From Barcelona: Girona, Calella & Medieval Village Day Trip

Discover Catalonia’s charm on a 9-hour day trip from Barcelona, exploring Girona’s medieval streets, relaxing in Calella de Palafrugell, and visiting historic towns.

Explore Girona’s Medieval Streets and Iconic Landmarks

This tour begins in Girona, a city renowned for its medieval architecture and historic Jewish Quarter. As the tour guide leads you through narrow, winding streets, you’ll see the Jewish Quarter, where ancient buildings and quiet alleys tell stories of the city’s past. The Girona Cathedral offers a grand view, with its imposing façade and impressive interior, making for memorable photos.

Fans of Game of Thrones will recognize several filming locations here, adding a layer of excitement to the stroll. For those interested in history, walking the city walls provides panoramic views of Girona’s rooftops and surrounding landscape, making this stop both visually stunning and culturally enriching. The guided commentary makes the history come alive, blending facts with engaging storytelling.

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The Colorful Charm of the Onyar River in Girona

One of the most Instagram-worthy sights in Girona is the Onyar River, which runs through the city center. The colorful houses lining the riverbanks create a picture-perfect scene, especially when reflected in the water. The tour allows time to capture stunning photos of this vibrant setting, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

The Onyar River views combine natural beauty with urban charm, making it a highlight of the visit. This spot offers a peaceful break amid the historical exploration, and the guide points out interesting details about the buildings and the river’s significance to Girona’s development.

Relaxing Time in Calella de Palafrugell with a 90-Minute Lunch Break

After exploring Girona, the tour heads to the seaside village of Calella de Palafrugell for 90 minutes of free time. This charming town features sandy coves, coastal walks, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

You’ll find options for a local lunch, or you can choose to stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the sea breeze, or visit artisan shops. The leisure time is well-spaced, giving visitors a chance to soak in the seaside vibe at their own pace. The village’s picturesque setting makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely break before continuing the journey.

Visiting the Medieval Town of Pals

Next, the tour visits Pals, a medieval town renowned for its cobblestone streets and artisan shops. Walking through Pals feels like stepping back in time, with well-preserved stone buildings, narrow alleys, and a medieval town square.

This stop offers a relaxed atmosphere, where visitors can browse local crafts, enjoy a quiet moment, or take photos of the historic architecture. The town’s quaint charm provides a restful pause and a glimpse into the region’s medieval past, making it a favorite for lovers of history and architecture.

The Artistic and Historic Village of Peratallada

The final destination on this trip is Peratallada, an enchanting village famous for its medieval stone buildings and narrow streets. Here, visitors are treated to stunning architecture and an authentic sense of history. The town’s name translates to “the carved stone,” which is fitting given its impressive stonework and fortified appearance.

At Peratallada, the tour includes a glass of local wine, adding a relaxing finish to the day. This village offers fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to experience authentic Catalan life in a setting that looks like a movie backdrop. The atmosphere is peaceful and charming, perfect for a quiet stroll or a moment of reflection.

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Logistics: Comfortable Transport and Meeting Details

The tour departs from Barcelona, with the guide waiting at a designated meeting point marked by a red burgundy umbrella. The meeting point is a 5-minute drive from the Arc de Triomf, making it easy to find. The journey is in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable ride between stops.

The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, so no need to worry about transportation logistics after a full day of exploration. This setup suits those who prefer a seamless experience without the hassle of additional transfers or hotel pickups.

Guided Tour with Knowledgeable and Engaging Leadership

The tour features a live guide in English, whose storytelling and explanations bring each location to life. The guide is praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and organized, yet also flexible enough to accommodate different interests.

One review highlights how the guide, Paulina, makes the experience fun and memorable, especially by engaging children with trivia and humor. Her expertise and personable approach significantly enhance the overall experience, helping visitors feel informed and entertained throughout the day.

Value and Inclusions: What’s Covered and What’s Not

For $67 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive day exploring multiple historic towns and scenic spots in Catalonia. The package includes a guided tour of Girona, Calella de Palafrugell, Pals, and Peratallada, along with 90 minutes of free time in Calella de Palafrugell and a glass of local wine in Peratallada.

Transportation is provided through a private, air-conditioned vehicle, which enhances comfort and convenience. However, meals are not included, so travelers should plan for lunch either during the free time in Calella or beforehand. The tour does not accommodate those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, which is worth considering for visitors with specific needs.

Timing, Pacing, and Practical Tips

The entire experience lasts around 9 hours, starting at a time that varies based on availability. It’s advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry sunscreen and water for sunny days. The pace is relaxed enough to enjoy each stop thoroughly, yet efficient enough to cover all key sites within the day.

Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, travelers need to meet at the designated point in Barcelona. The tour’s structure makes it ideal for those wanting a full day of sightseeing without the complexity of independent planning.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This tour suits those interested in history, medieval architecture, and Catalan culture. It’s perfect for visitors who enjoy guided experiences with engaging narration and want to see a variety of towns in one day. It’s also well-suited for travelers seeking scenic photo opportunities and a relaxed seaside stop.

People with mobility issues or wheelchair users may find this tour less accessible, as walking is involved at each stop. Despite this, the experience offers great value and a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s historic towns and coastal beauty.

Summary of the From Barcelona: Girona, Calella & Medieval Village Day Trip

This 9-hour day trip from Barcelona combines heritage, seaside charm, and stunning scenery across four distinctive stops. The guided tours of Girona’s medieval streets and the artisan town of Pals are complemented by free time in Calella de Palafrugell and a relaxing visit to Peratallada, where a glass of local wine provides a perfect finish.

The $67 price point offers good value for a full day of sightseeing in Catalonia’s highlights, with comfortable transportation and an engaging guide making for an enjoyable experience. The limited accessibility and absence of meals are considerations, but for those seeking a well-organized tour packed with history, culture, and scenic views, this trip is a strong choice.

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From Barcelona: Girona, Calella & Medieval Village Day Trip



5.0

“Paulina was an amazing tour guide. Very knowledgeable about the history of the places we've visited and she was so funny. We had kids on our group …”

— Anthony, May 6, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour from start to finish?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel and exploration time.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at a specified meeting point in Barcelona, marked by a red burgundy umbrella.

What is included in the price?
The guided tours of Girona, Calella de Palafrugell, Pals, and Peratallada, 90 minutes of free time in Calella de Palafrugell, and a glass of local wine in Peratallada are included.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to walking involved at each stop.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a water bottle are recommended.

Is lunch provided?
No, lunch is not included; you can eat during the free time in Calella or bring your own.

You can check availability for your dates here:
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