Luxury Barcelona & Costa Brava Escape - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Catalan Sommelier Tour

Welcome to Spain! Touch down in Barcelona, the thriving capital of Catalonia. This seaside metropolis is famed for its astounding blend of Gothic and modern architecture, epitomized by the Catalan Modernist work of Antoni Gaudí. Barcelona is also beloved for its world-class food and nightlife scene, teeming markets, and lively beaches. 

A driver will be waiting to take you to your luxury hotel, Alma Barcelona, just off the swanky boulevard, Passeig de Gràcia. Check into your 5-star room, which offers a sanctuary from hectic city life with classic-yet-contemporary design. Be sure to indulge in the sauna, steam room, and indoor pool, then head to the rooftop sun deck, where views of Barcelona's skyline await. 

After settling in, join a personal sommelier for a culinary journey to four of Barcelona's stand-out restaurants. You'll start with mouth-watering tapas accompanied by locally-made cava at a popular eatery, then continue to a trendy wine bar to sample craft wines. At your final stops, taste authentic Catalan cuisine with Spanish wines.

Day 2: Gaudí Architecture Walking Tour

Delve into Barcelona's architectural heritage today with a private walking tour of Antoni Gaudí's work, led by an architectural guide. Highlights include strolling along Passeig de Gràcia, where you'll admire the stone-quarry-style buildings Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, a modernist masterpiece that locals have christened the "House of Bones" for its skeletal design. 

End with a visit to Barcelona's iconic La Sagrada Família, the city's most visually impressive church. Construction of this Gothic/Art Nouveau basilica began in 1882, but it still remains unfinished. Hear about the history of Gaudí's most famous creation from your guide, who'll point out its ornamental spires, sculptures, and stained-glass windows. 

Spend the afternoon exploring Barcelona independently. A walk down Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous pedestrian street, is a must, veering off to peruse the artisan stalls of La Boqueria Market. Art fans should head to the Picasso Museum to discover an extensive collection of his work. Alternatively, relax under the sun in leafy Parc de la Ciutadella or on Barceloneta Beach.

Day 3: Montserrat Hot-Air Balloon & Monastery Experience

Rise early today for a private hot-air balloon ride over the Catalan countryside. You'll head an hour northwest to Montserrat, famed for its 4,055-foot (1,236 m) limestone peak home to a ninth-century monastery. After a safety briefing, rise into the sky, gliding above the Pla de Bages, a Spanish Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) for Catalan wines. Get a bird's-eye-view of Montserrat's distinctive pillar-like mountain range, its surrounding vineyards and valleys. 

Toast your landing with a glass of local cava and a snack before continuing to the Monastery of Montserrat, which lies halfway up the mountain range. Tour this sacred Benedictine monastery with a private guide who'll teach you about its history and architecture. The highlight is viewing an icon of the revered La Moreneta, Catalonia's patron saint. If you're lucky, you might also catch a performance of the boys' choir before returning to Barcelona in time for a free evening in the city. 

Day 4: Drive to the Costa Brava via Girona & Figueres

This morning, pick up your rental car and set off on a road trip north to the Costa Brava. This rugged coastline stretches 100 miles (160 km) from Tossa de Mar just north of Barcelona to Port Bou on the French border and is a favorite holiday spot for its idyllic beaches, scenic coastal paths, and traditional seaside towns. 

On the way, stop off in Girona to explore its history-soaked old quarter that has been inhabited by Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, and Franks over the last 2,000 years. Follow winding streets lined with ancient houses and churches, pausing to visit Girona's Gothic cathedral and the Jewish heritage center of Bonastruc Sa Porta. 

Continue to nearby Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and now home to the fascinating Dalí Theatre Museum, which is a must for art fans. After lunch, complete the final leg of your journey, checking into the luxurious Hotel Aigua Blava, named for the picture-perfect bay it overlooks. 

Savor views of the glittering sea from your nautical-style room, then cool off in the large seawater pool. After lunch, hit the beach and take a dip in the deep turquoise waters. Stay on the soft sands of Cala Aiguablava or head farther afield to quaint beach towns like Calella de Palafrugell and l'Estartit.

