dro

Has anyone taken a private guide from Barcelona to Girona and Besalau? I thought we would take a train form Barcelona to Girona on our own but now are considering this option. We are using Barcelona Dreaming in Barcelona and they offer an 8 hour day including transportation. Thoughts?

kja

I visited each independently. FWIW, I thought Besalu interesting and its bridge beautiful on the sunny day I visited; I found a few hours in Besalu enough for me to see what I wanted to see there. In contrast, I thought Girona a delight, and was glad I spent about 1.5 days there (and I could easily have enjoyed much more). So for my interests, I wouldn't try to visit Besalu on the same day I tried to visit Girona, but what works for you really depends on what YOU want to see and do and your preferred pace of travel.

If you really want to visit both, note that you can use public transportation if you want. Use rome2rio.com to identify possible options; be sure to confirm those options before committing.

Hope that helps!

dro

I recently contacted Getyourguide.com They can pick us up at train in Girona, drive to Besalau, tour, drive back to Girona and tour. I am waiting for their cost but think this is a better option than a car and guide from Barcelona.

I had not considered Besalau until a friend mentioned that they had toured both in one day.

KJA, what did you do in Girona?

rialtogrl

Besalu is not very big. It is gorgeous and there are lots of photo ops and some good little food shops carrying local products. I am not sure you really need a guide unless you are interested in learning the about the Jewish baths or more in depth history of the town.

There is a lot to do in Girona. Visit the cathedral and the Tapestry of Creation, walk the city walls, wander around the medieval center, go to the Jewish history museum, the Arab baths.. the list goes on. It is a very beautiful (also prosperous) city with many good restaurants and places to go for a glass of wine. For one day, I would just stay there.

I do know an excellent guide in Girona, she can be booked through the Girona tourist office. I believe the fee is around 120 euros for two or three hours with her. She can explain a lot of the history of Girona, then you can go off on your own. Let me know if you would like the info.

I am not sure when you are going, you may be able to get discounted train tickets if you book in advance (I just got some for 9 euros.)

dro

rialtogrl YES! Please send me the info regarding the guide.Thanks

rialtogrl

Sure.. here you go.
Her name is Margarita Alburnà Marco
You can book her through the tourist office, their email is:

puntdebenvinguda <at> ajgirona.cat

It is OK to write them in English.

kja

While in Girona, I visited all the wonderful sites that rialtogrl mentions, along with the basilica and a couple of other museums -- and am so glad I did!

Mark_chin

Girona is a beautiful place. It will be a waste to make it a half day trip. Best to stay 2-3 days. Consider renting a car and making day trips to visit the surrounding areas, driving to Besalu, costa brava, Dali's museum etc. The food in Girona is good and cheap too and if you want to splurge, the best restaurant in the world is just at the doorstep.

dro

Mark_chin What restaurant?

Pvoyageuse

"What restaurant?"
El Celler de Can Roca