Best of Barcelona Itinerary for All Ages

As your plane coasts along the tarmac at Barcelona's El Prat International Airport, the sun will reflect off of the Mediterranean Sea, and seagulls will circle overhead. The sweet scent of fruity sangria will waft through the air as a light ocean breeze washes over you. Over the next seven days, you will fall in love with this captivating city and the surrounding region of Catalonia as you immerse yourself in Spain's unique culture and heritage. As you settle into your charming hotel room in the Gothic Quarter, sounds of energetic street life and soothing acoustic melodies will waft toward your private balcony. You will be able to notice street vendors as they sell local produce and children as they play in public squares. In the afternoon, you can indulge in some self-guided exploration as you traverse the bustling city streets. You can begin by strolling along the charming streets of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. Then, you can veer back toward Las Ramblas to see the kaleidoscopic hues of fresh produce at the Mercado de La Boqueria.

After breakfast, you will meet your guide in front of your hotel for an exciting tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. During your tour, you will marvel at the exquisite wrought-iron balconies, brick-laid streets, and ornate stonework that was primarily constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries. Alongside your guide, you will visit places such as the Royal Plaza, the Royal Palace, and the Plaza of San Felipe Neri, which is where you will witness dramatic remnants of the bombings during the Spanish Civil War. In the afternoon, you will venture beyond the downtown to visit La Sagrada Familia cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most prized masterpieces of famed architect Antoni Gaudi. The exterior stands out because of its whimsical facade that nearly drips off the side of the edifice. The intricate stonework depicts some of the most well-known biblical stories, and inside, you will truly be in awe as you marvel at the vibrant hues that burst through the church's massive, stained-glass windows and the soaring beams at the center of the church.

You will begin in the neighboring district known at Eixample, where you will tour two of Gaudi's residential designs. First, at Casa Mila, you will look out on the undulating façade, which gives the impression of a desert oasis. Although the design was originally questioned by locals for its eccentricity and flare, today, it is revered for its whimsy and intrigue. You will then be provided with the opportunity to climb to the top of the building where the sloping pattern of the exterior is mimicked. Here, you can indulge in panoramic views of the city. Afterward, you will walk to nearby Casa Batllo, and the incredible mosaic tile of the building's interior will sparkle in the sun. At the top, the home residence is adorned with a jagged rooftop that is reminiscent of a dragon or dinosaur's back. After a light lunch at an outdoor cafe, you will break away from the city's downtown in search of Gaudi's Park Guell. This massive park looms high above the city and is quite a fantasyland of Gaudi's most iconic work. You will pass by quaint stone cottages, cascading stairways, and illustrious archways. Then, you can settle in along the park's serpentine-like benches as you admire idyllic vistas of Barcelona and the sparkling oceanfront.

In the morning, you will board your private transportation from Barcelona and make your way to Valencia. On your first of two days in the city, you can get to know Valencia's downtown first. You can also start by making stops at key city highlights like the Valencia Cathedral, the Serranos Towers, and the Colon Market. Then, you can walk to the Central Market, where colors of every hue are highlighted against the muted exterior facade. Chatty vendors also sell freshly marinated olives, meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables with hearty smiles. You can engage with the locals as you learn about regional fruits and other culinary delicacies. Then, in the afternoon, you will roll up your sleeves for a firsthand look at one of Valencia's most beloved dishes: paella. A world-renowned chef will lead you through this guided cooking demonstration as you chop vegetables, stir the rice, and add in flavorful bits of seafood or chicken. Of course, you cannot forget the saffron, which is a staple of Spanish gastronomy. Once your masterpiece has cooked to crispy perfection in the traditional cast-iron skillet, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your delectable creation from the picturesque setting of a moonlit balcony.

On your second full day in the city of Valencia, you will join your expert guide for a tour of the City of Arts and Sciences. You can choose to travel to the park along a scenic bike path or for private ground transportation services. As you arrive at the park, you will immediately be struck by the stark white, futuristic designs of the famous architect, Santiago Calatrava. Large white domes surround a central basin while other buildings boast dramatic spires that pierce the blue sky. Entire exteriors are adorned in crystal glass that glistens in the sun. Calatrava's inspired work includes an aquarium, theater, and other urban entertainment venues. You will have some time to explore the grounds on your own before returning to the city center for a light lunch and exploring at your pace for the remainder of the day.

On your last full day in Spain, you will break away from the frenzy of daily urban life and transfer to Girona. Sparkling shorelines encompass the East Coast of this charming Catalonian city, and colorful sailboats will pop up and then hide away beneath the unrelenting waves. The sun will sparkle on the water's surface as seagulls glide along it. You will spend the morning alongside your expert guide as you amble through Girona's city center. On your way to Girona's massive cathedral, you can poke your head into quaint bookstores and colorful flower shops. Then, after climbing the cascading staircase, you will step inside Girona's beautiful cathedral to behold the looming stained glass windows. Next, you will stroll toward the city's Jewish Quarter, which is known as the home to some of Spain's most prominent poets, philosophers, and thinkers. It is also home to some of the oldest synagogues in all of Europe. Later, you will enter the ancient Arab bath, and you will be in awe as you look up at the ceiling's intricate geometric patterns and massive water basin that is flanked by towering stone columns. Finally, you can walk along the ancient Roman walls along the city's perimeter for some of the most breathtaking views that the city has to offer.

In the morning, you can enjoy a final cup of cafe con leche as you sit out on a comfortable patio nearby. Street vendors will chatter as they set up their booths and goods for the day. In the early afternoon, you will meet ground transportation in front of your hotel and be transferred to Barcelona's International Airport. Here, you will say your final goodbyes and board your international flight home.