Highlights of Barcelona & Mallorca: Cities, Beaches & Mountains - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Explore the City by Bike

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at El Prat Airport, a driver will take you into the city, where you'll check into your hotel and unwind. But don't get too comfortable—kicking off your arrival in Spain will be a guided bike tour of Barcelona. At the designated time, your private guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on a whirlwind panoramic tour of this wonderful city. This is a great way to exercise while learning your way around Barcelona's historic streets.

During the tour, you'll ride along the narrow streets of 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.

After the tour, and when the sun goes down over the city, make sure you're near the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, named for the dazzling display of water and colored lights that occur after dark. It's the best free show in the city, one whose effect is heightened by the hundreds of spectators and a communal atmosphere.

Day 2: Visit Park Güell & Sagrada Família

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll meet a local guide who will whisk you away in a chauffeured vehicle for a half-day tour. The destinations are two of the most impressive works by the legendary Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí: Park Güell and the Sagrada Família.

First, you'll visit Park Güell. Located atop Carmel Hill in north Barcelona, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fine example of Gaudí's boundary-pushing modernist style. The park takes up 42 acres, and you'll be able to marvel at every building as you stroll the walkways and gardens. There are also incredible views at many points in Park Güell that look out over the city.

Next up is the Sagrada Família, the iconic Roman Catholic basilica with an impressive mix of Gothic, Catalan-modernism, and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Despite construction on the church beginning in 1882, it's still technically under construction and was only consecrated in 2010. Upon arrival, the guide will reveal insight into the Sagrada Família's fascinating history, and you'll glean even more info as you explore the interior.

Around lunchtime, you'll part ways with your guide. On your own, you can visit Ciutadella Park. Open since 1881, this green lung of Barcelona takes up 70 acres and features sculptures, lakes, gardens, playgrounds, and the Barcelona Zoo. You could easily spend the remainder of the afternoon here and not run out of things to do and see.

Day 3: Boqueria Market Guided Tour & Cooking Class

In the morning, you'll embark on a guided, small-group tour to the gastronomic epicenter of Barcelona: the Boqueria Market. Open since 1835, this is the most famous covered market in the city. Each day, over 200 vendors open their stalls and sell everything from fresh produce and spices to fresh fish, cured meats, and artisanal cheeses. Plus, there are plenty of tapas, bars, and restaurants here serving high-quality Catalan cuisine.

Because this market is so big and hectic (it receives over 40,000 visitors each day), it's best to let your expert guide lead the way and direct you to the best stalls. After touring the Boqueria and picking up any artisanal products that strike your fancy, you'll head to a local kitchen for a cooking class. Under the guidance of an expert instructor, you'll learn to make traditional Spanish specialties, including paella (and enjoy them during a group lunch).

Day 4: Day Trip to Montserrat & Wine Tour

Today, you'll enjoy a full-day tour of Barcelona's countryside and wine country. After meeting your driver/guide at the hotel, you'll travel 28 miles (45 km) outside Barcelona to the Montserrat Mountains. Your destination is Catalonia's holiest site, the 16th-century Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Sitting on a mountain at an altitude of 4,055 feet (1,266 m), the views from here are spectacular. You can reach the monastery on a 1.5-hour hike from Monistrol de Montserrat or simply take a five-minute cable car.

Upon arrival, your guide will lead you on a highlight tour of the monastery. These include the basilica, where above the altar hangs an impressive statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Barcelona. You'll also visit the best vantage points around the monastery. After the guided tour, you can explore on your own. Maybe take the funicular to nearby Santa Cova. Also known as the "Holy Grotto," this is a religious shrine located in a mountain cave and is an important pilgrimage site. Or you could visit the Museum of Montserrat. This museum features archaeological items throughout the monastery's history and paintings by masters like Caravaggio, Dalí, and Picasso.

Afterward, you'll hop in the car and transfer about 30 minutes from Montserrat to Oller del Mas, a 10th-century castle that's also a venerable winery. Oller del Mas is located outside Manresa in Pla de Bages, a small grape-growing region in Catalonia that enjoys a Designation of Origin (DO) status due to the fine wines it produces. Located at the foot of Montserrat, from the castle, you'll be able to look back at incredible views of the mountains.

Before visiting the winery, though, you'll stop at a local restaurant for a traditional, multicourse Catalan lunch with wine pairings. Later in the afternoon, you'll walk over to the vineyards and enjoy a tour led by an expert oenologist. Not only will you see the vines, but you'll visit the production plant and old cellar, which is located inside the castle. Then, it will be time for a tasting of three different wines paired with delicious cheeses. 

Day 5: Fly to Mallorca, Explore Palma

In the morning, at the appropriate time, you'll transfer to Barcelona's airport and take a 50-minute flight to Mallorca, the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands. Mallorca is one of Europe's most popular island destinations because here you have it all: beautiful Mediterranean coast and beaches, coves hugging turquoise waters, ancient villages, mountains perfect for hiking, and great nightlife and shopping in the capital city of Palma de Mallorca.

