Spain·10 - 16 April 2026

Bedazzling Barcelona & the Costa Brava

Barcelona and the Costa Brava promises culinary delights, chic shopping, psychedelic architecture, and the stunning Mediterranean Sea.

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Overview

Barcelona and the Costa Brava should be at the top of your travel bucket list. Catalonia is a distinct region in Spain with its own language and culture. It has established a distinctive Catalan way of doing things, different from the rest of Spain, and proudly so. Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a marvel. The city is famously dotted with fantastical Antoni Gaudí creations, like the iconic Sagrada Familia and the whimsical Park Güell. Barcelona's ancient Roman roots and the Gothic Quarter's medieval alleys mingle with this modernist style. We'll take every opportunity to delve into Barcelona's extraordinary food scene. From the city's tapas bars and open-air markets to modern restaurants, you'll be amazed at the quality and diversity of Catalan cuisine. Then we'll head northeast, up the Mediterranean coast to the Costa Brava, making the ancient Girona environs our home base. We'll stay in a recently converted palace as we explore the region's historical and artistic treasures. Wander through cobblestone streets, marvel at the Girona Cathedral, and enjoy the colorful houses along the Onyar River as you contemplate the Costa Brava's mix of art and history. Leave the details to us and enjoy the holiday of a lifetime in Barcelona and the Costa Brava!

Highlights

Experience Antoni Gaudí’s architecture

Experience Antoni Gaudí’s architecture

Explore Park Güell, the garden shaped by Gaudí

Explore Park Güell, the garden shaped by Gaudí

Enjoy Barcelona's cafes and wine bars

Enjoy Barcelona's cafes and wine bars

Savor tasty tapas in Barcelona and beyond

Savor tasty tapas in Barcelona and beyond

Watch a live performance at El Palau de la Musica

Watch a live performance at El Palau de la Musica

Learn about the history of colorful Girona

Learn about the history of colorful Girona

Visit Roman ruins in Barcelona and Girona

Visit Roman ruins in Barcelona and Girona

Discover the unexpected world of Dalí and his wife Gala

Discover the unexpected world of Dalí and his wife Gala

Follow the legend and history of the Virgin of Montserrat

Follow the legend and history of the Virgin of Montserrat

Sip, swirl, and taste sparkling wine in Penedès and Empordà

Sip, swirl, and taste sparkling wine in Penedès and Empordà

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip.

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Barcelona

Day 1: Friday, April 10th, 2026

Fly into the Barcelona International Airport (BCN). If you're flying overnight, consider arriving a day early to rest, relax, and adjust to the local time zone. (See the Add-ons section for the Arrive 1 Day Early option). Regardless of when you arrive, hop into a taxi - there are plenty of them at the airport - and head to the 5-star Ohla Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter. Your trip facilitator will meet you at the hotel.

Take time to settle in and freshen up. The day is yours. Relax at the pool, nap, enjoy the hotel and the surrounding area.

In the early evening, we'll set out with our local guide on a walking tour of central Barcelona, followed by a welcome dinner at La Plassohla.

Included

Dinner

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Barcelona

Day 2: Saturday, April 11th, 2026

Enjoy a light breakfast because we're heading to the famous, sprawling Boqueria Market. Vendors have sold their wares here since the 13th century!

We'll stop at select spots to buy ingredients for our private cooking class. Then, it’s over to the kitchen so the chef can show us the ropes. This is a hands-on experience, so get ready to tie on an apron and slice and dice. The payoff is a three-course meal with wine, enjoyed with your Girls' Guide travel companions.

Enjoy “you time” after lunch. Hit the hotel for a siesta or stroll the Gothic Quarter to sightsee and shop.

Tonight, we'll be wowed by a live performance at Palau de la Musica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important concert venue in the city. The Palau de la Música Catalana was built between 1905 and 1908 by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. After the show, we'll stop in for some light tapas.

Included

All Meals

Cooking Class

Music Performance

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Barcelona

Day 3: Sunday, April 12th, 2026

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant and prepare for a morning of Barcelona exploration.

