Besalu and Medieval Villages Guided Day Trip from Barcelona
Start your trip from central Barcelona, continuing by an air-conditioned vehicle on a drive through the lush countryside to the charming village of Besalú. Once you arrive, hop out to begin a walking tour of this ancient city, stopping to admire its streets lined with medieval-era architecture. Then visit a nearby mikveh (a 12th-century Jewish bath) before stopping by a medieval synagogue. Continue next to Castellfollit de la Roca, a positively minuscule town situated on the edge of a basalt cliff. This tiny village harbors 1,000 citizens in a town that’s just 3,280 square feet (1,000 square meters). Proceed to Rupit, where you have time to wander this beautiful hamlet at your leisure. Stroll the cobblestone roads lined with 16th-century houses, cross the city’s hanging wooden bridge, and make a visit Rupit’s baroque-era Church of Sant Miquel. Feel free to have lunch (at your own expense) before checking out the ruins of the Castle of Rupit set on a picturesque rocky peak.After Rupit, take a scenic drive towards the sandstone cliffs at Cingles de Tavertet, set in the Ter River Valley, passing by the area’s megalithic tomb and its Iberian Wall as well. Then arrive in Tavertet, taking time to explore the area’s 48 preserved homes from the 16th and 17th centuries with your guide. Hear a few details about the village from your guide before checking out the 11th-century Romanesque Church of Sant Cristòfol. You then have time to take a break, grabbing a coffee (at your own expense) or enjoying a short walk to the scenic overlook at Panta de Sau lake.Finish your trip with a ride back to Barcelona, during which you enjoy vistas of verdant-green forests like Magatalls, along with the UNESCO Man and Biosphere-listed El Montseny natural park. You are dropped off back at your departure point in Barcelona at the end of the day.
Overview
Start your trip from central Barcelona, continuing by an air-conditioned vehicle on a drive through the lush countryside to the charming village of Besalú. Once you arrive, hop out to begin a walking tour of this ancient city, stopping to admire its streets lined with medieval-era architecture. Then visit a nearby mikveh (a 12th-century Jewish bath) before stopping by a medieval synagogue.
Continue next to Castellfollit de la Roca, a positively minuscule town situated on the edge of a basalt cliff. This tiny village harbors 1,000 citizens in a town that’s just 3,280 square feet (1,000 square meters). Proceed to Rupit, where you have time to wander this beautiful hamlet at your leisure. Stroll the cobblestone roads lined with 16th-century houses, cross the city’s hanging wooden bridge, and make a visit Rupit’s baroque-era Church of Sant Miquel. Feel free to have lunch (at your own expense) before checking out the ruins of the Castle of Rupit set on a picturesque rocky peak.
After Rupit, take a scenic drive towards the sandstone cliffs at Cingles de Tavertet, set in the Ter River Valley, passing by the area’s megalithic tomb and its Iberian Wall as well. Then arrive in Tavertet, taking time to explore the area’s 48 preserved homes from the 16th and 17th centuries with your guide. Hear a few details about the village from your guide before checking out the 11th-century Romanesque Church of Sant Cristòfol. You then have time to take a break, grabbing a coffee (at your own expense) or enjoying a short walk to the scenic overlook at Panta de Sau lake.
Finish your trip with a ride back to Barcelona, during which you enjoy vistas of verdant-green forests like Magatalls, along with the UNESCO Man and Biosphere-listed El Montseny natural park. You are dropped off back at your departure point in Barcelona at the end of the day.
Itinerary
Palace of Catalan Music
8.15am - You will start your day at our main office, which is right next to the famous Palau de la Musica. You will meet your guide, have time to use the restrooms, and perhaps even grab a quick coffee before the tour begin. Your guide will explain all about the day ahead and what to expect as you wait for you tour to leave.
15 minutes8.30am - You will leave Barcelona though the Example district of town. As you head out of the city, your guide will give you a brief history of Barcelona, before letting you sit back and relax on the 90 minute drive to Besalu.
Puente de Besalua
10.00am - The charming medieval village of Besalú is our first stop of the day.
You will begin with a walking tour of this ancient town, stopping to admire its streets lined with medieval-era architecture. You will have free time to wander around the narrow streets or to find a secluded café and sit back to watch people pass by.
Some of the highlights to visit are the 12th Century Romanesque Medieval bridge, the 11th Century Monastery of St. Pere, and the Jewish Baths, otherwise known as the Mikveh, dating back to the 12 Century.
2 hoursCastellfollit de la Roca
12.30pm - From Besalú, we will head to Rupit. On the way, we will pass by Castellfollit de la Roca, located high up on the edge of a basalt precipice. It's one of the smallest towns in Catalonia with just 1,000 habitants living in just 3,280 square feet (1,000 square meters)
Rupit
1.00pm - Once in Rupit, you’ll have around two hours to wander around this beautiful hamlet at your leisure.
You will be able to stroll the cobblestone roads lined with 16th-century houses, cross the city’s hanging wooden bridge, and make a visit Rupit’s baroque-era Church of Sant Miquel.
This is also where you will have lunch. There are a number of traditional restaurants to choose from. Your guide will be happy to help you, or even make a reservation for you. After lunch, you can visit the ruins of the Castle of Rupit set on a picturesque rocky peak, or you could even take a picnic and eat outside there.
From Rupit, we take a scenic drive towards the sandstone cliffs at Cingles de Tavertet.
3 hoursTavertet
4.00pm - In Tavertet, the final medieval village we visit, enjoy a short walk to the stunning cliffs overlooking Pantà de Sau lake. Hear a few details about the village from your guide before checking out the 11th-century romanesque Church of Sant Cristòfol.
30 minutesMontseny
5.30pm - Finish your trip with a ride back to Barcelona, during which you’ll enjoy vistas of verdant-green forests like Magatalls, along with the UNESCO Man and Biosphere-listed El Montseny natural park.
Plaza de Catalunya
6.45pm - After a day stepping back in time we will arrive in Barcelona around 6.45pm. You guide will help you find a taxi or the way to the metro to return to your hotel, or recommend some restaurants where to have dinner.
Location
Address
C/ Palau de la Música, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Local guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour operates only in English
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
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4.7 / 5
4.73 out of 5 stars
Based on 899 reviews
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