Full Day Girona and Besalu Private Tour

Exploring Girona and Besalú: A Detailed Look at the Full Day Private Tour

If you’re planning to see some of Catalonia’s most captivating medieval towns, this Full Day Girona and Besalú Private Tour promises to deliver an intimate, well-structured experience from Barcelona. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, based on available reviews and the detailed itinerary, it looks like a fantastic option for those craving history, architecture, and a taste of the Middle Ages—all with the comfort of a private guide and driver.

Two things that really stand out are the personalized attention you’ll get from your private guide and the chance to walk through well-preserved medieval neighborhoods without feeling rushed. The tour also taps into “Game of Thrones” fans, offering access to filming locations in Girona, which adds a fun, pop-culture twist. On the flip side, one consideration is the price—at over $1,500 for a group of up to seven people, it’s on the pricier side, but that cost includes transportation, a private guide, and a full day of exploration. This tour suits travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and in-depth storytelling, especially if you’re into history or filming locations.

Key Points

• Private & Personalized: You get a dedicated guide and driver, making the experience tailored and comfortable.
• Cultural & Historic Richness: Explore medieval towns, Jewish quarters, and the iconic Girona Cathedral.
• Filming Location Highlights: Perfect for fans of Game of Thrones who want behind-the-scenes insights.
• Convenience & Flexibility: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics effortless.
• Price & Value: The cost reflects a comprehensive, curated experience but might be steep for some budgets.
• Duration & Pacing: Six hours is enough to see key highlights without feeling rushed, but expect a full day of sightseeing.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Girona Cathedral and Old Town

Your day begins early, with a pickup at 9:00 am from your hotel in Barcelona. The first stop is Girona Cathedral, a stunning piece of architecture that dominates the city’s skyline. As you approach, you’ll be able to appreciate its impressive façade and intricate details. Inside, you’ll likely notice the simple yet majestic nave, which is often a highlight for visitors. But the real magic is walking through the medieval neighborhoods surrounding it. Expect narrow streets, stone walls, and a palpable sense of history. Your guide will share stories about Girona’s past, including its Jewish quarter, which is considered one of the best-preserved in Europe.

Many travelers, like Michelle W, rave about guides who are fluent in English and possess a wealth of knowledge. She mentions, “Jaume showed and told us all about the history of Girona as well as Game of Thrones filming locations without missing anything.” That’s a good sign that your guide will be both informative and engaging, especially if you’re into the TV series.

Exploring Girona’s Jewish Quarter

Next, you’ll wander through Girona’s Jewish Quarter, a highlight for history buffs and architecture lovers alike. This area is renowned for its authenticity and preservation, offering a glimpse into medieval Jewish life. Expect to walk through winding lanes, with explanations from your guide about its cultural significance. The fact that this quarter is considered the “best preserved in Europe” really emphasizes what a special window into history this part of the city provides.

Journey to Besalú

After exploring Girona, you’ll hop into your private vehicle and head towards Besalú, a town often considered one of Spain’s most beautiful medieval settlements. The drive itself offers scenic views of Catalonia’s landscape, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Once in Besalú, you’ll walk through narrow streets that seem frozen in time, with much of the original 12th-century city walls still intact. Your guide will highlight the importance of the Jewish community that once thrived here, adding depth to your understanding of the town’s cultural fabric. The mention that Besalú was designated a National Historic and Artistic Monument in 1996 underlines its significance. The town is perfect for leisurely strolling, with plenty of photo opportunities and chances to soak in the medieval atmosphere.

If you’re interested in architecture and history, you’ll appreciate that much of the original city walls and gates are still standing, giving you a real sense of how fortified and strategic this town once was. Michelle W’s review highlights how “the guide explained the importance of the Jewish community”—a reminder that this tour offers layers of historical context.

What You’ll Experience

The 6-hour duration grants enough time for a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration. The itinerary is well-paced, focusing on key sights without feeling hurried. You’ll have ample opportunity to walk, take photos, and listen to your guide’s stories.

Transportation is a major plus—your private driver takes care of the logistics, so you can focus entirely on enjoying each stop. The hotel pickup and drop-off mean you avoid the hassle of navigating public transport or taxis, which is especially convenient if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Pricing at $1,550.22 per group (up to 7) might seem steep, but it covers personalized service, the comfort of private transport, and in-depth guiding. For travelers who prefer a more intimate, flexible experience, this cost can be justified.

Guides and Reviews

According to the single review, Xavier, the driver, and Jaume, the guide, are praised for their friendliness and professionalism. Their fluency in English and ability to share detailed stories make the experience memorable. Michelle’s comment, “very friendly and professional,” suggests you’ll be well looked after, and that the tour is not just about ticking boxes but about soaking in the stories and atmosphere.

Additional Considerations

While the tour is ideal for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, and fans of Game of Thrones, it might not be the best fit for those on a tight budget or looking for a quick overview. The six-hour window is comprehensive but can be tiring if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who enjoys deep dives into history and architecture, values personalized service, or is eager to explore medieval towns beyond Barcelona, this tour will suit you well. It’s also perfect if you’re a fan of the Game of Thrones series and want to see filming locations with an informed guide. Travelers seeking convenience and a tailored experience will appreciate the hotel pickup and intimate group setting.

However, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer budget-friendly group tours, this might be a little more than you need. In that case, a shared tour or self-guided visit could be more suitable.

Final Thoughts

This Full Day Girona and Besalú Private Tour offers a carefully curated experience that balances history, culture, and convenience. The private guide ensures you get personalized stories and insights, making the visit more meaningful than just wandering around on your own. The combination of well-preserved medieval architecture, scenic landscapes, and fascinating stories makes it worth considering if you’re after a full, immersive day outside Barcelona.

The price tag reflects the quality of service and the private nature of the experience. If you’re traveling with a small group or seeking a more exclusive, educational outing, it could be a standout choice. Just be prepared for a full day of sightseeing, and bring your curiosity along for a truly memorable journey through Catalonia’s medieval past.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the itinerary involves walking through historic towns and sightseeing—generally manageable for older children or teenagers interested in history and architecture. Keep in mind, it’s a full six-hour day, so younger kids might find it tiring.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a private guide. Entrance tickets to major sites are free, so you won’t have additional admission costs at the stops listed.

How long does each stop last?
You’ll spend approximately 3 hours at Girona—including the cathedral and Jewish quarter—and about 2 hours in Besalú. This allows for a relaxed pace, with time to explore and listen to guiding commentary.

Are the guides knowledgeable about Game of Thrones filming locations?
Yes, guides like Jaume are well-versed in the show’s filming spots, and they’ll share stories about the locations used in the series, adding an extra layer of interest for fans.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is the tour customizable?
Since it’s a private experience, your guide can tailor the commentary to your interests, whether that’s more historical detail or focusing on specific sites.

If you’re eager to explore Catalonia’s medieval gems with ease and personalized service, this tour could be just what you need. It’s a full day packed with sights, stories, and stunning views—perfect for those who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.