Upon arrival at the airport in Palma, you'll pick up your rental car and transfer to your hotel in the capital. Take some time to relax before heading out to explore. Not only is Palma de Mallorca an exciting metropolitan capital, but it's also a medieval historic gem. All around, you'll find Moorish fortresses, royal palaces, and Gothic landmarks.

Day 6: Guided Tour of Palma de Mallorca

In the morning, you'll meet a local guide for a four-hour historical tour of Palma. Like much of southern Spain, the Balearic Islands have been occupied by various empires and cultures over the years. This includes everyone from the Romans and Visigoths to the Muslims, Christians, and even the Bourbons. Although Mallorca has officially been a part of Spain since the 13th century, you can still see many remnants of this history in Palma's historic landmarks.

One you'll visit is the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, or simply the Palma Cathedral. This expansive Roman Catholic church was built by the Catalan Crown of Aragón in the 13th century over the site of a former Mosque that had been erected during Moorish rule. And even that sat on the site of the citadel of a previous Roman city. Palma Catedral is designed in the Catalan-Gothic style and is one of the largest such churches in Europe. It has been restored over the years, and in 1901, legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí took over duties, adding a distinct Art Nouveau interior. You can see a fine example of his contribution in the wrought iron canopy over the main altar.

Just opposite the cathedral is another stop on the tour: the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. Its position overlooking the Bay of Palma made it strategically important, which is why the Moors built a fortress there in the 10th century. Like with the Palma Cathedral, the Christians under King James II of Mallorca built this Gothic fortified palace over the Muslim fortress after the conquest of the 13th century. A tour of the palace involves visiting the three grand staterooms, the royal staircase, and the royal apartments. You'll also visit the Capilla de Santa Ana, a Romanesque chapel commissioned by King James II. Today, the palace is the official island residence of the King and Queen of Spain.

About a mile west of Palma is the 14th-century Castell de Bellver. Perched on a hill amid pine woods, this unique Gothic castle (one of the few round fortresses in Spain) was another of King James II's pet projects. Here, you'll enjoy incredible 360-degree views of Palma plus tour the castle. Features include a moat and drawbridge, three defensive towers, and the imposing Torre del Homenaje (the fortress' keep). Inside is an open-air courtyard with Roman arches that often hosts evening concerts. 

Day 7: Mallorca Sailing Tour

After breakfast, you'll drive to the port to depart for a half-day (optional full-day) sailboat tour along the beautiful Mallorcan coast. Make no mistake, it's the 344 miles (555 km) of gorgeous coastline that makes Mallorca the Balearic's most popular destination for summer holidaymakers. Rocky coves string the island like pearls, and running from its shores out to the horizon are vast expanses of water as blue as the cloudless sky.

This boat tour will take you to various points in Mallorca, and each has its virtues. The eastern side of the island is home to some postcard beaches like the white sands and crystalline waters of Cala Formentor. Further south, you'll find pine-shrouded coves guarding turquoise waters, like at Caló des Moro. And on the west side are some attractive rocky inlets comprised of small cliffs perfect for diving.

On the boat, you can pick your pleasure if you want to relax and sunbathe on the deck between cove-hopping, no problem. If you prefer something more active, there will be ample time for swimming and snorkeling (equipment provided). Whenever you feel peckish, feel free to indulge in some of the complimentary snacks on board, and if you book a full-day tour, you and the other guests can sit down and enjoy a full lunch. 

Day 8: Hike the Tramuntana Mountains & Village Tour

A guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drive you to another of Mallorca's highlights: the Tramuntana Mountains. Located northwest of the island, these limestone mountains with sharp ridges and handsome bluffs are a hiker's dream. You'll be going on a medium-difficulty hike that takes between two to three hours and requires no more specialized equipment than hiking boots or athletic shoes. Expect breathtaking views of the coast from many lookout points.

You'll also visit some of the historic mountain villages famous in the area. These include the carless hilltop hamlet of Valldemossa, the tranquil cove and rocky beach of coastal Deià, and Sóller, with its rickety wooden cable cars and long waterfront promenade.

These villages have long been home to painters, musicians, and writers from across the globe. They're attracted to the area by the relaxed way of life, endless sunny afternoons, and the ideal location between a pine-covered hillside and the glimmering Mediterranean Sea. Valldemossa, in particular, is home to the 14th-century Real Cartuja, a well-preserved Carthusian Monastery. Here, the composer Frédéric Chopin and his lover George Sand rented rooms in the winter of 1838.

Day 9: Depart Mallorca

In the morning, a driver will meet you and transfer you to the airport. You'll then catch a flight back to mainland Spain, where you'll meet your connecting flight home. Adios!

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