Private Tour Girona & Tossa de Mar from Barcelona

Exploring Girona & Tossa de Mar: A Practical Look at This Full-Day Tour from Barcelona

If you’re dreaming of a day trip that combines medieval charm, stunning coastlines, and a slice of Catalonia’s history, this private tour to Girona and Tossa de Mar might catch your eye. It’s designed to give you a taste of both inland and coastal treasures, all in around 10 hours. While we haven’t done this specific tour ourselves, we’ve sifted through the details, reviews, and what makes it stand out to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What we really like about this experience is the intimate, small-group setting—up to 8 participants—which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds. Plus, the chance to walk along Girona’s ancient city walls and explore Tossa de Mar’s medieval streets sounds genuinely memorable. One potential downside? It’s a long day, and some might find the pace a bit packed, especially if you prefer a more leisurely exploration. Still, if you’re eager to pack in a lot without stressing about logistics, this tour tackles the highlights efficiently. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day out without the hassle of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience and fewer crowds.
• Beautiful scenery and panoramic views throughout the day offer plenty of photo opportunities.
• Historic highlights include Girona’s cathedral, old town, walls, and Tossa de Mar’s medieval castle and Vila Vella.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.
• Price reflects a full-day guided experience, offering value for those seeking hassle-free sightseeing.
• Optional cruise adds a scenic boat ride along the Costa Brava, perfect for extra relaxation or photography.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Tour Itself

Starting with the logistics—the tour kicks off from your hotel in Barcelona, which is a nice touch for convenience. The small group size (up to 8) means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the guide-driver team helps keep things smooth. The 10-hour duration is quite standard for a day trip, but you should be ready for a full schedule, especially if you want to soak everything in.

Girona: The City of Four Rivers

Our first stop is Girona, a city that’s somehow both lively and full of history. The highlight here is Girona Cathedral, renowned for having the widest Gothic nave in the world and its striking baroque façade. The guide will likely point out the cathedral’s architectural marvels and perhaps share a few stories about its role in film and TV—yes, “Game of Thrones” scenes have been shot here, which adds a fun layer for fans.

Next, you’ll stroll through the Barri Vell (Old Town), a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets that whisper stories of the past. The Stone Bridge over the Onyar River is iconic and offers incredible views of the colorful houses lining the riverbanks—a scene that’s just as lovely in photos as it is in real life. As one review noted, “We loved the way the Stone Bridge offers a fantastic panoramic view of the river and the vibrant houses,” which captures the essence of the place.

After that, you’ll walk along Girona’s ancient walls, which you can access from various points. This part is especially valued for the spectacular views of the city and its surroundings. Standing atop these walls, you get a real sense of the city’s defensive history—plus, it’s a fantastic spot for photos. The walls are accessible and add a layer of depth to your understanding of Girona’s past.

Moving on to Tossa de Mar

After exploring Girona, it’s about a 30-minute drive to Tossa de Mar, a charming coastal town with a lot to offer. The castle, built in the 12th century, is a key highlight. It was erected to defend the town from pirates, and the views from the castle’s main square are truly breathtaking—overlooking the beach and the old town. As a review pointed out, “The castle offers a stunning vantage point and a glimpse into the region’s history,” which is exactly what makes this stop special.

Inside the castle walls, you’ll find Vila Vella, the only preserved fortified medieval town on the Costa Brava. Its cobblestone streets and stone houses adorned with pots and colorful flowers are straight out of a postcard. Walking through these streets, you’ll understand why visitors call it “one of the best experiences” in Tossa de Mar. The lively atmosphere, with boutique stores and cafes, offers plenty of options for a leisurely exploration.

Lunch and Free Time

After the castle, the tour includes a break for lunch on a terrace overlooking the sea—a perfect chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. Post-lunch, you have some free time to wander the historic center, browse shops, or just soak up the coastal vibe. The lively streets and sea views make this part of the trip particularly enjoyable.

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Optional Add-on: The Costa Brava Cruise

A noteworthy bonus is a small cruise along the coast, which visitors often find appealing. It’s a chance to see the remarkable cliffs and rugged coastline from the water—a perspective that’s hard to beat for scenery and photos. While it’s an optional extension, many reviews mention how this cruise adds a relaxing, scenic element to the tour.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Transportation is comfortable, with a vehicle suited to the group size, making the journey between Barcelona, Girona, and Tossa de Mar smooth. The guide is bilingual (English and Spanish), helping ensure clear communication, and the entire experience is designed to keep things manageable with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Cost at $364 per person is on the higher side for day trips, but when you consider the convenience of the logistics, guided commentary, and multiple stops, many find it worth the price. The experience is described as “full and engaging,” with plenty of opportunities for photos and learning.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes are a must—many of the streets are cobbled and uneven. A hat, sunglasses, and water are also good ideas, especially on warm days.

Family-friendliness isn’t explicitly highlighted, but if your family enjoys history, scenic views, and walking, it could work well. However, keep in mind it’s a long day, so small children might find it tiring.

What People Are Saying

The reviews generally praise the tour for its stunning views, well-organized itinerary, and the chance to see both a historic city and a picturesque coastal town in one day. One reviewer mentioned, “The views from Girona’s walls and Tossa’s castle are truly spectacular, making the long day worthwhile.” Another appreciated the small group size, noting it felt more personal and less rushed.

Some pointed out that the duration was long but manageable, especially since it was well-paced with enough breaks. The optional cruise is a hit for those wanting a relaxing end to the day. A few mentioned that lunch wasn’t included, so bringing some snacks or planning ahead is a good idea.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers eager to see a mix of history and coastal scenery in a single day without the hassle of organizing transportation or guides. It’s ideal if you enjoy walking through ancient streets, exploring castles, and taking in breathtaking views. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates a full, guided day out with lots of photo opportunities, this tour checks those boxes.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have limited mobility, the full schedule and walking involved might feel a bit intense. It’s also best for those who don’t mind a longer day and are comfortable with a structured itinerary.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Barcelona, making planning easier.

How long is the total tour?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, giving you a full day to explore without feeling rushed.

What are the main stops on the tour?
You’ll visit Girona, including its cathedral, old town, and walls, then Tossa de Mar, focusing on its castle and Vila Vella.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included, but there are options for eating in Tossa de Mar, and you might want to bring some snacks.

Can I extend the tour with extra activities?
Yes, there is an optional small cruise along the Costa Brava that you can add for extra scenic relaxation.

What language is the tour guide in?
The guide is available in English and Spanish, ensuring good communication.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the walking and sightseeing could suit families with older children who enjoy history and scenic views.

How many people will be in my group?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 8 participants, which keeps things intimate and personalized.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and water are recommended. Be prepared for walking on cobbled streets.

To sum it up, this private Girona and Tossa de Mar tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Catalonia’s history, architecture, and coastline. The small group setting, scenic stops, and knowledgeable guide make it a compelling choice for travelers wanting a full, hassle-free day trip. While it’s a long day—and possibly a bit packed for some—it packs in enough beauty and history to justify the effort. If you’re after a balanced experience that combines cultural sights with incredible views, this tour could be just what you need for a memorable Catalan adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: