Livingit – Experience Catalunya

Leaving Barcelona behind you, travel in a small luxury mini-coach with full air conditioning to the wonderful local morning market of either Tarragona, Santa Margarida i els Monjos or Vilafranca del Penedès, where most locals still buy a large part of their food. Find fresh fish and meat, colorful fruit and vegetables, gorgeous cheeses, olives and legs of “jamón” (cured ham) as far as the eye can see. Moreover, find clothes, plants or antiques.

The variety is just spectacular. Look for tapa bars or cafes, where you can enjoy a quick pick-me-up after a shopping.

Next stop is the medieval town of Montblanc, which historic center lies within its impressive defensive walls. Enter to the old town through the Bover tower, a well preserved defensive gate. Wander around the old streets and admire the 13th and 14th century buildings as you walk. Stroll along the Spanish promenade and Plaça Major and reach the St Jordi gate, where St George killed the dragon in his legendary victory. Do not miss the Gothic church of Santa Maria with its ornate facade and Jaw’s street, which is part of the Jewish quarter.

Continue the tour to experience a local festival. Spain, and specially Catalunya, is the land of traditions. In every single city, town and village there is a festival of some kind which gets all the townsfolk out in the street to celebrate. The most popular element in a city festival is ‘Castellers” or Human Tower Builders, who build up their best human towers in this special celebrations. This is an opportunity for the community to gather, to participate and to celebrate a shared heritage. Castells (or human towers) have existed for over two hundred years and today it is still the liveliest popular expression of Catalan culture. This is a unique practice in the world and UNESCO has declared it Intangible World Heritage. Human towers can be up to 10-people high. Hundreds of Catalans of all ages take part, from 60-year-old veterans that help to form “la pinya” (the solid base of the tower), to the brave “anxaneta” (a child of no more than six years old) who crowns the tower.

Highlights:

• Small group full day tour from Barcelona
• Catalan food market (it can be changed for a tour of a local winery and vineyard)
• Explore the walled town of Montblanc on a walking tour and see highlights like St Jordi Gate
• Experience a Catalan festival and see a human tower display- a tradition noted as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Take part in a human tower display and form part of the tower base (optional)
• Small-group tour with a maximum of seven people ensures a more personalized experience
• A professional native guide provides the guided tour in Catalan, Spanish or English

Inclusions:

• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Walking tour of Montblanc
• Explanation of the Human Tower tradition by a local expert
• Souvenir picture of your human tower
• Local taxes included

Exclusions:

• Gratuities
• Meals are excluded, however we always recommend good places to eat or typical food to taste
• Hotel Pick Up/Drop Off

Days of operation:
This tour is available every Saturday at 10:00h and Sunday at 9:00h, from April to November.

Specific information:

• This tour is available in English, Catalan and Spanish
• Please arrive 15 minutes prior the tour
• There will be time off the bus at your leisure, so please bring suitable clothing and footwear
• Please bring comfortable clothing if you would like to participate in the human towers activity
• Please, bring sun protection during summer season
• No refunds are available once a tour or service has commenced. If you cancel at least 3 calendar days in advance of the scheduled departure or commencement time, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel within 2 calendar days of the scheduled departure or commencement time, you will be charged a 100% cancellation fee
• Note that Spanish law requires children under 10 years to travel in a children’s car seat. Infant seats are available by request if advised at time of booking

Meeting point:

The meeting point is at Plaça Ossa Menor (in the Glories Shopping center), which is easily accessed from the entrance located in Diagonal Avenue. We meet next to McDonalds. There’s no Living It office, it’s only the departure point.

We can also pick you up at your accommodation place. Tell us when you check in!

Tailor made?

Would you like a private tour? Would you prefer a tailor made tour? Please, write us with your interest and enquiry and will get back to you with an interesting proposal! livingit@livingit.cat