Private Tour to Girona and Costa Brava (Tossa de Mar)
Medieval walls, rocky coastlines, and a relaxed pace through Catalonia's most storied landscapes.
This private tour to Girona and Costa Brava combines the layered history of a walled medieval city with the sun-drenched coves and pine-clad cliffs of one of Spain's most celebrated coastlines, all in a single eight-hour journey from Barcelona.
Girona rises beside the Oñar River in the northeast of Catalonia, its Old Quarter enclosed by Roman and medieval walls that still stand in remarkable condition. The Força Vella fortress, the Barri Vell's narrow stone lanes, and the Archaeological Walk — a path threading observation towers with wide panoramic views — reward unhurried exploration. The city also served as a filming location for the television series Game of Thrones, lending an additional layer of recognition to its already atmospheric streetscapes.
The Costa Brava stretches from the town of Blanes north to the French border at Portbou, defined by its pine-forested headlands, clear water, and compact fishing villages. Tossa de Mar anchors the day's coastal segment, offering free time to wander its fortified old town and seafront promenade. A stop in Blanes presents the option of visiting the Marimurtra Botanical Garden or finding a quieter cove away from the main beach.
The full day concludes with a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, rounding out an itinerary that balances cultural depth with coastal ease, all travelled in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan.
Tour Highlights
Walk the medieval walls and Archaeological Walk of Girona's Old Quarter, with views over the Oñar River valley.
Explore Girona's Game of Thrones filming locations within the Barri Vell's historic lanes and plazas.
Optional visit to the Marimurtra Botanical Garden in Blanes, perched above the Costa Brava shoreline.
Discover a secluded cove near Blanes for a quieter Costa Brava experience away from the busiest beaches.
Free time in Tossa de Mar to browse local shops and admire the fortified medieval Vila Vella.
Sit down to a traditional Catalan lunch at a local restaurant during the coastal leg of the tour.
Travel in a small group aboard an air-conditioned minivan for a more personal and flexible day.
Itinerary
1
Departure from Barcelona
The tour departs from a central meeting point in Barcelona aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. The drive northeast through Catalonia takes roughly one hour to reach Girona.
2
Girona — Old Quarter and Medieval Walls
Arrive in Girona and explore the Barri Vell on foot, including the Archaeological Walk along the medieval walls, the towers, and the ruins of the Força Vella fortress. The narrow streets doubled as Braavos in Game of Thrones, a fact the guide will highlight at key locations.
3
Blanes — Botanical Garden or Cove
The group continues south to Blanes, the first town of the Costa Brava. Visitors may choose between a visit to the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, which overlooks the sea, or time at a secluded nearby cove.
4
Tossa de Mar — Free Time and Lunch
Free time in Tossa de Mar allows for independent exploration of the walled Vila Vella and the seafront. The group gathers for a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before the return journey.
5
Return to Barcelona
The minivan heads back along the coast road to Barcelona, concluding the tour approximately eight hours after departure.
What Is Included
Included
Private air-conditioned minivan transport from Barcelona
Professional guide throughout the tour
Small-group experience
Traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Tossa de Mar
Stop at Blanes with choice of Marimurtra Botanical Garden or secluded cove
Please read the details below carefully before booking to ensure the best possible experience.
Duration
The full tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including travel time between Barcelona, Girona, Blanes, and Tossa de Mar.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the cobbled streets of Girona and Tossa de Mar. Sun protection, a light layer for the coast, and a small amount of cash for optional expenses are also advisable.
Cancellation
Cancellation policy details are provided at the time of booking. Review the terms carefully before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
The tour is rated Easy in terms of physical difficulty. However, Girona's Old Quarter features cobblestones and uneven surfaces that may present challenges for visitors with reduced mobility.
Age Range
The tour is suitable for most age groups. The relaxed pace and variety of activities make it accessible for adults and older children alike.
Ready to Explore Girona and the Costa Brava?
Secure your place on this private day tour from Barcelona and experience the medieval streets of Girona and the rocky coves of the Costa Brava at a comfortable, unhurried pace.
Is this tour private or shared with other travelers?▼
This is a private tour, meaning the minivan and guide are reserved exclusively for your group. It operates as a small-group experience throughout the day.
What is the difference between the Marimurtra Botanical Garden visit and the cove option in Blanes?▼
The Marimurtra Botanical Garden is a formal garden set above the sea with curated plant collections and coastal views, while the cove option offers a quieter, more natural beach experience away from the main Blanes shoreline. The guide can help you decide based on your preferences on the day.
Where was Game of Thrones filmed in Girona?▼
Several streets and landmarks within Girona's Old Quarter, including the cathedral steps and lanes of the Barri Vell, were used as the fictional city of Braavos in Game of Thrones. The guide will point out the relevant locations during the visit.
Is lunch included in the tour?▼
Yes, a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Tossa de Mar is included in the tour price.
How physically demanding is this tour?▼
The tour is rated Easy overall. The main walking sections are in Girona's Old Quarter and Tossa de Mar, both of which have cobblestoned and uneven surfaces. No strenuous hiking is involved.
Where exactly does the Costa Brava begin and end?▼
The Costa Brava is the coastal stretch of Catalonia that runs from Blanes in the south to Portbou on the French border in the north. This tour covers the southern section, including Blanes and Tossa de Mar.
Girona Day TripCosta BravaTossa de MarMedieval GironaGame of Thrones TourBlanesCataloniaPrivate Tour BarcelonaBarri VellArchaeological WalkMarimurtraBarcelona Day Trip
This tour operates from Barcelona and covers two distinct geographic areas of the Catalonia region in northeastern Spain. The first destination, Girona, is located approximately 100 km northeast of Barcelona alongside the Oñar River, and is recognized for its exceptionally preserved Roman and medieval urban fabric. The second geographic zone is the Costa Brava, a protected coastal area extending from the town of Blanes northward to the French border at Portbou. The tour focuses on the southern Costa Brava, visiting Blanes and the fortified coastal town of Tossa de Mar. Both areas fall within the province of Girona, in the autonomous community of Catalonia. The route passes through a landscape characterized by the Catalan Pre-Pyrenean foothills transitioning to the Mediterranean coastline, marked by pine forests, limestone headlands, and clear-water coves.
Type: Private Guided Day Tour | Region: Catalonia, Northeastern Spain | Departure City: Barcelona | Destinations: Girona (Old Quarter, Força Vella, Archaeological Walk), Blanes (Marimurtra Botanical Garden or Cove), Tossa de Mar (Vila Vella, Seafront) | Theme: Cultural Heritage, Coastal Exploration, Medieval History, Culinary Experience | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 8 Hours | Transport: Air-Conditioned Minivan | Includes Lunch: Yes
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