Girona Day Trip from Barcelona

Explore the multicultural medieval city of Girona on this emblematic excursion

Tour Details

About the Tour

Category: Excursions and Day Trips, Five Days in Barcelona
Duration: 7 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 40 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 excursion 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 and take the train together with our guide. The tour ends in Girona, where you are free to continue exploring independently.

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, but there will be a pause mid-excursion for a short snack. If you would like to stay in Girona after the end of the tour, your guide can recommend lunch restaurants in the city.

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?
The tour does not leave you time to explore Girona on your own, but if you are interested in staying in Girona after the end of the tour, please contact us. We normally purchase your return ticket for 3:11pm, when the guide will return, but there are later options if you would like to explore Girona independently after the tour.

Does the 7-hour duration include train time?
Yes, it includes both train journeys.

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.

Tate

Tate is an Official Catalan Tourist Guide, researcher and writer, formerly a university professor, who today combines her academic life (congresses, and publications) with touring in Barcelona and Catalunya for visitors interested in cultural heritage. She is currently working on the update of the official guide of the Art Nouveau architecture for the City Council of Barcelona and on another book on "The 50 wonders of Gaudí". Holder of a PhD in Journalism and Communication, as well as a degree in Translation, she has written numerous books and guidebooks on the architecture of the XXth century, specially Gaudí and the Catalan Art Nouveau. Walking along with Tate is both fun and deep, and will give you an unforgettable experience.

Zaida

Zaida is a Licensed Guide of Catalonia with a rather eclectic background. She initially studied jewellery design before moving into Tourism, has taken a post-graduate course on Picasso organised by the Universitat de Barcelona in the Picasso museum and she studied as well, a Master's degree to become a Sommelier. Zaida it's been a Licensed Tour Guide of Catalonia for the last 10 years, learning and showing the history and architecture of Barcelona. For her a rounded experience can include a vast range of elements, be they architectural and artistic wonders, historical overviews, culinary curiosities, local wine culture, or glimpses of everyday life off the beaten track. As a pure "Barcelonina", passionate and full of energy, she loves sharing Barcelona with people in the most knowledgeable and Mediterranean style.

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20 Reviews – (4.8)

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

Terrific experience with Ariadna. She is from Girona and made the day tour very personal and interesting. We never felt uncomfortable on the trains or in the streets.

Mark

Nov. 7, 2022

Fun, knowledgeable, guide that made our trip much more meaningful.

Kimberly

Oct. 15, 2022

Great to walk the streets of Girona with some one who grew up there. Its a wonderful place and we had a wonderful day with her.

Kate

Aug. 4, 2022

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