Girona is a city that practically breathes history from its winding medieval streets to its ancient walls. Unlike many tourist hotspots, Girona’s well-preserved Jewish Quarter, Roman artifacts, and series of impressive bridges make it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. We particularly love the Girona History and Legends Tour, which combines storytelling with walking through this city’s most iconic sites. The small-group format with a cap of 15 people means you’re likely to get a more personal, engaging experience—plus, the insider stories make it far more memorable than just wandering on your own.
If your interests lean toward Jewish heritage, Girona offers some of Europe’s most intact medieval Jewish quarters. For a comprehensive dive, the Girona: Jewish Heritage Guided City Tour and Museum Visit combines a walk through cobbled streets with a visit to the Jewish Museum. For those wanting a full day, the private Girona and Besalú Jewish History Tour is a great choice, covering two towns packed with medieval architecture and Jewish sites.
Below, we detail the top 12 historical tours in Girona, helping you pick the perfect experience based on your interests, time, and budget.
1. Girona History and Legends Tour Small Group from Girona
This small-group walking tour offers a 3-hour deep dive into Girona’s core sights, starting at the Plaça de Sant Feliu. Priced affordably at just over $39 per person, it’s perfect for travelers who want a rundown without breaking the bank. The tour covers Girona’s Jewish Quarter, old walls, bridges over the Onyar River, and the cathedral. With a maximum of 15 participants, it’s a chance to ask questions and hear in-depth stories about the city’s past, including Roman artifacts and medieval legends.
What makes this tour stand out is its mix of history and local storytelling. Guests consistently comment on the enthusiasm and knowledge of guides like Mar and Carolina, who bring Girona’s cobbled streets alive. Wear comfortable shoes, since the tour involves hilly terrain and stairs, but you’ll leave with a solid understanding of Girona’s layered history. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or want a core introduction, this tour hits the sweet spot for history lovers.
Bottom Line: A well-priced, engaging overview that’s ideal for first-timers wanting to explore Girona’s highlights with a personal touch.
2. Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting
On this 2-hour tour, you’ll explore Girona’s winding streets and hidden corners while tasting local specialties. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of history and the city’s gastronomy in a compact format. The route covers the Jewish Quarter, Pont de Pedra, La Rambla, and the Cathedral, with plenty of stops to admire the architecture and listen to stories. The highlight is the chance to sample Girona’s best regional food, from cheeses to pastries.
Guests love the lively guides like Jonny and Jean, who combine humor with deep knowledge. The tour’s flexible departure times make it easy to fit into your schedule. If you’re interested in a quick, fun orientation that combines historical sights with local flavors, this tour offers excellent value for its price—especially considering the food tastings included.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies and history enthusiasts wanting a quick, tasty tour of Girona’s top highlights.
3. Girona: Jewish Heritage Guided City Tour and Museum Visit
For a focused deep-dive into Girona’s Jewish history, this 3-hour guided tour includes a walk through the city’s well-preserved Jewish Quarter and a visit to the Museum of Jewish History. It’s a perfect pick for those interested in medieval Jewish culture, as Girona hosts one of the best-preserved Jewish neighborhoods in Europe. The tour highlights the last synagogue before 1492 and the life of Nachmanides, Girona’s most celebrated rabbi.
Tour guides are praised for their knowledge and storytelling. The visit to the museum provides context behind the narrow streets, revealing the community’s importance from Roman times through the expulsion. The tour is well-suited for history buffs wanting an in-depth understanding of Girona’s Jewish legacy.
Bottom Line: An informative, culturally rich experience ideal for travelers wanting to explore Girona’s Jewish roots in detail.
4. Private: Girona and Besalú Jewish History Tour from Girona
This full-day private tour offers a personalized look at Girona’s Jewish quarter and the medieval town of Besalú. For about $700, your group (up to 6 people) will explore two significant towns, including a walk through Girona’s Jewish streets, the Museum of Jewish History, and Besalú’s 12th-century Mikveh and medieval bridge.
This tour stands out for its flexibility and depth—your guide can tailor the experience to your interests. The Mikveh in Besalú, a well-preserved Jewish ritual bath, is a highlight. Several reviews mention how guides like Miguel and Girard bring the history alive with their storytelling. The full-day format makes it perfect for those with a keen interest in Jewish heritage or medieval architecture.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a tailored, in-depth exploration of Jewish sites in Girona and Besalú, this private tour provides excellent value for a personalized experience.
5. Girona Jewish Heritage Small Group from Girona
This small-group tour focuses exclusively on Girona’s Jewish neighborhood, allowing for a more intimate exploration of this historic community. Lasting around 3 hours, it includes a guided visit to the last synagogue before 1492 and the Museum of Jewish History. The group size (up to 10) encourages lively discussion and personalized attention.
Guests praise the guide Ona for her passion and extensive knowledge. The tour’s highlight is wandering through cobbled streets once home to around 1,000 Jews in medieval times—an experience that’s both educational and evocative. It’s ideal for those wanting a focused Jewish heritage experience in a manageable time frame.
Bottom Line: A concise, intimate tour that offers a detailed look into Girona’s Jewish history, perfect for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers.
