From Girona: Besalú, Banyoles & Historical Garrotxa Day Trip

Girona’s surroundings offer a wealth of historical and natural wonders waiting to be explored. This day trip promises a captivating journey through the picturesque Garrotxa county, where visitors can uncover the region’s rich heritage. From the hanging village of Castellfollit de la Roca to the serene Banyoles Lake, the tour unveils a tapestry of medieval architecture, scenic landscapes, and cultural insights. With an expert guide leading the way, travelers embark on an immersive experience that promises to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this comprehensive day trip from Girona is sure to pique your curiosity.

Key Points

• A comprehensive full-day tour exploring the medieval villages, bridges, lakes, and scenic vistas of Garrotxa county in Catalonia.
• Includes visits to the hanging village of Castellfollit de la Roca, the historic quarter of Besalú, and the Lake of Banyoles.
• Guided by an English-speaking expert to provide insights into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
• Offers convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service in Girona, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
• Allows participants to witness architectural gems, natural landscapes, and learn about the local traditions and significance of the visited sites.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the picturesque Garrotxa county in Catalonia.

Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you’ll discover a captivating blend of medieval villages, bridges, lakes, and scenic vistas over the course of 8 hours.

The tour includes visits to the hanging village of Castellfollit de la Roca, the historic quarter of Besalú, and the serene Lake of Banyoles.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

With hotel pickup and drop-off in Girona, as well as breakfast and insurance included, this immersive experience provides a hassle-free way to uncover the natural and architectural gems of the Garrotxa.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour includes pickup from any hotel or accommodation in Girona, with the pickup time and location confirmed after booking.

Participants will then be dropped off at their hotel in Girona at the end of the tour.

This convenient pickup and drop-off service ensures a hassle-free experience:

1. Pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Girona, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.
2. Pickup time and location provided after booking, allowing for a seamless start to your day.
3. Drop-off back at your hotel in Girona at the conclusion of the tour, making for a stress-free end to your day.

Visit Castellfollit De La Roca

After the convenient pickup and drop-off service, the first stop on the tour is the captivating village of Castellfollit de la Roca, perched atop a striking basaltic rock column. This unique and dramatic setting is the result of centuries of volcanic activity and erosion.

As the tour guide leads visitors through the narrow streets, they’ll learn about the town’s rich history and admire the traditional stone houses that cling to the cliff’s edge.

Standing at the town’s viewpoint, guests are treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding Garrotxa region, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and winding rivers. It’s a breathtaking introduction to the natural and cultural wonders that await on this day trip.

Explore Besalú’s Historic Quarter

Next, the tour explores the historic quarter of Besalú, a medieval town recognized for its importance in Catalan history. The guide leads visitors through the narrow streets, pointing out the well-preserved stone buildings, ancient churches, and other architectural gems that have stood the test of time.

The highlights of Besalú’s historic quarter include:

1. The Romanesque-style Monastery of Sant Pere, dating back to the 10th century and featuring a picturesque cloister.

2. The historic Jewish quarter, with its winding alleys and remnants of the once-thriving Jewish community.

3. The fortified bridge over the Fluvià River, a strategic medieval crossing point that has been meticulously maintained.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pont Del Llierca Medieval Bridge

From the historic quarter of Besalú, the tour proceeds to the Pont del Llierca, a well-preserved medieval bridge spanning the River Fluviá.

Crafted from stone, this 12th-century structure features a single graceful arch and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The guide explains the bridge’s strategic importance, as it once controlled access to the town and facilitated trade.

Visitors can walk across the bridge, marveling at its impressive engineering and imagining the generations who’ve crossed it over the centuries. The guide provides historical context, bringing the bridge’s past to life and highlighting its enduring significance as an iconic landmark of the Garrotxa region.

Banyoles Lake and Surroundings

The tour then takes visitors to the pristine Lake of Banyoles, where a guided walk allows them to admire the serene natural setting and learn about the area’s unique characteristics.

Banyoles Lake is the largest natural lake in Catalonia, formed by glacial erosion over 11,000 years ago.

The guided tour highlights three key features of the lake:

1. Its diverse ecosystem, home to a variety of bird species and aquatic life.

2. The historical significance of the lake, which has been a gathering place for local communities for centuries.

3. The picturesque walking trails that wind around the lake’s shores, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes an array of services and activities to ensure a comprehensive and enriching experience for visitors.

It starts with hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. An English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the day, providing insights and historical context.

The tour covers three main highlights: the village of Castellfollit de la Roca, the medieval town of Besalú, and the picturesque Banyoles Lake. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a guided walk in Besalú, a viewpoint of the medieval Llierca bridge, and a tour around the tranquil Banyoles Lake.

The tour also includes breakfast and water, ensuring you’re fueled for a full day of exploration. It’s an ideal way to discover the historical wonders of the Garrotxa region.

Unsuitable for Certain Travelers

People afraid of heights may find this tour unsuitable, as it includes a visit to the village of Castellfollit de la Roca, which sits atop a basaltic rock column. The narrow streets and precipitous cliffs can be daunting for those with vertigo.

The tour involves:

1. Walking around the perimeter of Banyoles Lake, which sits in a natural depression.
2. Viewing the Pont del Llierca, a medieval bridge spanning a deep gorge.
3. Exploring the historic quarter of Besalú, with its winding alleyways and steep staircases.

Those uncomfortable with heights or uneven terrain may prefer a different excursion. The tour’s focus on scenic vistas and historic sites may not be suitable for all travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Make Additional Stops Along the Way?

The tour itinerary is fixed, but guests can discuss adding extra stops with the guide. Any additional requests would depend on time constraints and logistics. The guide will provide options to customize the experience within the allotted tour duration.

Is the Tour Route Modified in Inclement Weather?

The tour route may be modified in inclement weather to ensure guest safety and enjoyment. The guide will assess conditions and make any necessary adjustments to the itinerary, prioritizing visit locations that can be accessed comfortably.

Can We Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. The guide is flexible and can adapt the itinerary to accommodate guests’ preferences, whether that’s exploring medieval architecture, natural landscapes, or cultural heritage sites.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks Planned During the Tour?

The tour includes several opportunities for restroom breaks throughout the day. Stops are made at the medieval villages, Banyoles Lake, and other scenic locations, providing guests with access to facilities along the way.

Can We Take a Boat Ride on Banyoles Lake if Desired?

Yes, visitors can take a boat ride on Banyoles Lake if they desire. The tour includes a guided tour around the lake, allowing participants to explore the pristine waters and surrounding scenery at their own pace.

Recap

This comprehensive day tour from Girona offers a captivating exploration of Garrotxa county in Catalonia.

Visitors will discover medieval villages, bridges, lakes, and scenic vistas with an English-speaking guide.

The tour includes visits to Castellfollit de la Roca, Besalú’s historic quarter, the Pont del Llierca bridge, and Banyoles Lake, where participants can learn about the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: