Costa Brava

This holiday has been in our programme for several years and is a popular choice for people who want to explore the sights – like amazing Barcelona – as well as soak up the sun: we include four enjoyable excursions in this great-value package.

Pineda de Mar is a small resort on the Costa Brava, popular with Spanish holidaymakers. It offers easy access to sightseeing and a sweep of sandy beach with an attractive promenade and good facilities.

Our chosen hotel is only 3 blocks back from the beach, and the same distance from the railway station that is the starting point for some of our included excursions. Recent refurbishments mean that it offers good standards and our groups are very welcome here. Our excellent Spanish Host knows the Costa Brava inside out, and is a superb guide on our excursions, as well as ensuring all is well at the hotel.

The holiday includes a full day excursion by rail to Barcelona with a guided walking tour of the ‘Gothic’ Quarter to appreciate Gaudi’s extraordinary architecture; a full day trip by rail to Girona and guided tour of its medieval quarter; a half-day coach trip to the medieval hill town of Hostalric; a half-day rail trip to Canet de Mar where a less-famous architect, Domènech i Montaner, created equally amazing buildings. Our final treat is a half-day Catalan cookery workship to discover local gastronomy, and eat the result!

The Sumus Stella Hotel & Spa is a modern hotel in the centre of the resort, no more than 10 minutes’ stroll from the beach and from the railway station, which is the starting point for two of our day trips. 

The 195-room hotel was refurbished ahead of the 2018 season to earn 4-star status. Public areas are spacious and include a reading room as well as the attractive bar/lounge. The outdoor pool is perfect for a cool-down after sightseeing, and the (adult-only) Spa has an indoor pool as well as sauna, jazuzzi and Turkish bath, while the view from the 5^th floor gym makes treadmill time a bit easier!

We eat together around one table in the restaurant on 4 nights of each week: there’s a good range on the buffet, plus a show-cooking station for ‘cooking to order’ and we include wine with our dinners. On our last night together, we have a farewell dinner at a typical Catalan restaurant in Calella. 

A local bi-lingual Host will be with our group every day, accompanying you on the trips and helping you make the most of your free time, whether you want to enjoy the hotel facilities or check out the water-sports at the beach.

Note that if you opt for the 9-night stay, extra nights are on B&B basis and not Hosted.

Our standard rooms, now refurbished, look over the resort and have either a double or twin beds, a private balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, hair dryer, free WiFi, satellite TV and a mini-fridge. A safe box and tea & coffee making facilities are available at extra cost.  

Upgrade to a pool view for an extra £5 per night.

• Double/twin room for sole use
• Breakfast each day
• 5 dinners per week (with half bottle wine and bottled water), including final night at local Catalan Restaurant
• Excursions & Experiences on 4 days as described under Hotel tab
• Friendship Host at your disposal throughout
• ATOL-bonded flights from Gatwick. Up to 18 regional options: supplements may apply.
• Return transfers from/to Barcelona airport (approx 70 mins)