Our Core Values
Touring Like
a Local
Cities are best experienced with a local! We go beyond the landmarks and tour script to help travelers experience Barcelona like a local–intuitively, authentically, and with insider perspective.
Prioritizing Our Clients
We strive to treat every guest with warmth, flexibility, and care–tailoring each experience to their needs, pace, and interests. Your comfort, enjoyment, and trust matter most to us.
Connecting Through Shared Experiences
It is the people that make each of our tours unique. We love learning from and with our guests–creating memorable experiences through real connection, hands-on discovery, and a shared sense of wonder.
Personalized. Fun. Friendly.
Barcelona Experience: Your Personal Day Tour & Shore Excursion Experts
Why? Because we believe that your private tour – walking, biking or driving – should be an experience founded on friendly guides with insider’s knowledge, custom-tailored itineraries and a level of exclusivity and flexibility that lets you see the city of Barcelona the way you want to see it.
Our goal: to create meaningful, personalized experiences that connect people to the heart of Barcelona and each other.
Our Founder
All adventures begin with one step. Read about how it began.
Client Gallery
View pictures of past clients during their Barcelona Experience.
Testimonials
Hear what people have to say about there experience.
Bike Tours
Private, exclusive go-at your-own-pace Barcelona bike tours.
FAQ
Find all your questions regarding our services answered here.
Private Shore Excursions:
Why Barcelona Experience?
Fun
Laugh. Smile. Feel your sense of adventure and wonder emerge. We talk with you to find the right balance of information and imagination for your private shore excursion. We don't bury you under thousands of years of historical facts and figures. Unless, of course, you want us to!
Reliability for Cruisers
Peace-of-mind is a cornerstone of our service. Since 2003, the Barcelona Experience team has taken thousands of groups from ship to shore and back again. We pick you up on time. We drop you off on time. You'll never miss the boat.
Exclusivity
You won't be herded along with dozens of other tourists; just you or your small group and our enthusiastic expert exploring the city. At times, you'll feel more like a Barcelona resident than a visiting tourist.
Flexibility
We form a collaborative, realistic itinerary shaped around your preferences and needs. We're ready to accommodate you at a moment's notice. We show you the way, and you call the shots during your private Barcelona shore excursion.
Efficiency
No wasting time. Our focus is to maximize your tour by taking you to the places that matter. We pare away the fluff to bring you the best information about Barcelona's buildings and byways.
Variety
Our flexible itineraries allow you to choose your own slate of activities during your time in Barcelona. Bikes, walking, cars, taxis or more unconventional means of travel; choose one, choose a few or choose them all.
Interactive
On our tours, we treat you like family. Ask questions and talk about your own experiences abroad and at home. We'll do the same. Our private shore excursions are less about us and more about you.
At Your Own Pace
You set the speed of your tour. Stay late at one stop, or leave early from another. You decide. We want you to enjoy the city at a pace that is most comfortable for you.
Quality Equipment
Poor equipment can ruin even the best tours. That's why our bikes are industry-leading and our private tour vans offer comfortable, reliable transportation.
Special Requests
Don't see something you want on your tour? Ask us about it. Whether it's a gala dinner in a historical building, special transportation or a sentimental side-trip; we'll do our best to make it happen. We love a good challenge!
Friendly & Easy-to-Understand Local Guides
We've got decades of first-hand Barcelona experience. Our team consists primarily of friendly native English-speakers, and also includes personable non-native English-speakers whose accents are easy to understand. You'll always know where you're going, what you're doing and what you're seeing.
Private Shore Excursions:
Why Barcelona Experience?
Fun
Laugh. Smile. Feel your sense of adventure and wonder emerge. We talk with you to find the right balance of information and imagination for your private shore excursion. We don't bury you under thousands of years of historical facts and figures. Unless, of course, you want us to!
Exclusivity
You won't be herded along with dozens of other tourists; just you or your small group and our enthusiastic expert exploring the city. At times, you'll feel more like a Barcelona resident than a visiting tourist.
Efficiency
No wasting time. Our focus is to maximize your tour by taking you to the places that matter. We pare away the fluff to bring you the best information about Barcelona's buildings and byways.
Interactive
On our tours, we treat you like family. Ask questions and talk about your own experiences abroad and at home. We'll do the same. Our private shore excursions are less about us and more about you.
