Pyrenees Mountains Small Group Day Trip from Barcelona

Highlights

• Spend the day immersed in nature with a small group and expert guide.

• Visit the ancient town of Vic with its cathedral and traditional market square.

• Explore the mountain village of Queralbs and ride the spectacular rack railway up to Vall de Núria.

• Enjoy flexible time for hiking, relaxing, or trying optional activities in a breathtaking alpine setting.

Tour Summary
This full-day experience blends culture, scenery, and fresh mountain air in an intimate small group setting. With groups typically ranging from 8 to 20 people, you'll enjoy a more personal and flexible experience throughout the day. From the buzzing markets of Vic to the peaceful peaks of the Pyrenees, this tour captures the diversity and beauty of inland Catalonia. You'll visit Vic’s grand market square, explore the rustic charm of Queralbs, and ascend into the high Pyrenees aboard a mountain rack railway — a route not accessible by road. With flexible time in Vall de Núria, this tour is perfect for nature lovers and casual explorers alike.

Tour Schedule
08:30 – Depart Barcelona
Meet your guide opposite the Palau de la Música and travel north by comfortable air-conditioned minivan.

10:00 – Visit Vic
Arrive in the medieval town of Vic. Begin at the Market Square where your guide will introduce you to the town’s rich history. You’ll have time to visit the striking cathedral — a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Neoclassical architecture — and admire the baroque and renaissance buildings around one of the largest arcaded squares in Spain. If visiting on a market day, enjoy browsing stalls as locals have done for over a thousand years.

11:30 – Depart for the Pyrenees
Continue driving into the mountains and admire changing landscapes as you gain elevation.

12:30 – Arrive in Queralbs
Arrive in this charming stone-built mountain village, accessible only by road and rail. With just 200 residents, Queralbs offers a glimpse into traditional mountain life. Stroll through winding streets and visit the 10th-century Church of Sant Sadurní, steeped in local legends of witches and fairies.

13:00 – Rack Railway to Vall de Núria
Board the rack railway for a scenic 6 km ascent to nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. The journey offers incredible views of cliffs, forests, and high mountain terrain, bringing you to the remote and pristine valley of Núria.

13:30 – Free Time in Vall de Núria
Spend the afternoon enjoying the alpine setting. Hike one of the many trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous climbs. Try activities like horse riding, boating, open-air bowling, archery, or simply relax in a mountain restaurant serving hearty Catalan dishes. The sanctuary and legend of the Virgin of Núria add spiritual and cultural interest to the setting.

16:30 – Rack Railway Return to Queralbs
Return by train to Queralbs and rejoin your vehicle.

17:00 – Depart for Barcelona
Sit back and enjoy the ride back to the city.

19:30 – Arrive in Barcelona
Return to the Explore Catalunya office.

Inclusions
Transportation by air-conditioned minivan. Professional English-speaking guide. Rack railway ticket to Vall de Núria.

Exclusions
Meals and drinks. Optional activities in Vall de Núria. Tips and personal expenses.

Important Info / FAQs
Meeting point: Explore Catalunya office, opposite the Palau de la Música.
Departure time: 8:30am.
Return time: Approximately 7:30pm.
Language: English.
What to bring: Hiking shoes or sturdy footwear, layers for mountain weather, sun protection, camera.
Physical requirements: Moderate walking; optional hikes.

Seasonal Notes
During annual railway maintenance (Nov 1–30, Mon–Fri), the rack railway is closed. On these days, the tour will follow an alternate itinerary with road access or lower-altitude hiking — the full Pyrenees experience will still be delivered.