Day 5: Explore the Costa Brava

Today is yours to enjoy the Costa Brava as you please. If you're feeling active, take a coastal hike, tackling a section of the GR 92 route, which hugs the entire Costa Brava coastline. Alternatively, hit the road to explore the coast at your own pace. Stop to bask in pristine coves and trawl former fishing villages like Blanes and Begur, which lies just 3 miles (5 km) from your hotel and features a medieval hilltop castle. 

For relaxation, laze by your hotel pool and sip cocktails in one of the sea-view lounges. Take advantage of your excellent hotel amenities, which include tennis and volleyball courts, a beauty salon, and massage services. Sit on the panoramic terrace, where you can order Catalan dishes featuring fresh seafood, including prawns and wild sea bass.

Day 6: Costa Brava Hiking & Sea Kayaking

Relish the beauty of the Costa Brava coast with a day hike along the Camí de Ronda. This 135-mile (217 km) coastal path was established to link remote fishing villages in the 19th century and was later used to help police tackle smuggling. Accompanied by a private guide, you'll hike a striking section of the trail near Sant Feliu de Guíxols, with endless views of the Mediterranean. 

Eventually, you'll reach the honey-hued cove of Sant Pol de S'Agaró and board a sea kayak. Paddle into the water alongside golden sandstone cliffs, entering hidden sea caves home to nesting birds. Anchor up at a crystal lagoon where you can swim and snorkel to spot colorful marine life. Head back to shore for a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant where you can dine on seafood and paella.

Day 7: La Garrotxa & Besalú Volcano & History Tour

Head an hour inland today to discover the show-stopping Girona Pyrenees region with a private guide. Start in La Garrotxa, known for its Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa, one of Europe's most extensive volcanic landscapes home to 40 extinct volcanoes, 10 craters, and basaltic lava flows. Marvel at this otherworldly landscape, with an optional trek to Olot's volcanic cone.

You'll also discover the region's medieval heritage with stops in Santa Pau and Besalú, where you can wander porticoed squares and Jewish quarters, popping into Gothic churches and castles. Visiting Castellfollit de la Roca is a tour highlight, a village perched on the edge of a basalt cliff with prime views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 8: Empordà Wine & Brunch Experience

Sample Girona's rich wine-making heritage today with a private vineyard and brunch experience. Visit two acclaimed wineries in Girona's lesser-visited Empordà region, which produces a range of high-quality red, rosé, and white wines. Tour vineyards and peruse cellars to learn about wine-making from expert guides, finding out which grape varieties are used and how the soil and tramontana (cross mountain) winds affect the process. 

You'll taste exquisite wines paired with tasty snacks at each stop, followed by a full brunch at your second winery. Taste everything from local sausages and cheeses to L'Escala anchovies and olive oils while taking in exceptional views of the Catalan countryside. You'll have time to wander the winery grounds independently and shop for your favorite varieties of wine to take away as souvenirs. Head back to the coast afterward for a last evening at your beachside resort.

Day 9: Drive to Barcelona, Michelin-Starred Dinner

Enjoy scenic views of the Catalan countryside this morning as you drive back to Barcelona. Drop off your rental car and head to the chic Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa, just a few minutes walk from the frenetic Plaza Catalunya. This former textile factory has been transformed into a boutique hotel offering elegant rooms, a roof terrace with a pool, and Spain's first vegan spa, which offers decadent treatments and a stellar water circuit. 

Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring Barcelona independently, shopping for souvenirs or museum hopping. Tonight, you'll enjoy dinner at Michelin-starred Enoteca Paco Pérez, famed for its coastal views and seafood-focused menu devised by acclaimed chef Paco Pérez. Feast on Spanish cuisine sourced from the sea, mountains, and farms surrounding Barcelona. Complete your meal with fine wines; the meticulously curated wine cellar features over 700 bottles from around the world.

Day 10: Depart Barcelona

Today your luxury Spanish getaway comes to an end. Take a private transfer to the airport in time to catch your homebound flight. Safe travels! 

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