Small Group Medieval Villages Day Tour — Besalú, Rupit & Tavertet from Barcelona
Highlights
Enjoy a full-day small group tour from Barcelona with a maximum of 20 guest, normally just 8 guests
Take a guided walking tour through the medieval village of Besalú, with time to explore on your ow
Visit a 12th-century Jewish bath and see the remains of a medieval synagogu
Spend two hours of free time in Rupit with opportunities for lunch, shopping, and sightseein
Explore Tavertet’s historic homes and Romanesque church, then take in stunning views over Pantà de SaTravel in comfort through Catalonia’s inland countryside with a knowledgeable local guide
Overview
Discover Hidden Gems in the Catalan Countryside
Leave the bustle of Barcelona behind and journey through the heart of Catalonia to visit three of its most enchanting and lesser-known medieval villages.
Your day begins in Besalú, with its cobbled streets, Romanesque bridge, and rich Jewish heritage. This beautifully preserved town offers a peaceful glimpse into Catalonia’s medieval past, far from the tourist crowds.
From here, enjoy a scenic drive past the cliff-perched village of Castellfollit de la Roca before arriving in Rupit, where stone houses, hanging bridges, and village traditions still thrive. Lunch here supports a local family-run restaurant, part of our commitment to strengthening rural economies.
The afternoon leads you through the Collsacabra mountains to Tavertet, where panoramic views over the Sau Reservoir await. This tranquil village is a protected heritage site—and a perfect example of the region’s natural and cultural conservation.
Throughout the day, we travel in small groups, take rural routes, and partner with local communities—part of our ongoing mission to offer sustainable tourism that supports Catalonia’s people, heritage, and environment.
Tour Schedule
8:30am – Departure from Barcelona
Meet your guide opposite the Palau de la Música and set off in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan. Travelling in small groups helps reduce our impact while allowing for a more personal connection with the places we visit.
10:00am – Besalú
Arrive in one of Catalonia’s best-preserved medieval towns. Join your guide for a short walking tour across the Romanesque bridge and through the historic Jewish quarter, including a visit to a rare 12th-century mikveh. Free time follows to support local shops and bakeries run by residents of the town.
11:45am – Scenic Drive Past Castellfollit de la Roca
As we pass this dramatic village perched on a basalt cliff, your guide will share its geological and historical significance—one of the many hidden gems of inland Catalonia.
12:15pm – Rupit
A guided walk introduces you to this charming mountain village, home to stone houses, a wooden hanging bridge, and the ruins of a medieval castle. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a small local restaurant, helping sustain Rupit’s rural economy and traditions. We make sure you have enough time to enjoy the peaceful setting without rush.
2:45pm – Drive to Tavertet
Travel through the forested Collsacabra mountains and the El Montseny Natural Park, both areas of ecological and cultural importance. Our routes avoid major highways in favour of lesser-known scenic roads.
3:30pm – Tavertet
Stroll through this quiet hilltop village, declared a National Property of Cultural Interest. Enjoy views over the Sau Reservoir and learn how small communities like Tavertet are preserving Catalan heritage while embracing sustainable rural life.
5:00pm – Return Journey
Relax on the drive back to Barcelona through El Montseny Biosphere Reserve, a fitting end to a day that highlights Catalonia’s natural beauty and enduring village culture.
6:30pm – Arrival in Barcelona
Return to Plaça Catalunya in central Barcelona. Your guide can recommend local restaurants or help with your onward travel.