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Geography Trips to Northern Catalonia

Northern Catalonia contains a wealth of spectacular Natural Parks with varied geological features and ecosystems to study. The area provides some of the finest examples of volcanic scenery in Europe at the Garrotxa Volcanic Park, but also has wetlands, fluvial environments, limestone landscapes and of course coastal environments to study. The city of Barcelona itself is a fascinating case study in urban growth and development.

The dramatic and unspoilt landscapes and access to the city of Barcelona make this an inspirational destination for a geography tour that is not too far afield.

 

Curriculum Topics Key Stage 4 & 5

  • Tectonic Hazards
  • Content of the World Around Us
  • Urban Issues and Challenges
  • Glaciated Landscapes and Change
  • Tectonics and Hazards
  • Landscapes and Processes
  • Contemporary Urban Environments

Prices start from£499pp

Popular itinerary

Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.

Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Check in to UK airport for flight to Barcelona Arrive in Barcelona. Transfer to your accommodation on the Costa Brava. Free time to explore the local area Evening meal
2 Full day guided excursion to Garrotxa Natural Park exploring the Volcanism in the area. Evening meal
3 Full day guided excursion to Barcelona, exploring urban development at Montjuic Olympic Park and Port Vell. Free time in Barcelona and Tapas Tasting - Evening meal
4 Free time in Barcelona seeing Sagrada Familia or Parc Guell Transfer to airport for return flight to the UK
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
Morning Check in to UK airport for flight to Barcelona
Afternoon Arrive in Barcelona. Transfer to your accommodation on the Costa Brava. Free time to explore the local area
Evening Evening meal
Morning Full day guided excursion to Garrotxa Natural Park exploring the Volcanism in the area.
Afternoon
Evening Evening meal
Morning Full day guided excursion to Barcelona, exploring urban development at Montjuic Olympic Park and Port Vell.
Afternoon
Evening Free time in Barcelona and Tapas Tasting - Evening meal
Morning Free time in Barcelona seeing Sagrada Familia or Parc Guell
Afternoon Transfer to airport for return flight to the UK
Evening

Price Shown includes

  • Return Air Travel
  • 3 nights Half Board Accommodation
  • Specialist Group Travel Insurance
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  • 24/7 support whilst you are away

Places to Stay


Reasons to Visit

Barcelona

No visit to Catalonia is complete without a visit to the vibrant Catalan capitol. Students can experience and evaluate areas of urban growth and regeneration at the Olympic Village or the regenerated Port Vell area. Include some of its iconic sites, the Gaudi cathedral or Nou Camp Stadium or simply stroll along las Ramblas to make a memorable day exploring this vibrant, colourful city.

Garrotxa Natural Park

Garrotxa Natural Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty covering 120km2 and is renowned for its biodiversity. It contains some of the most interesting volcanic landscape in Europe. There are thirty Strombolian volcanic cones, most of which are visible and contain cinder material, and over twenty unusually constructed basaltic lava flows. In addition, the area’s moist Mediterranean mountain climate has contributed to lush vegetation and a spectacular landscape.

Croscat Volcano

The volcanic cinder cone of El Croscat is entirely covered with vegetation with the exception of the formerly quarried area that takes a slice out of the volcano and reveals the inner structure, composed of layers of tephra and volcanic bombs. The area is protected to prevent further erosion and guarantee public access for educational purposes. There is a visitors information centre with an exhibition. Access is free but must be accompanied by a qualified guide.

Tordera River Valley

Tordera River Basin is a non-regulated river basin and presents typical Mediterranean conditions with a high environmental diversity, ranging from the mountain tops of the headwaters to the delta area where it meets the Mediterranean Sea. A day here visiting different sites along the river’s long profile will allow you to understand river processes and investigate channel characteristics like velocity, discharge, gradient and channel efficiency.

Castellfollit de la Roca

The small town of Castellfollit de la Roca rises up on a spectacular columnar basalt escarpment, 40 metres high and nearly a kilometre long that has been shaped by the river Fluvià. It is a spectacular study in the use of volcanic material in construction and of the way volcanoes have transformed the landscapes.

Montserrat

Montserrat is one of Catalonia’s most important religious sites but is also a Natural Park. Made of conglomerate rock, the name means “saw mountain” in Catalan reflecting its distinctive serrated limestone pinnacles caused by erosion and weathering. A visit here can include a funicular ride to the summit or the Collbató caves inside the mountain itself.


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