Medieval Heritage Girona And Besalu Private Tour

Discover Girona and Besalú’s Medieval Heritage on a Private Tour

This private tour offers an immersive journey through Girona and Besalú, two of Catalonia’s most treasured medieval towns. Priced at $808.68 per group for up to 7 people, it provides an intimate and detailed exploration of historical sites, with the convenience of pickup and WiFi on board. The 8-hour experience is perfect for those who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing with a personalized touch, guided by a knowledgeable driver-guide who explains the significance of each stop. While the guides are not official guides, their insights about the sites make this tour accessible and engaging.

The tour emphasizes Girona’s impressive architecture and Jewish heritage, along with the charm of Besalú’s medieval streets and bridge. It balances sightseeing, history, and scenic views, with plenty of time to enjoy lunch in either Girona or Besalú. This experience suits those interested in history, culture, and picturesque towns, especially travelers who appreciate expert commentary and flexible timing.

Key Points

• Private guided tour for up to 7 people, ensuring a personalized experience
• 8 hours of exploration, starting at 9:00 am, including transport and WiFi
• Visit Girona’s cathedral, Jewish museum, and ancient city walls
• Discover Besalú’s medieval bridge, Jewish heritage, and Arab Baths
• Not an official guide service, but guides are well-informed about local history
• Flexible stops for lunch in Girona or Besalú, with ample time to explore

Girona Cathedral: Home of the Largest Gothic Nave

The tour begins with a visit to the Girona Cathedral, famous for having the widest Gothic nave in the world, measuring 22 meters across. Visitors can marvel at the Romanesque tapestry known as the Tapestry of Creation, which dates back to the 11th or early 12th century. While admission tickets are not included, this site provides a striking example of Gothic architecture and religious art. The 30-minute stop allows a thorough appreciation of the cathedral’s grandeur and history.

Exploring Girona’s Jewish Heritage at the Jewish Museum

Next, the Jewish museum in Girona offers a deep dive into one of Spain’s most significant Jewish communities. The museum features eleven galleries that showcase Jewish history, culture, and contributions within Catalonia. The main goal is to preserve and reflect the Jewish community’s influence throughout the medieval period, highlighting their civil, religious, and scientific roles. This 1-hour visit enriches understanding of Girona’s multicultural past, and though tickets are not included, the museum’s exhibits provide valuable context.

Walking Along the Roman and Medieval City Walls

A highlight of the tour is walking along Girona’s ancient city walls, originally constructed in the 9th century. These Roman walls extend into Carolingian structures and are among the longest in Europe. The walkway offers panoramic views of Girona’s rooftops and surroundings, with several towers acting as vantage points. This 30-minute activity combines history with spectacular photo opportunities and is free of charge, making it an accessible way to grasp Girona’s defensive architecture.

Cross the Historic Puente de Besalú

As the journey progresses, the midday stop in Besalú features the iconic medieval bridge, dating back to the 11th century. Rebuilt after a 1315 flood, this impressive structure has been restored multiple times, symbolizing Besalú’s enduring history. The 15-minute visit offers the chance to admire this architectural landmark, which played a crucial role in medieval trade and communication.

Discovering the Arab Baths in Besalú

The Arab Baths in Besalú, built in the 12th century, showcase Romanesque civil architecture. Although only a brief 15-minute stop, the site reveals insights into medieval civil engineering and bathing customs. Admission tickets are not included, but the baths represent an interesting glimpse into the civil life of medieval Catalonia.

Scenic Drive and Landscape Views of Girona

Throughout the journey to Girona and Besalú, the driver-guide points out local architecture, natural scenery, and the four rivers that flow through Girona. This part of the tour offers a visual narrative of the region’s landscape, with opportunities to appreciate rural Catalonia’s beauty from the vehicle windows.

Walking Through the Charm of Girona’s Old Town

After arriving in Girona, the 2-hour free roam allows time to stroll through the old town, viewing historic buildings, museums, and squares. The city’s compact size makes it ideal for leisurely exploration, with highlights including marketplaces, bistros, and medieval streets. The focus is on experiencing Girona’s human-scale charm and atmosphere, with no additional admission costs.

Besalú’s Medieval and Jewish Heritage

The final stop is the well-preserved medieval town of Besalú, renowned for its heritage temples and civil buildings. The town’s layout reflects its long history of settlement and cultural exchange, especially its Jewish community that thrived from the ninth century until 1436. Visitors find remarkable historical monuments across the town’s small footprint, making it a heritage-rich destination. The one-hour visit emphasizes the town’s medieval atmosphere and historical significance, with all sites being free of charge.

Practicalities and Tour Logistics

The private transportation ensures a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard. The tour departs promptly at 9:00 am, and pickup is included, making logistics straightforward. The private nature of the tour guarantees an intimate experience, with the driver-guide available to answer questions and explain the sites, even though they are not official guides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour offers a comprehensive day of sightseeing, ideal for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those seeking a personalized experience. Its pacing allows enough time to enjoy key sites without feeling rushed. However, travelers should be aware that admission tickets are not included for some attractions, and the guides are not official guides, though well-informed. It’s suited best for those who value expert explanations and scenic comfort over strictly guided tours.

The Sum Up: A Rich Dive Into Catalonia’s Medieval Past

The Medieval Heritage Girona and Besalú Private Tour provides a thorough exploration of two of Catalonia’s most historically significant towns. The personalized approach, with driver-guides offering insightful commentary, makes for a relaxed yet enriching day. Highlights like Girona’s cathedral, city walls, and Besalú’s bridge and Jewish quarter stand out as memorable features.

While the tour doesn’t include entry fees for all sites, the scenic drives, cultural insights, and flexibility offer strong value for those interested in Catalonia’s medieval legacy. It’s an excellent choice for visitors who appreciate historic architecture, picturesque streets, and a quiet, contemplative pace. Those looking for a comprehensive yet intimate experience of Girona and Besalú will find this private tour rewarding and well worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are admission tickets included for the cathedral and museums?
No, the admission tickets are not included for Girona Cathedral, the Jewish museum, or Arab Baths. These are paid separately if you wish to enter these sites.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed to accommodate most travelers, with walking involved at various stops and a comfortable vehicle for transportation. It’s suitable for those with moderate mobility.

Can I customize the stops or timing?
Since this is a private tour, the driver-guide can accommodate some preferences, especially regarding lunch stops or additional sightseeing within the scheduled timeframe.

What makes this tour different from others?
The personalized, private nature combined with local driver-guides who are knowledgeable, offers a more tailored experience than large group tours, plus the flexibility to explore at your own pace.