Explore the captivating medieval villages and volcanic landscapes beyond Barcelona on this immersive 9-hour tour. Venture through the well-preserved historical center of Besalú, where time seems to stand still. Then, hike along scenic lava flow paths, marveling at the unique geological formations that dot the region of La Garrotxa. With a small group and attentive guide, this personalized experience promises to unveil the rich history and natural beauty that lie just outside the bustling city. Whether you’re a history buff or outdoor enthusiast, this tour offers a chance to discover a side of Catalonia that many miss.
Key Points
- This 9-hour tour from Barcelona explores the medieval town of Besalú and the volcanic landscapes of the La Garrotxa Natural Park.
- The tour includes guided walks through Besalú’s well-preserved historical center and hiking across lava flow paths to experience the region’s unique geology.
- The small group size of 8 participants or fewer allows for personalized attention from the knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
- Comfortable transportation, complimentary water, and personal insurance are included in the starting price of $136.53 per person.
- Participants are recommended to wear proper hiking shoes and bring snacks for this moderately active experience.
Tour Overview
This medieval villages and volcanic hiking tour departs from Barcelona and lasts for 9 hours, with the group size limited to 8 participants.
It’s priced from $136.53 per person and is available in Spanish, Catalan, and English. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Highlights include visiting La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, exploring the medieval town of Besalú, and hiking across paths following three lava flows.
The local guide provides insights into the rural way of life, and guests have free time for lunch in Besalú, the best-preserved medieval village in Catalonia.
Comfortable transportation and personal insurance are also included.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour departs from Barcelona, with a 1.5-hour trip in a comfortable minivan to the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.
Here, guests will explore the medieval town of Besalú, known for its well-preserved historical center.
Next, they’ll take a guided walk in Castellfollit de la Roca, a town perched dramatically on a cliff.
The tour then visits Sant Joan les Fonts, where participants can see a Romanesque church and a 12th-century medieval bridge.
The highlight is a hike across paths following three distinct lava flows, allowing guests to experience the region’s volcanic landscapes firsthand.
Throughout the day, the local guide provides insights into the rural way of life in this picturesque area of Catalonia.
Experience Details
During the tour, the local guide provides insights into the rural way of life, giving participants an authentic historical experience.
Visitors will enjoy free time for lunch in Besalú, which is considered the best-preserved medieval village in Catalonia. Here, they’ll have the chance to explore the town’s unique spots and marvel at its medieval architecture.
The guided visit to Besalú is designed to immerse travelers in the area’s rich history, allowing them to fully appreciate the region’s cultural heritage.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide shares fascinating details about the rural communities, enhancing the overall experience for the small group of 8 participants or fewer.
Inclusions
The tour package includes transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable journey. Plus, travelers will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide who provides valuable insights throughout the experience. Participants also receive a complimentary bottle of water, as well as personal insurance coverage.
While guide gratuities are optional, the tour company doesn’t require them, allowing guests to show their appreciation at their own discretion. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are also provided, making the tour seamless and convenient for the participants.
The tour’s inclusions:
- Comfortable transportation in a minivan
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guide
- Complimentary bottle of water
- Personal insurance coverage
Preparation and Recommendations
To fully enjoy the medieval villages and volcanic hiking tour, participants should bring along proper hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Snacks are also recommended to fuel the day’s activities. The tour involves moderate walking, so guests should be prepared for an active experience.
The meeting point for the tour is Passeig de Gràcia 26, in front of Five Guys. From there, the group will depart Barcelona in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan for the 1.5-hour journey to the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.
During the day, the group will explore medieval towns, hike along lava flows, and marvel at the region’s unique geological features. Guests can expect an immersive and authentic experience led by a knowledgeable local guide.
Customer Feedback
Based on the 3 reviews, customers have given the medieval villages and volcanic hiking tour a 5/5 overall rating, indicating an exceptional experience.
Participants highlighted several key factors that contributed to their high satisfaction:
- The knowledgeable and personable local guide who provided valuable insights into the rural way of life.
- The opportunity to freely explore the charming, well-preserved medieval town of Besalú, allowing for an authentic historical experience.
- The scenic hike across paths following the lava flows, offering a unique and memorable adventure.
- The overall organization and logistics of the tour, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience from start to finish.
Departure and Duration
From Barcelona, the tour departs on a 1.5-hour trip in a comfortable minivan, whisking participants away to the captivating landscapes of the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. The tour lasts a total of 9 hours, providing ample time to explore the region’s medieval towns, hike through volcanic paths, and immerse in the rural way of life. The group size is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
| Departure | Duration | Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 hours from Barcelona | 9 hours total | Limited to 8 participants |
| Comfortable minivan | Ample time for exploration | Personalized experience |
| Scenic journey | Discovering medieval towns | Hiking volcanic paths |
| Start in Barcelona | Full-day adventure | Small group size |
| Arrive at La Garrotxa | Immerse in rural life | Intimate setting |
Group Size and Languages
The tour limits its group size to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience for travelers. This small group size allows the guide to provide more individualized attention, fostering a deeper connection with the local culture and history.
Languages offered on the tour include Spanish, Catalan, and English, catering to a diverse range of visitors. The language options ensure that participants from various backgrounds can fully engage with and appreciate the tour’s content.
Whether you’re a Spanish-speaking local or an English-speaking international traveler, this tour caters to your linguistic needs, providing a seamless and inclusive experience.
Some key benefits of the small group size and language options include:
- Personalized attention from the guide
- Opportunity for more in-depth discussions and Q&A
- Improved ability to navigate the local culture and customs
- Inclusive experience for a diverse range of participants
Things To Known
What Is the Level of Difficulty for the Hiking Portion?
The guided hiking portion of the tour includes moderate walking across paths following three lava flows. While not overly strenuous, participants should be prepared for an active outdoor experience that requires some level of physical fitness.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
There are restroom facilities available at various stops throughout the tour, including in the medieval villages. Participants will have opportunities to use restrooms during the guided visits and hiking portions of the experience.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a bottle of water, but having extra snacks or a packed lunch can be convenient during the hiking portion of the day.
Is There an Option to Join the Tour From a Different Location?
Yes, the tour can be joined from a different location. Customers have the option to meet the group at the starting point in Passeig de Gràcia 26 in Barcelona rather than being picked up from their hotel.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The tour has a free cancellation policy – customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives travelers flexibility to change their plans if needed.
Sum Up
Set out on a captivating 9-hour tour from Barcelona exploring medieval villages and unique volcanic landscapes.
Wander through the well-preserved historical center of Besalú and hike along scenic lava flow paths.
This immersive experience includes comfortable transportation, personal insurance, and opportunities to appreciate the rich history and natural beauty of the region.
