Girona turns into Westeros in one day. You follow Game of Thrones filming locations on foot through medieval lanes that look like they were built for King’s Landing and Braavos, with stop-by-stop scene guidance. I especially like the way the day mixes show locations with real local wandering, plus a small-group vibe that makes the photo stops feel personal.

Two highlights I’d put at the top: the character trail across Girona (Arya, Jaime, Cersei, and Margaery show up in the route), and the food. You get Jaime’s golden hand ice cream and a proper 3-course lunch in Blanes with housemade sangria.

One thing to plan for: Girona is not flat. Expect lots of steps and hills, and you’ll want comfy shoes.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Girona as King’s Landing and Braavos, with recognizable stops like the Sept of Baelor steps
• Photo-based scene spotting so you can match filming locations to what you remember on screen
• Jaime’s golden hand ice cream, shaped like the Golden Hand on a popsicle stick
• Blanes lunch with housemade sangria in a family-run restaurant setting
• Castillo de Garcimunoz views, with medieval ruins from the 13th and 14th centuries
• Max 15 travelers and an English-only guide, so the day stays organized without feeling rushed

From Palau de la Música to Girona: the rhythm of the day

Your day starts in central Barcelona at C/ Palau de la Música, 1 in Ciutat Vella. You meet around 8:45am, use the restrooms, and can grab a quick coffee before boarding. The guide then sets expectations and gives a quick overview of what the route will focus on.

At 9:00am you leave Barcelona, driving out through the Eixample district. There’s about an hour on the road, and you’ll get background on Barcelona and Catalonia as you travel. It’s a good chunk of time to settle in, especially if you’re coming from a packed first day in the city.

Once you arrive in Girona, the tour shifts gears fast: walking, scene spotting, and short bursts of free time. The pacing is part of the value here. You’re not stuck listening for hours in a bus. You’re moving through the town while the guide helps you connect the dots between medieval streets and the show’s sets.

Girona’s medieval streets turn into King’s Landing and Braavos

Girona is the star of the day, and it works because the old town is compact, photogenic, and full of texture. The guide takes you through the town like a map of Game of Thrones memories, linking locations to key moments and characters. You’ll focus on the trails for Arya, Jaime, Cersei, and Margaery, with stops tied to filming spots you recognize.

One of the most fun parts is how the guide uses photos to help you visualize what was shot where. Instead of just pointing at buildings, they help you see the transformation. You’ll also get reference points for settings that feel like King’s Landing and Braavos, including the famous-style steps of the Sept of Baelor.

Then comes the part that makes this more than a checklist: Girona doesn’t just look like a TV set. It also rewards the slow walk. After the guided portion, you get time to wander independently through the medieval alleys, the Jewish neighborhood, and toward the waterfront. Even if you’re more interested in local history than TV drama, this free time is the moment you can shift into sightseeing mode.

A practical heads-up: Girona has plenty of steps. Plan for uneven stone surfaces, staircases, and uphill bits. If you hate that kind of walking, this tour can still be worth it, but keep your expectations realistic and take it at your own pace.

Following the characters: how the guide makes the scenes click

This is where the small-group format really matters. With fewer people, your guide can spend a little more time on the scene connections, and you’re less likely to get left behind on stairs or at busy corners.

In the stops, the guide points out key spots tied to character journeys, and they help you connect what you see with what you remember on screen. Several guides have a knack for showing matching visuals at the approach to each filming location, so you’re not only relying on memory.

I like this approach because it turns sightseeing into an active game. You start looking at doorways, steps, and street angles as if you’re hunting framing cues. It’s also a nice way to enjoy the tour even if you’re not a hardcore fan. The town itself is the payoff, and the show references act like extra interpretive layers.

If you’re traveling with kids, this character angle can help keep attention. The day gives plenty of “spot it” moments rather than one long lecture.

Jaime’s golden hand ice cream: a snack that’s actually part of the story

Yes, it’s fun. But it’s also a smart pacing tool. The route includes a break for Jaime’s golden hand ice cream on a popsicle stick, which you get during the Girona portion.

Two things make this stop feel worth it:

• It’s tied directly to the show, so it lands as a payoff after the walking and scene spotting.
• The description is specific: it’s shaped like Jaime’s Golden Hand and created by a Michelin-starred chef.

Is it a life-changing dessert? Maybe not. But as a memorable travel moment, it works. It gives you a clear “this is what you came for” item without feeling like a tourist trap.