Today, we'll experience the whimsy and wonder of Gaudí’s architecture. We’ll step inside the still unfinished (after 150 years) Sagrada Família Basilica - a stunner, with dozens of animals cavorting on the façade.

Next, we'll head up the hillside to Park Güell, an expansive area blooming with gardens and buildings by Gaudí. All of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea will be laid out before you from the many vista points inside the park.

From Park Güell, our private transport will whisk us back to the hotel for a bit of downtime. It's your time to explore the city from our central base or shop at the many nearby boutiques. Lunch is on your own, either at the hotel or one of the many cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood.

We’ll get together for dinner at the modern gourmet restaurant Capet for a true Catalan culinary experience in the evening.

Sleep tight. Tomorrow we're off to the Costa Brava.

Included

Breakfast & Dinner

Guided tour of Park Güell and Sagrada Família

Not Included

Lunch

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Girona

Day 4: Monday, April 13th, 2026

Today, we'll depart Barcelona to motor north to Girona. Perched on the Onyar River, the walled city of Girona is our first stop in the Costa Brava. The city is a compact cluster of history and culture with roots in Roman times.

We’ll start with a walking tour of Girona, using local Catalan guides. Visit the cathedral and Jewish Quarter, and enjoy free time in the old part of the city, browsing the charming boutiques.

Our lunch is at Carlos, an old inn with stone walls and arches - a former meeting for the merchants of yesteryear. 

After lunch, we’ll make our way to our home in Girona, the Hotel Palau Fugit. Located in the heart of Girona’s Barri Vell, Palau Fugit was originally an ancient baroque palace from the 18th century. In 2022, the building was completely renovated and converted into a hotel and a space open to art, artisans, and nature - lucky us!

Later in the evening, we'll dine at Cipresaia, a cozy Girona restaurant known for its delicious local cuisine.

Included

All Meals

Exploring the Cathedral and Jewish Quarter

Guided walking tour of Girona

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Púbol

Day 5: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026

Today is all about wine, history, and art – three things we love about Catalonia!

We’ll head to Púbol to explore Gala’s Castle. Gala was Salvador Dalí’s wife. The artist gave her the castle as a gift. It is a weird and wonderful place, and we’ll learn much more about the castle, the couple, and their interesting visitation arrangement.

We'll lunch together in the beach town of Begur.

After lunch, we'll head to Peratallada, a stone village built in the Middle Ages. Peratallada means “carved stone.” You’ll appreciate the name as you tour this charming hamlet. If we have time, we'll also stop at Pals, another Medieval village. The cobblestone pathways, bursting flower boxes, and snug plazas will captivate you.

Later, we'll head back to our fabulous hotel. Enjoy some downtime, sip some cava, and marvel at how lucky we are to be in this remarkable place.

Dinner is on your own tonight. Order room service or try one of the many Girona cafes and restaurants. (We'll offer recommendations.)

Included

Breakfast-Lunch

Guided tour of Peratallada

Guided visit to Gala’s Castle

Not Included

Dinner

Dali

Barcelona

Day 6: Wednesday, April 15th, 2026

We'll check out of our hotel and begin the journey back to Barcelona. In Figueres, we'll get up close and personal with Salvador Dalí’s artwork at the Teatre-Museu Dalí. We’ll learn more about the artist’s fascinating life and discover the evolution of his work over the years. Dali’s museum is like no other you've ever seen. The artist designed the museum contents himself. We’ll have a guided museum tour, then free time to look around the grounds or shop and wander around Figueres. Even if you're not a Dali fan, after learning more about the man and the importance of his work, you’ll walk away changed.

We'll enjoy lunch at Hotel Duran, a historic spot known for its connection to Dalí and its delicious Catalan cuisine. 

Back in Barcelona, we'll check in at the Ohla Eixample. The rest of the afternoon is yours to catch up on anything you missed during the first few days. Perhaps you want more Gaudí or feel like scoping out a few Barcelona art museums, like the Joan Miró Foundation, the Picasso Museum, or the MACBA, or explore the Eixample neighborhood.

