Costa Brava Day Trip, Barcelona

Venture beyond the city limits and spend a day discovering the quiet villages and scenic coastline of the Costa Brava. This small-group experience starts with a pickup in Barcelona, then you'll hit the road north to explore the historic city of Girona with your expert guide. Continue through the Catalonian countryside to the medieval hamlet of Pals before heading for the coast and the traditional fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell. After a break for a leisurely seaside lunch, end your day with a trek along the ancient pathways of the Camí de Ronda, discovering hidden coves and sheltered beaches along the way.

Your day trip starts at 8:30 am with a pick-up at your accommodation in Barcelona, meeting your guide and the rest of your small group and setting off on your journey north into the Catalonian countryside. Your first stop is the historic city of Girona, where you'll find fascinating Roman and medieval sites dotted throughout the bustling, modern city. Follow your guide through the Old Town, home to the best-preserved Jewish neighborhood in Europe, and twist through a maze of charming streets as you admire sites like the Cathedral of Girona.

Your guide will point out the diverse architecture, ranging from Baroque to modernist, and "Game of Thrones" fans will recognize several filming locations along the route. Your walk continues along the Río Onyar, passing colorful buildings painted in pastel hues, and ends at a panoramic lookout point that rewards you with sweeping views over the city. Next, you'll get back on the road and head east toward the Mediterranean coast, enjoying glimpses of the Costa Brava inland countryside along the way.

En route, you'll make another stop in Pals. The charming hamlet was once an ancient medieval fortress, and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you stroll along among its cobbled streets and open plazas. Your guide will lead you to the city's old towers, where you can climb to the top for views across the Empordà plains to the sea. Finally, you'll turn south to reach Calella de Palafrugell, a traditional fishing village on a rugged stretch of picturesque coastline. Break here for a leisurely lunch (not included), and sample the region's fresh seafood and traditional flavors as you fuel up for this afternoon's activity.

This final portion of the excursion takes you on a gentle hike along the Camí de Ronda, a series of ancient pathways stretching along the Costa Brava. Your guide will lead you to secret coves, dramatic cliffsides, and hidden beaches reachable only on foot, and share stories of the fishermen and smugglers who once trod the routes. Weather permitting, you'll have plenty of time to stop for a refreshing dip in the sea before it's time to head back to the van for your return drive to Barcelona.