Besalu,Banyoles Lake & Garrotxa Volcanoes Small Group from Girona

A full-day adventure from Girona offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and scenic beauty for those interested in exploring Catalonia’s diverse landscapes. Priced at $171.81 per person and lasting approximately 8 hours, this tour immerses visitors in the medieval charm of Besalú, the volcanic wonders of Santa Margarida and La Garrotxa, as well as a relaxing walk around Banyoles Lake. What makes this experience stand out is its small-group size—limited to 7 travelers—which guarantees more personalized attention from the local guide, an aspect highly praised in reviews.

The tour departs from Plaça de Sant Feliu in Girona at 9:00 am, with convenient round-trip transfers included. While lunch is not included, ample time is allocated for enjoying regional specialties at Restaurant Can Xel. This tour suits travelers eager for an active, culturally rich day with plenty of scenic stops, perfect for those who prefer small-group settings over large coach tours.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 7 travelers ensures personalized attention.
• Includes visiting the medieval and Jewish quarters of Besalú, with a walk across one of Spain’s most beautiful medieval bridges.
• Explores volcanic sites like Santa Margarida, with guided walks inside the crater to see the church inside the volcano.
• Visits La Garrotxa Natural Park, including the medieval village of Santa Pau with a walk through its old quarter and castle.
• Enjoys a walk around Banyoles Lake or takes an optional ecological boat ride—tickets are not included.
• Expert guides provide engaging commentary on the area’s history and landscape.
• Price includes bottled water and transportation, with lunch available at an additional cost.

The Small-Group Tour from Girona: An Overview

This tour begins at 9:00 am in Plaça de Sant Feliu, with a brief transfer to the first stop, Puente de Besalú. The intimate group size allows for close-up exploration, making it easier to enjoy the details of each location. It is carefully designed to balance sightseeing, walking, and leisure, maintaining a steady pace that suits most fitness levels.

The guide’s expertise shines through in the detailed explanations of each site, from the history of the medieval quarter of Besalú to the geology of the volcanoes. The bottled water provided ensures hydration throughout the day. The overall duration of 8 hours allows for a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed.

Exploring Besalú’s Medieval and Jewish Heritage

Besalú’s medieval charm is best appreciated on a guided walking tour of its historic district. The medieval bridge over the Fluvia River is a highlight, combining stunning architecture with centuries of history. The Jewish quarter provides insight into the town’s cultural past, with cobblestone streets and ancient buildings.

This stop lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving ample time to take photos and listen to engaging stories from the guide. Admission to sites is free, but the overall experience feels immersive thanks to the guide’s narration.

Photo Stop at Castellfollit de la Roca

A brief 30-minute stop at Can Gussinye offers striking views of houses built atop a basaltic cliff. This cliffside village is a favorite for photos, showcasing rock top houses that have stood for generations. The view from this spot captures the rugged beauty of the volcanic landscape.

This quick stop provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the geological forces that shaped the region.

Inside the Crater of Santa Margarida Volcano

One of the tour’s key highlights is the guided walk to Santa Margarida volcano, where visitors can reach the crater and see the church inside. This active volcano is one of the most accessible in the Garrotxa volcanic zone, with the walk lasting about 1 hour.

The church within the crater adds an unusual touch to the landscape, blending natural and man-made history. The free admission makes this a compelling stop for geology buffs and those interested in volcanic formations.

Lunch at Restaurant Can Xel

While lunch is not included, ample time is set aside for a meal at Restaurant Can Xel, a local eatery known for regional specialties. Travelers can enjoy a 1-hour break to relax and sample Catalan cuisine, including dishes like fideuà or paella (recommended by the guide).

This stop offers a chance to rest after mornings of walking and sightseeing, before continuing to the volcanic parks.

Exploring La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone and Santa Pau

The medieval village of Santa Pau sits within the volcanic zone and is a highlight of the tour. Visitors can stroll through the old quarter, visit the church, and see the castle in this charming setting. This walk takes about 1 hour and provides scenic views of the volcanic landscape.

The natural beauty of the area is complemented by its cultural charm, making it a favorite among those interested in history and nature combined.

Walk or Sail at Banyoles Lake

The tour concludes with a visit to Banyoles Lake, the largest lake in Catalonia. Visitors can take a 1-hour walk along the lakeside, enjoying peaceful views and fresh air. An ecological boat, La Tirona, is also available for an optional sail—tickets are not included.

This relaxed final stop offers a tranquil end to an active day, perfect for unwinding before returning to Girona.

Transport and Group Size

Transport is round-trip from central Girona, with small-group transportation ensuring comfort and flexibility. The vehicle size is limited, allowing access to narrower roads and more scenic viewpoints.

The group size, capped at 7 travelers, promotes a more engaging experience and enables the guide to tailor commentary to the group’s interests.

Practical Considerations and Flexibility

Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed to suit various fitness levels and interests. The tour can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing plans.

While lunch is not included, the time at Restaurant Can Xel allows for a leisurely meal, and options for those wishing to skip optional activities like the boat ride are available.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What truly distinguishes this small-group tour from larger coach trips is the personalized attention from guides like Gérard, Eduardo, Julia, Alex, and others, all praised for their enthusiasm and expertise. The mix of cultural, natural, and geological sites offers a comprehensive sampling of Catalonia’s diversity.

The scenic stops such as Castellfollit de la Roca and the volcanoes—especially Santa Margarida—are highlights that appeal to those interested in geology and landscapes. The walking tours through medieval towns and the lake walk provide a relaxed pace, making it suitable for most.

Final Thoughts on the Girona Day Trip to Besalú and Volcanoes

This 8-hour tour offers a balanced day of cultural exploration, geological marvels, and scenic beauty, all in a comfortable small-group setting. The expert guides and careful itinerary make it a reliable choice for visitors seeking an in-depth look at the region’s highlights.

While lunch is not included, the time allocated for a regional meal and optional boat ride complements the sightseeing well. The small group size enhances engagement and ensures everyone can enjoy the scenery and commentary comfortably.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate history, nature, and scenic views but prefer a more intimate experience over large buses. It offers a well-rounded day that captures the essence of Catalonia’s volcanic landscape and medieval towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch at Restaurant Can Xel is not included, but there is ample time to enjoy a meal during the scheduled break.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to Girona.

What is the group size?
The group is limited to 7 travelers, allowing for more personalized interaction with the guide.

Are the site entries included?
Most stops, like Besalú’s medieval district and the Santa Margarida volcano, are free to enter. The lake walk is also free, but the ecological boat ride tickets are not included.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, round-trip transfers from central Girona are included in the tour price.

What are the main highlights?
Key highlights include the medieval and Jewish quarters of Besalú, the rock top houses of Castellfollit de la Roca, the volcanic Santa Margarida crater, the medieval village of Santa Pau, and a relaxing walk around Banyoles Lake.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and some gentle hikes inside the volcano crater, so it may not be fully accessible for those with mobility challenges.

What guides lead the tour?
The tour features local guides with expertise in history, geology, and regional culture, praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge.

How do I cancel the tour?
Cancelling at least 24 hours in advance entitles you to a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before are not refunded.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers of most ages can participate, but consider the walking involved and the outdoor nature of the stops when planning for children.

This tour provides a well-rounded day exploring Catalonia’s volcanic landscape, medieval towns, and scenic lakes, led by guides noted for their enthusiasm and knowledge. Its small-group format ensures a relaxed, engaging experience ideal for those wanting to learn and see more intimately.