Private Volcanic Experience in La Garrotxa in 3 days
Let yourself be transformed by a place where earth, air, and time converge. Over three unforgettable days, walk the sacred ground of ancient volcanoes, soar in silence over pristine landscapes, and dine where fire gives birth to flavor. This is more than a trip—it's a deep reconnection with nature, heritage, and self.
An exclusive, fully curated 3-day journey through Catalonia’s La Garrotxa region. Includes luxury accommodations, a private vehicle with chauffeur, professional local guide, and access to volcanic trails, medieval villages, and optional hot air balloon flight. Designed for small groups or couples seeking authentic, high-end nature & culture immersion.
The experience begins the evening before, arriving in the La Garrotxa region to immerse yourself in its tranquility from the very first moment.
Dinner: At your leisure. A light dinner at the hotel or in the nearby town of Olot is recommended to prepare for the days ahead.
Hotel Mas La Ferreria (La Vall de Bianya): A 14th-century farmhouse (masia) exquisitely restored. Its respect for history, combined with understated luxury and personal service, makes it the perfect base.
The first day is a journey on foot, designed to build a connection with the land before seeing it from above.
Morning (10:00 AM - 1:30 PM): The Embrace of the Santa Margarida Volcano. This is more than a hike; it's a pilgrimage to the heart of a volcano. After a gentle climb through a forest of holm oaks, the path descends into the crater itself.
The Signature Moment: Reaching the grassy, perfectly round crater of the Santa Margarida Volcano and discovering a Romanesque hermitage at its center. This is a place of breathtaking energy. The goal is not just to see, but to feel: to sit in the meadow, breathe the still air, and sense the geological history beneath your feet.
Lunch (1:30 PM - 3:30 PM): Genuine "Volcanic Cuisine". We drive to the picture-perfect medieval village of Santa Pau. Lunch will be at a restaurant belonging to the "Cuina Volcànica" (Volcanic Cuisine) collective, a group of chefs dedicated to using local products from the region's rich, volcanic soil.
Recommended Restaurant: Cal Sastre. Located in the village's main porticoed square, it's a benchmark for quality and authenticity. Here you will taste the famous Santa Pau beans (fesols de Santa Pau), a small, delicate local white bean, alongside local meats and potatoes.
Afternoon (3:30 PM - 6:00 PM): A Stroll Through the Middle Ages. A leisurely exploration of Santa Pau. Its cobblestone streets, 13th-century castle, and arcaded main square offer a beautiful cultural counterpoint to the morning's nature walk.
Dinner (8:30 PM): Avant-Garde Flavours Born from Fire. For dinner, we elevate the gastronomic experience to the highest level.
Recommended Restaurant: Les Cols (Olot, 2 Michelin Stars). An essential visit for the demanding foodie. Chef Fina Puigdevall offers a poetic and radical interpretation of the La Garrotxa landscape. A meal here is an emotional narrative. (Bookings required months in advance).
Excellent Alternative: La Deu (Olot). Over 100 years of family history, blending traditional volcanic recipes with a modern touch. Authentic and of exceptional quality.
Important Note: A good night's rest is essential, as Day 2 begins very early to catch the magic of the sunrise.
This day is completely redesigned around the hot air balloon experience.
This is the absolute highlight of the experience.
The Signature Moment: Floating in silence over the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. From this bird's-eye view, you'll spot the crater of Santa Margarida (where you stood yesterday), the dramatic quarry of Croscat, and the vast Fageda d'en Jordà beech forest. With the Pyrenees in the distance, it is an unforgettable memory. During the 90-minute flight, you will toast with rosé Cava (symbolizing the colour of the volcanic soil) and taste coca de llardons, a typical local pastry.
The substantial brunch replaces a formal lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring on the ground what you have just witnessed from the sky.
Final Stop: On the way back towards Barcelona or Girona, a final, essential stop at Besalú. Crossing its magnificent 12th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià river is the perfect farewell. A last coffee in its historic square provides a moment to reflect on an intense and emotional 48-hour journey.
Walk into the Heart of a Volcano: Descend into the grass-covered crater of the Santa Margarida volcano and discover the solitary hermitage at its core.
Witness the Earth's Raw Power: Stand before the exposed, multi-coloured layers of the Croscat volcano, a stunning open-air lesson in geology.
Explore a Magical Forest: Lose yourself in the otherworldly atmosphere of the Fageda d’en Jordà, a unique beech forest growing on a hardened lava flow.
Travel Back in Time: Wander the cobbled streets, hidden squares, and ancient bridges of medieval gems like the walled village of Santa Pau and the magnificent town of Besalú.
A Personally Curated Itinerary: A detailed three-day, two-night plan designed exclusively for you.
Hand-Picked Accommodation: Two nights in a superior room at a charming historic masia (country manor) or a high-end boutique hotel, including breakfast.
Private Expert Guide: The dedicated services of a professional, local guide for the planned excursions (e.g., volcano hikes, village tours) to provide deep context and a seamless experience.
Private Chauffeured Vehicle: A premium, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver at your disposal for all transfers and excursions within the itinerary.
Entrance Fees: All necessary park and monument entrance fees as detailed in your itinerary.
Lunches & Dinners: To give you the utmost flexibility, meals are not included. We provide a curated list of exceptional restaurant recommendations, from Michelin-starred dining to authentic, family-run establishments, which we can book on your behalf.
Optional Premium Experiences: Activities like the sunrise hot air balloon flight over the volcanoes can be arranged and added to your package at an additional cost.
Travel to La Garrotxa: Your travel to and from the starting point of the experience (e.g., flights, trains) is not included.
Personal Expenses: Any personal purchases, souvenirs, or extra snacks and beverages.
