Besalu

Tours

Discover the medieval villages of Catalonia on a guided small group tour around the area. Visit Besalú, Rupit, and Travertet, with a mix of free time to explore and storytelling from your guide. Meet your guide in central Barcelona in the morning before setting off for a drive through the heart of the Catalan countryside to the ancient town of Besalú. When you arrive, take a guided walk through this beautifully preserved village from the Middle Ages. Admire the town's arcaded streets, visit a restored mikveh (an old Jewish bath from the 12th century), and see the remains of a medieval synagogue. Continue by minivan to the village of Rupit. En route, you’ll pass Castellfollit de la Roca, one of the smallest towns in Catalonia with just 1,000 inhabitants living in just 3,280 square feet of space, located on the edge of a basalt precipice. When you arrive in Rupit, enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore this beautiful village at your leisure. Wander along the cobblestone streets lined with 16th-century country houses, stop by the hanging wooden bridge, and visit the Baroque-era Church of Sant Miquel. Purchase lunch at a local restaurant and see the remains of the Castle of Rupit perched on a rocky peak. Next, enjoy a scenic drive to the top of the Cingles de Tavertet sandstone cliffs. Pass a megalithic tomb (a field of funerary urns) and then the Iberian Wall before reaching the village of Tavertet. With your guide, tour this charming village, which has been declared a National Property of Cultural Interest due to its 48 preserved houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Learn about the village as you admire the houses and the 11th-century Romanesque Church of Sant Cristòfol. Enjoy a short break for coffee at a local café at your own expense or walk to the viewpoint to admire stunning views over the Panta de Sau Lake. Then, relax on the drive back to Barcelona and take in views of El Magatalls, a beautiful lush forest, and El Montseny, a UNESCO Man and Biosphere-listed natural park.

Step back in time and explore the medieval gems of Catalonia on this small group tour from Barcelona. With a maximum of 8 people, this journey allows you to discover the rich history, architecture, and charm of Catalonia’s medieval towns. Your expert guide will lead you through the most fascinating historical sites, sharing fascinating stories and insights along the way. The tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel from Barcelona before heading to the charming town of Vic, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Catalonia. Explore its stunning cathedral and pass-by its ancient Roman temple, with your guide revealing the town’s secrets and historical significance. From Vic, continue your journey through the volcanic landscape of La Garrotxa, an area rich in natural beauty, before arriving in Santa Pau, one of Catalonia's most charming medieval towns. Take a leisurely walk through its cobbled streets, passing through the picturesque main square and feeling like you've stepped into a bygone era. Next, you’ll marvel at Castellfollit de la Roca, a dramatic medieval village that sits atop a cliff, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Snap photos of this unique village, perched precariously on the edge of a volcanic rock formation. The highlight of your tour is the town of Besalú, home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Catalonia. Your guide will lead you through the fascinating history of Besalú, focusing on the influential Jewish community that once thrived here. Walk across the iconic Romanesque bridge of Besalú, one of the most recognized symbols of medieval Catalonia, and marvel at its architectural beauty. This medieval Catalonia tour offers an unforgettable journey through the region's rich history, stunning architecture, and charming towns. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of medieval architecture, or simply looking to explore the hidden treasures of Catalonia, this tour will provide you with an authentic and enriching experience.

Discover the historic and scenic treasures of Catalonia on this guided day trip from Barcelona. Explore the medieval charm of Girona, the dramatic cliffs of Castellfollit de la Roca, and the picturesque village of Besalú. A perfect mix of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Meet your guide at the designated pick-up point in central Barcelona and board a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan for your journey to the Catalan countryside. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive as you head towards your first destination, the historic town of Girona Arrive in Girona, a town famous for its rich history, vibrant markets, and impressive medieval and Romanesque architecture. Take a leisurely stroll through the old town, visiting landmarks such as the Santa Maria Cathedral the Jews Quarter, and the Game of Thrones locations. Learn about the town’s importance as a cultural and commercial hub in Catalonia. You’ll have a bit of time to explore the local market (if open), grab a coffee at a charming café, or browse local shops for traditional Catalan products like embutidos (cured meats) and cheeses. After exploring Girona, continue the journey deeper into the countryside, towards the striking village of Castellfollit de la Roca, located about an hour away. Arrive in Castellfollit de la Roca, one of the most visually dramatic villages in Catalonia. Perched on a towering basalt cliff formed by ancient lava flows, this small village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and rivers. Walk through the narrow streets and make your way to the Church of Sant Salvador, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the entire region. This is a perfect opportunity for photography and soaking in the unique landscape. Enjoy a delicious traditional Catalan lunch at a local restaurant near Castellfollit de la Roca or on the way to Besalú. Dishes might include Catalan classics like escudella (Catalan stew), botifarra (grilled sausage), or pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato). Arrive in Besalú, one of Catalonia’s most famous medieval villages. Known for its exceptionally well-preserved architecture, the town is a journey back in time. Start with a visit to the iconic 12th-century Romanesque bridge, a symbol of the town that spans the Fluvià River. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the cobbled streets, learning about Besalú’s rich history, including its Jewish heritage. Visit the Miqvé (Jewish ritual bath), one of the few remaining in Europe, and other important landmarks like the Church of Sant Pere. After the guided tour, take some time to explore Besalú on your own, visit local craft shops, or relax with a coffee in the village square. After your exploration of Besalú, board the minivan for the scenic drive back to Barcelona. Enjoy the countryside views as the sun begins to set. Arrive back in central Barcelona, where your guide will drop you off at the original pick-up point.

If you are nature lovers and you like to discover new areas, this is the best option for you! On this full-day tour you will explore different areas. The first area you will explore is Besalú, where you will learn about the history and the medieval and Jewish heritage of the town.  Next explore the nature of La Garrotxa Natural Park, in the pre-Pyrenees area with more than 40 volcanoes none of them active for thousands of years. While there visit a medieval hermitage located in the middle of a crater. After, visit Castellfollit de la Roca to take some photos of the Basaltic cliff and Santa Pau a small village surrounded by volcanoes. To finish this amazing day, you will have the opportunity to walk along the shore or sail on Banyoles Lake, the largest lake in Catalonia.

Embark on a journey that delves into the heart of Catalan culture from Barcelona. Start your day with a swift high-speed train ride to Figueres, the home of the Dalí Museum. Immerse yourself in the surrealist world of the artist and discover why this museum is a must-visit in any Catalonian itinerary. Continue to Besalú, a medieval treasure where every corner tells a story. Admire its majestic bridge and Gothic architecture, and a stroll through its old town. Next, head to Girona, where history intertwines with vibrant, enchanting streets. Enjoy free time to explore Besalú’s charming corners, from the Girona Cathedral to the picturesque houses along the Onyar River. Also, enjoy a break to savor the local cuisine at one of the town’s cozy restaurants and visit the incredible Arab baths. Conclude your trip with a high-speed train back to Barcelona, taking you back to the city in less than 30 minutes.

Discover the magic of medieval Catalonia on an unforgettable excursion from Barcelona. This tour takes you to three of the region's most charming villages: Girona, Besalú and Pals, each with its own character, history and beauty. In Girona, stroll through an old town full of charm and legends. Admire the imposing cathedral, explore the old Jewish quarter, cross the iconic Eiffel Bridge and be amazed by the Arab Baths and the famous “Cul de la Lleona”. A city where every corner is postcard worthy. Continue to Besalú, a spectacular medieval village that seems to have stopped in time. Walk across its Romanesque bridge, visit the ancient synagogue and discover gems such as the church of San Vicente and the monastery of San Pedro. A place full of history and authenticity. End the tour in Pals, a village of cobbled streets, centuries-old towers and unforgettable views of the Empordà. Explore the church of San Pedro, the Tower of the Hours and enjoy the viewpoint of Josep Pla, one of the most picturesque corners of the area. An ideal experience for those looking for culture, architecture and landscapes in one day. Perfect for lovers of history, photography and the Catalan essence.

We visit 3 medieval villages: Besalú (´The fortress between two rivers´), Rupit (An enchanting stone village), and Tavertet (perched on sandstone cliffs promises stunning views over Catalonia). Three medieval gems. Each one unique. We will travel back in time a 1000 years. This tour offers cultural immersion, nature exploration, breathtaking views, lots of medieval history and more. It´s an all-round and immersive experience. An ideal city-escape and deep-dive into Catalonia´s fascinating history... Our day starts at your accommodation when we pick you up around 8.30AM. Our first drive will take approx. hour and a half. At Besalú, a protected National Historic Monument, we will start with an introduction about the history and we'll enjoy spectacular views of the old city before crossing the iconic 11th-century medieval bridge and we walk into the old town. Then, a walking tour to explore the narrow alleys of centuries-old architecture and covering the main highlights. Afterwards, you will have some free time to go explore on your own. We will provide you with a general understanding about the history of Catalonia (& Spain) and this will set a solid foundation. Our visit to Besalú will be a great way to start our day. We spend about hour and a half here, our next drive takes approx. 1 hour. What´s next? Rupit. The medieval stone-village hidden in the forest and built into the rock. Its cobblestone streets are enchanting. We will first need to cross the famous ´hanging´ bridge to enter the town. Once inside it´s like entering a fairytale. We will do a short guided walking tour, pointing out highlights for you, things that you can do and giving suggestions for places to eat. You will have lunch in your own time (and on own expenses). This is your opportunity to try the real Catalonian cuisine! Very authentic and very delicious. There are also beautiful hiking trails in the area, the nature is stunning, plus you can explore the town a bit more in your free time. We take plenty of time here so you can enjoy a great lunch + exploration. One more town to go! Tavertet. But, before we get to the town we will cross an area with stunning natural beauty and a mindblowing viewpoint. We´ll be in the heart of the natural reserve of Collsacabra with the unique cliffs of Tavertet and overlooking the plains of Catalunya state, from the Costa Brava coastline to the Pyrenees mountains. We visit Tavertet with it´s 1000+year old church and more spectacular views before we hear back to Barcelona city. We will drive a big circle through Catalunya so you get to see as much as possible in between towns. The last drive can take 1.45¨ back to BCN city. We bring you straight back to your accommodation and we conclude a joyful day around 6.30PM.

We leave from Barcelona to visit the village of Besalú. Besalú is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain by National Geographic magazine, and of course one of the most photogenic, especially the old bridge of Besalú. We walked across the Old Bridge of Besalú; it is believed to have been built in the 11th century over a Roman bridge, but was rebuilt in the 14th century. After the destruction it suffered in the civil war it was rebuilt again. It consists of two angled spans and in the center is the tower with a small arch. We visited the center of the city, flooded with streets and facades as part of its medieval heritage. During the tour we visit the ecclesiastical monuments found in the town, such as the churches of Sant Pere, Santa Maria and Sant Vicenç, which alternate Romanesque and Gothic elements. For its part, the old Jewish quarter is one of the best preserved in the peninsula. After this medieval walk, we will stop at the DALI Museum in Figueres, where the surrealist world awaits you. This museum, designed by Dalí himself, is a work of art in itself, with its extravagant facade and unique installations that capture the essence of the famous artist. At the museum, we will spend time admiring some of Dalí's most famous works, including paintings, sculptures and various installations that challenge the mind. For those who are not museum lovers, we can assure that the Dali Museum exceeds all expectations, not only for his paintings, but for his way of understanding the world of art. It is time to take some time for lunch. Depending on the gastronomic expectations, we offer various culinary options, such as a restaurant with an authentic Mediterranean flavor in a village 15 minutes from Figueres, or a typical Spanish tapas restaurant. On our way back to Barcelona, we will pass through the city of Girona. We will start our tour at the Stone Bridge (Pont de Pedra), an iconic place to enjoy the panoramic views of the Onyar River and the famous colorful houses that line its banks. From there, we continue to the Barri Vell, Girona's old town, which is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets full of history. Here, we will visit the Cathedral of Girona, known for its impressive baroque facade and for having the widest gothic nave in the world. And of course the setting for the movie Game of Thrones. We will finish the tour walking along the walls of Girona. This walk will offer you spectacular views of the city and the surrounding area. The walls are accessible from various points in the old town and provide a unique perspective of how the city defended itself in times gone by. Finally, we will close this adventurous day by returning to Barcelona.

500 years of the Jewish community in Barcelona & Catalonia Few Catalans today can deny the key role the Jewish community played in the building and flourishing of the Catalan empire from the 12th to 15th centuries. The legacy of the Jewish community in Barcelona and Girona, although not readily apparent, exists all around us and should be highlighted for any local or traveler with even a slight interest in understanding the history of Barcelona, Girona and greater Catalunya. In Catalonia, as in many areas of Europe during the medieval era, the Jewish experienced an unparalleled roller coaster of hardships and triumphs. Jewish Catalunya was exceptional to the rest of Spain and western Europe in regard to the sociopolitical and religious co-existence that was developed and shared with relative peace for three centuries by Catholics and Jews. Trace the steps of the Jewish community that defied social and religious adversity, strengthened their own community as well as the chaotic Catholic community in which they were surrounded and had to carefully navigate daily. The Jewish community helped build the Catalan Empire as both artisans and scholars and essentially thrive three centuries until their final expulsion in 1492. Jewish tours to trace the steps of the Jewish Community across 3 centuries through Barcelona, Girona, and Besalú! Our Spanish Trails’ Barcelona Jewish tours go well beyond the Roman and Medieval walls that once ‘protected’ the Jewish community that lived there for centuries. We start our Jewish tours in Barcelona and move north to explore medieval and Jewish Girona and Besalú, each city being uniquely fascinating in their history, architecture, and their significance in the history of Jewish Catalunya. We dedicate the first part of the day to Jewish Barcelona in the Call with a solid introduction over coffee of the history of the Jewish community and a walk through the Call to point out and explain interesting, hidden traces of the Jewish community that once lived there. We visit the Synagogue (the oldest, functioning Synagogue in Europe) before we move north to Girona and Besalú. In Girona, we explore the entire old quarter Barri Vell of which a significant portion is a Jewish Call, as well as explore the Roman/medieval walls, amazing bridges, quaint plazas, and boutique shops along the way. Plenty of time is dedicated to visiting the Jewish heritage museum of Bonastruc Sa Porta before a great lunch with wine. In Besalú we cross the impressive Romanesque bridge into the Jewish old city for a fascinating walking tour. Note: This private tour is customizable. Upon request, we can skip the Besalú visit and extend the exploration in Barcelona and/or Girona.

Our company offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers looking to explore the stunning cities of Girona and Besalú from Barcelona. With our expert guides and comfortable transportation, you can sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty and history of these charming destinations. We pride ourselves on providing personalized attention to each of our clients, ensuring that their needs and preferences are met throughout the tour. Our knowledgeable guides will take you through the most important landmarks, streets, and hidden gems of Girona and Besalú, providing insightful commentary on the rich history and culture of these places. With our tour, you'll have the opportunity to witness the fascinating blend of ancient and modern architecture, enjoy the delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of these charming towns. Choose us for an authentic and unforgettable journey through Catalonia's history and beauty.