Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 6 Days

Highlights

• Sample Catalan cuisine at Barcelona's best tapas bars and food markets
• Get up close to Antoni Gaudí’s distinctive modern art and architecture
• Ride around the city on a breezy bike tour led by a private guide
• Hit the best Mediterranean beaches near the charming town of Begur
• Visit a boutique wine producer in Èmporda for a private tasting

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona

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, 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 all 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. Near the opera house is the vibrant public market called La Boquería, which dates back to 1217 for the ultimate foodie pilgrimage. Centuries later, this is still considered one of Europe's best food markets and provides a great introduction to Catalan cuisine.

Day 2: Walking Tour of Barcelona & La Sagrada Familia

After breakfast, you'll start your day with a private guided walking tour of Barcelona, which includes its greatest monument, La Sagrada Familia, 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.

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 to see the city on two wheels. 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 from Barcelona to the Costa Brava - Explore Begur

After breakfast in Barcelona, a driver will meet you at your hotel for your transfer (about an hour) to the Costa Brava—a scenic coastline that stretches north of the city all the way to the French border. 

You'll first make your way to the city of Begur, where you'll check into your accommodations and settle in before enjoying the spectacular views and rural way of life. This pretty hillside town offers fantastic restaurants and boutique hotels. In the last decade, it has become popular with Barcelonians who have stylish holiday homes here. 

If you are anxious to get out and explore, there are plenty of beaches along the 133-mile (214-km) stretch of coastline, and even in the height of summer, you can often find a secluded sandy cove all to yourself. For something close to Begur, try Platja Fonda—a small cove and swimming spot known for its clear blue water and relaxed atmosphere.

You could also drive a short distance south to the coastal town of Palafrugell to visit the Cap Roig Botanical Gardens, which are considered to be among some of the best in the Mediterranean. Terraced gardens cascade from the hilltop castle right down to the beach and feature plants from around the world as well as sculptures by international artists.

Day 5: 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 that vineyards have been in this area since the 5th century BC. 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—all at terrific prices.

This 5-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 6: Transfer to Barcelona - Depart Spain

It's time to say farewell to Begur! 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. Buen Viaje!