This 8-day itinerary is pure holiday bliss on the Mediterranean. Kick off the trip in Barcelona, an enchanting European city that needs no introduction, where you'll have a few days to explore Gaudi's architectural masterpieces and the popular gastro scene (i.e. tapas galore). From here, you'll jet off to the capital of cool—Ibiza island—for five days of white-sand beaches, sparkling seas, and serious bohemian relaxation.

Highlights

  • Experience the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia with a local expert
  • Sample tapas all over Barcelona, as well as treats in the city's biggest market 
  • See the best historical sites inside Ibiza's medieval walled city 
  • Sign up for a range of excursions around the island, or hit the hiking trails 
  • Take your pick between some of Europe's best Mediterranean beaches

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Barcelona Barcelona
Day 2 Barcelona Tour & La Sagrada Familia Barcelona
Day 3 Fly from Barcelona to Ibiza Ibiza Town
Days 4-7 Explore Ibiza Ibiza Town
Day 8 Depart Ibiza  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona

Gaudi's Park Guell at sunset

Welcome to Barcelona! Upon arrival at the airport or train station, you'll be greeted by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Take a little time to settle in your room and get your bearings before hitting the streets, armed with a good map and some local recommendations. 

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular cities to visit and you'll quickly see why. You could spend days experiencing all there is to see and do, from the unique architecture of Anton Gaudí to world-class museums, medieval streets in the Gothic Quarter, famous markets like La Boqueria, and, of course, delicious tapas served all over the city. 

Day 2: Barcelona Tour & La Sagrada Familia

Tour this famous cathedral with a local guide

This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, you'll take a half-day private walking tour of Barcelona, starting with its greatest monument, La Sagrada Familia, where you'll learn more about Gaudí and his jaw-dropping masterpiece, which is still under construction.

From here, you'll continue visiting the city's most emblematic spots and hidden corners while your guide shares local insider information. To finish the tour, you'll drop by a tapas bar for some much-needed nourishment. Make sure to ask your guide where his/her favorite restaurant recommendations around the city before parting ways! 

After the tour ends, you will have the entire afternoon and evening to continue exploring this exciting city at your own pace.

Day 3: Fly from Barcelona to Ibiza

Wander the streets of Ibiza Town

This morning, depending on the time of your flight, a driver will collect you from your hotel to take you to Barcelona's El Prat Airport. It's time for Ibiza! You'll take a direct flight to the island, which only takes about an hour. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Ibiza Town, the capital and largest city of Ibiza. 

The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to walk through the streets of this bustling port city overlooking the Mediterranean. You'll find buzzing nightlife (including Pacha nightclub for world-famous DJs), excellent restaurants, and a great selection of bars in the pretty Old Town, as well as the trendy Marina Botafoch. 

Days 4-7: Explore Ibiza

Pick between dozens of beaches on Ibiza with differing vibes and scenery

Over the next four days, you'll have plenty of time to get to know Ibiza, which attracts peak crowds during the summer months. How you spend these four fun-filled days is entirely up to you!

The Balearic island has a reputation as being an international party destination but it offers much more than this. Behind all the nightlife is an island filled with ancient history, white-sand beaches, bohemian markets, and excellent cuisine.

For starters, the town of Ibiza is full of charming streets, cool boutiques shops, art galleries, 13th-century cathedrals, and history museums, while its pretty citadel—a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Dalt Vila—is a history lesson in itself. 

As for the surrounding turquoise Mediterranean sea, you'll have more than 80 beach options to choose from all over the island including hedonistic spots teeming with a young and fun crowd, relaxing beaches for sipping chilled rosé, and gorgeous hidden coves that require a boat or hiking trail to arrive.  

Meanwhile, excursions are aplenty with a range of options like sailboat charters, snorkeling/scuba diving tours, and rentals for ATVs, bicycles, sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and jet skis, to name a few.

For simpler free-of-charge activities, Ibiza has a great network of hiking trails offering views over the sparkling sea. And don't forget to check out the nightly nature show—it is said that Ibiza has some of the best sunsets the Mediterranean has to offer. 

Day 8: Depart Ibiza

One more morning stroll in Ibiza Town before your departing flight

It's time to say goodbye to Ibiza! At the scheduled time, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departing flight. Safe travels! 

Map

Map of Best of Barcelona & Ibiza - 8 Days
Map of Best of Barcelona & Ibiza - 8 Days