Highlights of Barcelona - 5 Days
Highlights
- Spend your first evening sampling some of the best tapas bars in the city
- Get a stress-free private tour of Gaudi's UNESCO-listed masterpiece
- Kayak along the Costa Brava's coastline with free time for swimming and snorkeling
- Ride on two wheels while touring sites like the Olympic village and Barri Gòtic
- End the trip with a two-hour sailing excursion in the Mediterranean
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Barcelona - Evening Food & Wine Tour | Barcelona |
| Day 2 | Kayak Tour in the Costa Brava - Return to Barcelona | Barcelona |
| Day 3 | Bike Tour of Barcelona | Barcelona |
| Day 4 | La Sagrada Familia Tour - Sailboat Cruise | Barcelona |
| Day 5 | Depart Barcelona |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona - Evening Food & Wine Tour
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 and 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 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. Make sure to save some room for what comes next.
Early in the evening, a private guide will meet you at your hotel to take you on a stroll around some of Barcelona's most interesting and exciting districts. As you learn more about the city, you'll sample a range of classic and modern tapas while rubbing shoulders with locals. In fact, you'll stop in several tiny bars having a drink and bite to eat in each one while learning to 'tapear' like a true Catalan!
Day 2: Kayak Tour in the Costa Brava - Return to Barcelona
Today, you'll get to experience the Costa Brava—a scenic region north of Barcelona—through its hidden coves, caves, and headlands on a fun kayaking tour with a private guide.
On this full-day excursion, you'll depart your hotel in Barcelona in the morning and visit idyllic corners of the coastline only accessible from the sea with your expert guide who will show you a trick or two in your kayak. The excursion can be adapted to your fitness level and preferred distance, and all equipment is included.
Roughly halfway into the excursion, you'll stop for a special lunch on a quiet part of the coast before returning to your original beach (where you launched) for some free time to enjoy the scenery—perhaps partaking in sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. In the afternoon, you will make the short journey back to Barcelona to spend the evening as you please.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Bike Tour of Barcelona
Today, after breakfast, get ready for a bike tour around Barcelona! 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: La Sagrada Familia Tour - Sailboat Cruise
This is an exciting day in Barcelona with two distinct and memorable excursions! After breakfast, you'll start your day with a private guided walking tour of the city, 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.
Later this afternoon, it's time for your private sailboat cruise! At the designated time, you will jump aboard a chartered sailboat (with a captain to steer!) to sail along the Mediterranean coast near Barcelona for panoramic views of the city’s skyline and the stunning sea. After two hours on the water, you'll return to dry land and enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your leisure.
Day 5: Depart Barcelona
It's time to say farewell to Barcelona! Depending on the time of your flight or train reservation, squeeze in one more walk through the city, perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs. At the designated time you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport or rail station for your departure onwards. Safe travels!
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