Barcelona: Discover Girona, Besalú & Pals on a Guided Tour

Explore Catalonia’s Historic Treasures on a Day Trip from Barcelona

This guided tour offers an engaging journey through three of Catalonia’s most charming villages: Girona, Besalú, and Pals. Priced at $116 per person and lasting approximately 11.5 hours, it’s designed for those eager to enjoy medieval architecture, scenic views, and local history. Departing from Estación de Francia, the tour combines guided explanations, free time, and photo opportunities at each destination.

What makes this experience stand out is its carefully curated itinerary, which balances in-depth guided visits with relaxed free periods for exploring and shopping. The small group size, praised in a recent review, ensures a more personal experience, and the expert guides excel at sharing fascinating stories about each location. While the long bus rides require patience, they are offset by ample time at each stop to appreciate the sights.

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, photography lovers, and anyone interested in Catalan culture. It’s a well-organized, value-packed option for those who want to see three iconic villages without the hassle of planning individual excursions. However, travelers should prepare for a full day and bring comfortable shoes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price: $116 per person for an 11.5-hour guided day trip.
• Departure point: Estación de Francia in Barcelona.
• Stops include: Girona, Besalú, and Pals, each offering unique medieval architecture and scenic views.
• Guides: Bilingual English and Spanish explanations, with enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides.
• Transport: Comfortable bus transfer between locations, with about 1.5 hours on the bus at various points.
• Highlights: Girona’s cathedral and Eiffel Bridge, Besalú’s Romanesque bridge and Jewish quarter, Pals’ cobbled streets and viewpoints.

Starting Point at Estación de Francia and Initial Bus Ride

The tour begins at Estación de Francia, where the guide welcomes the group with a sign. After gathering, the bus departs for Girona, a journey lasting about 1.5 hours. This initial transfer allows travelers to enjoy views of the Catalan landscape and settle in for the upcoming sightseeing.

Discover Girona’s Old Town and Iconic Landmarks

In Girona, the guided tour lasts 1.5 hours. The guide leads you through the medieval streets, pointing out the imposing cathedral and the famous Eiffel Bridge, which crosses the Onyar River. The old Jewish quarter, with its narrow alleys and historic buildings, offers a glimpse into Girona’s diverse past.

Additional highlights include the Arab Baths and the Cul de la Lleona statue—each spot packed with stories and photo opportunities. After the tour, there’s about 1.5 hours of free time in Girona, providing options to explore further, shop, or simply enjoy a coffee at a local café.

Scenic Drive to Besalú and Its Medieval Charm

Following Girona, the bus takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Besalú. The town’s Romanesque bridge dominates the scenery, inviting visitors to walk across its ancient stones. The guided tour here lasts 45 minutes, during which you’ll explore the historic Jewish quarter, the church of San Vicente, and the monastery of San Pedro.

Once again, there’s additional free time of about 1.5 hours, allowing for shopping, strolling, or visiting hidden corners. Visitors often find the authentic medieval atmosphere of Besalú especially captivating, with its well-preserved architecture and timeless streets.

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From Stone Streets to Panoramic Views in Pals

After returning to the bus, a roughly 1-hour ride takes the group to Pals. The guided tour of this picturesque village lasts 45 minutes, highlighting sights such as the church of San Pedro, the Tower of the Hours, and the Josep Pla viewpoint—a favorite for its breathtaking views of the Empordà region.

Following the tour, travelers enjoy about 1 hour of free time. This is an ideal opportunity to climb to the clock tower for additional scenic photos or relax in the village’s charming streets. Pals’ cobbled streets and historic towers create a storybook atmosphere that visitors love capturing.

Practical Details: Logistics, Group Size, and Accessibility

The tour operates with a small group size, offering a more intimate experience, as noted in a review praising the enjoyable group size of 5. It is led by experienced guides who deliver bilingual commentary in English and Spanish. The transportation includes comfortable, air-conditioned buses, ensuring a smooth ride between stops.

The meeting point is at Estación de Francia, where the guide is easily identifiable with an Amigo Tours sign. The total duration is 11.5 hours, making it a full-day activity. Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking through cobbled streets and uneven surfaces.

Highlights of the Tour Experience

The most praised features include the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides, the stunning architecture of each village, and the viewpoints like Pals’ clock tower. The careful pacing ensures enough time at each destination to appreciate the sights without feeling rushed.

Most importantly, the combination of guided explanations and free time strikes a good balance, allowing deeper engagement with each location. The scenic drives and well-chosen stops showcase the beauty and diversity of Catalonia’s medieval towns.

Considerations and Tips for Travelers

While the tour is highly rated, it is not suitable for wheelchair users, due to the cobbled streets and uneven terrain at some stops. The long bus rides—totaling around 4.5 hours—may be tiring for some, so it’s worth preparing for a full day of activity.

A reviewer recommends bringing comfortable shoes and suggests climbing the clock tower in Pals for extra gorgeous views. The lunch and drinks are not included, so travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during free periods.

Final Thoughts on the Girona, Besalú & Pals Day Trip

This tour offers a comprehensive and enriching experience of Catalonia’s medieval villages. It’s particularly suited for those who value cultural insights, historical architecture, and scenic viewpoints. The affordable price, combined with the expert guides and carefully planned itinerary, makes it an attractive option for a full-day adventure.

While the bus rides are lengthy, the ample time at each stop ensures visitors leave with a deep appreciation of each village’s unique character. This tour remains a top choice for anyone looking to explore Catalonia’s historic heart in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
The exact starting time varies; check availability for specific departure times.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from Estación de Francia is included in the tour price.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides provide explanations in English and Spanish.

How long is the bus ride between locations?
Bus rides are approximately 1.5 hours from Barcelona to Girona, 45 minutes from Girona to Besalú, and 1 hour from Besalú to Pals, with about 4.5 hours total on the bus.

Can I visit the interior of places like Girona’s cathedral or Besalú’s synagogue?
The tour includes guided visits but does not specify if interior visits are part of the schedule; most stops feature exterior exploration and short guided walks.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included; plan to bring snacks or purchase during free time.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is best suited for adults and older children comfortable with walking and long bus rides.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and some cash or cards for personal purchases.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour accessible for mobility-impaired travelers?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the cobbled streets and terrain at some sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby