Jul 7 - Jul 14, 2024
Spain
with Nicole
Barcelona + Costa Brava, Spain
7 Days From $4170
Saturate your Soul In Spain
Make Paella your pastime, explore Wine, Tapas, Art,
and a whole lot of Spanish fun
[and maybe epic culture, too]
Join Nicole Wenzel for a
6-night journey in Spain.
Spain
Experience the vibrant energy of Barcelona and the coastal charm of Costa Brava in one unforgettable journey, where culture, cuisine, and stunning landscapes await.
About this trip
Embark on an unforgettable 6 nights in Spain, kicking off in the incredible city of Barcelona, before exploring the breathtaking coastal beauty of Costa Brava. Begin your journey in Barcelona, where you'll immerse yourself in the city's rich history, culture, and iconic landmarks such as Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, and the Gothic Quarter.
After indulging in Barcelona's culinary delights, venture north to the alluring Costa Brava, where pristine sandy beaches meet rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Bask in the Mediterranean sunshine, relax on picturesque shores, and discover charming coastal towns like Tossa de Mar, and Cadaqués. Let the enchanting beauty of Spain's Costa Brava captivate your senses and create lifelong memories.
(The recommended age is 18 and over. Interested families with younger children are subject to approval by MPE trip organizers.)
Broaden your horizons and leave forever enchanted by the rich tapestry of Spanish culture and the breathtaking beauty of the Catalan Mediterranean coast.
Wine + Cuisine
Barcelona is a culinary haven where food and wine culture thrive. The city offers a tantalizing array of dishes that reflect its Catalan heritage. Start with "tapas," small plates bursting with flavors, such as patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy sauce) and jamón ibérico (cured ham). Seafood lovers can indulge in "paella," a saffron-infused rice dish with seafood or other ingredients like rabbit and chicken.
The region of Catalonia, where Barcelona is located, is renowned for its vineyards and wine production. Sip on local varietals like "Cava," a sparkling wine, or enjoy a glass of red or white wine from the nearby Penedès or Priorat regions. Visit the city's bustling food markets, like La Boqueria, for fresh produce, cheeses, and other delectable treats. Barcelona's food and wine scene is a delightful journey through Catalan flavors and traditions.
Itinerary
Girona
Barcelona
Madrid
SPAIN
Valencia
Costa Brava
- Trip Starts: Barcelona, 3 nights
- Costa Brava, 4 nights
- Girona, day trip
- Trip Ends: Barcelona
DAY 1
Arrive + Gothic Quarter Food Tour
Kick off your Spanish journey with a guided walking food tour of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. You will meander through Barcelona’s stylish streets, including Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s historic promenade, and visit the iconic boutiques, and the local taverns, and enjoy Catalan tapas paired with wines.
DAY 2
La Sagrada Familia + Park Güell
Spend a memorable day visiting some of Barcelona’s most vibrant and exciting architectural wonders. Marvel at the iconic works of visionary architect, Antoni Gaudí, starting with the magical cathedral, La Sagrada Familia and journeying to the whimsical Park Güell.
DAY 3
Market Tour + Cooking Class
Learn about Catalonia’s food and culinary culture in one of Europe’s most fascinating food markets. Join your host and cooking teacher for a tour of the market where you’ll choose fresh seasonal food to prepare in a hands-on private cooking class.
DAY 3 (Optional Add-On)
Montserrat Monastery + Winery
Venture into the Catalonian countryside for a visit to the beautiful Montserrat Monastery for an optional add-on tour. Learn about the natural and cultural history of this cherished location and absorb the breathtaking views of the Llobregat Valley. Then visit a stunning organic winery where you’ll enjoy a private tour and taste award-winning Grand Cru wines paired with delicious tapas lunch.
DAY 4
Costa Brava + Private Boat Ride
Depart the bustle of Barcelona and head to Costa Brava for the start of your 4-night stay in the Costa Brava region of northwest Spain. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a private boat ride on the “Smuggling Route” where you’ll visit the Contrabando caves and explore the history of the piracy era. Enjoy onboard tapas and drinks and you’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel, paddleboard, or just soak in the Mediterranean sunshine.
DAY 5
Medieval Villages Tour
Immerse yourself in the medieval history of Girona and Besalú with an expert guide on an optional add-on tour. In Girona, visit the Gothic cathedral and the beautiful 12th-century Arab bath. Then head to Besalú and walk the 11th-century Pont Fortificat (Fortified Bridge) leading to the coiled maze of cobbled narrow streets that make up its historic core.
DAY 6
Costa Brava Beaches
Indulge in a day of relaxation at your hotel and bask in the sun on the pristine Costa Brava beaches. Venture out at your leisure to explore the nearby villages that dot the picturesque shoreline, each offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty for you to discover at your own pace.
DAY 6 (Optional Add-On)
Seaside Village Tour
Experience a day of coastal splendor on the mesmerizing Costa Brava shoreline. On this optional add-on tour, explore charming seaside villages, savor a delicious lunch featuring local specialties, and browse through the inviting local shops, immersing yourself in the true essence of this stunning Spanish coastal paradise.
DAY 7
Departure Day
On your final day in Spain, savor every moment as you bid farewell to this captivating city. After a breakfast, our comfortable transfer will whisk you to the airport, leaving you with cherished memories of your unforgettable Spanish adventure.
Trip Extension DAY 7
Empordà's Secrets + Winery
Explore Empordà's hidden gems with a guide, uncovering medieval Peratallada and Palau Sator secrets with exclusive access. Enjoy wine tastings and Catalan lunch on this all-inclusive Barcelona day trip. *Optional add-on for an extra fee.
Alternatively, relax at your Costa Brava hotel, explore nearby coastal villages at your own pace, discovering culture, history, and natural beauty.
Trip Extension DAY 8
Choose Your Own Adventure
Enjoy a day of leisure at your hotel, soaking up the sun on Costa Brava's pristine beaches. Explore the charming coastal villages at your own pace, where each holds a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty waiting to be discovered.
Trip Extension DAY 9
Departure Day
Today marks the departure day for the extension group, as they bid adieu to the coastal paradise and are transferred to the Barcelona airport for their departure flights.
Trip Extension
Four Additional Nights in Costa Brava
Optional Add-On
Enhance your Costa Brava adventure with an extra two nights, immersing yourself further in the captivating beauty and tranquility of the region.
Opt for extended beach relaxation or partake in an optional Empordà tour, where you'll explore medieval villages and savor the delights of a winery experience.
Available Packages
Double Room Occupancy
Starting at
$4170 Per Person
$1500 Deposit Required
Payment Plans Available
SINGLE Room Occupancy
Starting at
$5330 Per Person
$1500 Deposit Required
Payment Plans Available
2 SPOTS REMAINING!
What’s Included
1
Accommodations
Accommodations in boutique hotel experiences
2
Transportation
In-country transportation including airport transfers
3
Trip Director
A seasoned MPE director accompanies the group throughout the journey
4
Select Meals
Daily Breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners are included
5
Tours + Activities
All organized group tours and activities
6
Guide Gratuities
Guide Gratuities included for organized tours and activities
Participants are responsible for:
- International Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Alcohol outside of group meals and wine tours
- Select meals not listed above
- Excess baggage charges
- Excursions or deviations from the trip itinerary
- Personal expenses such as snacks, laundry, additional gratuities, and communication
- Costs associated with obtaining passports and visas
- International airport departure tax, if applicable
- Covid-related expenses, whether mandatory or voluntary
Meet Your Host
Nicole Wenzel
I've always had a love for history and good food. Coming from a small, rural town, I had few opportunities to travel. When I became a teacher, I met students from all over the world. I encouraged families to visit my classroom to share a little about their home countries. Soon, I found myself daydreaming about these amazing places.
I'm currently an elementary special education teacher and swim coach. I have two daughters of my own and a teenage stepson. I own a small liquor store with my husband in Northern New York and take every school vacation I can to travel. I try to immerse myself in each destination's local food and spirits as well as checking out some of the history.
Your Organizer
Discover the essence of MPE travel, where our carefully curated experiences are designed for both solo travelers and groups of friends, fostering a close community of like-minded explorers. Guided by experienced leaders, our small-group adventures accommodate a maximum of 12 travelers, guaranteeing an intimate and unforgettable journey.
At MPE, we recognize the uniqueness of each client and experience. Our commitment is to customize our services, showcasing our expertise in creative thinking and a dedication to crafting one-of-a-kind experiences.
With MPE, meticulous planning ensures that we consistently surpass expectations. If you appreciate transforming moments into enduring memories, we invite you to join us on a voyage where extraordinary experiences await.
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“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
— Gustave Flaubert
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