Tour Details

Small-Group Medieval Villages Day Trip from Barcelona

From: £71.62

Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

Leave Barcelona and travel back to ancient times on this small-group tour of Catalonia’s medieval villages. Visit the beautifully preserved villages of Besalú and Tavertet and learn interesting facts about these historical locations from your guide. Have free time in Rupit village to see the Baroque-era Church of Sant Miquel and have a traditional Catalan lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant. Take in views of the remains of the Castle of Rupit, Castellfollit de la Roca and the Cingles de Tavertet sandstone cliffs. This small-group tour ensures you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide.

Discover the beauty of Catalonia ’s medieval villages on this small-group day trip from Barcelona. Meet your guide in central Barcelona and relax in a comfortable minivan as you take in views of the green countryside on the 1.5-hour drive to Besalú.

When you arrive, enjoy a guided walking tour of this beautifully preserved village from the Middle Ages. See 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 toward the village of Rupit. On the way, pass by Castellfollit de la Roca, one of the smallest towns in Catalonia with 1,000 habitants in just 3,280 square feet (1,000 square meters), located on the edge of a basalt precipice. When you arrive in Rupit, enjoy two hours of free time to visit this beautiful village at your own 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. Have lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) and see the remains of the Castle of Rupit on a rocky peak.

Next, enjoy a scenic drive to the top of the Cingles de Tavertet sandstone cliffs, located by the Ter river valley. Pass by a megalithic tomb -- a field of funerary urns -- and the Iberian Wall until you reach the village of Tavertet. With your guide, visit this charming village, declared a National Property of Cultural Interest due to its 48 preserved houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Learn interesting facts about this village as you admire the houses and the 11th-century Romanesque Church of Sant Cristòfol. Enjoy a short break to grab a coffee at a local café (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.

Special Offer - Book and travel before August, 31 2012 and receive a FREE bottle of Spanish cava by presenting your voucher at the end of the tour at their office. - Book Now!

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon