Girona Day Trip from Barcelona

Explore the multicultural medieval city of Girona on this emblematic excursion

$570 and up

Private

N/A

Small group

Tour Details

About the Tour

Category: Excursions and Day Trips
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Barcelona

Photos & Highlights

Explore the rich religious and medieval history of this jewel-box Catalan city
Led by a historian or architect
Arab Baths, Girona Cathedral, and Basilica San Feliu

Tour Description

The medieval city of Girona bears historical roots in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures. Only 30 minutes by high-speed train from the Catalonian capital, this historical hub proves to be a true crossroads of religion and culture. Our Girona day trip from Barcelona, designed as an excursions from the city and led by a local expert, will reveal the secrets of this historically rich place and help to better understand why it makes such an impressive cultural impact.

Experience Girona in a Day

Meeting the expert guide at the station in Barcelona, our introduction to Girona will start on the train, where the guide will put the social and cultural history of the city into context and explore the pivotal role this city has played in the story of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Upon arrival, we'll enter the city with a stunning view of Girona's colorful apartment blocks that line its river and overlook Gustav Eiffel's (yes, that Eiffel) famous bridge. Passing through the city gate and into the historic center, we'll begin to trace the religious roots planted in Girona's enchanting, narrow cobble-stoned streets.

Blended Cultural Influences in Girona

To uncover how Muslim culture influenced the development of Girona, we may start with a visit to the 12th century Moorish bath. We’ll duck into the entryway to see the exceptionally preserved central pool covered by a cupola, and navigate our way through the ruins of the Banys Àrabs. We’ll then make our way through the Jewish Quarter, which was home to nearly 150 Jewish families until their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Today it remains well preserved, containing a web of narrow medieval alleyways winding through the ancient neighborhood. While navigating these serpentine streets, we'll be on the lookout for mezuzahs, enclosed parchment attached to door frames that are a mark of faith.

For more on Judaism in Barcelona, try our Jewish Barcelona tour.

From here we’ll continue our route, climbing up to the Basilica of Sant Feliu, a prominent structure nestled into Girona’s old city. We may venture into the interior of the basilica, and discover a celebrated sculpture of a recumbent Christ, by Spanish artist Aloy de Montbray, as well as 4th century early Christian and pagan sarcophagi. Continuing up the stoned pathways, we’ll arrive at la Catedral de Girona. An impressive structure featuring the hallmarks of varying architectural styles, this cathedral is home to the sacred chapel of Narcism, the patron saint of Girona, and to the magnificent 11th century Tapestry of the Creation, unanimously considered to be a true masterpiece of medieval artwork.

Interested in more architecture? Try our Introduction to Barcelona tour.

Girona Day Trip with an Expert

By the end of our tour, we'll have a better understanding of the intertwined Jewish, Christian, and Muslim narratives that have shaped the history of Girona. We'll leave you (with tickets for your return to Barcelona) free to explore the rest of this quaint city on your own. Led by a local expert, you'll leave Girona with a better understanding of this blended and complex city.

FAQ About the Girona Excursion from Barcelona

Where does the tour meet? Where does it end?
We meet in Barcelona Sants Train Station. The tour ends in Girona.

Will you buy train tickets?
Yes, we will pre-purchase the round trip train tickets. Your expert guide will have them on hand when you meet at the station.

Do we stop for lunch?
We do not include a break for a full lunch on the tour. There will be a pause mid-excursion for a short snack. Your guide can recommend lunch restaurants in Girona for after the tour should you choose to take the later train back to Barcelona.

I have mobility difficulties. Can I take this tour?
This excursion is fairly walking-intensive, and some sites in Girona are unfortunately not very wheelchair-accessible. Please contact us if you have mobility concerns and we would be happy to advise on the appropriateness of the tour.

Will there be time to explore Girona on my own?
We encourage you to spend time in the city after the tour. Please let us know during booking which return train you prefer (3:11 pm or 5:11 pm). Your expert will likely return on the 3:11 pm train. NOTE: There are later return options! If you'd like an even later return, please contact us to hear about other options.

Does the 6 hour duration include train time?
It includes the train ride to Girona, but not the train ride back. Some clients like to stay in Girona and explore on their own for a while.

Where You'll Start

Tour Experts

Bernat

Bernat is a native Catalan architect who specializes in the preservation and rehabilitation of old houses and buildings. He obtained his degree at the Barcelona School of Architecture and was an exchange student at the University of Texas. Possessing a deep understanding of architecture and the cultural forces that drive it, Bernat is a true native and lover of Barcelona and her built environment. He recently restored a 19th century textile factory built by Gustavino's Company in Vilassar de Dalt, and is now working on a project for a residential building in the historic center of Mataró.

Jaume

Born in Barcelona, Jaume has loved walking through the city since he was very young. Discovering the most charming and unique places in his city, he found his passion and went on to earn a degree in architecture. He complemented his studies by participating in exchange programs at universities in Scotland and the United States. It was during these exchanges that he discovered another of his great passions: sharing his knowledge and learning from new cultures. After few years of working as a freelance architect, now he relishes the opportunity to lead walks as a Context docent.

Cayetano

Cayetano has been working in the tourist industry in Barcelona for nearly 20 years now and as a freelance tour guide for around 5. He has an undergraduate degree in Art History as well as postgraduate studies in leisure and hospitality management.

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14 Reviews – (4.83)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

We’d highly recommend Context and our guide. Mark gave us a terrific tour of Girona. He’s super knowledgeable about the history and really customized to our interests. And he was fun and kept two teenagers engaged. It’s a beautiful town but without Mark to bring it to life, we wouldn’t have had the same experience.

Julie

Dec. 31, 2021

Tate was fantastic!! Our trip to Girona with her was so worthwhile. Her knowledge, energy and passion for the region was so well communicated in all ways to us!! Felt so well taken care of. Thank you Tate and Context

Robert

May. 9, 2019

Jaume was just outstanding!! He made our day wonderful and we learned so much! He was also personable and patient with us and we all loved our tour with him.

Linda

Apr. 26, 2019

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