Walking Tour in Girona History and Gastronomy with Tasting

Explore Girona’s Historic Streets and Monuments with a Local Guide

The Walking Tour in Girona: History and Gastronomy with Tasting offers an engaging way to experience this Catalan city. Priced at $103.03 per person, the tour lasts around 3 hours 30 minutes and departs from Plaça de Sant Feliu. It’s perfect for those who want a rundown of Girona’s rich past alongside a generous sampling of local foods and drinks, all led by a knowledgeable local guide. With a 5.0-star rating based on 3 reviews, this experience clearly resonates with participants, especially those who appreciate detailed storytelling and authentic tastings.

While the tour does not include entry to monuments, it excels in providing outside views and explanations of Girona’s main landmarks. The inclusion of local product tastings like cheeses, sausages, and desserts paired with DO Empordà wine or beer makes it a delightful culinary adventure as well. Suitable for most travelers, the tour balances cultural discovery with gastronomic pleasure, although those seeking inside museum access or longer museum visits may find it limiting.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 3.5-hour walk through Girona’s historic and cultural sites
• Includes outdoor explanations of major monuments and districts
• Tastings of local cheeses, sausages, desserts, and drinks like wine and beer
• Led by a local guide fluent in English and Spanish
• No entrance fees required, as all sites are viewed from outside
• Perfect for visitors who enjoy history, architecture, and local cuisine

Starting at Girona’s Plaça de Sant Feliu

The tour begins at Plaça de Sant Feliu, a central and easily accessible meeting point. From here, the guide leads you on a walking route through Girona’s old town, covering over 2000 years of history in just a few hours. The pace is relaxed enough to enjoy the surroundings, with small group sizes capped at 15 travelers ensuring personalized attention.

The initial focus is on outside explanations of Girona’s main monuments. The guide shares insights on the Basilica of Sant Feliu and the imposing Cathedral, giving visitors a sense of the city’s architectural evolution. The tour touches on Girona’s ancient walls, bridges over the Onyar River, and the vibrant Ramblas, setting the scene for the city’s historical layers.

Viewing the Iconic “el Cul de la Lleona” and Legend

One highlight is the “el Cul de la Lleona” statue, a popular Girona legend. The guide briefly explains the significance of this statue and offers practical advice on how visitors can return to Girona for further exploration. This stop is brief—about 10 minutes—but adds a layer of local storytelling to the experience. The guide’s explanations make this a memorable part of the tour, especially for those interested in Girona’s folklore.

Discovering the Arab Baths and Their Mysteries

Next, the tour visits the Arab Baths, an intriguing site known for its architecture and mysterious origins. The guide explains the history and design of these baths, noting that they are called “Arab” despite not being of Arab origin. This curiosity invites visitors to consider the blending of cultural influences in Girona. Since the tour views the baths from the outside, there’s no admission fee, but the explanations enrich the understanding of this historic site.

Walking through Girona’s Jewish Quarter

A major highlight is the Jewish Quarter, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval neighborhoods. The guide points out its beautiful alleys and corners and sheds light on the Jewish community’s history in Girona, including its three medieval synagogues. While the Jewish Museum isn’t visited inside, the exterior tour and commentary provide deep insights into this significant part of Girona’s past.

Climbing the Walls for Panoramic Views

The Passeig de la Muralla offers a chance to walk along Girona’s ancient city walls. The guide explains the different construction periods of the walls and takes visitors up a tower for spectacular views of Girona’s rooftops and surrounding landscape. This 20-minute stop is free of charge and provides a visual summary of Girona’s medieval defenses, making it a favorite for photos and panoramic appreciation.

Crossing the Eiffel Bridge and Exploring Girona’s Bridges

The Eiffel Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, is another highlight. Its unique design and engineering make it a notable feature of Girona’s riverfront. The guide discusses its history and architecture, offering a 10-minute explanation. Crossing this bridge provides fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of the city’s industrial past.

Exploring the Bustling Plaça de la Independència

Next, the tour visits Plaça de la Independència, one of Girona’s busiest squares. The guide highlights its lively atmosphere, surrounded by terraces of bars and restaurants, perfect for soaking in local life. This 10-minute stop allows visitors to absorb the vibrant energy of Girona’s social heart.

Tasting Local Products at Plaça dels Mercaders

The culinary segment occurs at El Foment Tavern in Plaça dels Mercaders. Here, visitors enjoy about an hour sampling cheeses, sausages, seasonal products, and desserts like “el Xuixo”. All are paired with Designated Origin Empordà wine, or options like beer or water. This tasting experience captures the flavors of Girona and the surrounding region, making it a key part of the tour’s appeal.

Practical Details of the Tasting Experience

During the tasting, no entry to monuments or museums is included, as the focus is on outside views and commentary. The local guide provides expert insights during the walk, making the experience accessible and engaging. The tastings are designed to be generous, with local wine or beer as part of the package, adding to the convivial atmosphere.

Logistical Information and Group Size

The tour operates with a maximum of 15 travelers and is convenient for most people, with service animals allowed and near public transportation. The meeting point is at Plaça de Sant Feliu, and the tour ends back at this starting location. Most travelers can participate, and the confirmation is immediate upon booking. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.

What Sets This Tour Apart

This experience combines cultural sightseeing with authentic local tastings, all led by a passionate and knowledgeable guide. The emphasis on outside explanations of landmarks keeps the pace comfortable while offering plenty of insight. The tastings of cheeses, sausages, desserts, and drinks like DO Empordà wine or beer elevate it beyond a simple walking tour.

While it does not include inside monument visits, the detailed exterior explanations and panoramic views compensate. The small group size ensures an intimate experience, perfect for those who enjoy learning about history and savoring regional flavors simultaneously.

Girona Walking Tour: History and Gastronomy with Tasting – Final Thoughts

This tour offers an affordable, well-rounded way to explore Girona’s most significant landmarks, medieval walls, and vibrant squares. The inclusion of local tastings makes it especially appealing to those who appreciate regional cuisine and wine.

The expert guidance and scenic stops make it suitable for travelers looking for a short yet immersive introduction to Girona’s rich heritage. While it’s not a full museum visit, the outside explanations and in-depth storytelling provide a satisfying cultural overview paired with delicious regional flavors.

This experience is best suited for visitors who want a blend of history, architecture, and local food in a comfortable, small-group setting. It’s ideal for first-time visitors and those interested in Girona’s culinary scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for this tour?
Most travelers can participate, and most importantly, service animals are allowed.

Are the monument entrances included?
No, all sites are explained from the outside, with no entrance fees.

How long does the tasting last?
The tasting segment lasts about an hour at El Foment Tavern in the Jewish Quarter.

What drinks are included during the tasting?
Participants enjoy local wine or beer, with bottled water also provided.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking through historic streets and climbing a tower for views, so some mobility considerations apply.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What language is the guide available in?
Guides are available in English and Spanish.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is straightforward through the provided service, with immediate confirmation upon reservation.