Guided Hike – Medieval Rupit Pyrenees Foothills Hike and Picnic

Highlights

  • Travel north of Barcelona for a private guided hike of the wooded hills of the Montseny Natural Park and visit the gothic hilltop castle of Montsoriu
  • Visit the quaint medieval town of Arbúcies and discover the delights of Catalonia's medieval heritage
  • Experience the tranquil, magnificent countryside of Catalonia “away from the madding crowd”
  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of this Mediterranean region’s nature and heritage in a guided hike
  • Have a traditional Catalan lunch in a local restaurant or have a gourmet Catalan picnic
Guided hike track outline, medieval Rupit, Pyrenees Foothills
Guided hike track outline, medieval Rupit, Pyrenees Foothills

Itinerary

Morning

Tour leader Killian Driscoll and your chauffeur will pick you up for your medieval Rupit hike from your chosen location, and you’ll start your tour driving out of the city with Killian introducing the day ahead, and answering any questions you may have. Throughout the day, Killian will share with you his knowledge of the region, and the places you visit.

You'll drive out of Barcelona and head north into the foothills of the Pyrenees to the mountain village of medieval Rupit i Pruit. From there you'll explore the wonderfully preserved stone buildings, and after a coffee break in a local cafe you'll begin your hike out of the village and follow the small river downstream through the woods. After a while you'l come across a clearing where the river meets a cliff forming the Salt de Sallent waterfall. The waterfall, one of the most impressive in Spain, is about 110 m (360 ft).

After taking in the spectacular views from a couple of the viewing points, you'll cross the river and make your way to the stunning Romanesque church of Sant Joan de Fàbregues. From there, you'll climb high above the plateau to the Mirador dels Bassis viewing point, towering over the region where you'll have a bird's eye view of the mountainous region.

Església de Sant Joan de Fabregas romanesque church along the medieval Rupit Pyrenees Foothills Hike
Església de Sant Joan de Fabregas romanesque church along the medieval Rupit Pyrenees Foothills Hike

Lunch

After your guided hike you'll enjoy a specially prepared, gourmet picnic of typical Catalan food and wine at a scenic picnic spot. Alternatively, you can choose to have lunch at a restaurant of your choosing.

Gourmet picnic Rupit, Spain
Gourmet picnic Rupit, Spain

Afternoon

After lunch, you'll visit the medieval mountain town of Besalú. Besalú is beautifully preserved medieval mountain town, and was once the the region's capital. It's roots go right back to pre-Roman times as an Iron Age settlement, and walking along the narrow streets you can appreciate the depth of the over 3,000 year history of the town. Among the wealth of historical sites to visit is the 800 year-old Jewish bathhouse, overlooking the 12th century fortified bridge. The Jewish bathhouse - mikvah - is one of the last remaining in Europe, and part of Besalú's medieval Jewish quarter.

Medieval archway, Besalú
Medieval archway, Besalú

Hike and Trail Details

  • Activity level: Medium
  • Walking Duration: Approximately 2.25 hours
  • Walking Length: 6.7 km (4.2 miles)
  • Elevation max: 968 m (3176 ft)
  • Elevation min: 737 m (2418 ft)
  • Total Uphill: 300 m (984 ft)

Below is a map of the guided hike trail, with an interactive map that you can view the elevation along the trail. Overall, the hike is 6.7 km (4.2 miles) and takes about 2.25 hrs of walking, with plenty of time for taking in the scenery and photo stops.

The activity level is easy to medium. A number of stretches are steep. Comfortable footwear is recommended (hiking boots are not required, sneakers / trainers are fine).

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