I actually took the train from Barcelona to Girona, then the bus to Besalú. Then on my way back, I was given an unexpected walking tour of Girona before my train back to Barcelona left.
So this bit of the itinerary will encompass both Girona and Besalú (with a (half) half day in each).
Day 1- Besalú
I had my heart set on getting out of the city for a day to see what else Cataluyna had to offer. I had read on one of my favorite travel blogs (Young Adventuress-- a phenomenal resource for Spain and now New Zealand-based travel), that I had to get to Besalú, if I was ever near this part of the country. Her suggestion did not disappoint! While it was a bit of a trek to get there (I took a 40 minute train-ride from Barcelona-Sants station to Girona and then ended up waiting a few hours in Girona for a bus to get to Besalú. The star of this tiny, winding Medieval city is the 11th century bridge- the Pont de Besalú. The photo credit goes to Young Adventuress, but you can see why this went on my list to visit right away!
If you have time, make sure to walk the narrow ancient lanes and visit the Jewish quarter where you can see the old mikvah (bath) and the Monasterio de Sant Pere. However, my favorite thing to do was just stroll and people watch (with a gelato in hand of course).
Girona-
On the way home, I was riding the bus back to the station in Girona and was lucky to strike up a conversation with a fellow teaching Assistant who offered to show me around her town, while I killed time waiting for my late train back to the city.
She was a lovely tour guide and showed me all the highlights in a short amount of time. We wandered across the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, which boasts spectacular views through it's red criss-crossed slats. (If it looks similar to the Eiffel Tower, that's because Gustave Eiffel designed this as well as the Eiffel Tower.
If you're a Game of Thrones fan, you'll be in Heaven here with many scenes being filmed all over the city, the cathedral in particular.
We walked through the main square before making our way up to the city walls for a sweeping view over the city. The colors in Girona are breathaking and you will snap so many photos!
You can also get a taste of some famous ice cream at Rocambolesc, which is owned by Jordi Roca. He also owns Can Roca in Girona, considered the best restaurant in the world. So if that is out of your price range, stop in for a sweet treat!
I highly, highly suggest getting out Barcelona for at least a day and seeing what else Cataluyna has to offer! It turns out that was my absolute favorite day of the whole trip! I'd love to go back and explore Tossa de Mar (a charming coastal village) and Vic!
My travels in Spain are never done! I hope to write more itineraries about Andalucía.
Photo credits:
Besalú bridge:
I have always wanted to go to Spain. An amusement park overlooking the city sounds incredible!