One-Week Spain Vacation: Insight to Barcelona's History & Culture

Even in the early morning hours, Barcelona's downtown is teeming with activity. Store owners set up their shops and patio seating, and pedestrians wait at street corners in order to hail a cab.

At the day's start, you can enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby cafe, where you can choose from a variety of breakfast options, including the local favorite: a creamy cup of cafe con leche and a crunchy baguette tostada that is topped with tomato paste or sweet marmalade. While you eat, you will be able to feel the cool ocean air on your back and listen to the chatter that carries along the cobbled alleyways. Then, you will return to your hotel, where you will meet your guide for a tour of Barcelona's downtown.

Your tour will begin at the Ciutadella Park, which is a central convening point for locals and tourists. As cars zip around the perimeter, you can appreciate an intricate, central fountain that sparkles in the sunlight. Birds tend to gather around the fountain for a lucky treat while pedestrians cross through on the way to the adjacent neighborhoods of Raval, Ciutat Vella, and the Gothic Quarter. You will then continue to Raval, which is the home of the Monastery of Sant Pau del Camp and the Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona. Today, this neighborhood is a diverse mix of immigrant communities and a vibrant arts scene. Later, you will transfer to the Ciutat Vella and Gothic Quarter. Here, you will stroll along the charming streets to arrive at key features like the Plaza de San Felipe Neri, the neighborhood's ancient synagogue, and Passeig del Born, which is a hotbed of shopping and trendy bars.

What's Included: accommodation, tour, breakfast

Tarragona is an illustrious port city that lies about an hour south from the metropolis of Barcelona. The city is striking for its natural beauty and proximity to the ocean. Most notably, Tarragona possesses some of the most famed and well-preserved relics of the ancient Roman Empire. As you spend part of your day in the city, you will have the unique opportunity to step inside and authentic Roman amphitheater and walk along the ruins of a Roman chariot track.

Early in the morning, you will indulge in a light breakfast at your hotel before joining your guide. As you board a luxurious train that is bound for the riveting city, you will look out on the iridescent coastline before passing by the grassy plains of the Central Catalonia region. Soon, you will be greeted by the mesmerizing landscape and ocean backdrop.

As you and your guide enter the city, you will begin your visit by venturing to the impressive Tarragona Cathedral and Les Ferreres Aqueduct. Later, you will step inside the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona before passing along Rambla Nova, which is a bustling center of shopping, music, and art. Finally, you will pause at the most stunning of Tarragona's features: the ancient Roman Amphitheater. This massive, circular stadium dates back to the second century AD. At the time, it could hold up to 15,000 spectators. The stadium sits just feet from the water's edge, which is another reason for its success in captivating its audiences. You will also visit the Circ Roma, which is an impressive chariot track that was built by the Roman in the first century CE, including both above and below-ground portions. At the conclusion of your day trip to Tarragona, you will stroll down the pristine beaches of Platja Savinosa and dip your toes into the cool, refreshing waters.

What's Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast

Urban dwellings are not the only places where Spain's historical gems hide. In fact, when you travel to the country's rural plains and majestic mountain peaks, you are also guaranteed to uncover some of the most impressive historical relics. This will be the case when you depart Barcelona for a day at the Montserrat Monastery.

You will enjoy a scenic train ride from Barcelona to the secluded mountain range, which has been named for its jagged peaks that are like that of a serrated saw. The famous mountain peaks of Sant Jeroni, Montgros, and Miranda de les Agulles form the outline of this natural wonder. From the top, you can spot the Mediterranean Sea. For most visitors, the main to-do is to summit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery, which is nestled amongst the peaks.

From the base of the mountain, you will take a luxurious cable car ride to the charming town of Montserrat. Then, alongside your guide, you will partake in an hour-long hike to the site of the monastery. Do not worry, as this is something that can be completed regardless of your fitness level. As you make the climb, you will gaze out on the breathtaking scenery of looming mountain peaks and low-lying clouds and feel as if you are on top of the world. Greenery will burst from muted stone facades, and a quick-flowing river will snake through the central valley. Soon, you will come upon the striking Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery. Your guide will lead you through the basilica to the Museum of Montserrat. You can also enjoy some self-exploration, where you will have a chance to indulge in the best views from miradors, such as the Creu de Sant Miguel and the Mirador de KOR.

What's Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast

After a few days of exploring Catalonia's exquisite beach towns and mountain villages, you will return to Barcelona for an enchanting tour of the city's architecture. In addition to being a hub for fashion and fine dining, the metropolis of Barcelona has also been long-regarded for its art scene that dates back hundreds of years. When the architecture of internationally acclaimed Antoni Gaudi was first introduced to the city, it was met with curiosity at best and disgust at its worst. His whimsical designs and irreverent patterns have since riveted tourists and become a point of pride for locals who can appreciate the historical significance and fascinating aesthetic today.

You will spend the majority of the day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Sagrada Familia cathedral that is just minutes from downtown. As you approach the church, massive crowds of visitors from around the world also gather. A playful, stone exterior nearly melts off the side of the building. You will catch glimpses of the key Biblical stories that are etched into the side of the building, and as you enter, you will encounter massive stone columns at the church's focal points and streams of colors that pour in from stained-glass windows along the church's side and rear.

Later today, you will visit another of Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces at Park Guell. Not only will you enjoy panoramic views of the city, but you will also step inside fairytale-like cottages, arching stone tunnels, and cascading staircases. Then, you can sit along snaking, tile-mosaic benches as you marvel at picturesque views of the city and pick out key features of the Gothic District from the days prior.

What's Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast

Today, you can gear up for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime when you travel to Horta de Sant Joan for the day. Today, you will visit the Northwestern foothills of the Ports of Beseit mountain range. The rugged exterior of this striking rock formation is reason enough for a brief visit, but Horta de Sant Joan is also an absolute must for adventurous outdoor activities.

You will begin the day with a tour of the lovely downtown. Here, you will visit the Convent of San Salvador, which boasts beautiful archways, massive staircases, and breathtaking gardens that spill from the hillside and down into the valley. You can step inside the church and later marvel at city views from the extensive courtyard.

Then, during the second half of the day, you will partake in a thrilling "canyoning" experience. Alongside a mountaineering guide, you will strap on a helmet and harness before hiking and climbing rugged terrain. You will then jump into Catalonia's idyllic water lagoons. During this adventure, you will witness the natural landscapes of Spain like never before as you wander along these secluded paths through some of the region's most luscious scenery. Once you have had a chance to catch your breath at the conclusion of this adventure, you will be given a recording to commemorate your experience. You will have the additional or alternative option of biking through the region for a tranquil respite and ideal viewing experience.

What's Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast, lunch, dinner

On your last day in Spain, you can sit out on a cafe patio nearby as you reminisce on your captivating adventure through Barcelona and its surrounding highlights. In just a week's time, you have traveled through thousands of years of riveting history and culture to immerse yourself in the rich ambiance of this illustrious landscape.

During the morning hours, you can enjoy free time to shop for final souvenirs and step inside the vibrant Mercado de la Boqueria for a quick taste of fresh fruits. Then, in the early afternoon hours, you will board private transport that will lead you to the airport for international flights home.

What's Included: airport transfer, brunch