Girona & Dali Museum Day Trip from Barcelona with Pickup

Summary

Walk Girona’s ancient lanes then lose yourself in Dalí’s wild museum

You’ll wander Girona’s winding alleys and climb its ancient walls with a local guide before heading to Figueres for skip-the-line entry at the Dali Museum—giant eggs on rooftops included. Expect hotel pickup in Barcelona, small group company, and stories that stick with you long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

We got picked up right outside our apartment in Barcelona—no scrambling for taxis or anything, just a quick hello from our guide, Marta, and we were off. I didn’t realize how quickly the city would fade into those rolling Catalan hills. Marta pointed out the Gaudí houses on Passeig de Gràcia as we left—she told us a story about Batlló’s balconies looking like carnival masks. I probably wouldn’t have noticed if she hadn’t said it. The drive went by fast; I kept watching the light change through the bus window, that kind of soft gold you get on early mornings outside the city.

Girona surprised me. It smells faintly of coffee and stone dust, especially in the Old Town where every step echoes a little. We wandered through these narrow alleys—El Call, the Jewish Quarter—and I tried to imagine what it was like centuries ago, but honestly I mostly just tried not to trip on the cobbles. The cathedral is massive up close (Game of Thrones fans were whispering about it), but my favorite part was walking along the old city walls. You can see all those red roofs and laundry lines flapping in the breeze, and there was this one moment where everything went quiet except for someone playing guitar down below. Kind of stuck with me.

After lunch (I grabbed a bocadillo from a tiny bakery Marta recommended), we drove to Figueres for the Dali Theatre-Museum. Even from outside it looks…well, weird—in a good way? Giant eggs on the roof and these golden mannequins everywhere. Inside, it felt like stepping straight into someone else’s dream: melting clocks, mirrors everywhere, rooms that make you laugh because they’re so strange. Our guide told us Dalí actually designed it all himself on top of an old theater he loved as a kid. There was this one jewel—a heart that beats when you press a button—that made everyone giggle.

I still think about that walk along Girona’s walls sometimes—the way you can see so much history layered together in one view. And then Dalí’s museum just flips your brain upside down after all that medieval calm. If you’re into art or history (or just want to see something different), this day trip from Barcelona really does both without feeling rushed or too touristy. Plus: not having to worry about transport or tickets is honestly underrated.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Barcelona to Girona and Figueres tour

• Pick up from Barcelona accommodation
• Pass by Barcelona city highlights
• Walk Girona Old Town streets
• See colorful houses on Onyar River
• Visit Girona Jewish Quarter (El Call)
• Explore Girona city walls
• Visit Girona Cathedral
• See Museum of Archaeology and Arab Baths
• Travel to Figueres town
• Explore Dalí Theatre-Museum
• Visit Dalí Joyas exhibition

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Barcelona to Girona & Dali Museum?

The tour typically lasts a full day, starting with pickup between 8 and 9 am and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Girona & Dali Museum tour?

Yes, hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off within Barcelona city are included in your booking.

Do I need to buy tickets separately for the Dali Museum?

No, entrance fees for the Dali Theatre-Museum are included with your guided tour.

How big is the group on this day trip?

The tour runs as a small group experience with a maximum of 8 people per group.

Are there lots of steps or walking involved in Girona?

Yes, expect some walking over uneven cobblestone streets and climbing stairs along Girona’s old city walls.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No set lunch is included; you’ll have free time to grab food at local spots recommended by your guide.

Can children join this day trip from Barcelona?

Yes! Children are welcome; let them know ages ahead so they can arrange proper child seats if needed.

Are skip-the-line tickets included for attractions?

Skip-the-line entry is provided at the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup and drop-off in Barcelona, guided walking tours through both Girona and Figueres led by a knowledgeable local guide, skip-the-line entry to the Dali Theatre-Museum, plus plenty of time to explore at your own pace before heading back home together.