We’re Barcelola Tours, an Israeli-Jewish agency based in the heart of Barcelona.
Since 2017, we’ve been offering exceptional guided tours that bring the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems to life. Our team of experienced Israeli guides is passionate about sharing their deep knowledge of Barcelona, with a special focus on Jewish heritage.
Beyond Barcelona, we also take travelers on fascinating day trips to Girona and Besalú, uncovering the rich Jewish legacy of these towns.
We are also actively involved in the Israeli-Jewish community in Barcelona, collaborating with educational institutions and the younger generation. We organize special tours and activities to introduce them to the beauty and history of our city.
Our services
We are delighted to offer our services in Barcelona and Catalunya to a wide range of travelers, including individual tourists, groups, business travelers, school trips, and more.
Our standard tours typically span between two to three hours, however, we are also happy to customize longer tours to meet your specific needs and interests. Whether you are drawn to iconic attractions like the Sagrada Familia or have a desire to delve into lesser-known neighborhoods, we offer a variety of tours to cater to your individual preferences.
Here are some examples of our tours:
Jewish Walking Tour:
Jewish history in Spain begins in ancient times when Jews migrated to this land during the Roman Empire. Its peak was in the 13th century, during the Islamic era, a period characterized by intellectual, spiritual, religious, and economic flourishing, known as the Golden Age. Important rabbis served in key roles and influenced Spanish society and history as a whole.
The Jewish Quarter in Barcelona is called “Call,” and although there is no Jewish community in the area today, the narrow streets tell their stories of generations. Some say that if one puts their ear to the walls of the Jewish Quarter and concentrates, they can hear the vibrant sounds of Jewish life that once thrived here. In our tour, “The Jewish Story,” we will wander among the streets, learn about the Jewish history in Spain in general and Barcelona in particular, see the ancient synagogue, the King’s Square where the famous debate of the Ramban took place, Jewish tombstones, mezuzah niches on the houses, the Jewish museum, the Mikveh, Chabad House, and many more surprises.
Day Tour to Girona & Besalú – Medieval Charm and Jewish Heritage
Join us for a magical day trip as we travel back in time to two of the most beautiful and fascinating towns in Catalunya: Girona and Besalú. This is a day filled with history, culture, stunning architecture, and moving stories of Jewish life that still echo through ancient stone alleys.
Girona – The City of a Thousand Sieges and a Thousand Stories
We begin our day in Girona, a picturesque and captivating city with a rich past. Thanks to its strategic location, it earned the nickname “The City of a Thousand Sieges”, coveted by invaders across the centuries – and even by the creators of Game of Thrones, who filmed parts of its sixth season here.
As we wander through streets where time seems to have stood still, we’ll visit the impressive cathedral, cross romantic bridges over serene rivers, and admire the architectural layers that tell centuries of stories.
A key part of our visit is dedicated to Girona’s Jewish Quarter – one of the best-preserved in Europe. Here, we’ll uncover the story of a thriving medieval Jewish community, follow in the footsteps of the great Jewish scholar Nahmanides (Ramban), and explore the deep Kabbalistic and spiritual traditions that flourished here. Some say that if you press your ear to the stone walls and listen closely, you might still hear echoes of the vibrant Jewish life that once filled these streets.
Besalú – A Fairytale Town and a 12th-Century Mikveh
After a relaxing lunch break, we continue to the enchanting town of Besalú – a medieval gem that feels straight out of a storybook. With fewer than 2,500 residents today, its historical charm is truly timeless.
Crossing the iconic 12th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River, we’ll step into the old town, where cobblestone alleys, stone houses, and ancient squares transport us back hundreds of years.
In Besalú, we’ll delve into another chapter of Jewish history. We’ll stroll through the Jewish Quarter, discover one of Europe’s oldest and best-preserved mikvehs (ritual baths), and uncover the legacy of a once-flourishing Jewish community. Though the synagogue no longer stands, subtle traces of its presence remain.
Gaudi Tour: Exploring the incredible architecture of Antoni Gaudi, including iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo.
Graffiti Tour: Diving into the vibrant street art scene of Barcelona, discovering the city's most impressive graffiti and murals.
Culinary Tours: Immerse yourself in the world of Spanish cuisine with our culinary tours, where you can savor the flavors of Barcelona through tapas, wine, and local specialties.
Children's Tour: A family-friendly tour designed to engage young travelers and introduce them to the wonders of Barcelona in an interactive and educational way.
Night Tours: Experiencing the magic of Barcelona after the sun sets, with guided tours that showcase the city's nightlife, illuminated landmarks, and cultural hotspots.
Bicycle Tour: Pedal through the streets of Barcelona, exploring its neighborhoods and attractions at a leisurely pace while enjoying the city's unique charm.
Football Tour: Diving into the world of soccer by visiting Barcelona's famous Camp Nou stadium and other football-related sites.
Operations
In addition to our wide range of tours and activities, we are happy to offer additional services to enhance your travel experience.
We can assist with various aspects of travel planning, including airport transfers, ticket reservations for popular attractions and recommendations for Kosher food. Our aim is to ensure that you have a seamless and hassle-free journey from the moment you arrive in Barcelona,
Please notice, Our services are thoughtfully designed to accommodate diverse travelers, welcoming adults, young travelers, and children alike.
Please don't hesitate to contact us!