If you’re sensitive to sugar, this is still an easy win. You can take your time, grab water, and use the stop to reset your energy before the rest of the day.

Blanes lunch and sangria: Costa Brava without the tourist crowds

After Girona, the tour heads to Blanes, the gateway area to the Costa Brava. This is where the day smooths out. You trade old-town stairs for coastal air, and you get a real meal instead of snack-hopping.

Lunch is included and built as a 3-course restaurant stop. It’s held at a family-run local restaurant, with housemade sangria served by the owner on arrival. Then you move through local starters, main courses, and dessert.

I like that the lunch isn’t just an extra. It’s part of the cultural experience: you’re sitting down with food that fits the region, not just grabbing something quick near a landmark. If you’re booking from Barcelona, this kind of included meal is where a day trip starts to feel like a value instead of an expensive taxi ride.

Also, the tour doesn’t rush the whole meal. You’re given time to eat and reset, which matters when you’ve already been walking in Girona for hours.

Castillo de Garcimunoz: the medieval finale with sea views

The last stop is the Castillo de Garcimunoz, a medieval castle site with structures dating to the 13th and 14th centuries. You visit in the late afternoon, with time to wander the ruins and enjoy the views over the area.

This stop works for two reasons. First, it changes the scenery. After Girona’s tight medieval streets and Blanes’ meal break, you get open-air views and wide sightlines. Second, castles are one of those travel formats that feel educational without being boring. Even if the day is framed around Game of Thrones, the castle itself has a real sense of time and stone.

Expect a bit of walking at the castle and uneven ground, because it’s ruins. But it’s also the kind of location where taking photos doesn’t feel awkward. The setting helps you frame the whole “day trip to Westeros” story with a real medieval backdrop.

Price and logistics: does $127 buy real value?

At $127.03 per person, you’re paying for a full day that includes:

• Guide and air-conditioned vehicle
• Ice cream (Jaime’s golden hand)
• Lunch in Blanes with housemade sangria
• Guided filming-location routing across Girona
• A final medieval castle visit

That sounds like a lot because it is. The value part comes from the combination: you get transport out of Barcelona, a guided plan once you reach Girona, and an included meal that would cost real money on its own.

Where the cost can feel less justified is if you’re the type who hates structured stops or can’t handle stairs. But if you’re willing to walk and you want a guided route that helps you see how a TV world maps onto real streets, the price starts to make sense.

Also note what’s not included: hotel pickup and drop-off. You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point in central Barcelona. The good news is the start location is near public transportation, and the tour ends back at Plaça de Catalunya, which is easy to reconnect from.

Who should book this Girona Game of Thrones tour

Book it if you want:

• A one-day plan that mixes Game of Thrones filming sites with genuine sightseeing
• A small-group guide who can help you match scenes to real corners
• A day with included food so you’re not scrambling for lunch after walking

You might skip it if:

• You dislike stairs and uphill walking (Girona can be tough underfoot)
• You only want one or two photos and then want to roam entirely on your own
• You’re not interested in any show tie-ins at all (you can still enjoy Girona, but the tour is clearly built around the series)

If you’re traveling with a mix of fans and non-fans, this is one of the better compromises. The town itself is the anchor, and the show elements act like guided interpretation rather than the only reason you’re there.

Should you book this Girona and Blanes day trip?

My take: I’d book it if you’re in Barcelona with limited time and you want a day that feels like more than a drive-by. The sweet spot is the balance. Girona gives you the medieval walk and the photo moments tied to major character stops. Blanes gives you a proper included lunch with sangria. The castle gives you a strong final visual.

If you hate stairs, plan for slower movement and better shoes. If you’re a fan, you’ll have a grin on your face every time a familiar street angle shows up. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the day because Girona and the Costa Brava are the main attraction, with the show references as extra context.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point in Barcelona?

You’ll meet at C/ Palau de la Música, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08010 Barcelona.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00am.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour ends in Plaça Catalunya in Barcelona (around 5:30pm to 5:45pm), where it’s easy to take the metro or a taxi.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is English only.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included for lunch in Blanes?

Lunch is included at a restaurant in Blanes, with a 3-course meal and housemade sangria.

Is the ice cream included, and what is it?

Yes. Ice cream is included: Ser Jaime’s golden hand on a popsicle stick.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.