Day Trip to Girona & Dalí Museum in Figueres, Barcelona

Head outside the city to visit two amazing nearby towns, Girona and Figueres. The medieval city of Girona holds historical roots in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures, and you can visit sites like the Arab baths and Girona Cathedral. Then head farther north to Figueres, the hometown of artist Salvador Dalí and where you’ll visit the surrealist museum he designed.

A visit to both Girona and Figueres is an excellent day trip from Barcelona. Both cities offer unique historic roots and pay homage to the Costa Brava's most famous resident, Salvador Dalí. You'll start by taking the train from Barcelona to Girona, all arranged beforehand by your guide. The train takes about 40 minutes and zips northeast through the countryside. Upon arrival in Girona, your guide will be waiting for you at the train station.

Enjoy strolling through Girona's colorful and historic streets, listening to your guide share details about the city's past. Your first stop will be the 12th-century Banys Àrabs, Arab baths, which offer a glimpse at how Muslim culture influenced Girona's development. Though some of the site features ruins, a beautiful dome covers the central pool, both perfectly preserved. Then, make your way through the Jewish Quarter, once home to nearly 150 Jewish families until their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Today it remains well preserved, containing a web of narrow medieval alleyways that wind through the old neighborhood. 

You'll also visit the Girona Cathedral, an impressive structure with the hallmarks of varying architectural styles. The cathedral is home to the sacred Chapel of Narcism, the patron saint of Girona, and to the magnificent 11th-century Tapestry of the Creation, considered a true masterpiece of medieval artwork. And, no modern tour of Girona would be complete without mentioning the most popular Game of Thrones series. Your guide will show you important filming locations if you wish. 

After walking around Girona, you can enjoy a bit of time on your own to continue exploring the city or grab a bite to eat. Your guide is happy to recommend a few delicious eateries for lunch. Then, it's time to hop on the train with your guide to Figueres, a small town near the French border and the famous hometown of artist Salvador Dalí. 

Your destination in Figueres is the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí (Dalí Museum), which you'll reach after strolling through the city's streets and listening to your guide detail the city's history. Dalí designed the museum himself, choosing the site atop the old municipal theater's ruins. The museum offers quite a unique experience that allows you to better understand the artist's mind and view his painting. The site holds the most paintings by Dalí than any other place in the world, plus the crypt where the artist was laid to rest. 

At the end of the day, your guide will accompany you back to the train station in Figueres with tickets and instructions on how to return to Barcelona.