Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting

If you’re planning a trip to Girona and looking for a way to get to know the city beyond just wandering aimlessly, a guided walking tour might be just what you need. We’ve come across this highly-rated tour offered by Girona Explorers, and it seems to strike a good balance between cultural insights, local stories, and tasty experiences—all packed into around two hours. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone simply keen to get your bearings in this charming medieval city, this tour offers a lot for the price.

What really caught our attention is the high overall rating of 5.0 out of 5, with 178 reviews, and a 97% recommendation rate. That kind of feedback suggests this experience resonates well with most travelers. Two things we love about it? First, the small group size (max 15 people), which makes the experience more personal and engaging. Second, the combination of cultural highlights and food tasting—a perfect way to experience Girona’s atmosphere and flavors in one go.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the tour is about 2 hours long and involves quite a bit of walking through a compact, maze-like Old Town. If you have mobility issues or prefer a more relaxed pace, it might be worth considering. Also, as with many outdoor activities, it’s weather-dependent; poor weather could impact the experience or lead to cancellations.

All in all, this tour seems ideal for travelers wanting an intimate, informative, and tasty introduction to Girona. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy stories, scenic views, and local food in a small-group setting.

Key Points

• Compact and walkable: Perfect for exploring Girona’s medieval streets without feeling overwhelmed.
• Expert guides: Guides are knowledgeable, passionate, and make history engaging.
• Food and drink: Enjoy local treats like xuixo and ratafia, adding a delicious flavor to the experience.
• Flexible start times: You can choose a departure time that suits your schedule.
• Cultural highlights: From Girona Cathedral to the Eiffel Bridge, get a great overview of the city’s key sights.
• Good value: At just over $37 per person, the tour offers a rich mix of sights, stories, and snacks.

What to Expect from the Tour

An Introduction to Girona’s Old Town

Starting at Pl. de la Independència, the tour kicks off in the heart of Girona. The guide leads you through the Barri Vell de Girona, the old town with winding streets and historic architecture. This area is where you’ll see some of the city’s best-preserved medieval buildings. The tour’s format is ideal here because the narrow streets are meant to be explored on foot, and everything is within easy walking distance.

Crossing the Pont de Pedra

One of the first stops is the Pont de Pedra, one of Girona’s oldest bridges. You’ll cross it and get fantastic views of the river and classic Girona houses that line its banks. It’s a scenic spot that makes for good photos and sets the tone for the scenic beauty of the city.

Exploring Rambla De La Llibertad

Next, you’ll walk along La Rambla, which was historically a market place. The guide explains how this bustling street has evolved over the centuries and points out main points of interest. It’s lively, and you might catch locals shopping or enjoying a quick snack—little details that bring Girona’s daily life into focus.

The Romantic Pujada de Sant Domenec

Here, you reach one of the most romantic spots in Girona, often associated with a scene from Game of Thrones. It’s a picturesque alley that’s fun to recognize if you’re a TV fan. The guide shares stories about its history and legends, making the walk more than just a visual experience.

The Magnificent Girona Cathedral

One of the tour’s highlights is viewing the Girona Cathedral from the outside. Known for its wide Gothic nave and the mix of architectural styles, it dominates the skyline. The guide highlights why this cathedral is a symbol of Girona and shares interesting facts about its construction and significance.

Discovering Esglesia de Sant Feliu

The second major church, Sant Feliu, is packed with stories and legends. The guide shares some of the myths surrounding it, adding a layer of local folklore to your understanding of Girona’s spiritual heart.

Crossing the Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles)

Next up is the Eiffel Bridge, a famous piece of Girona’s industrial past. It’s located near a well-known ice-cream shop, which the guide might mention for a quick sweet treat afterwards. The bridge’s design and history are fascinating, making it a photographer’s favorite.

Tasting Local Flavors

Throughout the tour, there are two included tastings: a typical xuixo, a delicious pastry filled with cream, and ratafia, a local drink. These small bites are well-loved by travelers, with reviews mentioning that the treats “were definitely a highlight.” It’s a simple but effective way to connect with Girona’s local culinary traditions.

The Value of This Tour

Considering the price of around $37.21 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. You get a knowledgeable guide, a well-organized walk through Girona’s most iconic sights, and the chance to enjoy some local snacks. The reviews consistently highlight the friendly, passionate guides—many reviewers have praised guides like Jonny and Jean for making history fun and engaging.

What makes this experience stand out is its small group size, which creates an intimate atmosphere. This allows for more personal interaction, questions, and a more relaxed pace. Several reviews mention that guides like Jonny and Jean bring the stories to life, making history feel relevant and fun.

The itinerary is well-paced, hitting all the major sights without rushing. Plus, the flexible start time means you can fit the tour into your schedule without stress. The meeting point at Pl. de la Independència is central and convenient, making it easy to access from most accommodations.

What Could Be Improved?

While this tour is well-rated, it’s important to note that it’s primarily designed for those who enjoy walking and outdoor exploration. If you’re expecting a detailed museum or interior visits, this might not meet your expectations. Also, the experience is weather-dependent; rain could affect the walk or cause cancellations.

Some travelers might find the tour a bit brisk if they prefer a slower pace or more time at each stop. However, the reviews suggest that the guides do a good job of balancing information and sightseeing, keeping the group engaged and moving at a lively but manageable pace.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Girona’s highlights in a short time. It’s also perfect for history buffs eager to hear stories behind the landmarks, and food lovers looking to sample local flavors. The small group format makes it suitable for travelers who prefer a more personalized, relaxed experience.

It’s a great activity for those traveling alone, as a couple, or with friends—the intimate setting encourages interaction and makes it easy to ask questions. If you’re traveling with family, older children or teens who enjoy walking and stories might find it engaging, but keep in mind that it’s a walking tour of about two hours.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically targeted at children, older kids who enjoy walking, stories, and local treats might enjoy it. It’s best for those comfortable with moderate physical activity.

What’s included in the tour price?
The tour covers local taxes, a local guide, and two tastings—xuixo and ratafia. There are no exclusions mentioned.

Can I join the tour at a different time?
Yes, the departure time is flexible, allowing you to choose a slot that best fits your schedule.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, which is manageable for most travelers and packs a lot into that time.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Pl. de la Independència, 19, Girona, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 23 days in advance. You’ll want to reserve early, especially during peak seasons.

What’s the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 15, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, everything included in the price is listed. No surprises.

Is there any transportation involved?
No, this is a walking tour, so be prepared to walk through Girona’s streets.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Girona and want a well-rounded introduction to its sights, stories, and flavors, this tour offers real value. The combination of expert guides, scenic streets, and local treats makes it a worthwhile experience, especially if you’re short on time but want to get a genuine feel for the city. The small group size, flexible timing, and positive reviews suggest that you’ll be in good hands, learning and tasting your way through Girona’s historic heart.

This tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate engaging storytelling, love discovering hidden corners, and enjoy sampling local specialties. It’s a practical way to lay a solid foundation for your visit and perhaps even inspire a deeper exploration later on.

Would we recommend it? Absolutely—just be ready to walk, listen, and savor. And remember: good weather makes everything better, so plan your day accordingly.