6 hours
Daily Tour
6 people
Czech, English, Espanol, portugues, Slovak
“To understand Catalonia, one must look at its stones, its homes, and its people. Mataró and Argentona are not just towns — they are open books of our identity.”
Step off the tourist map and explore the legacy of one of Catalonia’s great Modernist architects, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, on this exclusive 6- to 8-hour private tour from Barcelona. Combining the inland charm of Argentona with the coastal elegance of Mataró, this itinerary uncovers a lesser-known but richly rewarding side of Catalan architecture and culture.
Your journey begins in Argentona, a quiet town nestled between hills and vineyards, long appreciated by Barcelona’s elite as a summer retreat. Here, Puig i Cadafalch left an extraordinary architectural footprint, from his Casa Garí—a stunning manor inspired by medieval Catalan tradition—to the Museu del Càntir, a unique ceramic museum housed in one of his early designs. You’ll also visit the quaint historic center, where stories of heritage and craftsmanship abound.
Next, a short drive takes you to Mataró, Puig’s birthplace and the city where his career began. Accompanied by your expert guide, you’ll trace his early steps through buildings like the Nau Gaudí, originally designed by Gaudí but later restored and studied by Puig. You’ll also explore his Casa Coll i Regàs, a gem of floral Modernisme with richly symbolic façades and interiors, as well as several other landmarks scattered across the city’s elegant streets.
If you choose to extend your tour to 8 hours, we’ll finish the day in Alella, one of Catalonia’s oldest wine regions. There, you’ll enjoy a visit to a boutique winery, complete with a guided tasting of organic wines and beautiful views over the Mediterranean.
This tour offers a refined, immersive experience for architecture lovers, cultural travelers, and anyone curious to discover the roots of Catalonia’s Modernist movement beyond Gaudí.
Scenic Drive from Barcelona to Argentona
Your private tour begins with a comfortable drive in a luxury Mercedes vehicle from your accommodation in Barcelona to the tranquil inland town of Argentona. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the life and legacy of Josep Puig i Cadafalch and the rich historical backdrop of the Maresme region.
Discover Puig i Cadafalch’s Argentona
Upon arrival in Argentona, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour through its historic quarter. You’ll visit several early works of Puig i Cadafalch, including the charming Casa Garí, an impressive masia converted into a Modernist summer residence, and the Museu del Càntir, a unique pottery museum located in one of his architectural designs. The town’s peaceful setting and artistic charm make it the perfect starting point for understanding Puig’s cultural vision.
Drive to Mataró – Puig’s Birthplace and Architectural Laboratory
From Argentona, a short drive takes you to Mataró, the coastal capital of the Maresme region and the birthplace of Puig i Cadafalch. This is where his professional journey began, and where his ideas about national identity and architecture first took form.
Guided Tour of Puig’s Works in Mataró
Your expert guide will lead you through the Ruta Modernista de Mataró, a curated walk that includes his early masterpiece Casa Coll i Regàs, a perfect example of floral Modernisme with beautifully crafted details. You’ll also explore La Beneficència, Can Serra, and the historic Nau Gaudí—originally designed by Gaudí but restored and reinterpreted thanks to Puig’s early studies of his mentor’s work.
Optional Extension to Alella Wine Country (8H Tour)
If you’ve chosen the full 8-hour version of the tour, we’ll continue with a relaxing drive to Alella, a picturesque village nestled between vineyards and the sea. You’ll visit a family-run winery, learning about local winemaking traditions and enjoying a curated tasting of organic wines, often paired with light snacks or sea views.
Return to Barcelona
At the end of the day, you’ll be comfortably driven back to your hotel in Barcelona. Your guide will be happy to offer final insights or recommendations for the rest of your stay.
Just north of Barcelona, the towns of Argentona and Mataró offer a refreshing escape from the city and a rare opportunity to explore the lesser-known legacy of Modernisme. These are not just charming coastal towns—they are deeply tied to the life and work of Josep Puig i Cadafalch, one of Catalonia’s most influential architects and thinkers.
Mataró, Puig’s birthplace, was the setting for many of his earliest and most personal projects. From innovative civic buildings to residential commissions, the city reflects his evolving architectural language and his commitment to social and cultural progress. It is also home to the oldest existing building by Antoni Gaudí, whose legacy Puig helped to preserve.
Casa Coll i Regàs (Mataró)
Puig’s architectural jewel in his hometown: a floral Modernist house with exquisite stonework, ceramics, and stained glass. Visits to the interior of the Coll i Regas house can only be offered on weekends, as it is closed during the week.
La Beneficència & Can Serra (Mataró)
Two fine examples of Puig’s civic architecture, reflecting his commitment to social and cultural progress through design.
Nau Gaudí (Mataró)
The oldest surviving building by Antoni Gaudí, restored in part thanks to Puig’s early research. Now a contemporary art center and symbol of their intertwined legacies.
A short drive away, Argentona was Puig’s beloved summer retreat. Here, amidst quiet streets and lush surroundings, he experimented with forms inspired by traditional Catalan architecture, medieval motifs, and local materials. The result is a unique and intimate portrait of Puig’s artistic and ideological roots—less monumental than Barcelona’s Modernisme icons, but just as meaningful.
Casa Garí (Argentona)
A beautifully preserved Modernist summer residence designed by Puig i Cadafalch, blending medieval inspiration with Catalan rural architecture.
Museu del Càntir
Housed in a building by Puig himself, this unique museum displays hundreds of traditional water jugs from around the world, celebrating craftsmanship and sustainability.
Argentona Historic Center
A quiet and charming town dotted with early Modernist villas and traditional Catalan architecture—a living testimony to Puig’s vision of cultural identity.
Optional: Alella Wine Country (8H version)
A visit to a boutique winery in the Alella DO, including a guided tour of the vineyards and a premium wine tasting experience in a stunning Mediterranean setting.
THIS MATARO & ARGENTONA WITH WINE OPTION TOUR RUNS:
Every day.
TOUR LENGHT:
6 – 8 hours. .
RECOMMENDED STARTING TIME: Anytime between 9:00AM and 10:00AM.
WHERE DO WE MEET?
The guide will pick you up at your Hotel/ accommodation within the Barcelona city limits.
WHERE DO WE END?
Back to your accommodation or other point of your choice within the Barcelona city limits.
IS THERE A LUNCH STOP?
Yes, we’ve selected a wonderful option for you to enjoy a wonderful traditional meal. It will be part of an unforgettable memory.
LUNCH (not included) Expect to pay €20 -30/person, depending on your order.
HOW DO WE MOVE AROUND? Rides in Mercedes car or minivan for upto 6 of you + guide & dedicated driver. Walking during the wineries visit and Mataro & Argentona historical center.
HOW SHOULD WE DRESS?
Inside the cava cellars there’s a constant temperature of around 59ºF (15ºC). A light jacket is recommended in the Summer. Also, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes to be able to walk comfortably and if possible wear a hat or cap, it will help us to protect us from the sun.
THIS TOUR IS WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY?
Yes, this tour is wheelchair accessible, with just a few considerations:
Casa Coll i Regàs: Fully accessible, with an elevator and ramps inside. The guided visit is adapted for all mobility levels.
Museu del Càntir (Argentona): Accessible entrance and facilities. Some temporary exhibitions may have limited access due to historical features, but most of the museum is adapted.
Streets of Argentona & Mataró: Generally flat and walkable, though some minor cobblestones or uneven surfaces may appear in older areas. Your guide will adapt the walking route accordingly.
Casa Garí: Private property, access depends on availability and must be confirmed in advance. It is not fully wheelchair accessible, so we recommend replacing it with a visit to Can Serra or Nau Gaudí, both of which are adapted.
Alella Winery (optional extension): Most wineries in the Alella DO are partially accessible. We will select one that offers adapted tastings and facilities upon request.
Your private guide and driver will adapt the pace and itinerary to ensure maximum comfort, whether you’re traveling with a wheelchair, mobility aid, or simply prefer fewer steps.
IS THIS TOUR SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS?
Absolutely. This tour is a great fit for families with children of all ages, especially those with an interest in architecture, creativity, or hands-on experiences.
Casa Coll i Regàs: The guided visit can be adapted to include interactive elements and storytelling that engage younger visitors. The house’s colorful stained glass, intricate details, and unique shapes often fascinate children.
Museu del Càntir (Argentona): Children usually enjoy the large collection of traditional water jugs (some shaped like animals or cartoonish faces!), and the museum offers occasional hands-on exhibits or clay workshops.
Walking Tours: The walking portions are short and pleasant, perfect for kids. The tour can include small breaks, games, or even ice cream stops if desired.
Optional Alella Winery Extension: Some wineries in Alella are family-friendly and allow children to explore the vineyard area, taste grape juice, or enjoy a small garden/play zone while adults enjoy the wine tasting.
As always, the tour is private and fully customizable, so your guide will adapt the pace and content to the interests and needs of your family. Whether you’re traveling with curious teens or little ones, this is an enriching and enjoyable day outside the city
| # | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 adults | 2 | 2 | €230,00 |
| 2 | 3 adults | 3 | 3 | €420,00 |
| 3 | 4 adults | 4 | 4 | €620,00 |
| 4 | 5 adults | 5 | 5 | €825,00 |
| 5 | 6 adults | 6 | 6 | €1.050,00 |
| 6 | 7 adults | 7 | 7 | €1.274,00 |
| 7 | 8 adults | 8 | 8 | €1.496,00 |
| 8 | 9 adults | 9 | 9 | €1.755,00 |
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