Highlights
- Explore the colorful and whimsical Park Güell by Antoni Gaudí
- Play at the amusement park atop Mount Tibidabo
- Spend the day at the beach along the Costa Brava
- Make memories with a family-fun kayaking excursion
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Barcelona, Explore | Barcelona |
| Day 2 | Visit Park Güell & Sagrada Família | Barcelona |
| Day 3 | Walk through the Gothic Quarter & Ascend Mount Tibidabo | Barcelona |
| Day 4 | Travel to Begur via Girona & Figueres | Begur |
| Day 5 | Private Kayaking Excursion & Family Afternoon in Begur | Begur |
| Day 6 | Costa Brava Free Day | Begur |
| Day 7 | Depart Spain |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Explore
Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at Barcelona's El Prat Airport, a private driver will take you and your family into the city, where you can check into your hotel and unwind. You'll then have a free afternoon to explore all the exciting sites on a self-guided tour, choosing what you and your family want to see and do the most.
For families, consider first visiting Mount Montjuïc and the surrounding area. Montjuïc is a famous hill that stands 1,988 feet (606 m) high and overlooks the Port of Barcelona. Kids love taking the Montjuïc Cable Car from the metro station near Olympic Park, which takes you up to the 17th-century Castle Montjuïc and offers panoramic views of the city. You can also access Montjuïc via another cable car from Barcelona Beach and by a funicular elevator adjacent to the cable car.
The Poble Espanyol is also fun to visit, especially for families. Constructed in 1929, this open-air museum features over 100 buildings in the style of traditional Spanish villages. 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, so grab an ice cream and settle in to watch the performance!
Day 2: Visit Park Güell & Sagrada Família
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After breakfast at the hotel, your local guide will whisk you and your crew away in a chauffeured vehicle for a fun and entertaining half-day Antonio Gaudí tour. First, visit the quirky, colorful, and whimsical Park Güell. Located atop Carmel Hill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fine example of Gaudí's boundary-pushing modernist style. The park covers 42 acres (17 ha), and your kids will love to marvel at every unique building as you stroll the walkways and gardens. Kid favorites tend to be the stone palm trees, the covered Laundry Room Portico, the colorful bench and gingerbread houses at the pavilions, and the dragon staircase.
Next up is Sagrada Família, the iconic Roman Catholic basilica that's an impressive mix of Gothic, Catalan-modernism, and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Despite work on the church beginning in 1882, it's still technically under construction and was only consecrated in 2010. Upon arrival, your guide will reveal insight into Sagrada Família's fascinating history, and you'll glean even more info as you explore the interior. Watch your kids' eyes light up as they witness the sky-high ceiling meant to look like a forest as colorful light streams in from the stained glass windows.
Around lunchtime, it's time to part ways with your guide. On your own, you can visit Ciutadella Park. Open since 1881, this green lung of Barcelona includes 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!
Day 3: Walk through the Gothic Quarter & Ascend Mount Tibidabo
Today you'll visit the famous medieval Gothic Quarter and its trendy El Born neighborhood. Enjoy discovering its highlights on a two-hour tour geared toward families. After meeting your guide, walk down the cobbled streets and enjoy the rich history as you pass Roman ruins, the grand Plaça Reial, and the gothic 13th-century Barcelona Cathedral. Kids will have a blast as they take part in a "dragon hunt," learn about Spanish legends, visit candy stores, and stop at the Casa dels Entremesos, a "museum of giants" home to costumed, paper mache figures that locals parade around the city during Corpus Christi celebrations.
After the tour, you'll head to the mountains in the city's north. Here you'll board a funicular elevator and ascend to the peak of Mount Tibidabo, which sits at an elevation of 1,680 feet (512 m). Besides the incredible views, the whole family will love visiting the grand Temple of the Sacred Heart basilica and the adjacent theme park, which was inaugurated in 1905 and features carnival attractions, rides, and a Ferris wheel.
After all the walking and sightseeing, you'll likely be hungry. You and the family can head to Carrer De Blai in central Barcelona for a traditional dinner. This street is known as the "tapas route," as it features many spectacular tapas bars where you can enjoy kid-friendly grub paired with great wine for the adults in your group.
Day 4: Travel to Begur via Girona & Figueres
Today is a fun-filled adventure as you drive from Barcelona to your accommodation in Begur via two interesting and beautiful cities on the Costa Brava. Your first stop is the medieval city of Girona, where a private guide will take you and the fam on a stroll through the Old Quarter. As a former home to Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, and Franks, Girona has stood the test of time. Listen to tales of dramatic wins, defeats, and the city's unique traditions. Kids love exploring the winding streets and exploring the amusing houses, churches, and gardens. You can also visit the famous Gothic Cathedral and the Jewish heritage center of Bonastruc Sa Porta.
Next, you'll travel to nearby Figueres (with the same guide) to learn about the city's history and get an intimate look at Dalí's Theatre Museum. This is an easy and entertaining way to understand his art through small details and anecdotes that bring to life one of the world's most fascinating and eclectic museums, perfect for energetic kids. With your guide's recommendations, you'll have time for lunch in Figueres before getting back on the road toward Begur, where you'll check into your accommodation.
Day 5: Private Kayaking Excursion & Family Afternoon in Begur
Today, you'll discover Costa Brava's stunning coastline through its hidden coves, caves, and headlands on a fun family kayaking excursion with a private guide! During this half-day adventure, learn how to paddle safely to visit idyllic corners of the coastline only accessible from the sea. If you haven't kayaked before, your expert guide will give you an introduction to the sport and show you a trick or two. The excursion can be adapted to your kids' ages, fitness level, and preferred distance and contains all equipment (including life preservers, though not pictured).
Enjoy the rest of the day to spend leisurely in Begur, perhaps heading to a pretty beach like Calella de Palafrugell.
Day 6: Costa Brava Free Day
Today you'll have a full day to explore the Costa Brava any way you'd like! This Catalan area along the Mediterranean stretches from the French border down to the province of Barcelona. It's renowned for its stunning villages and rugged coastline with countless coves, ports, and beaches offering a range of cultural and leisure activities. There is plenty to see along the shore, and the Costa Brava also encompasses some beautiful interior villages and attractions.
You can create your itinerary or sign up for various guided excursions and/or activities. Kids love exploring the medieval town of Besalú, the beautiful hilltop town of Begur with its castle, and the artsy white-washed town of Cadaqués. Also worth considering are the coastal villages of Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc, where you can swim at the beach, stop for lunch in a beachside bar, and take in the quaint ports' views of quintessentially Spanish squares.
The Costa Brava is also home to some of the country's best (albeit smaller) beaches, often hidden by soaring clifftops and unusual rock formations. Many of these can only be reached on foot, requiring a small hike and making the journey part of the fun. These exciting beaches will reward you and your family with turquoise-blue water and gentle waves.
Day 7: Depart Spain
It's time to say farewell to Spain! A driver will pick you up at your hotel for the transfer to Barcelona to catch your flight home. Safe travels!
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