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Spain for Families: A Tailor-Made Journey

7 days from $6,465

Travel as a family through Spain’s northeastern coast, where the artistic pulse of Barcelona meets the laid-back elegance of the Costa Brava—an unforgettable journey filled with culture, cuisine, and coastal charm.

Family Journeys
Tailor-Made Journeys
Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary

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Highlights

  • Admire the visionary architecture of Antoni Gaudí, from the organic curves of Casa Batlló to the soaring spires of La Sagrada Família—masterworks that redefined modernism and continue to inspire awe. 
  • Cycle through Barcelona’s layered history, pedaling from the winding alleys of the Gothic Quarter to the sleek, contemporary waterfront, guided by stories that span centuries. 
  • Join a local chef for a hands-on culinary experience, selecting fresh ingredients from a bustling market and preparing your own paella in a traditional kitchen—an intimate window into Catalan cuisine. 
  • Step into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí with a visit to his birthplace in Figueres, then explore the medieval charm of Girona, where Roman walls and Baroque facades tell tales of resilience and artistry. 
  • Unwind along the Costa Brava, where rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and crystalline waters offer a serene contrast to the vibrant energy of the city.

Sample Itinerary

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

The following itinerary is a sampling of the experiences that we offer on a Tailor-Made Journey. Working with our country specialists, you can customize your itinerary to fit your timing, your budget, and your interests, including accommodations, activities, and the places you visit.

Day 1 — Arrive in Barcelona

Upon arrival in Barcelona, you’ll be welcomed by your private driver and transferred to your centrally located hotel. In the afternoon, begin your journey into the heart of Catalan creativity with a guided exploration of Antoni Gaudí’s most iconic works. Marvel at the surreal forms of Casa Batlló and the towering spires of La Sagrada Família—testaments to a visionary who reshaped the city’s skyline and architectural language. (B)

Day 2 — Barcelona

This morning, set out on a guided bicycle tour that traces Barcelona’s evolution from medieval port to modern metropolis. Ride through the lively thoroughfare of La Rambla, the revitalized Port Vell, and the breezy Barceloneta waterfront. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time with the option to ascend Montjuïc by cable car, where gardens, museums, and panoramic views await. (B)

Day 3 — Barcelona’s Culinary Traditions

Today, immerse yourself in the flavors of Catalonia during a hands-on cooking experience. Accompanied by a local chef, visit a bustling market to select fresh ingredients before preparing a traditional paella in a private kitchen. Learn the cultural significance of this beloved dish and enjoy your creation over a shared lunch. (B,L)

Day 4 — Begur, Costa Brava

Depart Barcelona with your private driver and head north to the Costa Brava, a region known for its rugged coastline and artistic heritage. Arrive in the charming town of Begur and check into your seafront hotel, where sweeping views of the Mediterranean invite you to unwind. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the town or relaxing by the sea. (B)

Day 5 — Girona

Embark on a full-day excursion through Catalonia’s cultural heartland. Begin in Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dalí, where the artist’s eccentric spirit lives on in the Dalí Theatre-Museum. Continue to Girona, a beautifully preserved medieval city with Roman walls, Gothic cathedrals, and a rich Jewish heritage. Walk its cobbled streets and discover the layers of history that define this region. (B)

Day 6 — Costa Brava

Enjoy a day at leisure in Begur. Relax by the pool, stroll through the town’s whitewashed streets, or explore nearby beaches and coves. Smithsonian Journeys recommendations are available to guide your day, whether you seek quiet reflection or coastal adventure. (B)

Day 7 — Depart Barcelona

Bid farewell to the Costa Brava as your private driver returns you to Barcelona for your onward flight, concluding your enriching journey through Catalonia’s artistic and coastal treasures. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

Starting Price

Dates

Availability

Price

Choose the dates that work for you
Available
from $6,465

Starting Price for a Family of 4

Occupancy Double
Estimated Price $6,465

Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy, based on four travelers in two rooms, and do not include international air. They reflect the itinerary shown here, and are intended as a broad indication of how much you should budget for your trip. We can tailor your trip to match your budget by adjusting the trip duration or departure date, and choosing accommodations and activities that suit your needs and interests.  

Starting price reflects the itinerary shown here, and are intended as a broad indication of how much you should budget for your trip. We can tailor your trip to match your budget by adjusting the trip duration or departure date, and choosing accommodations and activities that suit your needs and interests.

Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.

Tour Details

Accommodations

Lamaro Hotel
Barcelona, Spain

Ideally located in the heart of Barcelona, and fully renovated in 2024, the Lamaro Hotel offers comfortably modern rooms, a relaxing rooftop spa terrace, unrivaled views of the city's central cathedral and easy access to all the main sights.

Hotel Aigua Blava
Costa Brava, Spain

Family-run since its opening in 1934, Hotel Aigua Blava provides a comfortable, relaxing stay on the Costa Brava waterfront. Its rooms are understated but refined and the restaurant serves typical Catalan cuisine.

Gift Membership – Friends of Smithsonian

When you travel on a Tailor-Made Journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:

  • An annual Smithsonian calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
  • Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history. 
  • Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
  • Access to special members‑only hours at select Smithsonian venues.
  • 10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
  • Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
  • Free admission to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
  • A complimentary copy of the Smithsonian annual pocket guide profiling exhibitions and work across the Institution.
  • Invitation to a special welcome members-only tour at a Smithsonian Museum (offered one time to Archivists upon joining at this level).

*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members. 

Reading List

*As an Amazon Associate, Smithsonian Journeys earns from qualifying purchases.

Highly Recommended

Iberia
By: Michener, James A.
Kids' Travel Guide - Spain: The fun way to discover Spain - especially for kids
By: Crawford, Wendy, Leon, Shiela H.
DK Spain (Travel Guide)
By: DK Travel
Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary
By: Lonely Planet

Also Recommended

Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain and Its Silent Past
By: Tremlett, Giles
Barcelona
By: Hughes, Robert
Gaudí. The Complete Works. 45th Ed. (45th Edition)
By: Zerbst, Rainer
The Sun Also Rises: The Hemingway Library Edition
By: Hemingway, Ernest
Mission Barcelona: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure (Travel Guide For Kids)
By: Catherine Aragon
Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Spain
By: Stewart, Chris
Lonely Planet Kids My Travel Journal
By: Baxter, Nicola
The Travel Book: A journey through every country in the world (Lonely Planet Kids)
By: Kids, Lonely Planet
My Kitchen in Spain: 225 Authentic Regional Recipes
By: Mendel, Janet
History of the World Map by Map (DK History Map by Map)
By: DK

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.