Girona: Small Group Jewish History Tour of Girona and Besalú

Exploring the rich Jewish heritage of Girona and Besalú is a captivating experience. This small group tour, led by an expert local guide, offers an immersive journey through the region’s storied past. Visitors will explore the historical significance of the Jewish Museum of Girona, stroll through the medieval Jewish quarter, and discover the remarkable 13th-century mikveh and synagogue in Besalú. With limited group size and inclusions like lunch and comfortable transportation, this seven-hour adventure promises insights that may just leave you yearning for more.

Key Points

• This small group tour provides a guided exploration of Girona’s well-preserved medieval Jewish quarter and the significant 13th-century Jewish sites in Besalú.
• Tour includes a one-hour guided visit to the Jewish Museum of Girona, followed by a two-hour guided tour of Girona’s Jewish quarter.
• Participants will have the opportunity to discover the 13th-century mikveh and synagogue in Besalú during a 105-minute guided tour.
• The tour is limited to 6 participants and is available in English and Spanish, with skip-the-line access to the museum and mikveh.
• The tour is led by an expert local guide and includes bottled water, lunch, and entrance fees to the historical sites.

Tour Overview

Beginning with a guided visit to the Jewish Museum of Girona, this small-group tour explores the well-preserved medieval Jewish quarter of Girona and the historic town of Besalú, home to a 13th-century mikveh, a ritual bath.

Over the course of 7 hours, you’ll explore the rich Jewish history of the region, led by an expert local guide. The tour is limited to 6 participants and offered in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include skip-the-line access to the museum and mikveh, as well as the picturesque Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Itinerary Details

The tour commences at two different starting locations: Carrer d’En Jaume Pons Martí, 30Acc for the Game of Thrones walking tour, and El Call in Girona.

It then takes participants on a guided visit to the Jewish Museum of Girona, lasting approximately one hour.

Afterward, they’ll embark on a two-hour guided tour of the Jewish quarter in Girona.

The group will then travel by van for 35 minutes to reach Besalú, where they’ll take a 105-minute guided tour, including a visit to the 13th-century mikveh.

Historical Significance

Girona’s medieval Jewish quarter is considered the best-preserved in Europe, a testament to the thriving Jewish community that lived there until their expulsion in 1492. The Jewish History Museum is located near the site of the last synagogue in Girona, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich Jewish heritage. Plus, the town of Besalú houses a significant mikveh and synagogue dating back to the 13th century, which was declared a national historic and artistic site in 1966.

Historical Sites	Significance
Girona’s Jewish Quarter	Best-preserved medieval Jewish quarter in Europe
Girona’s Jewish History Museum	Located near the last synagogue, showcases local Jewish heritage
Besalú’s 13th-century Mikveh and Synagogue	Declared a national historic and artistic site in 1966

Tour Highlights

Visitors can explore the medieval streets of Girona and Besalú, capturing the charm of ancient architecture. They’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Museum of Jewish History and the mikveh in Besalú with skip-the-line tickets. On top of that, they’ll experience the picturesque Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River, a notable landmark.

The tour highlights include:

• Taking in the well-preserved medieval Jewish quarter of Girona

• Discovering the significant 13th-century mikveh and synagogue in Besalú

• Witnessing the architectural beauty and historical significance of the sites

• Gaining insights into the rich Jewish heritage of the region through an expert local guide

Inclusions and Important Information

This tour includes an expert local guide, bottled water, and lunch. Plus, entrance fees to the Museum of Jewish History and the mikveh in Besalú are covered. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking through medieval streets. It’s worth noting that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets and smoking are not allowed.

Inclusions	Details
Guide	Expert local guide
Refreshments	Bottled water
Meal	Lunch provided
Entrance Fees	Museum of Jewish History and mikveh
What to Bring	Comfortable walking shoes

Starting Locations

The tour departs from two starting locations in Girona: Carrer d’En Jaume Pons Martí, 30Acc, the meeting point for the Game of Thrones walking tour, and El Call, the historic Jewish quarter. This allows participants to easily access the tour and provides a convenient starting point.

The tour includes:

• A guided visit to the Jewish Museum of Girona

• A guided tour of the Jewish quarter in Girona

• Travel to Besalú, a nearby town with a significant Jewish heritage

• A guided tour of Besalú, including a visit to the 13th-century mikveh

These starting locations ensure a seamless and immersive experience for participants, as they explore the rich Jewish history of the region.

Tour Components

The tour begins with a guided visit to the Jewish Museum of Girona, where participants can explore the history and culture of the region’s Jewish community. This initial stop lasts approximately one hour and provides valuable context for the rest of the tour.

Next, the group embarks on a two-hour guided tour of the Jewish quarter in Girona, seeing the charming medieval streets and uncovering the remnants of the once-thriving Jewish population.

After this, the tour departs for Besalú, a 35-minute van ride away. Here, you will explore the 13th-century mikveh, a ritual bath, and other significant Jewish historical sites over the course of 105 minutes.

Drop-off Locations

At the end of the tour, participants are dropped off at two locations: the starting point of the Game of Thrones walking tour on Carrer d’En Jaume Pons Martí, 30Acc, as well as the main stop in Girona. This ensures a convenient return to the starting point for those interested in exploring the locations made famous by the popular TV series.

Participants can then:

• Revisit the Game of Thrones filming locations on their own
• Discover more of Girona’s charming medieval streets
• Explore the city’s vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants
• Plan their next adventure in the historic Catalan region

The drop-off points provide seamless connectivity, allowing travelers to continue their exploration of Girona and its rich Jewish heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour. However, there may be restrictions in certain areas, such as the Jewish Museum or the mikveh, to respect the sanctity of the sites. It’s best to check with the guide.

Is There a Dress Code for the Jewish Sites?

There is typically no formal dress code for Jewish historical sites, but visitors are generally expected to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Loose, comfortable clothing that respects the sacred nature of the sites is recommended.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, this tour offers a private option. Guests can arrange a private tour for their group, which provides a more personalized experience with the expert guide. Private tours are available upon request and may incur an additional fee.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can typically be customized to accommodate individual preferences. Customers can discuss specific changes to the itinerary with the tour operator, who will work to create a personalized experience within the tour’s overall structure.

How Many Breaks Are Included During the Tour?

The tour includes a breaks for lunch, but doesn’t specify any other breaks. The tour is a 7-hour comprehensive experience, so guests may have opportunities to rest during the van transfers between locations.

Recap

This captivating small group tour offers an immersive exploration of Girona and Besalú’s rich Jewish heritage.

Led by an expert local guide, the experience includes visits to the Jewish Museum, medieval Jewish quarter, and the remarkable 13th-century mikveh and synagogue.

With limited group size and convenient travel, this seven-hour adventure provides valuable insights into the historical significance of these sites.