Quality Equipment
Poor equipment can ruin even the best tours. That's why our bikes are industry-leading and our private tour vans offer comfortable, reliable transportation.
Friendly & Easy-to-Understand Local Guides
We've got decades of first-hand Barcelona experience. Our team consists primarily of friendly native English-speakers, and also includes personable non-native English-speakers whose accents are easy to understand. You'll always know where you're going, what you're doing and what you're seeing.
Reliability for Cruisers
Peace-of-mind is a cornerstone of our service. Since 2003, the Barcelona Experience team has taken thousands of groups from ship to shore and back again. We pick you up on time. We drop you off on time. You'll never miss the boat.
Flexibility
We form a collaborative, realistic itinerary shaped around your preferences and needs. We're ready to accommodate you at a moment's notice. We show you the way, and you call the shots during your private Barcelona shore excursion.
Variety
Our flexible itineraries allow you to choose your own slate of activities during your time in Barcelona. Bikes, walking, cars, taxis or more unconventional means of travel; choose one, choose a few or choose them all.
At Your Own Pace
You set the speed of your tour. Stay late at one stop, or leave early from another. You decide. We want you to enjoy the city at a pace that is most comfortable for you.
Special Requests
Don't see something you want on your tour? Ask us about it. Whether it's a gala dinner in a historical building, special transportation or a sentimental side-trip; we'll do our best to make it happen. We love a good challenge!
Our Founder
Gaston Magrinat:
Barcelona Experience Founder
All journeys begin with a single step.
Our first step came in 2003, when Gaston started Barcelona Experience.
Gaston was born in Spain but raised in the United States from the age of 8 where he graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Forestry. He then held various positions as a teacher and travel guide.
For 6 years, he worked as an outdoor wilderness guide for youth-at-risk teens in the wilderness of Idaho and the mountains of North Carolina. During that time, he also lived and traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Mexico and Central America.
In 1999, Gaston moved to Barcelona with his wife Damarih. His first position in Spain was teaching English to local students. But it wasn’t long before he realized that his true love was working with international visitors and showing them all the wonders of Barcelona.
“Most of my life has been spent travelling, working in the service industry, teaching in various capacities and as an outdoor guide to youth,” Gaston says. “My love of all these activities and my desire to share beautiful Barcelona with others led to the creation of Barcelona Experience.”
Growing Up Fast:
Day Tours and Shore Excursions
Over the years, Barcelona Experience has matured into a reliable, professional company offering day tours of various kinds: walking tours in the Old City and more, driving tours in Barcelona and beyond, tapas and wine tours, shopping tours, employee incentive programs, bike tours and bike rentals.
Gaston has also found a way to include his favorite hobby, photography, in the business. In addition to offering professional photography services to visitors for their weddings or other special events, he also shoots photos as he guides tours.
“I bring high-end cameras, various lenses and a flash with me,” he explains. “I capture all the highlights of the trip. I shoot loads of posed and candid photos of the guests. My customers tell me they end up with the best vacation photos. I love that I can help create these wonderful visual memories of their special time in Barcelona.”
Since its inception, Barcelona Experience has assisted hundreds of travelers from all over the world in getting the most out of their visit to the unique and magical city of Barcelona.
Gaston and Damarih are raising their two children, Gaston Jr. and Carla, in Barcelona.
Our Barcelona Day Tours Philosophy: Making You Feel At Home
Barcelona Experience is founded on the principle that each person or group is unique, having different interests, needs and expectations. We focus on these differences in order to produce a travel experience that is precisely matched to your preferences.
Each Barcelona day tour, shore excursion, Barcelona bike tour or any of the other services we provide focuses on the following philosophy of service:
- We provide a high-quality Barcelona Experience
- We custom-design our itineraries according to your desires
- We empower you to take full control of your trip
- We give you an exceptional level of personalized service
- We maximize your time in our beautiful city
- We value exclusivity and privacy
Client Gallery
Get an insider’s look at our clients’ private tour experiences. See pictures from our biking, walking, driving and employee incentive program shore excursions and day tours.
Check Out Our
Bike Tours
Private bike tours Barcelona: Small group sizes, first class quality bikes, personalized service…
Individuals, small or large groups, city bikes, electric bikes or mountain bike tours, if you want to ride, we have what you are looking for.
"We had a wonderful time with you when we were in Barcelona. Will be recommending you to all who will be going. What a great experience."
FAQ's
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about our Barcelona bike tours, rentals and other bike-related services.
