Best of Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 9 days

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona

Welcome to Barcelona! Upon your arrival in Barcelona, you'll be greeted by your driver before transferring to your hotel in the heart of the city. Settle in before heading out to explore the neighborhood.

Day 2: Tour of Barcelona & La Sagrada Família

Meet your guide this morning for a half-day walking tour of Barcelona and its most popular attractions, including the iconic Sagrada Família basilica. You'll visit some of the city's most emblematic spots and hidden corners, as well as learn all about Gaudí and his jaw-dropping masterpiece, which is under construction to this day. Enjoy lunch at a recommended tapas bar or restaurant before taking the rest of the afternoon to explore at your leisure.

Day 3: Tour of Gaudí's Architecture & Barcelona's Food Markets

Your guide will collect you from your hotel, and together, you'll embark on a tour of Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces. Begin in Parc Güell, taking in performances by the local buskers who further add to the park's whimsical nature (expert tip, come here again in the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the city). From here, you'll make your way to the early 20th-century Dr. Seuss-esque Casa Milà, one of Gaudí's most exemplary works of civil architecture. Next, you'll visit a couple of Barcelona's most lively markets for a colorful experience and to taste the goods on offer.

Day 4: Day Trip to Monserrat & Winery Tasting

Meet your guide this morning and set off to discover the impressive Santa Maria de Montserrat, an abbey with commanding views over the Catalan lowlands. From there, you'll have the opportunity to listen to Montserrat's Boys' Choir, Escolania, one of Europe's oldest, before visiting the Moreneta de Montserrat and the Santa Cova shrine and chapel that houses the Black Madonna.

Leaving the mountains behind, you'll enjoy a typical Catalan lunch in a traditional restaurant followed by a guided visit and tour of one of the premier boutique wineries of the region. There will be a chance to taste some of their wines and cavas before returning to Barcelona.

Day 5: Train to the Costa Brava via Girona & Figueres, Dalí Tour

Early this morning, you'll board the train to Girona (40 minutes) in Catalonia's northeast, where you'll meet your private guide for a walking tour of this ancient city.

Founded nearly 2,000 years ago, Girona is a delightful amalgamation of ancient cultures, from the Greeks and Romans to the Visigoths and Moors. Feel its history as you work your way through its historic Barri Vell or Old Quarter, down its winding streets, passing charming houses, churches, and gardens. Climb the 86 steps leading you to Girona's world-famous Gothic Cathedral, an excellent example of Catalan Gothic architecture, before moving on to the Jewish heritage Centre Bonastruc ça Porta near the historic remains of Girona's former Jewish community.

Continue farther northeast to the small town of Figueres (and Salvador Dalí's hometown). With your guide, you'll learn of its high and low points in history as well as enjoy an intimate look at some of Dalí's most important work at the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, designed by Dalí himself. Stop for lunch at a recommended restaurant and carry on to your accommodation in Begur on the Costa Brava ("Wild" or "Rough" Coast).

Days 6: Explore the Costa Brava & its Beaches & Villages 

The Costa Brava runs from the Spanish and French Mediterranean border down to just north of Barcelona. It is renowned for its stunning coastal villages and rugged coastline with numerous idyllic coves, ports, and beaches and hosts a superb offering of cultural and leisure activities.

Take the next two days to explore the coast and its beautiful beaches, as well as the inland towns and villages like Pals, Peratallada, and Calella de Palafrugell. Stop for lunch in a beachside bar or local restaurant and take in the views over the Mediterranean, the quaint ports, and the quintessentially Spanish squares or plazas. 

Day 7: Bike Tour of the Baix Empordá

Today, after 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 Baix Empordà—you'll get an introduction to your e-bike and begin an 'electric' ride through the region's breathtaking scenery while barely breaking a sweat.

The 18-mile (29 km) itinerary passes through several medieval villages, among the most representative of Baix Empordá. Most of the route passes along rural trails and farmlands, and the terrain is mostly flat and undulating and, therefore, suitable for all levels. There will be plenty of time to stop for photographs, and your guide will share local history along the way.

In the afternoon, you'll finish the trip with a ride back to Gualta through flower-filled fields and villages. Say farewell to your guide, and then transfer back to your accommodations in Begur to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 8: Visit a Local Winery

Today you'll venture out to a local boutique winery in the Empordà region for an in-depth wine tour as well as tasting. Explore the vineyard, meet the winemakers, and relax in the bodega as you sample full-bodied reds and flavorful whites with the guidance of your host. Enjoy lunch in a nearby town before returning to your accommodation in Begur.

Day 9: Depart Barcelona

Meet your driver in the hotel reception area and transfer to the Barcelona airport or train station for your onward journey.

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