Description
With its temperate climate and fresh sea breeze, it's easy to see why the Costa Brava is a firm favourite during the festive season. So why not celebrate Christmas and New Year abroad this year and replace the cold weather and dark skies with the Costa Brava's sandy beaches, azure waters, and charming ambience? With visits to picturesque Catalan towns scattered along the coast as well as plenty of festive fun and relaxation at the hotel, this is a wonderful way to spend the Christmas holidays.
Itinerary
What's Included?
IncludesReturn coach travel & ferry crossingsFirst & last night on a bed & breakfast basis in FranceAdditional overnight stay on the return journey with a light evening meal and breakfast in France10 nights at a selected hotel on the Costa Brava (JG4 rating) with full board (includes a gala dinner on New Year's Eve):Buffet-style breakfast, lunch & dinnerSelected local brand spirits, wine, beer, soft drinks, tea & coffee (10am-11pm)Hot & cold snacks (10:30am-12:0pp & 3:30-6pm)Entertainment some eveningsExcursions to Tossa de Mar, Girona, Besalú & PalsEn-route visit to ParisServices of a resort representative on selected daysOptional excursion to Barcelona with guided city tour (£25pp)*Please note: Drinks are not included in the restaurant during meals.
Itinerary
22nd DecemberFerry to Calais and overnight stay in France.23rd DecemberCross the border into Spain, reaching our hotel on the Costa Brava in time for dinner.Christmas Eve - Tossa de MarWe take a morning trip to Tossa de Mar, once a tiny fishing village and now a popular seaside resort that has managed to retain all of its original charm and character.Christmas Day & Boxing DayWe relax and soak up the resort's friendly atmosphere with plenty of good food, fun and festive entertainment.27th December - Optional excursion to Barcelona with guided city tour (£25pp)Join us for an optional excursion to Barcelona. We discover the highlights of this vibrant, beachside city with our guided city tour including the bustling streets of the Ramblas, the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia cathedral and the area built for the 1992 Olympics.28th December - Day at leisure in our resort29th December - GironaGirona is a compact and charming city located halfway between the sea and mountains. There is plenty to see during our day out here, from exploring the grandiose Gothic cathedral to the beautifully preserved Jewish quarter.30th December - Besalú & PalsWe enjoy a relaxing excursion to Besalú, a beautiful example of a medieval town, before continuing onwards to the quaint winding cobblestones of Pals where many of its ancient buildings are still standing.New Year's Eve & New Year's DayWe spend a couple of days at leisure in our resort and enjoy a gala dinner on New Year's Eve, bringing in the New Year in style.2nd JanuaryTravel to our overnight hotel in France, with a light evening meal included.3rd January - ParisWe travel north to Paris for an afternoon at leisure. Explore the many sights of the iconic 'City of Lights' before enjoying free time for dinner in Paris (not included). Tonight, we stay in a hotel on the outskirts of Paris on a bed and breakfast basis.4th JanuaryContinue on to Calais for our return ferry home.
Costa Brava
It's easy to see why Spain's northernmost Costa, the Costa Brava, remains so popular with coach holidaymakers.
With a spectacular coastline made up of dramatic cliffs and secluded coves framed by towering pines and only interrupted by pretty harbours and seaside towns, the Costa Brava, which translates as 'wild coast', is the place to go for romantic unspoilt scenery, breathtaking views and some of Europe's finest Blue Flag beaches, not to mention a mild year-round climate.
Coach holidays to the Costa Brava have something for everyone.
Girona
The charming medieval city of Girona is located north of Barcelona at the confluence of the rivers Ter, Onyar, Galligants and Güell, halfway between the sea and the mountains. Girona is one of the most historic centres in Catalonia. Take a leisurely stroll through the old town, visit the museums, art galleries and historic buildings, including the impressive Gothic cathedral, wander through the cobbled lanes and squares, and discover the quaint cafés, bars and restaurants.
Barcelona
This magnificent city filled with Catalan culture offers various attractions and events for our coach passengers with outstanding museums, art & architecture including the world famous Sagrada Familia and the Casa Bastillo with its renowned skull & bones balconies, designed by the Spanish architect - Antoni Gaudi. nnBarcelona offers more than just sensational architecture, with fantastic shopping opportunities such as the traditional 'Las Ramblas' bursting with designer outlets and boutiques along with a great range of restaurants and bars. Take a National Holidays coach break and you'll be spoilt for choice!
Venue Information
Hotel
Selected HotelJG4 ratingWe'll stay at a selected hotel on the Costa Brava (JG3 rating). The hotel boasts comfortable en-suite bedrooms, balconies, buffet-style meals and regular entertainment.Hotel accessibility informationYour hotel will be confirmed approximately 3 weeks before departure, therefore we cannot guarantee that the hotel will have a lift and/or ground floor rooms and may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility.Hotel RatingsJG4 ratingAccommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.