Luxury Barcelona & Costa Brava Escape - 7 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, buzzing markets, and lively beaches. 

A driver will be waiting to take you to your 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 standout restaurants in the city's Sant Antoni and Poble-sec neighborhoods. You'll start with mouth-watering tapas accompanied by locally-made cava at a popular eatery, then continue to a trendy wine bar for more Spanish dishes and craft wines. Taste authentic Catalan cuisine and tapas with Spanish wines at your final stops.

Day 2: Gaudí Walking Tour & Michelin Star Dinner

Delve into Barcelona's architectural heritage today with a private walking tour of Antoni Gaudí's work, led by an architect guide. Highlights include Passeig de Gràcia, where you'll admire the stone-quarry-style apartment buildings Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, a modernist masterpiece that locals have christened "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 technically remains unfinished to this day. Hear about its history and elaborate design from your guide, who'll point out 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 Barceloneta Beach.

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 3: Penedès Winery Tour & Tasting

Head an hour west into the Catalonian countryside today to lush Penedès, one of Spain's most famous wine regions. Set between the sea and mountains, the soil here is rich and fertile, producing 90% of the country's cava. Explore this vineyard-grooved region, which is one of Europe's most ancient viticulture areas, with an expert winemaker. 

You'll start by privately touring one of Penedès' lavish vineyards, learning about the entire production process, from vine to wine. Stroll through vineyards, stopping to visit the pretty Romanesque church of San Juan Salem, then taste four varieties of wine with gourmet snacks. 

Next, continue to another historical winery, where you'll learn specifically about cava. You'll have an exclusive opportunity to enter the capella (underground caves) where bottles are stored, then tour the barrel rooms and production plant. Finish by sampling four types of Gran Reserva cava paired with tapas before returning to Barcelona for one last night in your luxury hotel.

Day 4: Transfer to the Costa Brava, Sunset Cruise

Take a two-hour private transfer this morning to the sun-soaked 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. 

Check into the luxurious Hotel Aigua Blava, named for the golden bay it overlooks. Savor views of the glittering sea from your nautical-style room, then cool off in the large saltwater 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 beach towns like Calella de Palafrugell and l'Estartit.

End the day with a private sunset cruise along the Bay of Roses, deemed the pearl of Costa Brava. Board your luxury yacht and sail along the coast, spotting isolated coves backed by soaring cliffs. Watch the landscapes change color as the sun begins to set, painting everything orange and pink. Along the way, you'll sip Spanish cava or enjoy some sangria, returning to shore in time for dinner at your hotel.

Day 5: Costa Brava Hiking & Sea Kayaking

Relish the beauty of the Costa Brava 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 majestic 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 6: Explore the Costa Brava

Today is yours to enjoy the Costa Brava as you please. If you're feeling active, take another coastal hike, tackling a section of the GR 92 route, which hugs the entire Costa Brava coastline. Alternatively, hire a private driver or use reliable local public transportation to explore the coast. Stop to bask in pristine coves and trawl charming towns like former fishing village 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 made from fresh seafood, including prawns and wild sea bass.

Day 7: Morning Cruise, Transfer to Barcelona & Depart 

Spend your last morning in the Costa Brava sailing along the Mediterranean coastline on a private yacht. Meet your skipper at the Palamós port and set sail along the protected nature area of Castells-Cap Roig, enjoying drinks and snacks along the way. Try your hand at steering the boat, take photos of the picture-perfect Catalan coastline, or drop anchor in a secluded cove and go for a swim in the mirror-clear waters.

Return to port in time for your private transfer to Barcelona, where you'll board your homebound flight. Safe travels!

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