Girona and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Barcelona

Getting more out of a trip to Barcelona can mean venturing further into Catalonia’s stunning countryside and historic towns. For $115.86 per person, this 9-hour small group tour from Be Outdoors Barcelona offers an engaging day exploring Girona, the Costa Brava, and charming medieval villages, with a maximum group size of just seven travelers. The trip is led by a professional guide and includes private, air-conditioned transportation, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy scenery, history, and cultural sites without the hassle of organizing transport or rushing through stops. While the itinerary covers several highlights, be aware that time in Girona can feel a bit rushed according to reviews, so those who want extensive exploration might prefer longer visits. Still, the overall experience is praised as well-organized, informative, and highly enjoyable for small groups.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-reviewed, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 rating from 388 reviews
• Small group size caps at seven travelers for a more personalized experience
• Includes private, air-conditioned transport from Barcelona; no need to worry about logistics
• Stops include Girona’s medieval Old Town, Game of Thrones filming locations, and Costa Brava’s coastal villages
• Flexible free time at Calella de Palafrugell for lunch, swimming, or exploring
• Led by expert guides known for their friendliness, knowledge, and good communication

Girona and Costa Brava: An Ideal Day Trip from Barcelona

This tour departs from Passeig de Gràcia at 8:30 am, heading out in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The small group setup—maximum of seven travelers—ensures a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, ideal for those who dislike large, impersonal tours. The 9-hour duration balances sightseeing with enough free time for lunch, photos, or a quick swim, making it an appealing choice for a day outside the city.

The guide’s role is central to the experience; reviews highlight friendly, knowledgeable guides like Papa Bear, Rebecca, Ivan, Guillaume, William, Julio, Nando, Carlos, and Aldo—all praised for their engaging storytelling and attentiveness. This tour provides a stress-free way to explore Catalonia’s highlights without the burden of driving or planning multiple stops.

From the Old Town to the Castle District

The first stop is in Girona, where the tour begins at Passeig de Gràcia, then moves on to Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles). Built circa 1877, this bridge is famously associated with Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer behind the Eiffel Tower. Walking over this bridge introduces visitors to Girona’s scenic architecture before heading into the historic old town.

In Girona’s medieval streets, the guide points out Roman Walls and other historic landmarks. The Girona Cathedral is another highlight, featuring the second widest gothic nave in the world. Visitors enjoy walking through these historic sites while the guide shares stories about the city’s past, which many reviews describe as informative and lively.

Visiting Game of Thrones Filming Locations

One of the tour’s standout features is the visit to Pujada de Sant Domenec, now part of Girona University but famously used as a filming location in Game of Thrones. The tour allows a few minutes for photos and to appreciate the spectacular views. This stop particularly appeals to fans and those interested in TV history, adding a fun twist to the historical exploration.

Scenic Drive through Emporda Wine Region

After exploring Girona, the tour heads into Emporda, one of Catalonia’s 12 wine regions. The drive from Girona to Peratallada offers views of green countryside and agriculture, setting the scene for the next stop.

Peratallada is recognized as one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval villages, with its small population of just nine residents. The guide shows visitors around the cobbled streets, medieval towers, and historic walls, making this stop a favorite for its authentic charm and well-preserved architecture.

Exploring the Coastal Charm of Calella de Palafrugell

The tour then moves towards the Costa Brava, arriving at Calella de Palafrugell, a historic fishermen’s village. Here, travelers receive two hours of free time—ample opportunity for lunch, swimming, or simply strolling along the seaside promenade.

The town’s quaint streets and sea views make it a picturesque stop. Visitors commonly enjoy a local meal or a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean, making this break a highlight for those seeking relaxation and scenic beauty.

Return Journey and the “Tuscany of Spain”

After enjoying Costa Brava, the group departs for the Province of Girona, often called the “Tuscany of Spain” due to its landscape. The drive back to Barcelona takes approximately two hours, allowing time to reflect on the day’s sights and experiences.

Throughout the return trip, guides continue sharing interesting facts and stories, making the journey both relaxing and educational. Many reviews emphasize the enjoyable pace and engaging commentary by guides like Guillaume and William.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This small group tour is best suited for travelers who value a personalized experience, with the comfort of private transport and expert guiding. The 9-hour itinerary offers a balanced mix of cultural exploration, scenic drives, and free time—ideal for photographers, history buffs, and those wanting a taste of Catalonia’s coastal towns.

The limited group size and professional guides are praised for making the day both informative and fun. However, those seeking extensive exploration at each site may find the timing in Girona somewhat rushed, according to reviews. Still, the overall value for money and positive experiences make this a popular choice.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour departs at 8:30 am from Passeig de Gràcia and returns to the same meeting point. Lunch is not included, so travelers should plan accordingly, especially for the two hours in Calella de Palafrugell.

A mobile ticket is provided, and the tour is accessible for most travelers. Travelers are advised to bring swimwear and a beach towel during the summer months for the free time at Costa Brava. The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

The Sum Up: A Balanced Day of Catalan Charm

This Girona and Costa Brava small group tour offers a well-rounded experience packed with historic sites, scenic drives, and coastal leisure. Guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the day both educational and enjoyable.

While time in Girona can feel a bit rushed, the small group size, personalized attention, and beautiful stops make this tour stand out. It’s perfect for those who want to see a variety of Catalonia’s highlights without the stress of planning and driving.

This tour presents great value for $115.86, especially for travelers eager to combine history, scenery, and coastal relaxation into one memorable day outside Barcelona.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers private, air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, and all stops listed in the itinerary. Lunch is not included.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning to the original meeting point.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Passeig de Gràcia, Eiffel Bridge in Girona, Pujada de Sant Domenec (Game of Thrones site), Girona Cathedral, a scenic drive through Emporda wine region, Peratallada, and Calella de Palafrugell.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate. Be aware that walking in historical sites may involve some cobbled streets.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring swimwear and a towel if visiting the beach in summer. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.

How much free time is there at each stop?
Most stops have 20 minutes each, with two hours allocated at Calella de Palafrugell for lunch and swimming.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the group is limited to seven travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The combination of historic Girona, Game of Thrones filming locations, medieval villages, and scenic Costa Brava makes this tour a rich and varied day trip.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Reviews consistently praise the guides’ expertise, especially Papa Bear, Rebecca, Ivan, Guillaume, William, Julio, Nando, Carlos, and Aldo, for their friendly demeanor and interesting stories.