Coastal Spain & Southern Italy Trip: Barcelona, Costa Brava, Amalfi Coast & Naples - 10 Days
Highlights
- Explore Barcelona's famous Gaudí architecture
- Discover Barcelona and Naples' foodie hotspots with guided tours
- Enjoy an exhilarating tour of the Amalfi Coast by Vespa
- Visit the charming coastal villages of Spain's Costa Brava and Italy's Amalfi Coast
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Barcelona (Spain), Guided Tapas Walking Tour | Barcelona |
| Day 2 | Tour the Gaudí Masterpieces of La Sagrada Família & Park Güell | Barcelona |
| Day 3 | Transfer to the Costa Brava, Free Afternoon to Explore | Costa Brava |
| Day 4 | Coastal Hike, Kayaking & Lagoon Dipping in the Costa Brava | Costa Brava |
| Day 5 | Excursion to Vic, Besalú & the Costa Brava's Medieval Towns | Costa Brava |
| Day 6 | Fly to Naples (Italy), Transfer to the Amalfi Coast, Sunset Cruise Along the Bay | Amalfi Coast |
| Day 7 | Amalfi Coast Tour by Vespa | Amalfi Coast |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to Capri & Anacapri | Amalfi Coast |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Naples via Pompeii, Free Afternoon to Explore | Naples |
| Day 10 | Optional Street Food Tour, Depart Naples |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona (Spain), Guided Tapas Walking Tour
Welcome to Spain! Your trip begins in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, a region in Spain's northeast famous for its rich history, distinct architecture, and fabulous Catalan cuisine. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to your downtown hotel. Settle in, and when you're ready, experience the city through the lens of a local with a walking tapas tour.
Meet your expert guide and spend the next three hours strolling Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, ducking into alleys filled with foodie hotspots, and exploring the lesser-known tapas spots favored by locals. Feast on morsels such as esqueixada (a cod, onion, and tomato salad) and bomba Barceloneta (meat and potato croquettes topped with aioli), washed down with the local wine or beer while your guide shares tales of the city's fascinating history and culture.
Day 2: Tour the Gaudí Masterpieces of La Sagrada Família & Park Güell
After breakfast, discover the city's landmarks designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. First up is the stunning La Sagrada Família, a dramatic Roman Catholic cathedral featuring an impressive mix of Gothic, Catalan-Modernism, and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Venture inside and marvel at the astonishing sky-high ceiling and the light pouring through the stained-glass windows while your guide shares anecdotes of the cathedral's fascinating history.
Afterward, continue to the UNESCO-listed Park Güell, a whimsical green space perched on a hill featuring manicured gardens, imaginative statues, and enchanting mosaic-covered stairways and benches in Gaudí's signature style. Stroll the walkways and take in the panoramic views over the city, then wander over to the two pavilions, a great spot to soak up the atmosphere and listen to the live music and buskers. Part ways with your guide and, after a laid-back lunch, continue exploring under your own steam with a wander down La Rambla, a pedestrian stretch filled with shops and cafés.
Day 3: Transfer to the Costa Brava, Free Afternoon to Explore
Today, you'll swap Barcelona's buzzy city vibe for the rugged cliffs and sunkissed beaches of the Costa Brava: a 133-mile (214 km) stretch of Mediterranean coastline that runs from the town of Blanes to the French border. Your driver will take you on the 1.5-hour journey north of Barcelona to your accommodation, with plenty of picturesque towns en route with beautiful spots where you can linger over a scenic lunch.
In the afternoon, venture inland to explore some of the region's serene villages, including the beautiful hilltop town and castle of Begur and the artsy, whitewashed town of Cadaqués. The coastal fishing villages of Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc are perfect for a laid-back aperitif and a plate of fresh seafood while you relax and enjoy the easy pace of Spanish life.
Day 4: Coastal Hike, Kayaking & Lagoon Dipping in the Costa Brava
Spend today getting a feel for the Costa Brava's fauna, flora, rocky coves, and inviting waters with a full-day tour of the beautiful Sant Feliu de Guíxols area. Start with a short hike along the coastal path and arrive at the beach in Sant Pol de S'Agaró, a long sandy crescent opening into a natural bay. It's a well-known spot for kayaking, with plenty of secluded caves, crystal-clear cobalt waters, and marine life.
After a brief introduction, paddle out with your guide and spend a couple of hours kayaking along the coast against overhanging sandstone cliffs and the coastal landscape dotted with umbrella pines. If the sea is just too tempting, dive in for a mid-way snorkel or swim before returning to S'Agaro Beach. Feast on fresh seafood and authentic paella for lunch, and spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying a lazy beach day before returning to your accommodation.
Day 5: Excursion to Vic, Besalú & the Costa Brava's Medieval Towns
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Brava's medieval towns, ancient piazzas, castles, and coastal villages with a full-day tour. Your first stop is Vic, a city with a rich, storied past due to its strategic position in the Spanish Marches, which separated Frankish and Islamic forces in the Middle Ages. Admire the central Plaça Major and cross over to the Casa Comella, a 19th-century modernist palace that served as the old town hall. Explore the city's Cathedral while your guide shares tales of the area's ancient past, and stop for a leisurely lunch—the town is renowned for its gastronomy.