Click on any of the headings below to reveal the questions.
Don`t find what you are looking for, contact us.
Barcelona Experience Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Barcelona Experience?
Our sole focus is to provide you with a high-quality, private travel experience tailored to your unique needs and interests. We excel in first-rate service, attention to detail, flexibility, adaptability and, most importantly, creating the itinerary you want. We take care of the details. You concentrate on having fun.
What do you offer?
Our primary service is creating and facilitating a completely unique experience for visitors to Barcelona. We do this by customizing your visit to your budget, interests, expectations and desires. We pay close attention to detail; provide professional, fun, and unique tours; travel services and event services.
Our guides know the best routes, follow traffic laws and are trained to navigate the city landscape with ease, safety and fun.
Who are you?
We are a group of experienced travelers who have decided to use their travel know-how and knowledge of Barcelona to create unique experiences for those in search of something different.
Who are you not?
We are not a travel agency offering pre-packaged tours that lack flexibility and imagination. All of our experiences are unique to the traveler. We are not interested in quantity, but rather in providing a high degree of quality service.
How does Barcelona Experience work for me?
We have in-depth knowledge of the city because we live here and we love it here. We choose for you up-to-date itineraries that account for Barcelona’s ever-changing local scene. We check out all itinerary locations first-hand and can arrange almost any activity. The possibilities are endless. The outcome is certain: a smooth trip designed to meet your expectations.
When should I start planning my Barcelona Experience?
The earlier you begin to plan your Barcelona Experience, the better.
During the high seasons (April to October), our schedule quickly fills up. Planning early usually guarantees you the day and the services you desire.
We never overbook, which means we may say no to your initial dates so that we can keep intact our philosophy of “Quality tours over quantity of tours.”
How much will it cost?
This is dependent on what you decide to do, how many tours you book etc. However, many of our half day walking tours start around 350 euros.
Could you give me some sample itineraries?
Yes. Each of our private Barcelona tour pages features sample itineraries that you give you an idea of how a typical tour runs.
Explore some of our Barcelona Walking Tours itineraries here.
Explore some of our Barcelona Driving Tours itineraries here.
Explore some of our Barcelona Biking Tours itineraries here.
Explore some of our day tours beyond Barcelona here.
These sample itineraries are only suggestions. You have the option of booking a block of time that we tailor to your interests.
Also, take a look at our Client Gallery to get first-hand opinions from our past clients. Comments and photos from this page will give you an idea of what a typical day tour with Barcelona Experience looks like.
Do I have a voice in the planning?
Absolutely. Without you, your trip would not be possible. We discuss with you all options and possibilities prior to confirmation. We plan with you, not just for you. You’ll know exactly what to expect; no surprises, no shock.
What languages are used or spoken during your tours and services?
Our staff speaks both English and Spanish. However, we have guides available for almost all of the major languages. If you have a specific language request, let us know during the planning phase of your trip.
What's possible?
Almost anything!
We love a challenge. We’re ready to assist you with practically any request. Some of our services include specialized private tours and incoming services such as shore excursions, event planning, professional photography, group activities, workshops, treasure hunts and more.
What's not possible?
Getting lost, picking the wrong restaurant, falling into tourist traps, language problems, and deciphering metro maps; when you plan with us, you avoid the possibility of wasting money and time.
Where does Barcelona Experience offer its services?
We specialize in the city of Barcelona and its surrounding region of Catalonia. However, if you have something special in mind for traveling outside of this area, we may be able to help you arrange it. Contact us with any special requests.
Do you arrange airline tickets?
We do not arrange airline tickets.
Is there any limit to group size?
No group is too small or too large.
We enjoy the challenge of creating unique experiences based on you or your group’s expectations, desires, interests and particular limitations such as time and budget.
Your experience and your satisfaction are important to us, not the size of your group.
Do you work with solo travelers?
Yes. We will be more than happy to accommodate you.
Do you work with travel agents, incentive travel and special events?
Yes. If you are a travel agent and would like to work with us, please contact us.
We presently work with a variety of agencies in Europe, Canada and the United States.
How do I get started?
That’s the easy part. Just contact us via our web page, by phone or by email.
Let us know what you are interested in, what size your group is, when you are thinking of visiting and any other information relevant to your travel plans.
We will get back to you, usually within 24-48 hours. The possibilities will begin to take shape. Your Barcelona Experience will be under way.
