Highlights
- Sample the fare at Barcelona's best tapas bars and historic food markets
- Visit Gaudí landmarks and marvel at Catalan-modernist architecture
- Go on private wine tours at local vineyards around Cartalonia
- Hike, bike, and kayak around the stunning coastline of the Costa Brava
- Chill out at beaches near Begur, a fairy-tale town with an 11th-century castle
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Barcelona, Self-Guided Tour | Barcelona |
| Day 2 | Walking Tour of Barcelona & La Sagrada Família | Barcelona |
| Day 3 | Gaudí Architecture Tour & Barcelona's Markets | Barcelona |
| Day 4 | Monserrat & Winery Day Trip | Barcelona |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Begur via Girona & Figueres | Begur |
| Day 6 | Costa Brava Free Day, Beaches & Hiking | Begur |
| Day 7 | Costa Brava Kayaking Excursion | Begur |
| Day 8 | Biking Excursion in the Baix Empordá | Begur |
| Day 9 | Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava | Begur |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Barcelona, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Self-Guided Tour
Welcome to Barcelona! Upon arrival at the airport or train station, you'll be greeted by a personal driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Take time to settle in and get your bearings before exploring this beautiful and inexhaustible city on a self-guided tour.
You'll have many options for activities—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 good place to start is by taking a stroll down La Ramblas, a sequence of promenades that runs from Plaça de Catalunya down to the waterfront. Embark on the ultimate food pilgrimage with a visit to the vibrant public market, La Boquería, which dates back to 1217. Centuries later, it's still considered one of Europe's premier markets and offers the perfect introduction to Catalan cuisine.
Day 2: Walking Tour of Barcelona & La Sagrada Familia
After breakfast, you'll head out on a private guided walking tour of Barcelona. First up is the city's greatest monument, La Sagrada Família. Legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí designed this wholly unique Catholic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a model of Catalan-modernist architecture. Construction began on the landmark in 1882, and, interestingly, remains under construction to this day.
When you've finished at La Sagrada Família, you'll continue the half-day excursion with visits to some of the city's most emblematic spots as well as hidden corners off the tourist trail. Throughout the tour, your expert guide will answer any 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: Gaudí Architecture Tour & Barcelona's Markets
In the morning, meet your personal guide for an exclusive tour of some of Antoni Gaudí's architectural masterpieces. Start at Park Güell, Barcelona's most famous green space. Located atop Carmel Hill and offering incredible city views, Park Güell is defined by its pretty gardens and Gaudí's unique artistic elements. Some of the most iconic include the dragon fountain near the entrance and the mosaic-covered "serpent bench." Don't miss the local buskers performing in the park's nooks and crannies.
Then make your way over to Casa Milà, one of Gaudí's most iconic works of civil architecture. Built for the wealthy and aristocratic Milà family, the result is an incomparable masterpiece of design, as much a work of art as a building. Later, you'll visit a few of Barcelona's best local markets to taste a range of Spanish delights with your guide's help and recommendations.
Day 4: Monserrat & Winery Day Trip
After breakfast, meet your guide/driver for a trip to the Catalan countryside and the impressive Monastery of Montserrat. This massive abbey is notable for its privileged mountain setting offering incredible views. Founded in the 11th century, it still functions today, with over 70 monks in residence. While here, you'll have the chance to listen to a boys' choir and see the statue of Moreneta de Montserrat (also known as the Black Madonna of Montserrat). Following this is a quick walk to Santa Cova, where the black Madonna is said to have originally been found.
Later, you'll depart Montserrat and enjoy a lunch of rustic Catalan cuisine at a local restaurant, followed by a guided tour of one of the region's premier boutique wineries. Capping the experience is a tasting of some of their wines and cavas (Spanish sparkling wine), after which you'll return to Barcelona.
