Overview

Siurana was the last Moorish stronghold in Catalonia and fell in 1153 Between Camp de Tarragona and was the last Muslim enclave to fall to the Christians in Catalonia. Today a Natural Park, we find areas of great beauty and natural interest: the area of Siurana +700m, and the Sierra of Llaberia. It is a route that crosses the most emblematic mountains of the Costa Daurada, joining the Natural Park of the Serra de Montsant (Priorat) with the Prades Mountains (Baix Camp), full of surprising places surrounded with peace and harmony. Cornudella where we start walking boasts an Art Nouveau cooperative wine celler built in 1919 by Cèsar Martinell, student of Gaudí as well as a Renaissance church dedicated to Saint Mary. Siurana also conserves remains of the Moorish castle, the military buildings or “hisn” which were built around 9th century as a control centre. They belong to an extensive territory dominated by the Moors and located in a strategic position of defence at the entrance to the village. The conquest of this castle by Ramon Berenguer IV was planned before those of Tortosa and Lleida, but was not completed until 1153.Once conquered, it was passed to Bertran de Castellet and later on to Albert de Castellvell. It served as dowry for the Catalan royalty, to guarantee pacts amongst other functions. The Priorat is a place associated with world-renowned wines and a living agricultural landscape of outstanding beauty, with Siurana and the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei as its biggest attractions.

The Priorat is a land of contrasts, infused with peace, with typical countryside of agriculture and a very hilly geography which hides its’ charming vineyards and olive groves. In Spain, and nowadays in the whole world the name of Priorat already a synonym of wonderful and powerful wines. Moreover, here in this small region we find two different appellations of origin of wines (DOQ Priorat and DO Montsant). We will have plenty of opportunity for a wine tasting en route.

Meals are included where you see B (breakfast),L (lunch) and D (dinner) following the days itinerary.

Day 1 :

Arrivals in Tarragona

We will meet you in Tarragona at the hotel. Visit Tarragona roman amphitheatre. The first occupation of Tarragona is attributed to Gneus Scipio, who founded a Roman military camp here in 218 BC. It grew quickly and was named a colony of Rome in 45 BC by Julius Caesar. Tarragona is considered the most important Roman town in Spain.

The Roman Amphitheatre is situated on the coast, just off the Rambla Nova. At Tarragona’s highest point sits the 12th century cathedral; located within cathedral is the Museu Diocesà, housing an interesting collection of Catalan art.

The Archaeological Museum can be found at Plaça del Rei 5, overlooking the sea and the Necropolis Museum, just outside of the main town, displays one of the most important Christian burial sites in Spain, which was used between the 3rd and 5th centuries. We will arrive to meet you at the Hotel Placa de la La Fonta or a nearby restaurant. We will eat dinner at local restaurant. Hotel in Tarragona Placa de la Fonta *

Day 2 :

Cornudella de Montsant – Siurana – Cornudella

Approximately 14Km round trip. We climb up to Siurana (706m) and have a guided your of this atmospheric village perched on an escarpment. La Siurana is the Christian name for the town. Originally, it was known by the Latin name of La Seviriana, but was changed to Xibrana after being conquered by the Umayaads. A memorial cross was erected in 1953 to commemorate the reconquest of Siurana 800 years before in 1153, the last Muslim enclave to fall to the Christians in Catalonia. We pass the Siurana de Prades reservoir and castle. If you would like to climb this day we can do it but need to know in advance. We will take lunch in Siurana. Cornudella is a cute climbers town where we will stay for the night. Lo Refugio Cornudella de Montsant (B,L)

13.6km, 6hrs including lunch +447m – 429m

Day 3 :

Cornudella – La Mussara - Prades

Cornudella – La Mussara or transfer to Arboli and walk. Starting from the chapel of St Paul we contour until there is the opportunity to climb up Puig Gallicant to an abandoned village, occupied until 1965 when the resident farmers moved down to Arboli. Local people made a living from farming wheat, oats, rye and chickpeas in their farms and vineyards, in the flatter areas of lower height. We then pass the spectacular Gorg del Mas des Frares before entering the deep sided canyon walls of of Febro and reaching the refuge de Mussara. 11km, +487m – 234m. We may go the other way around the lake for variety. We then transfer to Prades where we will stay for the next 2 nights. (B,L,D)

Day 04 :

La Mussara – Prades

An easy day through beautiful forest via pont de Goi and Covas de les Gralles from where we will walk down until to Prades village (in the Major square we will find one of the most famous fountains in the country). Cal Pons, Prades (B,L)Distance: 12.3km +311m – 349m

Day 05 :

Prades to Cornudella de Montsant

Distance: 19.8km+608m – 908m

Spectacular route via the quaint village of Albarca. Magnificent views of Montsant and an intriguing and photogenic path. Albarca was depopulated after the Spanish Civil war. In Arabic it means blessed mountain and was the high point for the high road between Llieda and Fraga. The chapel la mere de Deu you can see was founded in the 12th century. We spend this night in Cornudella and enjoy its vibrant, multicultural charm. Well known also as a hub for climbers there are many fine bakeries and cafes. Apartments Cal Giral 1 and 2, Cornudella de Montsant. (B,L,D)

Day 06 :

La Morena - Porrera, wine tasting and transfer to Cambrils

La Morena - Porrera, wine tasting and transfer to Cambrils, Hotel Port Eugeni

From La Morera we start at 900m, passing through vineyards most of the way finish and the village of at 300m, it’s 14km that passes through vineyards almost all the way, and also the village of Poboleda. In Porrera there are several wineries to visit, we recommend Giol de Porrera with lunch at the cooperativa, which is fabulous. A visit will be reserved.

Transfer to La Morera In the morning.

La Morera isa village located deep in the heart of Priorat and well known for centuries for its excellent wines. This will be your first stop, having time to savour the delicious wines of the DOQ (Apellation) of Priorat. Try at least 3 wines during a guided tasting with a local winemaker, on the vineyard with breath-taking views, tasting included.

Celler Devinssi is a small artisan wine producer in Gratallops established in year 2000. We elaborate DOQ Priorat wines and we are determined about the quality of our products.

Hotel Eugeni Port, Cambrils. (B,L)

Day 07 :

Cambrils - Reus or Tarragonna

Beach morning or departures. The Catalonian town of Cambrils is up in northeastern Spain, along the glamorous Costa Dorada. It’s a polished fishing village that’s retained its old town charm, which means a great mix of markets in the old town, nightlife on the promenade and Michelin-starred restaurants on tucked-away side streets. (B)