Afterward, hop back in the car and tour the fortified village of Santa Paul, set amid the hill volcanic landscape of Baixa Garrotxa. Soak up the medieval atmosphere in Castellfollit de la Roca, hear tales of its curious ancient legends, and finish in beautiful Besalú, one of Catalonia's best-conserved medieval towns. Stroll the charming maze of stone walls, the stunning medieval bridge, and cobbled streets, largely untouched since the Middle Ages. After a full day of exploring, your guide will drop you at your hotel, where the evening is yours to spend as you wish.
Day 6: Fly to Naples (Italy), Transfer to the Amalfi Coast, Sunset Cruise Along the Bay
It's the next leg of your European adventure this morning as you say adiós to Spain, drop off your rental car back in Barcelona, and catch a two-hour flight to Naples, in Italy's south. Your destination is the Amalfi Coast, known for its pastel-hued houses perched along dramatic cliffs, scented lemon groves, bougainvillea-clad cobblestone streets, and terraced vineyards.
Settle into your hotel, and as the sun dips, experience the peninsula's renowned beauty on a cruise around the coastline. Departing from either Positano or Sorrento, you'll set sail on the calm waters of the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. With a glass of Prosecco or spritz in hand, sit back and relax as you cruise past the picturesque fishing villages whose twinkling lights start to appear as the sun gently sets over the horizon. You'll return to the shore in time for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can feast on local Sorrentine specialties.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 7: Amalfi Coast Tour by Vespa
Just south of the Gulf of Naples lies the Sorrentine Peninsula, featuring 24 miles (40 km) of Italy's famed Amalfi Coast. With a history dating back to ancient Rome, the Empire's most wealthy and powerful citizens were among the first to arrive here and build their seafront villas along this breathtaking stretch. Today, you'll tour this iconic coastline with an exhilarating ride on a Vespa driven by an experienced driver.
Ride along winding roads into Positano, where you'll break for an hour and explore the main pedestrian street that tumbles down from the road at the top and through charming bougainvillea-adorned alleyways. Hop back on the scooter and zip past lemon groves and vineyards, then arrive in Amalfi. You'll have plenty of time to browse the cobbled backstreets and stop for a cool drink before continuing your ride along the coast. Sit back and admire the Mediterranean views, stopping wherever takes your fancy before your guide drops you back at your hotel at the end of the tour.
Day 8: Day Trip to Capri & Anacapri
Set sail for the "Isle of Sirens" this morning and cross the cobalt blue waters past the Amalfi Coast to Capri, known locally as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean." You'll arrive at the bustling Marina Grande harbor, where the island is yours to explore at leisure. Get your bearings with a walk up the hill to the quaint village of Anacapri, perched toward the top of the island. Here, you'll see the beautiful sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius that prompted Emperor Tiberius to build twelve villas on the isle.
Don't miss the Gardens of Augustus, whose manicured Mediterranean gardens provide iconic views of the dramatic Faraglioni Rocks. Pause for gelato and take the chairlift up to Mount Solaro, the island's highest point at 1,932 feet (589 m). You'll find more astonishing vistas here, with a panorama across the bay, taking in the Calabrian mountains. Head back down toward the harbor and enjoy lunch overlooking the coastline before a gentle walk along Belvedere di Tragara, a lovely villa-lined promenade. You'll return to the Amalfi Coast late afternoon by ferry.
Day 9: Transfer to Naples via Pompeii, Free Afternoon to Explore
Bid farewell to the Amalfi Coast this morning and enjoy a scenic transfer back to Naples, one of Italy's most magnetic and captivating cities with its maze of narrow streets, exuberant atmosphere, and culture and chaos at every turn. Along the way, you'll stop at Pompeii, a fascinating and sober experience, where the ash and volcanic debris that flowed from Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE preserved many of the town's structures entirely. See the ancient plazas, villas, and shops frozen in time, and when you're ready, continue on to your Naples hotel.
In the afternoon, explore Naples at your own pace and embrace the chaotic choreography of the scooters and street life with a self-guided tour of the city's churches, museums, and historical highlights. The splendid Duomo di Napoli, a 10-minute walk from Piazza Cavour, dates back to the 13th century and incorporates a range of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles, while the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica is one of the city's oldest and most interesting churches—it even hides the remains of an underground Greco-Roman market.
Follow the main street, Via Toledo, toward the waterfront, and you'll find the Royal Palace, San Carlo Theater, and Castle Nuovo, all worth a visit, including the castle's two museums, which house an array of medieval and 19th-century paintings, sculpture and objects. Don't miss the Fontana dell Gigante, a beautiful 17th-century fountain featuring a trio of arches adorned with heraldic symbols and marine animals. Standing on the waterfront near Castel dell'Ovo, it's a great place to catch a breather and soak up your Neapolitan experience.
Day 10: Optional Street Food Tour, Depart Naples
It's your last day in Italy, and after breakfast, you have a couple of options. Depending on your departure timings, either head to the airport in time to catch your flight or take advantage of any free time with a street food tour.
While Naples is justifiably famous for its rich history of Neapolitan cuisine and its exceptional pizza, the city's street food gives an authentic glimpse into one of Italy's most passionate and vibrant cities. Meet your guide and tour the buzzing Mercato dell Pignasecca, enjoying tasty morsels such as pizza fritta (fried pizza), taralli, and cuoppo di pesce fritti (cones of fried fish). Listen as your guide shares tales of the city's culture and gastronomy as you snack and stroll your way through the Old Town. When the time comes, part ways with your guide and continue to your next destination. Safe travels!
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