Day 5: Transfer to Begur via Girona & Figueres
It's time to say goodbye to Barcelona and hello to the stunning Costa Brava, a 125-mile (200 km) stretch of coast in the north of Catalonia. In the morning, a driver will pick you up at your hotel for the transfer to the medieval coastal village of Begur, one of the highlights of the region. In total, the drive takes about 1.5 hours, but you'll make a couple of special stops along the way.
The first is in Girona, a historic and colorful city. Girona's long history dates to pre-Roman times, and over the centuries, it has been home to Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, and Franks, among others. Here, an expert guide will take you on a stroll through the medieval Old Quarter, where you can explore winding cobbled streets lined with historic houses, churches, and gardens, as well as the famous Gothic Cathedral and the Jewish heritage center of Bonastruc Sa Porta.
Next, travel north to nearby Figueres, located in the province of Girona and famous as the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. On a stroll around town with your guide, you'll learn about the city's history and visit the famous Dalí Theatre-Museum, dedicated to the life of the legendary Catalan artist. After lunch in Figueres, you'll get back on the road and continue on to Girona, where you'll check into your accommodation.
Day 6: Costa Brava Free Day, Beaches & Hiking
Today is yours to explore the Costa Brava's best beaches and hiking paths. This stunning section of the Mediterranean coast is a favorite holiday spot with locals from Barcelona and Southern France, who come for the idyllic scenery and superb cultural and leisure activities.
A good way to start the morning is with a scenic coastal hike where you can get a natural feel for the area and its incredible scenery. A great option is to walk a portion of the rugged GR 92 route, which runs hundreds of miles and hugs the shoreline. After working up a sweat, you can cool off at one of the many beaches in the area, which range from long stretches of golden sands to hidden rocky coves and isolated beaches only accessible on foot.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 7: Costa Brava Kayaking Excursion
This morning, you'll experience the stunning coastline of the Costa Brava from a different perspective: from the water. It begins early when you head to the beach and hop in a kayak alongside an expert guide. This kicks off a half-day trip during which you'll paddle to hidden coves, caves, and headlands on a ride down one of the nation's most beautiful stretches of coast. At the end of the tour, you'll have the rest of the day free. Perhaps head to a popular beach like Calella de Palafrugell.
Day 8: Cycling in the Baix Empordá
After a hearty breakfast in Begur, your driver will pick you up for the short transfer to meet your guide in the heart of the Costa Brava. Upon arrival in Gualta—a small village in the beautiful Baix Empordà region—you'll receive an e-bike and begin a (literally) electric ride amid the region's breathtaking scenery while barely breaking a sweat.
The 18-mile (29 km) route passes several of the medieval villages that define Baix Empordá. Most of the route passes along rural trails and farmland, and the terrain is mostly flat, making it suitable for all skill levels. There will be plenty of time to stop for photographs, and your guide will share tidbits of local history along the way.
You'll finish the trip with a ride back to Gualta through wildflower-dotted fields and charming villages. Upon arrival, say farewell to your guide and transfer back to your accommodation in Begur.
Day 9: Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava
In the morning, a driver will pick you up for the last major activity on this itinerary: a fun and in-depth visit to a local wine producer. The winery is located in the Costa Brava's Empordà region, which stretches from the town of Figueres all the way to the French border. Though not as big as other wine regions in Spain, it is just as vital—historians say vineyards have been in this area since the fifth century. Empordà is known for delicious varietals like white grenache, tempranillo, macabeo, and syrah.
During the visit, you'll learn all about this boutique winery's history while tasting a variety of high-quality, full-bodied reds and crisp and flavorsome whites. You'll even get to take a stroll through the vineyards. This half-day excursion includes private transport and a stop for lunch in a nearby town before returning to your hotel in Begur in the afternoon.
Day 10: Transfer to Barcelona, Depart
It's time to say farewell to Spain! At the designated time, a driver will pick you up at your hotel for the ride back to Barcelona. Upon arrival in the city, you'll transfer to the airport in time to catch your flight home. Safe travels!
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