We’ll conclude our adventure with a farewell dinner at La Pepita, a hyper-local Tapas bar in the heart of Barcelona.

Included

All Meals

Guided tour of the Teatre-Museu Dalí

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Barcelona

Day 7: Thursday, April 16th, 2026

For those not joining the optional trip extension, it’s time to say goodbye. It’s “fins després” to all your Girls' Guide amigas before hopping into a taxi to the Barcelona International Airport for your return flight home.

We're happy to help you set up your taxi to the airport with the help of the hotel’s front desk. 

For those joining the trip extension, ¡Adelante!


Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

Hotel Palau Fugit

Hotel Palau Fugit

Located in the heart of Girona’s Barri Vell, Hotel Palau Fugit was an ancient baroque palace from the 18th century, once called Casa Heras de Puig. In 2022, the building was completely renovated and, for the first time, it opened its doors to travelers.

Ohla Eixample

Ohla Eixample

The Ohla Eixample is a stylish boutique hotel 10 minutes walk from two of Gaudi’s major works, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló

Hosts

 Rachel Watts

Rachel Watts

Rachel is a dynamic professional with a diverse background as a tour facilitator, international development expert, and filmmaker. Her passion for exploring different cultures and histories unites these roles, as she strives to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse ways of life. 


Originally from England, Rachel has called Spain home for the past decade. Her adventurous spirit shines through her impressive achievements, including summiting Kilimanjaro three times, mastering camel riding, and embarking on solo travels across South America—before even learning Spanish! 

Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$9,665

Shared Room

Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

FROM$8,235

Add Ons

Arrive one day early in Barcelona

Arrive one day early in Barcelona

Includes one night and breakfast at the 5-star Ohla Barcelona

PRICE$549.00

ADD THIS

Barcelona is one of the best cities in the world

Barcelona

A buzzing and lively city on the east coast of Spain, Barcelona is home to delights, like Gaudi architecture, a fantastic foodie scene, and even several beaches. Catalonia's capital regularly tops lists of Europe's best places to visit.

Barcelona

What's Included

What's Included

Everything stated in itinerary above including meals (except otherwise noted) plus wine or beer with your evening meal

An English-speaking facilitator accompanying you every step of the way

Local Catalan guides to show you the best of Catalonia

A planning and packing guide to get you ready for this adventure

Walking tour of central Barcelona

Lodging at unique hotels

Visit to the famous Boqueria Market

Private cooking class

Tour of Peratallada, a stone village

Guided tour of the Teatre Museu Dali to get up close and personal with Salvador Dali's artwork

Live performance at Palau de la Musica a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Walking tour of Girona

Visit to Gala's Castle

All in-country transport

Roundtrip airfare to Spain (Barcelona)

Spa Treatments

Airport transfers

Additional wine, beer, or spirits beyond what is offered at meals.

All personal souvenir purchases

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

FAQs

Fly into the Barcelona International Airport (El Prat) and hop into a taxi or an Uber to the hotel - both are safe, clean and plentiful. Your trip leader will meet you at the hotel.

The trip officially starts on April 10, 2026, but if you are traveling overnight to get to Spain, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, you can purchase the Arrive 1 Day Early option in the Add-ons section. We will book your room for you and make sure that you stay in the same room as when the trip starts.

We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.

The average temperatures is generally around 65°F during the day, and 55°F at night.

The European Union will soon require travelers from visa-exempt countries like the U.S. and Canada to obtain travel authorization before entering most EU countries. This new system, called ETIAS, is expected to start sometime in 2025, but exact dates have not been announced.


Since ETIAS is not yet in effect, there’s nothing you need to do right now. We will update all Girls' Guide customers as soon as applications open.

Inquire about this trip

Bedazzling Barcelona & the Costa Brava

Spain· 10 - 16 April 2026· 6 nights

FROM$9,665/pp