6. Girona Private History Tour
This private 3-hour tour offers a personalized exploration of Girona’s Roman, medieval, and Jewish sites. Starting from Carrer dels Calderers, your guide will walk you through the Jewish quarter, the old city walls, and bridges designed by Gustave Eiffel. The private format means you can ask questions and customize the pace, making it a flexible option for those who prefer tailored experiences.
Reviews mention how guides like Monica bring the city’s history to life through engaging storytelling. It’s suitable for travelers who want an immersive, private experience with detailed explanations of Girona’s layered past.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a customizable, private introduction to Girona’s history and architecture.
7. Girona and Besalú, Jewish History tour Small Group from Girona
This 8-hour guided day trip combines Girona’s Jewish sites with Besalú’s medieval charms. It covers the Jewish quarter, the Mikveh, and the medieval bridge in Besalú. Guests praise guides like Marc for their ability to bring history alive and for their flexibility, even adjusting the tour for fans of Game of Thrones.
The highlight is walking through two towns full of history, architecture, and scenic views. It’s an excellent option for those with a full day to devote to exploring Catalonia’s medieval and Jewish heritage.
Bottom Line: An enriching full-day experience for history lovers who want to see Girona and Besalú with expert guidance.
8. Girona: Private History Tour
This private 3-hour tour offers an in-depth, personalized look at Girona’s highlights. Starting at Carrer dels Calderers, your guide will lead you through the Jewish quarter, the old city walls, and the iconic Eiffel Bridge. The private format is perfect for those who want a more relaxed pace and tailored storytelling, plus the convenience of a flexible schedule.
Reviewers like Julia praise her detailed knowledge and ability to answer all questions. This tour caters to travelers who prefer a private, comfortable, and customizable approach to exploring Girona’s layered history.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a private, detailed overview without rushing through the highlights.
9. Walking Tour in Girona History and Gastronomy with Tasting
This 3.5-hour walking combines Girona’s historical sights with regional gastronomy. The tour covers the Jewish Quarter, the Cathedral, Arab Baths, and the famous Rambla. It ends with tastings of cheeses, sausages, and regional wines, giving you a full flavor of Girona’s culinary traditions.
Miguel’s engaging storytelling and the chance to try local products make this a top pick for food and history enthusiasts alike. The tour is a good balance of walking, learning, and tasting, especially suitable for travelers eager to connect with Girona through its flavors and stories.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a relaxed, tasting-focused approach to Girona’s history.
10. From Girona: Besalú, Banyoles & Historical Garrotxa Day Trip
For travelers wanting to explore beyond Girona, this full-day trip visits Castellfollit de la Roca, Besalú, and Lake Banyoles. The guide will point out medieval bridges, scenic viewpoints, and the spectacular volcanic landscape of Garrotxa. It’s a scenic, history-rich day for those who enjoy combining nature with medieval towns.
Guests mention how knowledgeable Dani and Quimi are, making the experience lively and informative. It’s a fantastic option for a broader Catalonian adventure that still emphasizes history and local culture.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded day trip suited for travelers looking to mix history, scenery, and small-town charm.
11. Girona: History and Gastronomy Small Group with Tastings
This small-group tour combines a walking tour with tastings of cheeses, wines, and regional dishes. It covers Girona’s key sights like the Rambla, the bridges, and the Jewish quarter, with a focus on local flavors. Guides like Miguel or Monica make the stories lively and accessible, making it a good choice for travelers who want a more relaxed, food-oriented experience.
The tour’s value lies in its combination of cultural sightseeing and tasting, and reviews commend the guides’ insights and warm approach. It’s ideal for those who want to learn about Girona’s history through its cuisine.
Bottom Line: A flavorful way to explore Girona’s history while sampling its best local products.
12. Girona – Private Historic Walking Tour
This private 2-hour tour offers a quick, personalized look at Girona’s most famous sights, including the Eiffel Bridge, Jewish quarter, and the cathedral. The intimate format allows you to customize the route and focus on what interests you most. Reviewers note how guides like Julia make the experience engaging and tailored.
Ideal for travelers short on time but wanting a private, meaningful introduction to Girona’s historic core. It’s a quick yet comprehensive way to get your bearings and learn the highlights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a private, efficient overview of Girona’s essential sights.
$442.00 per group (up to 15)
How to Choose Your Girona Historical Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time available, and specific interests. If you love in-depth cultural stories, the Jewish Heritage tours and private options provide rich detail. For a quick overview with local flavor, the walking and food tour offers a lively introduction.
For those with a full day, the Girona and Besalú Jewish History Tour provides a comprehensive experience. Budget travelers may prefer the more economical small-group tours or the short private options.
If you’re interested in combining history with scenic views, consider the day trips to nearby towns and natural landscapes. Booking early is smart, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time slots.
Final Thoughts
Girona offers a rich tapestry of history, from Roman relics to medieval Jewish life and Game of Thrones filming locations. Whether you prefer a guided small-group walk or a private customized tour, there’s an experience tailored for every curiosity and schedule. For history buffs, the city’s well-preserved sites and stories make every step a journey back in time. For food lovers, tours combining local flavors with cultural sights enrich the experience.
If you want to make the most of your visit, consider booking your tour well in advance. Girona’s historical charm is best appreciated with a knowledgeable guide, and the sooner you lock in your spot, the more confident you can be about exploring this fascinating city.
Enjoy your trip—Girona’s history is waiting to tell you its stories.