Best of Barcelona Vacation in 7 Days

The dull chatter of friendly shop owners on the streets below will wake you from your sleep today. Treetops that flank Las Ramblas will whistle from a light breeze, while motorcycles rev their engines in the distance. You can exit your hotel for a nearby cup of coffee or treat, as nearby, quaint cafes will boast daily deals of hot drinks and the traditional tomato paste toast of la mixta. Once you are prepared for the day, you will meet your expert guide in front of your hotel for a fascinating overview of the city's highlights.

The first half of your day will be spent in the remarkable Gothic Quarter. Here, the architecture dates back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Alongside your guide, you will discover such gems as the wrought iron bridge, which is known as Pont del Bisbe, and Placa de Sant Jaume, which is the famous central plaza that is home to The Palace of the Generalitat of Catalonia and City Hall. Then, you can tour the Medieval Walls and the Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona, which was originally constructed as far back as the third or fourth century AD.

During the second half of your day, your guide will lead you to the most iconic of all architecture in Barcelona: the Sagrada Familia. Gaudi's whimsical designs are on full display at this breathtaking church. Towering steeples, amazing stonework, and intricate carvings depict the Bible's nativity scene and make up its stunning exterior. As you step inside, you will be in awe of the kaleidoscopic colors that burst from massive, stained-glass windows and central stone columns that rise a shocking 170 meters. In the evening, you can return to the city center for an authentic meal in the beautiful Placa Reial.

The early morning buzz of Barcelona's downtown will flood through your hotel windows. After a light breakfast, you will meet your guide in front of your hotel for a day of admiring the whimsical and intricate designs of Antoni Gaudi, which are spread amongst the city's center and beyond.

Today will begin with a tour of two of Gaudi's most famous urban designs, which are located in the neighboring district of Eixample. The first, Casa Mila, was designed by Gaudi between the years 1906 and 1912 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site more than 70 years later in 1984. This unique and undulating facade catches the attention of passersby and invites them on a whimsical journey. Patrons can also make the climb to the building's unique rooftop, which displays decadent, spiraling columns and a floor that mimics the same design of the building's exterior. At Casa Batllo, the fantastical facade gives the illusion of molten lava that is melting down the side of the building. Colorful mosaic tiles are plastered into the side of the building and shimmer as the sun reflects upon it. This inspired design even includes animal-like features such as the jagged and curved rooftop, which looks like that of a dinosaur or dragon's back.

In the afternoon, you will venture to the Northern part of the city, which is where Gaudi's famed Park Guell resides. This beautiful, public space is truly the culmination of all of Gaudi's most exuberant inspiration. Here, you can amble past small cottages and tucked-away homes that display the same melting stone facades of Gaudi's urban designs. You can also walk along stone trails and inside tunnels that exude eccentricity and charm. At sunset, you will find a seat along beautiful tile mosaic benches as you peer out on a panoramic view of the city.

The following morning, you will set out on a day trip to the charming city of Girona. Electric hues of red, orange, and yellow welcome visitors to explore this Northeastern city in Catalonia, which is nestled beside the River Onyar. As you cross the rusty red Eiffel Bridge, you will delight in your first glimpses of this beautiful city.

In the morning, you will observe a rich blend of Roman, Jewish, and Arab heritage in the Old Quarter. Your tour will begin at the Cathedral of Girona, which dramatically imposes on the central plaza. The massive, stone facade of this building immediately shrinks any passerby, and the edifice boasts the largest Gothic nave in the world. Afterward, you will visit the Jewish part of the city, where you can visit the Jewish Museum of pause at El Call, which was home to some of the most inspirational Jewish poets, philosophers, and rabbis of the 12th century. Later, you can stop at the mystic Arab baths, which include a large, octagonal stone bath with opulent pillars that stretch up to the towering interior ceiling. Finally, Girona's Roman stone wall that surrounds the city will provide panoramic views of the downtown area.

