Help planning for 8 days Barcelona and Costa Brava.
 

Hi. We will be on a cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon, starting and ending in Barcelona, and would appreciate any input on our 8 days pre-cruise plans. We would like to spend a few days in the Costa Brava area, with some time on the coast for scenery and views. Our current plan is:
First two nights in Barcelona, take it easy after long flight from California.
Then 3 nights in Costa Brava area.
Next 3 nights back in Barcelona meeting up with friends.

We are looking at staying in Begur (Hotel Aiguaclara), but considering staying in Girona if more convenient for exploring the area or other reasons. We would like to go to at least one of the Dali sites, sample good food, just enjoy the culture and beauty. First time in Spain or on the Mediterranean (for me). Our preference is not to rent a car, but would do so if public transport isn't feasible. Maybe rent a car for one day for some sightseeing and the other days just enjoy some walks and be more leisurely. Is it possible to hire a car and driver for a day as well or take a guided tour of the area?

For added info, we arrive on Sept. 24th of this year, which is apparently the likely last night of La Merce. We have hotel booked for those first 2 nights.The days we have planned for the Costa Brava area would be Friday afternoon the 26th, returning Tuesday morning. Should the elections scheduled for Sept. 27th be a consideration in any travel plans? We also considered staying in Barcelona for the duration and just doing day trips to the north, but are drawn to staying those days away to better experience the area . Thank you for any thoughts or suggestions.

If you're staying in Begur, I highly recommend having a car.

You can hire a car and driver for the day for sightseeing. Expect to pay in excess of 360€ for an 8-hour day, possibly a little more for an English speaking driver.

If you stay in Barcelona you can do a few fairly easy day trips. Check out Spanish Trails to see what they have available for your dates (spanish-trails.com).

Why pay for a guided day tour there are easy to take day trips from BCN which you can organise yourself. It is easy and save the expense.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g1...Barcelona.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/ba...t-of-barcelona
http://www.fodors.com/news/story_5794.html

Robert thank you for the response, I think if we stay in Begur then a car makes most sense. Possibly take train to Girona and rent car there?

Considering both responses maybe staying in Barcelona and taking a couple of day trips would work well and eliminate the need for packing and unpacking involved in overnight stays. Thank you for the links ribeirasacra.

Does anyone have any thoughts on how the elections on that Sunday and the days ahead of it would affect any travel in the area? Would there be related events that would make it more interesting to remain in Barcelona, or to stay in Costa Brava area around that time?

Don't miss the Dali Museum in Figueres.