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Barcelona & the Mediterranean Coast

Costa Brava Cultural Walking Tour

7 DaysStarting at $6,595
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Overview

On a recent Barcelona tour, when we asked our guides how to describe Catalonia to you, they surprised us. "Tell them we are Tuscany, only better." We'll admit they have a point. Spain's easternmost province is a sensory revelation that easily equals the best of Italy. The olive groves, the cypress trees that pierce the horizon like leafy exclamation points, and the perched stone villages all shimmer in the region's incredible light. The aromas of the local markets and the fresh Mediterranean air along the Costa Brava remind you how rich the world really is. And stimulated by walks in rustic countryside or on the cosmopolitan avenues on a cultural tour of Barcelona, your sense of taste will be more than satisfied by the vivid flavors of Catalan cuisine. With all due respect to our guides, this tour offers so much that Tuscany can't—paths through a park full of extinct volcanoes…a dip in the sea at your private resort…and quirky Art Nouveau architecture that’s a unique trait of this proud region’s DNA.  If you have already enjoyed time in Southern Europe's other favorite regions but don't want to repeat yourself, make this your next destination. We promise you won't be disappointed!

Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Itinerary Highlights

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• Meet in Barcelona and take in the architectural treasures including Gaudi's still-incomplete cathedral and La Sagrada Familia 

• Stroll through the Gothic Quarter with your expert local guide

• Walk through rolling hills and scenic countryside in northern Catalonia 

• Explore the medieval towns of the Empordà region 

• Visit with a local potter at his workshop and enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine.

• Stroll a scenic trail into the remote village of Girona on the River Onyar 

• Walk past streams and olive groves en route to a village carved out of sheer rock 

• Visit the outlandish Dali Museum in Figueres 

• Enjoy 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.

Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Barcelona – 2:00 pm – Lobby of Duquesa de Cardona

  • Ending Point:

    Barcelona – 1:00 pm – Downtown city center
Itinerary Map

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Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-8 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved and cobblestone streets in Barcelona, Girona and the villages along the Costa Brava, as well as well-maintained countryside and coastal trails, vineyard and shepherds’ paths of compressed dirt and stone, and even crushed lava rock on the volcanic paths. The footpaths offer a selection of level, rolling and hilly terrain; with some elevation gain and loss.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have and the lower your price. Secure your spot with a deposit of just $500 per person at the time of reservation. Plus, you can always change your mind — there’s no fee to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Hotels

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Duquesa de Cardona

Located near La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, this historic 16th century building was once home to nobility. Restored in 1850 and converted into a luxury hotel in 2003, the hotel’s decor blends the original style with Barcelona’s distinctive flair.

Salles Cala Del Pi

This upscale oceanfront hotel is set on Cala del Pi Bay, overlooking the Mediterranean. Elegant rooms and suites, decorated in traditional Catalan style, feature private balconies. Enjoy a spa treatment or a dip in the pool.

Hotel Peralada

Hotel Peralada is an elegant 5-star property in the heart of Empordà. During your relaxing stay, luxuriate in the pool, sauna, or spa, play on the resort’s exclusive golf course or sip fine wines in their award-winning vineyard estate.

What’s Included

  • Meals: All breakfasts and five dinners.
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Perfect Pairings Dinner: A special dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs with a procession of wines tailored to each course.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

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FAQs

Why is Classic Journeys the best tour company for Costa Brava tours?

Classic Journeys is your connection to Costa Brava’s most cinematic footpaths, perched medieval villages, and hidden coastal gems. Guided by local experts who feel like well-connected friends, you’ll join a small group to experience Catalonia with privileged access—from the markets of Girona to artisan workshops and memorable seaside meals you wouldn’t find on your own. Walks are curated for scenery, culture, and delight on this memorable trip of a lifetime.

Which locations does the Classic Journeys Costa Brava itinerary include?

You’ll stroll ancient streets in Girona’s Old Town, cross storied bridges over the Onyar, and step inside centuries-old cathedrals. You’ll walk along panoramic stretches of the Camí de Ronda past pine-topped cliffs, white sands, and hidden coves, pausing in fishing villages like Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc. Our Costa Brava journey includes the Dali Museum, artistic Cadaqués, Cap de Creus, Empordà’s hilltop villages, and hands-on moments with Catalan makers and chefs that you’ll never forget.

When is the best time to visit the Costa Brava?

Visiting in May and June and then again from late August through October is ideal, with warm seas, lush hillsides, and mild weather. These departure dates are perfect for coastal walks and swimming without the large crowds. Spring brings wildflowers and village festivals, while autumn offers grape harvests and golden light that stretches into the evening.

How active is the Costa Brava cultural walking tour and is it suitable for families?

Expect 2–8 miles of curated walks each day, ranging from gentle seaside promenades to rolling hills and lively climbs above the Mediterranean. It’s designed for a range of abilities—so those of all ages and abilities can enjoy both laid-back trails and more ambitious routes, with your expert local guides matching the day’s pace to everyone’s comfort.

How many travelers are in each small group on your Costa Brava tour?

Our small groups have just a handful of travelers – typically from 8-12 on tour – and with no more than 18 on any departure. Together, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from your expert local guides as well as genuine camaraderie from your travel companions during your Barcelona and Costa Brava adventures.

Are culinary and wine experiences included?

Culinary experiences anchor every day along the Costa Brava: you’ll taste Empordà wines at historic cellars, visit olive oil mills, enjoy seafood pulled from Palamós’ market, and join hands-on Catalan cooking classes in Girona. Dietary requests are happily accommodated, ensuring every meal is memorable, genuine, and delicious.