This itinerary is essentially a tour of Catalonia, and it includes a sampling of the multiple delights to be savored in this region: spectacular mountains, lovely old towns and castles, and beautiful sea coasts that alternate cliffs and beaches. Catalonia has been settled continuously since the Greeks landed in the 6th century B.C. In the 15th century Catalonia combined with Aragon to form a vast kingdom extending to Naples, Italy and it became, somewhat reluctantly, part of the new kingdom created by the marriage of Ferdinand, King of Aragon, to Isabella, Queen of Castille.
Catalonia has fiercely defended its autonomy during its entire history. As a Republican stronghold in the Civil War of 1936-1939, the region experienced a great deal of the bloodshed. When Nationalists (under Francisco Franco) won, regional autonomy was suppressed. Only after the adoption of the new constitution of 1978 were the various regions allowed to regains a measure of autonomy and Catalonia was the first to do so.
In addition to Spanish, the regional language of Catalan is widely used. As in Galicia and the Basque country, you often see things spelled in the regional dialect and since 1978 most official signs have been replaced with bilingual ones. Cuisine in Catalonia vies with that of the Basque region for the title of best in the country. It includes many seafodd and meat dishes with a variety of sauces, reminiscent- and imitative- of French culinary style. In Catalonia the mixture of sandy beaches, rugge coastlines, gorgeous mountain scenery and fine foods offers something for everyone.
Barcelona is an impressive and prosperous city with much to see and do. But the rest of Catalonia also has much to offer, so when you have completed a tour or Barcelona, head into the interior to see another side of this lovely region.
For a detailed description of this suggested itinerary Auto Europe highly recommends Karen Brown's Guide to Spain, Charming Inns & Itineraries.
