Tour Details
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Arab Baths
- Girona Cathedral
- Basilica San Feliu
Photos & Highlights
- Explore the rich religious and medieval history of this jewel-box Catalan city
- Led by a historian or architect
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, it includes both train journeys.
Where You'll Start
25 Reviews
–
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Josep was wonderful! So knowledge and great fun personality
Allison
Jun. 17, 2023
Our best guided day trip this vacation… or guide state was very knowledgeable and took care to make sure the pace of the walking and sites busted fit with our interests and energy! She met us at the train station and explained the day trip plan, gave us contingency plan info should we becone separated and provided a terrific over view of Girona city and the walking tour agenda. She provided just the right detail explaining historical events and context to appreciate city architecture , its cultures and development and Catalan politics from early years to today. She also provided excellent suggestions for dinner and cocktail venue for city views! She w en research our boutique hotel and sent us information about its inclusion in the novel of a Spanish author! Nothing to suggest to improve!
Peggy
May. 4, 2023
The day was excellent. Ariadna was an excellent guide and gave us lots of historical and cultural information. She took care to give us options on what to see while making sure we saw all the highlights of Girona. And, importantly, she as a pleasure to spend the day with.
Devon
May. 3, 2023
