Question 1

Do I need to book anything in advance for Girona or Besalu?

Accepted Answer

Entrance to Girona Cathedral does require a ticket, which can be purchased on arrival or in advance through the cathedral's website. The mikveh in Besalu must be visited with a guide, and advance booking is strongly recommended, as visits are limited. Most other sights in both towns are free and accessible without prior booking.

Question 2

How far are Girona and Besalu from Barcelona, and how long does the drive take?

Accepted Answer

Girona is approximately 62 miles (100 km) northeast of Barcelona, about 1 hour by private car via the AP-7 motorway. Besalu is around 80 miles (129 km) from Barcelona and roughly 30 minutes further north of Girona. Your driver handles tolls and navigation throughout, making the journey seamless and comfortable.

Question 3

Is Besalu suitable for families with children?

Accepted Answer

Besalu is a wonderful destination for families. The medieval bridge and compact old streets are fun and easy to explore, and the small scale of the town means it is manageable even with young children. There are no major paid attractions requiring advance tickets, so the visit can be spontaneous and relaxed. The riverside setting also provides a pleasant spot for a break.

Question 4

Is Girona's Old Town easy to walk around?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Girona's Old Town is entirely pedestrianized and very walkable, though some streets are steep and paved with uneven stone. The main highlights are concentrated within a manageable area: the cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, the Arab Baths, and the colorful houses along the Onyar River. Comfortable shoes are essential, and be prepared for the 90 steps up to the cathedral entrance.

Question 5

What Game of Thrones scenes were filmed in Girona?

Accepted Answer

Girona served as the city of Braavos and later as King's Landing in Game of Thrones. The famous 90-step staircase leading to Girona Cathedral stood in for the Sept of Baelor, and the Arab Baths and medieval streets appeared in various scenes. Girona's remarkably preserved architecture made it a natural choice for the show's producers, and many of the filming locations are easy to find on a self-guided walk through the Old Quarter.

Question 6

What is the best time of year to visit Girona and Besalu?

Accepted Answer

Spring and early autumn are ideal for this trip. April to June brings pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer, and the famous Girona Temps de Flors flower festival in May, when the entire Old Town is decorated with elaborate floral displays. Summer is warm and lively, but can be very busy. Besalu is a year-round destination that rarely feels crowded.

Question 7

What is the food scene like in Girona, and what should I try?

Accepted Answer

Girona has an outstanding food scene for its size and is known for high-quality Catalan cuisine. The city has produced some of the world's most celebrated restaurants. For day-trippers, the streets near the market and the Old Town offer excellent options for tapas, fresh seafood, and local specialties, including wild mushrooms, botifarra sausage, and crema catalana. Lunchtime from around 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. is the best time to eat like a local.

Question 8

What is the most iconic sight in Besalu and how long does it take to explore?

Accepted Answer

Besalu is best known for its magnificent 12th-century fortified bridge spanning the Fluvia River, considered one of the finest Romanesque bridges in Catalonia. The town also contains one of Europe's best-preserved Jewish ritual baths, a mikveh dating from the 11th century. The compact medieval center can be explored comfortably in around 1.5 hours, making it a perfect complement to the longer stop in Girona.

Question 9

How do day trips with Daytrip work?

Accepted Answer

Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.

Question 10

Will I have to wait around for the driver to return?

Accepted Answer

Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.

Question 11

Can I customize the pickup and drop-off times?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.

Question 12

Are entrance tickets and tours included in the price?

Accepted Answer

The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.

Question 13

How long will I have to explore?

Accepted Answer

Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.

Question 14

If my plans change, is the booking flexible?

Accepted Answer

Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.

Question 15

Can I take a large group?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Day trips are fully customizable to suit the needs of any private group. From solo travelers to large families with children and even corporate groups, we are ready to create a bespoke itinerary that accommodates parties of all sizes. The price is dependent on the number of vehicles required to serve your group, and we also provide child seats.

Question 16

Will my driver speak English?

Accepted Answer

Your friendly, professional, local driver will speak English. Our drivers are happy to provide any local insight they can on the way to your destination and may be able to answer questions and provide tips for the best possible experience on your day trip.

Question 17

Can I request children’s car seats for the journey?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide car seats for children of all ages, which meet stringent safety standards and local legal requirements. You can even bring your own car seat. We also have handicapped-accessible vehicles available for a wide range of needs for our passengers. When booking your day trip, please specify the accommodations you will need.

Question 18

Can I pay securely online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Daytrip offers flexible payment options. We accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Ali Pay. You also can pay securely online with any major credit card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

Question 19

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Booking your day trip is as easy as our one-way and return trips! On the landing page of the day trip you’d like to take, simply select the date, pick up time, and how many adults and children will be on the trip. On the second page, you’ll fill in personal details, including any special requests, disability accommodations, and children’s car seats you may need. We are flexible too! You can change your exact pick-up location (hotel address, etc) up to 24 hours before your day trip.

Barcelona to Girona and Besalu: Private day trip

Private ride with a local driver

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