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Four delightful boat trips add to the fascination of a holiday in Catalonia, with a diversion into France and a tour of magnificent Barcelona at the climax.

Saga’s seven-night Little Boats of the Mediterranean break is based in the seaside town of Roses, with one cruise to the fishing village of Cadaqués and another along the Canal du Midi, and boat tours of lake Banyoles and Barcelona harbour.

Guests stay at the Saga-rated 3Q Prestige Hotel Coral Platja, on the seafront of Roses, next to Santa Margarida Beach and 350 yards from the town centre.

The hour-long boat trip to Cadques begins from Port Castell Santa Margarida with a guided tour of its enchanting old town of cobbled streets and a hilltop church. The beautiful landscape of Cadques has attracted artists including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, who stayed in the town as a child.

The canal trip to Beziers in France takes in the remarkable ‘staircase’ locks of Fonserances, and the 17th century Malpas tunnel.

The natural lake of Banyoles, the largest in Catalonia, with its mountain backdrop to the north, was the venue for the Olympic rowing events in 1992, and the cruise around it is followed by a visit to the medieval town of Besalu, featuring cobbled streets lined with early houses and a 12th-century fortified bridge.

During the hour-and-a -half boat trip exploring the harbour of Barcelona, guides will explain the history and importance of the port, and point out highlights including the Maremagnum shopping centre, Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia church, the Olympic Port and the glistening Mapfre Tower.

There’s also time to explore the city independently, perhaps to take a closer look at the Sagrada Familia or Gaudi’s architecturally quirky Park Güell and the tree-lined La Rambla with its cafes, market, shops, and the old Gothic quarter.

The Prestige Hotel Coral Platja has 167 bedrooms with air conditioning, TV, telephone and wifi. Meals are served buffet-style.

Guests who are not ready to head home can choose to extend, with an extra 7 nights all-inclusive at the locally rated 4-star Ilunion Caleta Park in the small town of S’Agaro.  Overlooking Sant Pol beach, Saga are the exclusive UK tour operator for this hotel which features Saga lounge and single rooms at no extra cost. The hotel is also perfectly situated to explore nearby Barcelona. Extension prices start from £500 per person.

For details call free on 0800 092 0803 or visit saga.co.uk/Spain

Seven nights from £949 per person, departing Gatwick or Manchester with eight departures from each airport from May to October 2019.

Price includes return flights, airport taxes, accommodation, half board and one lunch, porterage, tour manager, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if passenger has own insurance. 

Editors:

Saga is a specialist in the provision of products and services for life after 50. The Saga brand is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and its high quality, award winning products and services including cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and publishing. Visit saga.co.uk