Good stays. Real cities.An independent travel journal

Tours & experiences

Girona & Costa Brava Small Group Tour From Barcelona with Paella!

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.

At a glance

  • Duration: 10 hr 30 min

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

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?
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?

Plan your experience

Time on the tour10 hr 30 min
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)

Set aside 10 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • 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.

What is included

  • Local guide
  • Optional Hotel Pick Up
  • Small group tour
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks

Itinerary and highlights

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meeting and pickup information

  • 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.
  • If you choose the Hotel Pickup Service, we are pleased to inform you that this is a personalised pick up service. We will contact you before the tour to confirm the pick up time. Normally, the pickup will be at 7.45am from your hotel reception. Unlike some agencies, we do not go from one hotel to the next during rush hour while you wait in the minivan as we collect our customers. Personal service guaranteed.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Explore Catalunya

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • 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.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 10 hr 30 min. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
What are the pickup arrangements?
If you choose the Hotel Pickup Service, we are pleased to inform you that this is a personalised pick up service. We will contact you before the tour to confirm the pick up time. Normally, the pickup will be at 7.45am from your hotel reception.
Unlike some agencies, we do not go from one hotel to the next during rush hour while you wait in the minivan as we collect our customers. Personal service guaranteed.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 0–11; Adult tickets: age 12+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveller reviews and photos

Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.