Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Evening Tapas & Wine Tour

Welcome to Barcelona! Upon arrival at either the airport or train station, you'll be greeted by a private driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Take some time to settle in and get your bearings before heading out to explore this beautiful and inexhaustible city.

You'll have many options on what to see and do on your first day—and plenty of company. The cosmopolitan and bustling heart of Spain's Catalonia region is popular with domestic and international travelers year-round. With fantastic art and architecture, rich medieval history, clean urban beaches, world-class nightlife, and great shopping, you'll be spoiled for choice.

A great place to start is Las Ramblas, a charming sequence of promenades that runs all the way from Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront, drawing a mix of locals and tourists. This famous tree-lined street stays cool and shady during hot summer days with statues, street performers, food carts, and flower stands. Stroll to your heart's content and stop for a bite at one of the many restaurants and cafés that have lasted through decades—just make sure to save room for what comes next.

Early in the evening, a private guide will meet you at your hotel to take you on a stroll around some of Barcelona's most interesting and exciting districts. Learn more about the city as you sample a range of classic and modern tapas while rubbing shoulders with locals. In fact, you'll stop in several tiny bars having a drink and bite to eat in each one while learning to 'tapear' like a true Catalan.

Day 2: Tour of La Sagrada Família & Barcelona's Food Markets

After breakfast, you'll start your day with a private guided walking tour of Barcelona, which includes its greatest monument La Sagrada Família—a spectacular Roman Catholic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. During this half-day excursion, you will see some of the city's most emblematic spots and hidden corners while learning about Gaudí and his jaw-dropping masterpiece, which is still under construction.

Later, you'll stop by some of Barcelona's buzzing markets to taste local delights with the careful guidance of your guide to show you the best and freshest offerings. Your guide will be on hand to answer all your questions, including where to go for lunch. In fact, he or she will take you to a recommended tapas bar or restaurant before parting ways leaving you to enjoy the afternoon exploring Barcelona at your own pace.

Day 3: Bike Tour of Barcelona

Today, after breakfast, get ready for a bike tour around Barcelona! At the designated time, your private guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a whirlwind panoramic tour of this wonderful city. Riding a bike is a great way to get some exercise and learn your way around this expansive city in a fun and dynamic way. During the tour, you will ride along the narrow streets of the Old Town (including Raval, El Born, and Barri Gòtic) before arriving at Park de la Ciutadella—a beautiful respite for relaxing strolls and also the site of the 1888 Universal Expo.

With fun anecdotes and great views to be had along the way, you'll also visit Olympic Village, the city's redeveloped port, and of course, Barceloneta Beach.

At the end of the tour, you'll have free time to explore on your own!

Day 4: Transfer to the Costa Brava via Girona & Figueres

After breakfast in Barcelona, a driver will pick you up at your hotel for the transfer to Begur in the Costa Brava, with a few detours along the way.

Your first stop will be Girona, where a private guide will take you on a stroll through the old quarter. As a former home to Greeks, Romans, Visigoths & Franks, Girona has stood the test of time via countless attacks by armies from near and far, which you can discuss with your guide. The local Catalans who live here have tastefully respected their unique history in carrying out the traditions since its founding nearly 2000 years ago. Explore winding streets with their delightful houses, churches, and gardens, as well as the famous Gothic Cathedral and the Jewish heritage center of Bonastruc Sa Porta.

Next, you'll travel to nearby Figueres (with the same guide) to learn about the city's history and get an intimate look at Dalí's Theatre Museum. This is an easy and entertaining way to understand his art through small details and anecdotes that bring to life one of the most fascinating and eclectic museums in the world.

You'll have time for lunch in Figueres, with your guide's recommendations, before getting back on the road towards the Costa Brava, where you'll check into your accommodation.

Day 5: Kayaking Excursion

Today, you'll get to discover the stunning coastline of the Costa Brava through its hidden coves, caves, and headlands on a fun kayaking tour with a private guide. During this half-day excursion, you'll visit idyllic corners of the coastline only accessible from the sea with your expert guide, who will show you a trick or two in your kayak. The excursion can be adapted to your fitness level and preferred distance, and all equipment is included.

At the end of the tour, you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy as you please. Perhaps you'll want to relax at another pretty beach in the area like Calella de Palafrugell.

Day 6: Wine Tasting in the Empordà Region

After breakfast in Begur, you'll be picked up for a fun and in-depth visit to a small local wine producer in the Costa Brava's Empordà region, which stretches from the town of Figueres in Catalonia, all the way to the French border. Historians say vineyards have been in this area since the fifth century BCE. Though it's not as big as other wine regions in Spain, Empordà is known to produce delicious wines, like White Grenache, Tempranillo, Macabeu, and Syrah, at terrific prices.

This five-hour excursion includes private transport and a stop for lunch in a nearby town before you return to your hotel in Begur in the afternoon, where you'll have free time to relax and, if you so choose, head to the beach and go for a refreshing swim before dinner.

Day 7: Transfer to Barcelona, Depart Spain

It's time to say farewell to Spain! At the designated time, a driver will pick you up at your hotel for the transfer to Barcelona. Upon arrival in the city, you'll be dropped off at either Barcelona El Prat airport or Barcelona Sants train station to connect with your onward journey. Safe travels!

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