14 days in Barcelona, Girona & Carcassonne Itinerary

Barcelona, the country’s second-largest city, is a cosmopolitan urban center known for its throbbing youthful energy and stellar architecture.

Get some historical perspective at Basilica de la Sagrada Familia and Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic). Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya - MNAC and El Born. And it doesn't end there: wander the streets of Las Ramblas, see the interesting displays at Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum, make a trip to Casa Batllo, and explore the world behind art at Joan Miro Foundation.

Plan trip to Barcelona with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Barcelona is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Barcelona is 4 hours. Traveling from Rio de Janeiro in May, expect Barcelona to be a bit cooler, temps between 25°C and 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Thu) so you can drive to Girona.

Catalonia’s second-largest city, Girona embodies old-world charm, with its narrow cobblestone streets and traditional Catalan culture.

Popular historic sites such as Girona Cathedral and Ruins of Empuries are in your itinerary. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Salvador Dali House and Dali-Gala Castle Museum-House (Castell de Pubol). You'll find plenty of places to visit near Girona: Peratallada (in Peratallada), Playas de Calella (in Calella de Palafrugell) and Castell de Sant Ferran (in Figueres). Next up on the itinerary: take a stroll through Patronat Call de Girona, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Monasterio Sant Quirze De Colera, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Capella de Sant Nicolau, and snap pictures at Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles).

For more things to do, ratings, maps, and tourist information, read our Girona trip builder app.

You can drive from Barcelona to Girona in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Barcelona in May, plan for slightly colder nights in Girona, with lows around 11°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Carcassonne.

Best known as a fortified town, Carcassonne is a walled city that provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the location for many scenes in Kevin Costner's movie "Robin Hood." For a daily dose of excitement, medieval jousting tournaments are held twice per day between the two walls--while this may sound like a typical touristy show, it's actually an entertaining display of combative competition and horsemanship.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile and Cathar Castles. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Eglise Saint-Nazaire and Chateau Comtal. Venture out of the city with trips to Albi (Musee de la Mode, Musee Toulouse-Lautrec, &more). The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Chateaux de Lastours, visit Cité de Carcassonne, and pause for some serene contemplation at Abbey of Saint-Hilaire.

To see reviews, ratings, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Carcassonne vacation planner.

Getting from Girona to Carcassonne by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Girona in May, you will find days in Carcassonne are little chillier (24°C), and nights are about the same (12°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.