Barcelona & Costa Brava Walking Tour

Itinerary at a glance

We meet in Barcelona (1 night) where we take in the architectural treasures including Gaudi's still-incomplete cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, before a stroll through the Gothic Quarter and dinner at one of the city's most renowned paella restaurants.

You'll be forgiven if you think you've accidentally ended up in Tuscany, as a mid-day walk leads us through rolling hills to scenic Vic in northern Catalonia (2 nights). We’re fueled by a picnic lunch gathered at a covered market overflowing with local fruits and vegetables. Our parador hotel is a beautifully restored farmhouse with a tempting swimming pool and the casual vibe of country life. Our forays from here include a walk to Santa Pau, a fortified medieval village in Garrotxa Volcanic Park. We'll also visit with a local potter at his workshop and explore the Jewish baths dating to the 11th century. We've scouted a wonderful trail that takes us into the remote village of Girona, whose houses seem to tilt over the River Onyar. And in plenty of time for an afternoon swim, we settle into the luxurious seaside resort at Begur that is our home for the next three days.

We'll strike out from the nearby town of Pals for our guide's favorite walk past streams and olive groves en route to a village carved out of sheer rock. There's time for a visit to the outlandish Dali museum in Figueres as well. Our final full day is dedicated to the coastal trails of the Costa Brava—from Cap Roig's promontory and botanical garden, along white sand beaches, to the pastel-colored fishing village of Llafranc. Afternoon tea is in a lighthouse on Cap Sant Sebastia overlooking the vibrant blue Mediterranean. On our final morning, we return to Barcelona before parting company.