In the afternoon, you can catch some waves along Girona's sparkling beach, which is known as Costa Brava. Brightly colored beach towels and umbrellas will line the sandy coastline as locals and visitors break away from the hurried pace of daily life for a few hours of tranquility. You can lay out your towels at Bay of Lloret de Mar for a few hours of sunbathing while you look out on the deep blue crashing waves. You will make a brief stop at Palafrugell, which is located near Palamos, for incredibly scenic views of the town's memorable white facades.

Much of Catalonia's beauty is best taken in from entirely new heights. Today, you will trek to the mountainous region of Montserrat to partake in amazing hiking trails with panoramic views of the looming hillside. Jagged, saw-toothed mountain peaks cut into the soft blue skies, and tucked into the side of this impressive mountain range is the opulent Santa Maria de Montserrat monastery, which hangs on to the cliff's edge. An excursion to the site is a religious experience for some and an architectural must-see for others.

You will start this thrilling day trip with a scenic train ride from downtown Barcelona to the base of Montserrat, which is approximately a two hours ride. From the train station, you will meet your private guide before mounting a cable car for unparalleled views of the valley below. You will climb in altitude and encroach on the mountain town, then with the direction of your expert guide, you will spend the next several hours here, admiring the beauty of Montserrat on foot. A variety of hiking trails will lead you along brick-laid paths that pass through central plazas and across bridges that span the diameter of the town. After a light lunch, you will have the option to continue your hike toward the monastery, which will be a total of about five with a mix of well-paved paths and narrow dirt walkways that lead through some of the region's most luscious foliage. You can also opt to transfer to the top via private ground transportation, which your guide will have available at the ready.

Once you have reached the summit and breathed in the fresh mountain air, you will visit the Santa Cova Chapel and the Black Virgin of Montserrat. Later, you can enjoy an afternoon of self-guided exploration, which will allow you can delight in some of the best views of all at Sant Miguel's Cross and The Stairway to Heaven.

Locals will zigzag between coffee shops and restaurants as they catch up with friends over drinks while you return to the frenzy of Barcelona's downtown. Bicyclists with backseat carts will weave through traffic and transport tourists to the city highlights. Beyond the city's architecture and design is one of its most critical cultural elements: Barcelona's gastronomy. On your last full day in the city, you will roll up your sleeves and prepare your taste buds for some of the city's tastiest cuisine.

A morning of self-guided exploration at the Mercado de La Boqueria will be sure to get your mouth watering. Rainbow hues will greet you at the entrance of this open-aired market as vendors sell lemons, limes, oranges, pineapples, and plumes. While the market was first established as early as 1217 as a meat market, in today's market, you can find virtually any food. Other than the fruits, olives, breads, and cheeses, the market also includes beautiful displays of candied fruit in nearly every hue imaginable. You can chat with local vendors and purchase a few sweets as you amble along the extensive corridors.

In the afternoon, you are in for a real treat because you will partake in an authentic paella cooking class alongside a world-renowned chef. You will choose from a variety of chicken, seafood, or vegetarian paella medleys, and you can sip on a sweet glass of red wine as you follow your chef's demonstration. With the help of your chef, you will mix rice, peas, green beans, and saffron for a truly delicious flavor and maybe an even better smell. While your paella simmers in the iconic, cast-iron pan, you can take a seat at a candlelight table on the balcony. You will bite into your delicious meal before finishing off your last night in Spain with a relaxing stroll along the port of Barceloneta.

The morning sun rises, and city skies will warm with pink and yellow hues. Seagulls will swoop low in the distance as daily traffic begins to hum, and locals and cafe owners may chat over recent news stories while ticket offices fervently call out tour deals for the day.

You can enjoy one last cup of creamy cafe con leche as you watch passersby along the cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter. Shortly, you will meet ground transportation in front of your hotel and travel to the airport for your international flight home. As you bump along the cobbled streets toward the city's international airport, you will say goodbye to the whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudi and the intricate designs of the Gothic Quarter. While your invigorating adventure to Barcelona has come to an end, the memories will surely pervade your memories in the months and years to come.