Girona: Small Group Jewish History Tour Of Girona And Besalú

Discover the captivating Jewish history of Girona and Besalú on this immersive small-group tour. Venture into the Museum of Jewish History, uncover the secrets of the ancient mikveh, and gain a deeper understanding of the medieval Jewish community‘s impact on the region. With engaging local guides, you’ll explore the legacy left behind by those who once called this area home – a story of resilience and cultural richness that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. But what happened during the fateful events of 1492? To find out, you’ll need to embark on this enlightening journey.

Key Points

This small group tour offers an immersive exploration of the Jewish heritage in the medieval Catalan towns of Girona and Besalú.
Guided visits to the Museum of Jewish History in Girona and the 13th-century mikveh in Besalú provide insights into the region’s thriving Jewish community.
The tour duration is 7 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required.
Expert local guides engage participants through storytelling and provide commentary on the impact of the 1492 expulsion and ongoing discoveries.
The tour is suitable for history enthusiasts and those seeking a cultural understanding, though it may pose difficulties for visitors with mobility challenges.

Tour Overview

This small group Jewish history tour of Girona and Besalú provides a comprehensive 7-hour exploration of the region’s rich Jewish heritage.

Priced at $151.95 per person, the tour is limited to just 6 participants and is offered in English and Spanish.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot without any upfront payment.

The tour takes you through the well-preserved medieval Jewish quarter in Girona, the Museum of Jewish History, and the historic mikveh and synagogue in Besalú.

With transportation between sites included, this immersive experience promises an in-depth look at the area’s captivating Jewish past.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at either Carrer d’En Jaume Pons Martí, 30Acc (the starting point for the Game of Thrones walking tour) or El Call in Girona’s historic Jewish quarter.

Participants then embark on a guided tour of the Museum of Jewish History, seeing the region’s captivating Jewish past for approximately one hour.

Next, the group travels by van for 35 minutes to the town of Besalú, where they’ll explore the 13th-century mikveh, a traditional Jewish ritual bath, for 105 minutes.

The tour then returns to the starting locations, with the same van transportation between sites, providing a comprehensive look at the enduring Jewish heritage of these medieval Catalan towns.

Historical Significance

Girona boasts the best-preserved Medieval Jewish quarter in Europe, known as the ‘call dels jueus‘, a testament to the region’s rich Jewish heritage. This historic district, with its winding streets and ancient synagogues, offers a glimpse into the thriving Jewish community that once flourished here.

Nearby Besalú, a picturesque medieval town, is home to a well-preserved 13th-century mikveh, a traditional Jewish ritual bath that has been a national historic site since 1966.

Together, these sites provide a fascinating window into the impact of the 1492 expulsion and the ongoing discoveries that continue to shed light on the vibrant Jewish presence in these Catalan towns.

Highlights

Guided exploration of Girona’s historic Jewish quarter and the Jewish History Museum offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich Jewish heritage.

Nearby, the ancient mikveh in Besalú allows travelers to step back in time and experience medieval architecture, including a striking Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià river.

The tour provides an immersive learning experience, revealing the impact of the 1492 expulsion and ongoing discoveries in both towns.

Participants can expect engaging commentary from expert local guides, who bring the history to life through vivid storytelling.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural tapestry, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Girona and Besalú’s Jewish past.

Inclusions

This tour includes an expert local guide who provides engaging commentary and brings the history to life through vivid storytelling.

Bottled water and lunch are also provided, ensuring participants stay hydrated and refueled throughout the experience.

Plus, entrance fees for both the Museum of Jewish History in Girona and the mikveh in Besalú are covered, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the region’s rich Jewish heritage.

The guided exploration of Girona’s historic Jewish quarter and the ancient mikveh in Besalú offer a unique opportunity to explore the area’s captivating past, complemented by the convenience of included transportation and admission costs.

Accessibility

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as the cobblestone streets and uneven terrain in the historic districts may present accessibility challenges. Travelers with mobility concerns should consider this limitation when booking the experience. The meeting point for the tour is located in the Plaça Sant Feliu, beside The River Caffe in the old quarter of Girona. This central location is easily accessible by public transportation, although the narrow streets and stairs leading to the Jewish quarter may pose difficulties for some visitors.

Accessibility	Details
Wheelchair Access	Not Suitable
Walking Requirements	Moderate
Stairs/Inclines	Present
Public Transportation	Available
Tour Meeting Point	Plaça Sant Feliu

Booking Information

Travelers can book this 7-hour Jewish history tour of Girona and Besalú for $151.95 per person.

The tour has a limited group size of up to 6 participants and is available in both English and Spanish. Visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment and benefit from a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour starts from two convenient locations – Carrer d’En Jaume Pons Martí, 30Acc and El Call in Girona.

After exploring Girona’s historic Jewish quarter and the Jewish History Museum, the group will travel to the nearby town of Besalú to visit its 13th-century mikveh and synagogue.

Guests can look forward to an insightful journey through the region’s rich Jewish heritage.

Getting There

To reach the starting locations for the Jewish history tour, visitors can either drive or take public transportation.

The tour departs from two convenient spots in Girona’s old quarter – Carrer d’En Jaume Pons Martí, 30Acc, where the Game of Thrones walking tour begins, and El Call, the historic Jewish neighborhood.

For those driving, parking can be found in the vicinity of the meeting points. Alternatively, Girona has an efficient bus network, and the tour starting points are easily accessible by public transit.

The tour guide will be on-site at the designated meeting places to greet participants and ensure a smooth start to the day’s exploration of Girona and Besalú’s rich Jewish heritage.

Things To Known

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows for last-minute changes and provides peace of mind when booking the tour.

Are Any Dietary Requirements Accommodated?

The tour provider accommodates dietary requirements if notified in advance. Vegetarian, vegan, and kosher meal options are available upon request to ensure all participants can fully enjoy the included lunch during the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour company offers private tours that can be tailored to the group’s interests and schedule. They’ll work with you to create a personalized experience.

What Is the Age Range of Participants on This Tour?

The age range of participants on this tour is not explicitly stated, but it’s likely suitable for adults of all ages who are interested in the Jewish history of Girona and Besalú. The small group size allows for a personalized experience.

Is There Any Option to Extend or Shorten the Tour Duration?

The tour duration is fixed at 7 hours and can’t be extended or shortened. However, customers can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if they need more flexibility.