An overnight flight takes you to the cultural hub of Catalonia: Barcelona. World-class museums, sprawling parks and a buzzing cafe culture make this city one of Spain’s most vibrant and distinctive.

Breakfast (in flight), Dinner

After clearing customs, a Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel in Barcelona. Once settled in, you’re free to begin getting to know the city on your own. Wander the Picasso museum, home to over 3,800 works showcasing the artist’s connection to Barcelona. Stroll through Parc la Ciutadella, the city’s central green space. Or sip sangria in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) in the shadow of towering medieval buildings. Following your afternoon on the town, clink glasses with your fellow travelers at your welcome dinner.

Breakfast

Discover Barcelona from a local’s point-of-view on a guided tour. As you make your way through the city, you’ll gain an appreciation for the career and iconic works of Catalonia’s most famous architect: Antoni Gaudí. Wander his imaginative “garden city,” Parc Güell, peering over the garden walls for sweeping views of the city center below. Take some time to explore the intricate mosaics, surreal sculptures and playful “gingerbread houses” that inhabit the park. Next, drive along Barcelona’s major avenue, Paseo De Gracia, stopping to get a glimpse of another of Gaudí’s infamous works, Casa Batlló (House of Bones). Then, wrap up your tour outside the architect’s massive (and still unfinished) la Sagrada Família church. Later this evening, experience the art of flamenco, moving along to the lively palmas (claps) and cante (singing) at our optional dinner and performance.

Optional Excursions

Flamenco Dinner Show $109* pp

The clapping, the singing, the stamping—experience the dramatic art of flamenco dancing, one of Spain’s most celebrated traditions. Expressive and colorful, this Andalucian style of dance combines guitar playing (toque), song (cante) and rhythmic handclaps (palmas). Dinner will be served before the performance. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.

Breakfast

Castillo de Bellver

Fly to the golden sands of sunny Mallorca, well known as a beach-lover’s paradise. The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca landscapes extend beyond just beautiful beaches, boasting broad plains and the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Your first stop is Palma, the island’s capital. Though Palma has a modern feel, remnants of the original city walls can still be seen. With a local by your side, embark on a walk through the heart of the city, taking in historic sights such as the Palma Cathedral, a Gothic structure over 300 years in the making. Then, enter the Castillo de Bellver, one of the few circular castles in Europe. Afterward, set off on your own to soak in more of the island culture.

Breakfast

Old Tramway

Alluringly isolated, Fornalutx is one village in Mallorca best experienced on foot. Mountainous surroundings and the Mediterranean Sea set the backdrop for this morning’s stroll along the piedra seca—a dry stone pathway on a well-worn route through the region. Meander through fragrant orange groves and terraces of olive trees on your way to the village of Soller, where you’ll have time to explore this coastal hamlet. A tram will take you to the port, where you can relax by the sea or take in the town’s collection of 14th century buildings.

Breakfast, Dinner

Cavern of the Dragon

Delve into Mallorca’s hidden terrain as you descend into the Cavern of the Dragon (Cuevas del Drach). As you navigate this network of caves, you’ll discover otherworldly limestone caverns, passing by jagged stalactite and stalagmites created over the centuries. At the end of your walk, you’ll reach Lake Martel, a massive underground lake considered to be one of the largest of its kind. Returning above ground, take a ferry across the Balearic Sea to Menorca, Mallorca’s sister island. Though Menorca is smaller and lesser known, its picture perfect beaches rival Mallorca’s. Settle in at your group dinner this evening.

Breakfast

Cheese Factory and Museum, boat ride in Mahon

Get a taste for one of Menorca’s culinary staplesat the Mahon cheese factory, where you’ll discover how the delicacy is made. Following your tour, make your way to S’Albufera Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-named Biosphere Reserve. Walking along the reserve’s flat paths and wooden promenades, you’ll cross lush wetlands and woodlands, finding natural beauty at every turn. Watch for the colorful variety of birds as you wander along the area’s small lagoons and past salt-water lakes, finally arriving at the shores of Es Grau Beach. Later, take to the waters on a boat ride from Mahon, a nearby port town. The history of Menorca comes to light at the Marlborough Fort, a British fortress constructed in the 18th century to help maintain control of the Mediterranean.

Breakfast

This morning, walk through the coastal landscapes of Menorca. Following the Cami de Cavalls (horse path), trek past a defense tower dating to the 1700s to Punta Prima, a white-sand resort where you’ll have free time to sit back and unwind. Stopping at the Binibeca Coast, take a some time to shop at some of the local boutiques before flying back to Barcelona in the afternoon.

Breakfast, Dinner

Pottery Workshop

Keep your camera ready as you make the drive from Barcelona to Costa Brava—a ribbon of coastline backed by craggy cliffs, tranquil coves and stunning seascapes. On your guided walk in Begur, saunter past secluded beaches and colorful fishing villages where the simple life is still embraced. Next, tour nearby Pals, strolling the medieval port’s cobbled streets on your way to the weathered stone buildings of the Gothic Quarter. Take in all the city’s historic sights, including Plaça Major, the tombs in the Carrer Major and the church of Sant Pere. Then, get a glimpse of a pottery workshop in town and watch the ancient art form in action. Returning to Barcelona, savor one last group dinner before tomorrow’s departure.

Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Try to fit in one last early morning stroll before a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for you flight home.