Discover Girona and Emporda

Activity Level	Easy
Accomodation Standards
Start/Finish	Girona/Girona
Distance	N/A
Tour Type	Culture & Gastronomy Guided Tour
Availability	All year

Overview

Walking Costabrava is excited to bring you this SLOW TRAVEL STAY. From our base-camp in Girona, get to know this hidden gem and its surrounding region full of history, culture and surprises. Handpicked Day Trips will take you to feel and experience the century-old culture of Girona and Empordà.
This tour will offer you the opportunity to explore, Greek and Roman archeological sites, visit the best preserved Jewish heritage sites in Girona and Besalú and discover on foot the magnificent Costa Brava with its hidden coves, plunging cliffs, crystalline waters, pine trees, and charming fishing villages.
Bring out the art lover in you and immerse in Salvador Dali’s eclectic and surreal world in Cadaqués and Travel to France to walk in the steps of exiles from the Spanish Civil War and visit the Rivesaltes concentration camp.
Indulge in Catlan Cuisine not forgetting, of course, that the Costa Brava is a food lover’s paradise. Come, let us tantalize all your senses…

Learn about the Greeks and Romans in the Empuries Archeological site
Visit the best-preserved Jewish Heritage sites in Europe in Girona and Besalú
Discover the surreal world of artist Salvador Dalí
Walk in the steps of exiles from the Spanish Civil War and visit the Rivesaltes concentration camp
Take a cooking class and food tour in Girona
Expert local guides and private transport

Distance Instructions

Itinerary

DAY 1. GIRONA

Arrive to Girona and after settling in your centric Hotel. Meet up with your local guide for a visit to the exciting city of Girona, walk through its Old Town Quarter, Archeological Park and Cathedral as well as the bridges spanning the River Onyar. In the afternoon, we will have an orientation meeting and 3-course dinner at family local Restaurant.

DAY 2. FOLLOW THE COSTA BRAVA COASTAL TRAIL

Short transfer from the interior to the coast, through the Empordà region. The best option to discover the secrets of the region is by foot. Our 2 miles walk takes us along the coast, discovering coves, sandy beaches and the ancient history of the trail, full of castles and fishermen’s huts. The route along coastal paths is sign- posted and suitable for all ages. At the end of the walk, arrive at the Restaurant. It’s time to indulge in the local gastronomy. After lunch, we will visit a local winery and enjoy a wine tasting session. Return to Girona and dinner will be at leisure.

DAY 3. THE GREEK AND ROMAN RUINS OF EMPÚRIES AND THE WETLANDS OF EMPORDÀ

Today we will travel back in time as we visit the archeological site of Empúres. The region of l’Empordà was settled by the Greeks in the 6th century B.C and later by the Romans who chose the same location. We will immerse in the surprisingly advanced trading culture of the Greeks and the beginning of the romanization of the Iberian Peninsula. Here is where the legacy begins. After having lunch in the beautiful village of Sant Martí d’Empúries, we will drive to the Natural Park of els Aigüamolls de l’Empordà, the second largest wetland in Catalonia. Every year hundreds of different bird spices make a stopover on these marshlands on their way to Africa. A bird watchers paradise! . Dinner in Girona at leisure.

DAY 4. THE WAY TO EXILE, FROM GIRONA TO FRANCE

Day trip to France. Today we want to follow the steps of the refugees who fled to France at the end of the Spanish Civil war. Our first stop will be in Argelès-sur-mer, the main destinations camp for the Catalan civilian refugees fleeing the Franco dictatorship. Today, its has turned into a Beach resort for tourists and only a memorial will remind us of the existence of the concentration camp. Only 30 kilometers away we come across the remains of Camp of Rivesaltes. A local guide will walk us through the History of the site, which became a place of internment for families of gypsies, Jews and Spanish refugees at the start of the WWII. Driving back towards Spain border, we will stop for lunch at the tiny village of Elna, where we will also visit the Maternity of Elna, a humanitarian institution supporting exiled women from the Spanish Civil War. Back in Girona dinner will be at leisure.

DAY 5. THE JEWISH HERITAGE OF BESALÚ

Half day excurcion to Besalú, today a picturesque small medieval town.The jewish heritage in Besalú consists of a Miqve and the remains of the synagogue which we will visit as part of our walking tour. We will discover the narrow, cobbled streets of Besalú and its famous Romanesque bridge over the River Fluvià. Dinner in Girona will be at leisure.

DAY 6. DALI’S SURREAL HOMELAND

Transfer to Cadaqués, known as the pearl of the Mediterranean, and visit Dali’s house museum in Portlligat, where the famous artist lived with his wife and muse Gala, finding inspiration in the sublime and dramatic landscape that characterizes the Coastal area of Cap de Creus. Dinner in Girona will be included. Proceed to Figueres Dali`s hometown for included lunch at local restaurant and visit with your local guide Salvador Dalí Theatre – Museum, created by the artist with all the important Works of his “surreal” career. Dinner in Girona will be at leisure.

7. GIRONA A FOODIE PARADISE AND COOKING CLASS

The last day is a free day to explore. Walk through the essence of old Girona and discover its history or head to the Jewish History Museum or the Arab Baths. Get captivated by the picturesque houses overlooking the River Onyar or explore the medieval walls and get the best views of the city. Farewell dinner will consist on a fun and exciting cooking class in the heart of the city.

8. TRIP ENDS

After breakfast continue with own travel arrengements.

What's Included

INCLUDED

7 nights Accommodation 4* Hotel
7 breakfasts + 1 cooking class dinner
Private transport to activities in program
Skip the line tickets to: Empuries Archeological Site, Jewish Museum, Dalí's Museum, Exile Museum
8 full day leader expert on tour

EXCLUDED

Accommodations

Extensions

Information:

PRE STAYS & POST STAYS in Barcelona.
Further information and booking please contact: hola@walkingcostabrava.com
Walking tours are led in Catalan, Spanish, English and French by professional licensed guides.
Walkingplanets! Is fully covered with Hiscox Insurance Company Ltd with a policy of 300.000€.

Discover Girona and Empordà

8 days | Tour dates upon request