Besalú & Medieval Towns Day Trip from Barcelona with Pickup

Summary

Medieval bridges, volcanic cliffs and Catalan village rhythms on a small-group journey

You’ll wander medieval streets in Besalú and Vic, cross bridges older than most countries, taste Catalan specialties with tips from your guide, and pause atop dramatic cliffs in Castellfollit de la Roca—all with hotel pickup from Barcelona and stories that linger long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that got me was the bridge at Besalú — stone arches stretching over the river like something out of a storybook, but colder to the touch than I expected. Our guide, Marta, waved us over and pointed out little notches where guards once stood. There was a faint smell of wet stone and bread somewhere nearby. I tried to take a photo but ended up just staring for a minute. It’s funny how quiet it felt, even with our group shuffling around behind me.

We’d started out early from Barcelona — the van rolled past Gaudí’s buildings still half-asleep in the morning light. By the time we reached Vic, the sun was sharp and people were already setting up stalls in Plaça Major. Marta told us about the Roman temple tucked behind modern shops (I almost missed it), and then showed us where to get fuet sausage for lunch. She laughed when I tried to order in Catalan — probably butchered it. The cathedral here is a strange mix: Romanesque bones with bits of Gothic and Baroque stitched together. It’s not neat, but it works somehow.

Santa Pau was tiny and green all around, almost hidden in folds of volcanic hills. The air smelled like earth after rain, even though it hadn’t rained for days. We wandered narrow lanes while an old man nodded at us from his doorway — he didn’t say anything, just watched us with this slow smile. I liked that part best; there wasn’t much to do except breathe and listen to birds echoing off stone walls.

Castellfollit de la Roca is perched right on top of this wild basalt cliff — you look down and your stomach drops a bit (in a good way). The houses seem glued to the edge, like they might tumble if you sneeze too hard. Marta said people here are used to living with wind whistling through cracks all winter long. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on the metro back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Medieval towns tour from Barcelona

• Hotel pick-up in Barcelona
• Pass by Catalunya Square and Gaudi Houses
• Walking tour of Vic old town
• Visit Vic Cathedral
• See Roman Temple of Vic
• Stop at Castellfollit de la Roca cliff village
• Walking tour in medieval Santa Pau village
• Explore Besalú old town and medieval bridge
• Visit Besalú medieval castle and viewpoints

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Barcelona to Besalú?

The tour typically lasts a full day, starting around 8–8:30 AM with return in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this medieval towns tour?

Yes, hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off within Barcelona city are included.

Which towns are visited during this day trip?

The tour visits Besalú, Vic, Santa Pau, and Castellfollit de la Roca.

Is lunch included on the Besalú & Medieval Towns tour?

No set lunch is included but there’s free time in Vic to buy traditional Catalan food; your guide will give recommendations.

How many people are in each group?

The tour runs as a small group experience with up to 8 people per vehicle.

Are infant seats or strollers allowed?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available and strollers/prams can be used.

Can people with limited mobility join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but involves walking on cobblestone streets.

Are service animals permitted?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off within Barcelona city (between 8 and 8:30 AM), comfortable transport by air-conditioned minivan, guided walking tours in Vic, Santa Pau, and Besalú led by a local expert (Marta knew every shortcut), plus plenty of time for photos or sampling local snacks before heading back as dusk settles over Catalonia.