Day trip

From Barcelona: Medieval Villages Day Tour

Activity provider: Explore Catalunya
Day trip

From Barcelona: Medieval Villages Day Tour

Activity provider: Explore Catalunya
Likely to sell out

From US$ 102.93 per person

Likely to sell out

Discover three of Catalonia´s best medieval villages on a guided tour. Travel back in time as you visit Besalú, the hidden jewel of Rupit and, finally, the clifftop village of Tavertet.

About this activity

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Covid-19 precautions
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Duration 10 hours
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Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Tour the charming medieval villages of Besalú, Rupit and Tavertet
  • Enjoy free time to explore Rupit and visit medieval sites
  • Take in stunning views of the countryside from the Cingles de Tavertet sandstone cliffs
  • See the beautiful Castellfollit de la Roca village located at the edge of a basalt cliff
  • Go off the beaten track and discover lesser-known destinations
Full description

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.

Includes
  • Local guide
  • Transportation
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Food and drinks (unless specified)
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off

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Participants

Date

Meeting point

The Explore Catalunya office, directly across from the Palau de la Musica, off Via Laietena

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Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 169 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Service
    4.8/5
  • Organization
    4.8/5

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Star rating:

Jordi our driver an guide was passionate and very knowledgeable about the history of Catalunya, he’s energy was positive the whole day, the experience was unbelievable, the towns we visited were all magical. Thank you Jordi for this amazing experience.

March 24, 2023

Our guide Jordi was very knowledgeable and did an excellent job with narration and keeping the tour on track. The lunch recommendation was excellent and we really enjoyed that part of the day. it’s a long day with the bus ride both ways though so be prepared for that. We highly recommend

March 24, 2023

Absolutely amazing!! By far the best tour I’ve done, a must do from Barcelona. The tour agency was absolutely great, when I had a mishap of a morning and was running late they did everything they could for me and our driver was so knowledgeable and such a great tour guide. Reply such a great company and even better experience

March 24, 2023

Product ID: 55978