Costa Brava and Empuries Small Group Tour with Hotel Pick-Up and Boat Ride

Discover the Costa Brava and Empuries with a Small Group Tour from Barcelona

This 10-hour small group tour offers a relaxed way to explore the stunning Costa Brava coastline and its ancient ruins, all starting from Barcelona. Priced at $114.07 per person, the tour is limited to 8 people, ensuring a personal experience with a professional guide. Included in the package are hotel pickup, a boat ride, and visits to Empuries and L’Estartit.

The tour balances historical exploration with scenic vistas and leisure time. While the Greek and Roman ruins at Empuries are a key highlight, the cruise through the Medes Islands promises refreshing swims in crystal waters. The tour is especially suited for those who enjoy cultural sights combined with the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea, though the boat ride’s quality might vary based on weather conditions.

Key Points

• Small group size limits to 8 travelers, offering a more intimate experience.
• Includes hotel pickup in Barcelona and a professional guide.
• Features visits to archaeological sites of Greek and Roman origin, like Empuries.
• Scenic boat trip around the Medes Islands, with options for swimming.
• The tour duration is approximately 10 hours, making it a full-day adventure.
• Tickets for the panoramic boat are purchased separately, around $17.

Convenient Hotel Pickup and Comfortable Transportation

The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel or apartment in Barcelona, scheduled between 8 and 9 am. This makes it easy to join without worrying about transportation logistics. The journey to Costa Brava is made in an air-conditioned vehicle, with the guide providing commentary on notable sights during the drive.

Small group size means a more relaxed atmosphere and plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The guide’s local expertise helps bring the history and geography of the coast alive, from passing Catalunya Square and Barcelona Cathedral to famous Gaudi houses like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.

Exploring the Rugged Beauty of Costa Brava

The first stop is the Costa Brava, renowned for its rocky cliffs and hidden coves. Over two hours, visitors enjoy panoramic views at various viewpoints, admire the rugged coastline, and get a sense of the area’s natural charm. The scenery features a vibrant mix of bright green landscapes and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

This area is full of history, with waves crashing against fishing villages that have retained their old-world charm. The natural landscape is a major draw, offering photo opportunities that highlight the area’s rugged beauty, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Walking Through Empúries: A Crossroads of Greek and Roman Civilizations

The visit to Empúries is a key highlight, with two hours allocated. This archaeological site is unique as it hosts remains of both a Greek city, Emporion, and a Roman city, Emporiae. The site offers a window into over ten centuries of history, revealing how these ancient communities lived, traded, and built.

Exploring the streets, houses, temples, and markets, visitors gain insights into classical culture. The site remains free of admission charges, making it accessible for all to appreciate its significance. The well-preserved ruins allow for an immersive walk through ancient history, with the guide sharing stories about how this area transformed the surrounding Iberian culture.

Visiting the Medieval Charm of Sant Marti D’Empuries

Next, the tour takes participants to Sant Marti d’Empuries, a small medieval town perched beside one of the most important Roman ports. This location has conserved its medieval walls and narrow alleyways, providing a picture of historic life in the region.

The two-hour visit reveals a tranquil setting where old stone architecture and quiet streets evoke a bygone era. This stop offers a peaceful contrast to the ancient ruins, providing time to explore at a leisurely pace and appreciate the timeless beauty of this well-preserved medieval village.

Scenic L’Estartit and the Medes Islands Boat Ride

The journey continues to L’Estartit, a lively port town famous for its diving spots and beautiful scenery. Here, a 1.5-hour panoramic boat ride offers an underwater view of the Medes Islands, a protected marine reserve renowned for its diverse flora and fauna.

The boat tour takes visitors around the cliffs, coves, and caves of the Medes Islands, recalling a time when pirates roamed these waters and fortified mansions dotted the coastline. The boat ride is a highlight, with the chance to swim in crystalline waters if desired. This part of the tour provides a refreshing break from historical sightseeing and a chance to relax on the water.

Discovering the Medes Islands: A Marine Ecological Treasure

The Medes Islands are a small archipelago recognized as a National Nature Park since 2010. Comprising seven islands and reefs, the area offers exceptional marine biodiversity. Visitors can explore the flora and fauna thriving in this protected environment, often with opportunities for snorkeling or diving.

While underwater exploration is not included in the base price, the crystalline waters and natural caves make this a memorable spot for nature enthusiasts. The ecological importance of the Medes Islands underscores its status as one of the best marine reserves in the Western Mediterranean.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes a professional guide, hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off in Barcelona, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. The small-group format ensures an intimate experience, and all stops are planned for maximum sightseeing and leisure.

Tickets for the panoramic boat are not included in the base price and must be purchased separately, approximately $17, payable to the guide on the day. The tour does not include food or drinks, so travelers may want to bring snacks or plan for meals during the day.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour appeals to those interested in a mix of history, scenic views, and marine ecology. The archaeological sites provide a fascinating glimpse into Greek and Roman life, while the boat ride and swimming in the Medes Islands add a relaxing, outdoor element. The small group size fosters a more personalized experience, suitable for visitors who appreciate attentiveness and flexibility.

However, the boat ride’s quality may vary depending on weather conditions, and some may find the ruins less spectacular compared to other sites, as noted in reviews. This tour is ideal for culture enthusiasts who also want a taste of natural beauty and coastal leisure.

Costa Brava and Empuries Small Group Tour: Final Thoughts

This full-day experience offers a well-rounded glimpse of the Costa Brava’s natural and historical riches. The hotel pickup, small group size, and diverse stops make it a comfortable choice for travelers eager to see both ancient ruins and breathtaking coastlines.

While the scenic boat ride is a major highlight, potential participants should be aware that boat ticket prices are extra and that the ruins may not be as visually impressive as other archaeological sites. Still, the combination of historical exploration, scenic vistas, and marine environment makes this tour a good value for those seeking a comprehensive day trip from Barcelona.

Overall, it is a rewarding way to experience the diverse landscape and history of the Costa Brava, particularly suited for those who enjoy cultural sites paired with outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel or apartment pickup in Barcelona between 8 and 9 am.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 10 hours, making it a full-day excursion.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers guidance, transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and visits to Costa Brava, Empuries, and Sant Marti d’Empuries.

Are boat tickets included in the price?
No, panoramic boat tickets are purchased separately for about $17, payable to the guide.

Can I swim during the boat ride?
Yes, swimming in the crystalline waters of the Medes Islands is possible if you choose to stay in the area after the boat tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Please inform the provider of children’s ages for proper arrangements.

What should I bring?
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. The tour does not include food or drinks.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The provided data does not specify accessibility details, but most stops involve walking through archaeological sites and towns.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done through the provider, In Out Barcelona Tours, with contact at +34676707000 or via email at [email protected].