Barcelona: Discover Girona, Besalú & Pals on a Guided Tour

Discover Girona, Besalú & Pals: A Day Trip from Barcelona

If you’re eyeing a day away from the bustling streets of Barcelona, a guided tour to Girona, Besalú, and Pals could be just what you need. This experience promises a taste of medieval charm, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes—all packed into roughly 11.5 hours. We’ve looked into this tour from Amigo Tours Spain to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What we love about it is the chance to explore three very different, yet equally captivating villages, with guided insights that bring their histories to life. Plus, the logical flow of the itinerary ensures you get plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed. On the flip side, the long bus rides might be a consideration if you’re not a fan of sitting still for extended periods, but for most, the scenic views and cultural richness outweigh that.

This tour works best for history buffs, architecture lovers, photographers, or anyone wanting a genuine taste of Catalan heritage—all in one day. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, well-organized trip that balances sightseeing with some free time to explore on your own, this trip could be a great fit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Visiting three unique villages: Girona, Besalú, and Pals, each with distinct charm.
• Expert-guided experience: Guides speak both English and Spanish, offering rich commentary.
• Comfortable transportation: A well-organized coach journey makes the day manageable.
• Ample free time at each stop: Perfect for quick explorations or photo sessions.
• Long day, but rewarding: 11.5 hours of sightseeing with a good balance of guided and personal time.
• Ideal for culture and architecture enthusiasts: Medieval streets, iconic landmarks, scenic viewpoints.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Out at Estació de França

Your day begins at the Estació de França, a central, historic train station in Barcelona. The guide will be waiting with an Amigo Tours sign, making the start straightforward and stress-free. The coach ride from here to Girona takes about 1.5 hours, giving you your first glimpse of the Catalan countryside and a chance to settle in before jumping into the sightseeing.

Exploring Girona: Medieval Marvels and Legends

Once in Girona, you’ll spend around 1.5 hours on a guided tour. This city is a treasure trove of medieval architecture and vibrant history. We loved the way the guide brought the city’s legends alive—highlighting notable sights like the imposing cathedral, which dominates the skyline. The old town’s narrow streets are full of charm, and every corner seems made for photos.

A highlight here is the Jewish quarter, which is steeped in history and authenticity—perfect for history lovers. The Eiffel Bridge isn’t just an engineering marvel but also offers lovely views—trust us, it’s one of those spots that make for memorable photos. The Arab Baths and the Cul de la Lleona statue add layers to Girona’s storybook feel.

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Free Time in Girona

After the guided tour, you’ll have around 1.5 hours of free time. This is your chance to wander at your own pace—grab a coffee, do some shopping, or simply soak in the medieval atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned, “We had plenty of time at each stop to explore and got to see a lot so it was well worth it.” It’s nice to have that flexibility, especially in a city as visually captivating as Girona.

Journey to Besalú: A Medieval Time Capsule

Next, a 45-minute coach ride transports you to Besalú, a village that seems frozen in time. The guided experience here lasts about 45 minutes, but you’ll want to linger to truly appreciate its Romanesque bridge—a true icon of Catalan architecture—and the ancient Jewish synagogue.

This village is often praised for its authentic medieval atmosphere. Walking across the bridge and exploring the narrow streets feels like stepping back centuries. The guide will point out the church of San Vicente and the monastery of San Pedro, giving you a snapshot of the village’s long history.

Free Time in Besalú

Again, you’re granted about 1.5 hours of free time. Many visitors, like Claire in her review, recommended exploring the gems of the village and even climbing up to the clock tower in Pals for some of the best views. This flexibility allows for spontaneous adventures or simply relaxing with a local pastry.

Moving on to Pals: Picturesque and Scenic

The last leg of your journey is a 1-hour coach ride to Pals, renowned for its cobbled streets, historic towers, and panoramic views. The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes, during which you’ll see sites like the Church of San Pedro and the Tower of the Hours.

The real highlight here, according to visitors, is the viewpoint of Josep Pla, which offers sweeping scenery of the Empordà region—great for photographers or anyone appreciating Scenic overlooks. You might want to heed Claire’s tip and go up the clock tower for even more stunning vistas.

Final Free Time & Return to Barcelona

After the guided part, you’ve got an hour of free time in Pals to stroll, shop, or just take in the vibe. Then, it’s a 1.5-hour coach ride back to Barcelona, arriving at Estació de França, where your day concludes.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Transportation & Comfort

The tour provides transportation from the meeting point in Barcelona, which is a big plus—no need to worry about navigation or parking. The coach rides are about 1.5 hours each way, so bring snacks, a jacket, or anything to make the longer journeys more comfortable. The guide typically speaks both English and Spanish, making the commentary accessible, but if you’re not bilingual, be prepared for some quick switches.

Duration & Group Size

The full day lasts around 11.5 hours, which is quite a commitment but offers a lot of value. The review mentions a small group of five, and the tour was the first run, so you might find it more intimate than other large bus excursions. That said, as it grows in popularity, group sizes could increase, potentially affecting the experience.

Price & Value

At $116 per person, this trip offers good value considering the number of sites, guided commentary, and transportation included. While it doesn’t cover meals or drinks, the free time in each city allows you to grab a bite on your own—sometimes a nice way to try local specialties.

Who Should Skip This?

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, given the cobbled streets and medieval architecture—some streets might be uneven. If you have mobility concerns, this is something to consider.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Claire’s review sums it up well: “I loved this trip… the places we visited were beautiful, with medieval architecture and so many photo opportunities. I loved them all, and our guide Enrique was fantastic.” She also emphasizes the importance of the clock tower in Pals for breathtaking views—something to keep in mind.

Another comment highlights that, despite the long day and bus rides, the ample time at each stop made it worthwhile. The guide’s knowledgeable commentary was also praised for bringing the history and stories of each place alive.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re craving a well-organized day that combines history, architecture, and scenic beauty, this trip checks all those boxes. It’s particularly suited for culture lovers and photographers who want a rich visual experience without the hassle of planning multiple trips. The guided tour aspect means you’ll get interesting insights, making the visit more meaningful than just wandering on your own.

However, be prepared for a long day on the bus—if sitting for 11.5 hours isn’t your thing, you might want to consider shorter or more relaxed options. Also, if mobility is a concern, this tour might not be suitable due to the cobbled streets and uneven surfaces.

This experience offers a balanced mix of guided exploration and free time, excellent value, and a chance to see some of Catalonia’s most charming villages without straying too far from Barcelona.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation from the meeting point at Estació de França to all three villages and back is included in the price.

How long is each stop?
Guided tours range from about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, with additional free time in each village for personal exploration.

Is the tour suitable for families?
The description doesn’t specify, but given the length and walking involved, it’s best suited for adults or older children comfortable with walking and long days.

What languages are the guides speaking?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear explanations for most travelers.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since cobbled streets are common. Bring water, a hat, and maybe a camera for those photo-worthy moments.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

This tour offers a solid way to explore some of Catalonia’s most beautiful medieval villages without the hassle of organizing each visit yourself. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just want stunning scenery, it’s a day well spent—especially with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: