Instead of taking your family to “the beach,” we recommend THE beach. That’s the Costa Brava on Spain’s gorgeous Mediterranean coast just north of Barcelona. We start in the city with its great historic districts, fun street life and off-the-charts Gaudi architecture. There’s time, as well, in countryside that looks more than a little like Tuscany. The walking is great. The villages are soooo old. And our hotel is a great family retreat with terrific views and an even more terrific pool. Then we arrive at the main event: Our luxury hotel overlooking the sea and with every amenity your family could hope for. We’ll hit the beaches for sure. But we’ve planned a ton of other pastimes from biking, to exploring Roman ruins, to sea kayaking on some of the clearest, bluest water you’ve ever seen. In the company of our local guide, you’ll all get a great feel for the Catalonian culture—and a mix of excellent eating, energy-burning activities and memorable sightseeing that will make this a way-better-than-the-beach vacation!

DAY 1 - BARCELONA
You meet in Barcelona (1 night), one of the best family cities in Europe. You’ll walk in the historic districts and take in the fun street life on Las Ramblas and tour the unusual basilica of La Sagrada Familia.

DAYS 2-3 - LA BISBAL
A brief drive out into the Catalonian countryside puts you in the midst of stacked-up stone villages and on a trail to take in the picturesque landscape. After exploring the medieval town of Besalu you'll check in to your 4-star hotel (2 nights). The views are great—out to the Pyrenees and overlooking a wide valley. From here you’ll visit the ancient walled city of Girona and wonder how the pastel-colored houses lean over the river without falling in... and meet a local artisan friend in La Bisbal.

DAYS 4-7 - PLATJA D'ARO / BARCELONA
After a guided morning bike ride through the countryside, you'll get your first look at the Costa Brava and the bright blue Mediterranean. Your hotel (3 nights) has great views of the sea…and an excellent swimming pool on its grounds. It’s the perfect base to go exploring Empúries, where you get to walk among ancient Greek and Roman ruins. You’ll also visit the out-there Dali Museum. And a cool, morning sea-kayak paddle takes you along the coast, with time to hang out on the beach and get into a spectacular cave. Your time together ends back in Barcelona.