Besalu & 3 Medieval Towns Small Group Tour with Hotel Pick-Up





Description
Travel back in time to discover Besalú and with several other medieval towns, discover Catalonia's medieval past and explore the rich heritage of the region, all with a knowledgeable local guide by your side. Your adventure begins with a visit to Besalú, a stunning town known for its Romanesque architecture and iconic medieval bridge. Next, discover the historic town of Vic, famous for its beautiful cathedrals and cobblestone streets. Continue to Santa Pau, a picturesque village nestled in La Garrotxa, before finishing at Castellfollit de la Roca, a breathtaking town perched on a cliffside. -Guided tour of Catalonia’s medieval towns: Besalú, Vic, Santa Pau, Castellfollit de la Roca -Discover Romanesque architecture, ancient cathedrals, and cobbled streets -Small-group experience with an expert local guide for a more personalized journey - Comfortable transport in a minivan with hotel pick-up and drop-off from Barcelona
Tour Options
Itinerary
Start this tour directly from your hotel or apartment in Barcelona city. We come to pick you up, so please be sure to let us know exactly where you are staying. Enjoy an overview of Barcelona city along the route, pass by Catalunya Square, Passeig de Gracia and the Gaudi Houses, such as the Batllo and the Pedrera, and many other highlights.
Enjoy a walking tour and get immersed in the Medieval atmosphere of the city, passing by the plaça Major, the biggest square of Vic. Admire the old town hall, known as the Casa Comella, a 19th century modernist palace. Cherish the beautiful open space where fairs, markets and concerts are held. Get to know about Vic’s rich history in the company of your professional tour guide and visit the most interesting heritage of the city. Enjoy some free time in Vic and take the chance to taste the typical Catalan gastronomy. Your guide will show you the best places to eat a traditional lunch.
Continue the walking tour in Vic to have a look to the Cathedral, a Spanish Catholic temple which crosses in its styles much of European architectural history, from Romanesque to Neoclassical, going through the full Gothic and the Baroque.
The Roman Temple of Vic is a temple that has roots from the 2nd century and still amazes the visitors to this day. The temple is built on a podium and consists of a small chamber and an atrium with 8 columns.
When leaving Vic, pass by Castellfollit de la Roca. Get surprised by this little medieval village, built on top of a 40 meters high cliff of a very mysterious basaltic wall. This place is a perfect location for a break and to take wonderful pictures.
Along the way, enjoy a walking tour in Santa Pau, located in the south-east of the plain of Olot, in the heart of the volcanic zone. Santa Pau is one of those places that you fall in love with at first sight and you never tire of returning. Located in the heart of the Garrotxa, it is tiny, medieval and surrounded by greenery. Getting lost in its streets, breathing the fresh air ... the medieval ensemble, which mixes Gothic and Renaissance, allows you to get an idea of how important the barony of Santa Pau should have been during the Middle Ages.
Finish your tour in beauty in Besalú, one of the best conserved medieval old towns of Catalonia, which was named Historical and Artistic National Monument in 1996. Discover its cultural and natural heritage, by walking through its narrow streets that will lead you to the center of the town. Your guide will explain you the importance of the jewish community who lived in Besalú during the Middle Ages. A large section of the original town walls which date back to the 12th century still remain intact and contain a number of old gateways into the town. Inside the walls, the old town of Besalú is a charming maze of stone walls and cobbled streets which have largely gone unmoved since the Middle Ages. Get surprised by the medieval bridge of Besalú. This bridge is very famous in the Catalan territory because of its views from this medieval architecture bridge with an antique and charming essence. This Medieval masterpiece is unmissable when travelling through the Catalonian old towns.
Besalú will continue to amaze you with its medieval castle, already documented in the tenth century, built on top of a hill where the remains of the canonical Santa Maria, in the High Middle Ages. As it was built on top of a hill, you will enjoy beautiful views and have the chance to make amazing pictures.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
- We will pick you up from any hotel or apartment in Barcelona. Please make sure to include the address of your accommodation when booking. - Even if your Hotel is not listed, you can type it down in the field. - Unfortunately, we are unable to provide pick-up or drop-off services at the cruise terminal or the airport - We will send a message the day before departure through the booking system to inform you of the specific pick-up time at your hotel as well as the name of your guide and the telephone number.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Small group tour of 8 people or fewer
Reviews(697)
Pickup was easy, and the group learned a lot and I think we all had fun. Xavi's knowledge is encyclopedic, and he threw down interesting tidbits for everything we drove past, not just the main attractions. The four stops are great choices to give a good variety of Catalan towns outside Barcelona, as well as provide a lot of scenic pictures and memories. Note: our tour was mixed English and Spanish speakers and the guide went to a lot of trouble to address both groups.
Our guide, Xavi, was excellent. He is very knowledgeable about the history of the medieval cities we visited and of Barcelona in general, and he shared many interesting facts and traditions of the region with us. In addition, we had the opportunity to taste the local gastronomy, including Catalan food, a delicious puff pastry and chocolate dessert, and an artisanal drink from the region. Without a doubt, it was a very complete and enriching activity. Thank you, Xavi, for your excellent service and for introducing us to Catalan culture in such an enjoyable way.
Very good experience, highly recommended guide (Xavi)
Xavi was an excellent tour guide. He started sharing details about the locations with us from the moment he picked us up in Barcelona and then in the 3 medieval towns. His food recommendations were also spectacular.
Xavi was an excellent tour guide. He explains everything very interestingly. The day was a complete success.
Excellent guide. Xavy is a human being who is very knowledgeable about his work
Xavi has been one of the best guides I have met; he made this experience something unique and special, in addition to having a very, very broad knowledge of general culture and the history of Catalonia, with a kind and friendly manner; I highly recommend him.
Excellent experience, very beautiful places and completely different from the city of Barcelona. Thanks to Albert for everything!
Xavi is a very good tour guide, the architecture of Barcelona and the surrounding area, a wealth of knowledge of history, people are very kind and friendly, and the tour routes and itinerary arrangements are very tasteful; the car transfer is also comfortable, in general, very recommended! ps. Xavi Sometimes speaking exciting speech is faster, you can talk to him if you need to slow down!
There are places that make you fall in love on their own, but there are trips that end up being unforgettable thanks to the people who help you discover them. And that is exactly what we experienced on this excursion. We left from Barcelona to tour Vic, Santa Pau, Castellfollit de la Roca, and Besalú, four simply spectacular medieval towns, each with its own personality, its history, and a charm difficult to describe in words. They are those kinds of places that invite you to walk slowly, look up, get lost in their streets, and let time pass without looking at the clock. But if there was someone who managed to turn this route from a nice excursion into a complete experience, it was our guide and driver, Xabi. His professionalism began even before the trip. The day before, he got in touch with us via WhatsApp to confirm the time, the meeting point, and to resolve any questions. It may seem like an unimportant detail, but it demonstrates commitment, approachability, and a sincere interest in making sure everything goes well from the very first moment. Throughout the day, he kept revealing the history of each town to us with contagious enthusiasm. He didn't just limit himself to giving dates or facts; he managed to transport us to another era, explaining the culture, traditions, curiosities, and way of life of its inhabitants with accessible, enjoyable, and passionate language. You can tell when someone knows their job, but even more so when they enjoy sharing it. Another aspect that deserves special recognition was his way of managing the timing. He found the perfect balance between explanations and free time, allowing us to explore every corner with peace of mind, take photographs, go into shops, have a coffee, or simply sit and contemplate the landscape. We never had the feeling of being in a rush, but neither of wasting time. That ability to know when to speak and when to let the place speak for itself is also part of a good guide's talent. In addition, he recommended a very popular place for lunch where we were able to enjoy the local cuisine. It was an absolute success and one of those details that only those who truly love the territory they show know about. In short, it was a magnificent day from beginning to end. The towns are an absolute wonder and the route is perfectly planned, but I am convinced that the real added value is provided by Xabi. Because a guide can show a place; a great guide makes you understand it, feel it, and remember it. And, as we say in the Canary Islands, good things are not said out of obligation, they are said because it is only fair. If you have the opportunity to take this excursion with Xabi, do not hesitate. You will return with your camera full of photographs, but, above all, with the feeling of having lived an authentic, enriching experience, and one of those that remain in your memory for a long time.



