Barcelona is such a popular city that many people only visit Barcelona when they're in the Catalonia region of Spain. There is definitely enough to do in Barcelona to keep you entertained for a few days or weeks (read more in this Barcelona Tourist Guide, but it would be a shame to neglect some of the region's other interesting sights. For those in a hurry, or those who don't have access to a car and don't want to try to negotiate the public transport system, an organized tour is a great way to see the area.
See also: Guided Tours of Mount Montserrat, Catalonia
1. Guided Tour of Tossa de Mar & Lloret, Costa Brava (from Barcelona)
Combine a trip to the medieval fishing village of Tossa de Mar with a trip to Fanals beach at Lloret de Mar. Some of the buildings in Tossa de Mar date back to the 12th century, while the crystal clear waters and sandy beaches of Lloret are a great end to your day.You have time in the afternoon to explore Lloret on your own.
2. Guided Tour of Dalí's Figueres & Jewish Girona (from Barcelona)
Combine a trip to Figueres, the birthplace of Spanish artist Salvador Dalí with a trip to Girona, which has one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe.The Dalí museum in Figueres is a work of art in itself and has to be seen to be believed - the most surreal sight you will see on your trip to Catalonia - well, apart from the Dalí paintings inside the museum!
After you've taken in Dalí's masterpieces, you'll visit Girona and its well preserved Jewish quarter. You will be free to explore Girona largely by yourself.
3. Guided Tour of Dalí's Figueres and Pubol Castle
After spending the morning visiting the Gala Dali castle in Pubol, visit Dalí's museum in his hometown of Figueres (see above).In 1996, the former residence of Dalí and his wife, the Gala Dali castle, became a museum which now houses the paintings and drawings which Dali gave to his wife, as well as elephant sculptures and a collection of Gala's dresses, furniture and decorative pieces.
The tour then goes on to Figueres, where you can see some of Dalí's greatest works in a spectacularly bizarre museum.
4. Guided Tour of Roman Tarragona & the Beaches of Sitges (from Barcelona)
After Merida in Extremadura, Tarragona has the best Roman ruins in Spain. The capital of Roman Iberia (the Roman name for Spain), Tarragona has a magnificent aqueduct and the remains of a roman amphitheater for you to explore, before your tour goes on to Roc de Sant Gaieta, a tiny Mediterranean-style village with its mix of Ibizan fishermen's houses, Seville-style patios, and Roman-Greco influence.Finally, a visit to the sandy beaches of Sitges, where you'll have some free time to go and soak up the sun.
