Girona & Costa Brava Small Group Tour From Barcelona with Paella!
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Escape Barcelona for a full-day small-group tour to the medieval city of Girona and the stunning Costa Brava coastline. Begin in Pals, a charming hilltop village with cobbled streets and artisan shops. Continue to Calella de Palafrugell, a whitewashed fishing village where you can swim in a secluded cove, walk coastal trails, or upgrade to enjoy a traditional seafood paella lunch by the sea. In the afternoon, explore Girona at your own pace. Highlights include the Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, and a walk along the original Roman walls. With expert local guides and a maximum group size of 20, this tour offers history, scenery, and culture in one unforgettable day.
Available options
Regular Tour WITHOUT Pickup
Please take note that this option DOES NOT include any hotel pick up or the Seafood Paella Lunch Option.
Tour INCLUDING 7.45am pickup
Regular Tour INCLUDING pickup: Please note that the Pickup time is 7.45am. Actual tour starts at 8.30am. DID YOU REMEMBER TO CHOOSE YOUR HOTEL FOR PICKUP? <br/>Pickup included
Traditional Seafood Paella
Upgrade for Seafood Paella: Why not treat yourself to a traditional seafood paella right next to the sea with this exclusive upgrade?
What's included
Local guide
Optional Hotel Pick Up
Small group tour
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
8:15am – Check-in at Explore Catalunya Office
Meet your guide at our centrally located office, opposite the Palau de la Música in Barcelona. Arrive a little early to check in, use the facilities, or grab a coffee nearby.
2
8:30am – Depart Barcelona
Leave the city behind and head north through the scenic Catalan countryside, passing through the modernist Eixample district and learning a little about Barcelona’s history from your guide en route.
3
10:00am – Arrive in Pals
Discover the medieval village of Pals, perched on a hill with panoramic views. Join your guide for a short walk through its historic centre, including the old tower, stone archways, and village walls. Enjoy some free time to explore artisan shops and cafés.
4
11:45am – Arrive in Calella de Palafrugell
Head down to the coast to explore one of the Costa Brava’s most beautiful seaside villages. Wander its whitewashed streets, walk the coastal footpaths, or take a swim in a quiet cove.
If you’ve selected the lunch upgrade, sit down at a seafront restaurant to enjoy a traditional seafood paella overlooking the Mediterranean.
5
3:00pm – Arrive in Girona
Travel inland to Girona, one of Catalonia’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Your guide will provide an introduction, then you'll have free time to visit the Gothic Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, the Arab Baths, or walk the Roman walls. Alternatively, enjoy shopping or relax in a café.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
7.00 - We end the day in Plaça Catalunya. From here, you can easily take the metro or a taxi back to your hotel. Otherwise, your guide will be more than happy to make some recommendations of where to have dinner.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
749 reviews
5★
533
4★
139
3★
45
2★
18
1★
14
Tripadvisor
4.7
346 reviews
5★
286
4★
42
3★
9
2★
7
1★
2
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There will be time off the bus at your leisure, so please bring suitable clothing, footwear, and sun protection.
You will also have an opportunity to go swimming at Calella de Palafrugell, so if you want, bring your swimming costume and a beach towel.
This tour is in English only.
Meeting point
THE PICK UP WILL COLLECT YO8 AT 7.45AM. IF YOU ARE BUYING THE HOTEL PICK UP OPTION, PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHOOSE THE HOTEL. IF YOU DON'T KNOW YET, REMEMBER TO TELL US 72 HOURS BEFORE.
All of our other tours meet at our office. We advise that you arrive 15 minutes before the tour starts.
Important notes
• WE ABSOLUTELY DO NOT WANT YOU TO MISS THIS TOUR. PLEASE BE AT THE OFFICE MEETING POINT 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE TOUR. WE ARE VERY SORRY, BUT DUE TO A FULL SCHEDULE WE CANNOT WAIT FOR LATE ARRIVALS. IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER THE START TIME, YOU MAY MISS THE TOUR AND WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OFFER ANY REFUND. REMEMBER THAT WE WILL LEAVE ON TIME. PLEASE DON'T MISS IT. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO JOIN THE TOUR ONCE THE BUS LEAVES WITH THE REST OF THE GROUP.
• There will be time off the bus at your leisure, so please bring suitable clothing, footwear, and sun protection
• You will also have an opportunity to go swimming at Calella de Palafrugell, so if you want, bring your swimming costume and a beach towel
About Barcelona
Barcelona is a vibrant city on the northeastern coast of Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere. It seamlessly blends medieval history with modernist masterpieces, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Sagrada Família
Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, a stunning basilica that combines Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit.
Architecture
1.5-2.5 hours
€26-€34 (depending on access to towers)
Park Güell
Another Gaudí masterpiece, this park features colorful mosaics, whimsical structures, and beautiful city views.
Architecture
1.5-2 hours
€10 (Monumental Zone)
La Rambla
A famous pedestrian street filled with shops, restaurants, street performers, and the famous La Boqueria market.
Street
1-2 hours
Free (shopping and dining costs vary)
Casa Batlló
A unique building designed by Gaudí, known for its surrealist design and colorful façade.
Architecture
1 hour
€35-€45 (depending on the tour)
Gothic Quarter
The historic heart of Barcelona, filled with medieval streets, ancient buildings, and hidden plazas.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free (some attractions may have entry fees)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pa amb tomàquet
Bread rubbed with tomato, garlic, and olive oil, often served as an appetizer.
Snack
Vegetarian
Fideuà
A paella-like dish made with short, thin noodles, seafood, and saffron.
Main Course
Contains seafood
Crema Catalana
A Catalan version of crème brûlée, made with egg yolks, sugar, and cinnamon.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Patatas Bravas
Fried potato cubes topped with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli.
Snack
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Montserrat
Water sports in Barceloneta
Rock climbing
Beach lounging in Barceloneta
Spa treatments
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
May to June, September to October
The peak season offers pleasant weather and is ideal for exploring the city's attractions. The crowds are manageable, and the city is vibrant with festivals and events.
20°C to 28°C
68°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Catalan, Spanish
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Barcelona is generally safe, but like any major city, it has its share of petty crime and scams. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in touristy areas and on public transportation.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- • Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in touristy areas and on public transportation.
- • Be cautious of fake petitions or distractions to steal from you.
Getting there
By air
- Barcelona-El Prat Airport • 12 km from city center
By train
Sants Station, Estació de França
By bus
Estació d'Autobusos Sants, Estació d'Autobusos Nord
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is efficient, clean, and covers most of the city. It's a great way to get around quickly and affordably.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Free Now, Cabify
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Eixample
Gràcia
Barceloneta
Gothic Quarter
El Raval
Day trips
Montserrat
50 km from Barcelona • Half day to full day
A stunning mountain range with a historic monastery, offering hiking, scenic views, and religious sites.
Girona
100 km from Barcelona • Full day
A charming medieval city with a well-preserved Jewish Quarter, a stunning cathedral, and a rich history.
Sitges
40 km from Barcelona • Half day to full day
A picturesque coastal town known for its beaches, nightlife, and historic sites.
Festivals
La Mercè Festival • Late September
Sant Jordi • April 23
Festa Major de Gràcia • Mid-August
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Explore the city's neighborhoods on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and local culture.
- Try local specialties like pa amb tomàquet, fideuà, and crema catalana at local markets and restaurants.
- Use the T-Casual pass for unlimited travel on public transportation, which is more cost-effective than single tickets.
- Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation, and keep an eye on your belongings.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
