Spain Catalonia

Welcome to Spain!

Spain is an absolute must-go destination in Europe with incredible sights, delicious cuisine, and rich history.

Explore Spain differently and get fully immersed in Catalonian culture. You’ll begin your trip in Barcelona, a city with a rich cultural heritage that has become an important cultural center of Spain. Besides exploring the trendy neighborhoods of Barcelona, you’ll also tour La Sagrada Família, one of Antonio Gaudí's most famous architectural masterpieces.

Embrace the Catalonia region from a farmhouse on the outskirts of Girona. Discover the history of Girona, with one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe. Venture out to the Mediterranean coastline and take in the fantastic scenery of Costa Brava. 

Your trip will also take you to the base of the Pyrenees mountains. Here, you will experience a delightful ride on the Núria Valley Rack Railway, winding through a serene valley.

Duration: 7 days & 6 nights

Start: Meet at Barcelona El Prat International Airport (BCN) at 3:00 p.m.

Finish: Trip ends at Barcelona El Prat International Airport (BCN)

Plan to depart at any time on Day 7. 

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration--please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

• 7 days & 6 nights in shared accommodations.
• Meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunches, & 5 dinners
• Guided walking tour in Barcelona
• Admission and private tour of La Sagrada Família
• Guided walking tour of Barceloneta, Gothic, and Born
• Guided walking tour in Girona
• Day trip to Costa Brava
• Day trip to Nuria Valley in the Pyrenees region
• Round-trip train ticket for the Pyrenees Railways
• Private airport pick-up upon arrival
• Private airport drop-off upon departure
• Experienced Under30Experiences Trip Leader
• Personal recommendations for optional activities
• The chance to meet some kick-ass people
• Access to the Under30Experiences community
• All taxes are included with no hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

‍Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Spain.
Transportation and optional activities are not included.

• Tour of La Sagrada Família
• Experience Catalonian Culture
• Explore Girona and its rich history
• Relax on the beaches in Costa Brava
• Dine farm-to-table
• Ride the Pyrenees Railway

Looking to immerse yourself in Catalonia, Spain? This trip is definitely for you!

Your main base will be a unique farmhouse accommodation on the outskirts of Girona. This rural accommodation, located in the beautiful valley of Llémena, has been restored by artisans using natural materials. It is an eco-friendly, sustainable accommodation that focuses on using renewable energies.

You will need comfy shoes because we will be walking on the days when we visit the cities and towns. However, no activities require a high level of fitness, and there will be days for relaxation and leisure.

You will even hang out on a beautiful Mediterranean beach (weather permitting) in Costa Brava.

Enjoy a unique railway ride at the base of the Pyrenees mountains. This provides travelers with an opportunity to view the landscape of this valley. The ride is approximately 20-30 minutes each way. Please take note if you have anxiety with heights.

-Age requirement: 21+

-Group size: 16 max, average 12

-Physical rating: Moderate. There will be some long walking days while we explore multiple Spanish cities.

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip, you can join a custom WhatsApp group and connect with other members of your group. If you are from the same city, you might meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks. It’s also a great chance to plan extended stays in a country after the trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel Community, where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We constantly host meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes to outdoor movie nights.

Over 70% of our travelers come solo, but all leave with new friends.

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While we always intend to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it, and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and are subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Eat like a local with delicious Spanish dishes. During your stay at the farmhouse, you will eat fresh, healthy produce directly from the garden. It will be a true farm-to-table experience every time you sit down to eat.

Kick off your day with a buffet brimming with local and organic choices: freshly baked bread, eggs, pastries, jam, butter, cheeses, cereals, yogurts, cold pork cuts, chocolates, fresh fruit… and vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

Sample Dinner Menu from the farmhouse depending on the season:‍

Possible starter options: 

• Garden-fresh cauliflower soup with poached egg from the farm’s chickens, truffle, and sesame oil  (optional without egg)
• Potato omelet sprinkled with rosemary. 
• Homemade gnocchi with the chef’s grandmother’s sauce (optional with vegan mushroom sauce).

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Possible main courses: 

• Seitan bikini with vegan sobrasada
• Bbalda cheese from the local valley and caramelized onion (optional with vegan cheese)
• Maitake mushrooms from Montseny with provençal sauce in a nest of potato purée
• Deboned Can Buch lamb with a rich meat juice gravy in a potato nest
• Beef flank entraña’ cooked at low temperature with chimichurri and vegetables.

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Possible dessert options:

• Vegan carrot cake with cashew frosting and lemon
• Seasonal fruit salad with chia seeds and coconut yogurt
• Homemade 4-cheese cheesecake with red berries coulis
• Homemade lavender ice cream with trias biscuit
• Vegan dark chocolate coulant with vanilla ice cream and mandarin jam from Can Buch.

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You will be traveling by private ground transportation for most of your trip. However, in Barcelona,  if your group decides not to walk between attractions, you may need to take public transportation to get around.

Also, there is a public train ride during your visit to the Pyrenees mountain town.

Included:

• Private ground transportation to and from the airport

Not included:

• Public buses and taxis around Barcelona
• Optional activities 

‍Taxis and other public transportation are not included unless specified on the itinerary.

You will stay in shared rooms at a modern eco-hostal (not hostel) for two nights in Barcelona and in shared rooms at an eco farmhouse outside of Girona for 4 nights of your trip. Please note that hostals in Spain are not hostels. They are small, usually family-owned hotels.

Laundry is available at the hotel for an additional fee. Please ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.

Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.

Private room options are available upon request,  subject to hotel availability, and for an extra charge.

For your safety and peace of mind, travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate in all our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy you purchase also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment,  loss of luggage, and personal effects. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan on participating in.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please ensure to read your plan’s coverage and choose one that best suits your planned trip and needs.

Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you use our affiliate links to get a quote from World Nomads at no extra cost to you. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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Flexible

Give us at least 60 days' notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

For emergencies leading to cancellation less than 60 days before your trip, please contact your travel insurance company, as they may cover some expenses. 

We cannot transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of our every Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries you visit, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Tipping Trip Leaders: While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t mandatory on your trip, they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. Though it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspiring excellent service, and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations. If you’re pleased with their guidance, consider tipping 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.

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Please be eco-friendly!

• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
• Minimize plastic usage by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and shops.
• Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
• Use "reef-safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and/or octinoxate because they kill coral.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below are our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with.  All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.

Do not forget: water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, walking shoes, a parka or winter jacket, sunglasses, and a hat!

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.

Make sure your passport is not damaged. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn-out visa pages, a hole punch, or other damages.

The tap water in Spain is safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Spain beautiful.

Our suggested travel insurance vendor is World Nomads which has a minimum of 200,000 USD coverage.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Spain from the United States, but the Center for Disease Control suggests routine vaccines for all travelers.

More specific hHealth information for tTravelers to Spain can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

We suggest bringing 300 euros (~335 USD) in cash for places that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency of Spain is the euro (EUR).

Remember to contact your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.‍‍

Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.

Always carry copies of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. Keeping a digital photo of these documents on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in your hotel room.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

US Citizens please consider registering with the US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” which can contact your family in case of emergency.

Although Spain is generally safe during the day, wandering around any town at night can be risky. We recommend staying in small groups.

If you are separated from your Trip Leader, make sure you have the address of your hotel.

The average temperature in Spain is 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius), and sunny days are almost always guaranteed. Expect some rain in March.

• During Spring (April-June), the temperatures are generally warm between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (15-21 degrees Celsius).
• Temperatures during the Fall (September-October) are also very nice, with an average of 73 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius).
• Summers are very hot, with temperatures reaching more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).

Barcelona

• A typically Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters.
• May and June temperatures are in the upper 70s degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius).
• September and October temperatures are in the lower 70s degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius).
• Summer temperatures can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

Pyrenees Mountains

• Due to the higher elevations, the temperatures can be chilly and sometimes cold, often in the 50s degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
• We suggest bringing a sweater or jacket.

Farmhouse outside of Girona

• It is common for the evenings to drop into the lower 60s degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius), and sometimes chillier.
• We suggest bringing a sweater or jacket, and perhaps a winter beanie to stay comfortable in the evenings. 

Everything starts later in Spain. Breakfast is around 08:00-11:00 a.m., lunch is between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m., "merienda" or an afternoon snack is around 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m., and dinner starts around 9:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m.

People typically meet up for drinks around 10:00 p.m. or later and only start going to nightlife venues at around 1:00 a.m. because that's when they open.

Restaurants operate on their own schedules as well and, compared to North American norms, typically don't open until very late.

A lot of shops and restaurants are closed on Sunday.

Language

The people in this part of Spain are proud Catalonians and speak their own language, Catalan. However, it is rare for foreigners to know Catalan, so you may want to try speaking Spanish instead.

Key Phrases in Spanish

• Hello -- Hola
• How are you?-- ¿Que tal?
• Thank you -- Gracias
• Please -- Por favor
• What time is it? -- ¿Qué hora es?
• I understand/I don’t understand -- Entiendo/No entiendo‍
• Where is…? -- ¿Dónde está…?

Key Phrases in Catalan

• Hello -- Hola
• How are you?-- Com vas?
• Thank you -- Gràcies
• Please -- Si us plau
• What time is it? -- Quina hora és?
• I understand/I don’t understand -- T’entenc/No t’entenc
• Where is…? -- On és…?

Tipping Customs

While tipping isn’t customary, it is undoubtedly appreciated, especially when you have received outstanding service.  Be sure to tip in the local currency (euro) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging.  Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Dining at a sit-down restaurant: Add 5%-10% of your bill.
• Cafés and bars: While not mandatory, you can round up to the nearest euro if you feel you received excellent service.
• Taxi drivers: Tipping is not expected, but if your driver was helpful, you can round up to the nearest euro. 
• Cleaning staff at the hotel: Not expected and not needed.
• Tour guide (non-U30X activity leaders): Consider tipping 5-10 euros per person if you enjoyed the tour.

While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, they can make a big difference to locals in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. Though it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest tipping around 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.

Barcelona

• Park Güell: 11 USD
  One of the masterpieces of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. An enchanting park that overlooks the city.‍‍
• Picasso Museum: 13 USD
  Visit the home of one of the most expansive collections of Pablo Picasso.
• La Pedrera (Casa Mila)
• Casa Batllo
• Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
• Joan Miro Foundation

Farmhouse (Girona)

• Hammam Spa services
• Transportation into Girona city center
• Yoga classes

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Always do your best to ensure your own safety and the safety of your fellow travelers.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask someone.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When exposed to a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits in every situation, whether it is physical ability, emotional space, social situations, or alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Our Trip Leaders work in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they want to hinder you, but because it is for a good reason, and they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Hotel & Hostel Recommendations in Barcelona

• Hostal Grau
• Hotel Curious
• Generator Hostel Barcelona
• Hipstel

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