Once traditional farmhouses, these stately buildings now host elegant rural restaurants that pay homage to their roots. A refined tasting menu awaits us here, born of the garden and the terroir. Our eyes – as well as our palates – are further rewarded with a brief foray into neighbouring Aragón, where we wander through some of Spain’s most beautiful medieval villages, golden with history and alive with Moorish charm.

In the very heart of Penedès, we step into a 17th-century wine estate, where the art of Cava is as lively as ever. Under expert guidance, we’ll learn the traditional method and bottle our own sparkling souvenir. Lunch is a slow, joyful affair, laden with local produce and shared beneath old beams and vines. The afternoon calls for a sweet indulgence – a stop at a boutique chocolate workshop, perfect for thoughtful gifts or well-deserved self-rewards. We end the day with a leisurely visit to Sitges – Mediterranean sunshine, Art Nouveau façades, and the relaxed confidence of a town that seems to hold the secrets of summer. Whether you browse avant-garde galleries, explore the labyrinthine streets, or sip vermouth at a chiringuito on the sand, Sitges always delivers.

Today we journey north to Empordà — often called the “Catalan Tuscany”. Behind the coastal drama of the Costa Brava, this region hides fortified hilltowns, ancient vineyards, and a gentle way of life shaped by wind, light, and history. We begin at a family-run cider estate, where rows of apple trees stretch beneath the sun. After learning their time-honoured craft, we sample signature ciders and tuck into a country lunch infused with apples, heritage, and love. In the afternoon, we trace the coast through pine forests and golden coves, discovering charming medieval hamlets like Tamariu and Pals. Perched atop a hill, Pals enchants with its cobbled lanes, Gothic arches, and timeless stone houses adorned with vines and flowers. Tonight’s rest is at a beautifully restored 17th-century masía, now an eco-hotel where the kitchen sings with simple, local, seasonal elegance.