All Bike Tours FAQ's
General Questions About Biking Barcelona & Our bike-related services
Why should I visit Barcelona by bike?
It’s a fun, safe, exciting and efficient way to see the city.
Riding a bike in Barcelona is like flying through the crowds and streets of the city with freedom and ease.
Cover an incredible amount of terrain in a short time with little effort.
Is it safe to ride a bike in Barcelona?
Absolutely! Barcelona has worked hard to make itself a bike-friendly city. Barcelona has substantially increased its network of bike lanes, added bike-specific traffic lights and a public biking system available to residents.
Our guides know the best routes, follow traffic laws and are trained to navigate the city landscape with ease, safety and fun.
Am I required to wear a helmet?
Helmets are not required for anyone older than 16.
If you are 16 years old or less, helmets are required.
However, we do have them available if you want to wear one.
Are there bike lanes in Barcelona?
Yes, Barcelona has worked very hard to develop and expand its network of bike lanes. Now, designated bike lanes make it possible to travel most of the main streets.
Are there any traffic laws I should be aware of when riding in Barcelona?
Bikers are subject to the same laws as vehicular traffic and, as such, may also receive tickets. You are not allowed to use a phone or headset while riding. You must obey and respect traffic lights and traffic signs.
What about the kids?
Biking Barcelona is a great way for your kids to experience the city in a fun, interactive and unforgettable way. We have kids’ seats, helmets and children bikes available.
We recommend one of our private bike tours for families with children. These tours cater specifically to your needs and your children’s needs. Riders must be at least 8 years old.
Do you have helmets, child seats, children bicycles and bike racks?
Yes. We have helmets, child seats and kids bikes available. Most of our bikes have bike racks already attached.
What if there is a mechanical problem with the bikes?
We rarely have mechanical problems because we use high-quality bikes and we keep our fleet in tip-top shape.
Should you encounter a problem with your bike (flat tires are the most common), your guide will try to solve the issue immediately.
If they can not solve the issue, we will normally have one of our staff bring a replacement ASAP. Normally within 15-30 minutes.
What happens if it rains?
Barcelona doesn´t have too many rainy days. When it does rain, it’s rarely a ferocious downpour.
Our tours leave according to schedule, rain or shine. In the event the rain makes our tours unsafe, we’ll wait until the rain subsides before beginning or continuing a tour.
Private tours are never canceled due to weather.
Although we will not cancel or refund booked tours due to weather, you may decide not to ride if you prefer.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, cash (euros only) or bank transfers for groups and pre-paid reservations.
You may pay with your credit card prior to your tour online.
What's your cancellation policy?
Private bike tours may be cancelled 7 days prior to your reservation for a full refund.
Cancellations due to any reason (weather, illness, missed flight etc.) made 6 days or less before the reservation, as well as no-shows, are nonrefundable.
We guarantee your date and time for your Barcelona Experience and are limited to how many bookings we can take.
As it is unlikely we will be able to re-book your tour with cancellations made 6 days or less, we can not offer a refund.
All cancellations must be received via email or WhatsApp.
General Questions About Our Private Bike Tours
I am not an expert biker. Are your tours physically difficult?
No. We usually ride on flat ground, open areas and bike lanes.
Our city bike tours are not meant to be workouts. They’re leisurely rides at a slow and easy pace.
If you know how to ride, you will have no problem with our tour.
However, if you booked one of our MTB tours, we will adapt the ride to your skill and fitness level.
What should I bring with me on the bike tour?
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate to the season. For the summer months, we suggest wearing shorts, a hat, sunglasses and, if you burn easily, some sunblock.
Will you help me design the perfect bike tour for me and my group?
Of course! You can combine your private bike tour with a wide range of other activities: themed-tours like Gaudi, food and wine, shopping and photography.
We also can combine our bike tours with treasure hunts, beach activities or any number of other possibilities.
Contact us for a fun, specialized bike experience.
Is there a minimum group size?
No. All you need is one person!.
However, the smaller your group, the higher the person cost will be.
Is there a maximum group size?
No. We have organized tours for groups of more than 200 people! Large groups will be divided into smaller groups to maintain a good guide-to-client ratio.
Do I have to make a reservation?
Yes. Reservations are required to book a private bike tour.
You can do this by contacting us us to get started.
What languages are available for my private bike tour?
Most of our bike tours are in English. However, our staff speaks several languages. Let us know which language you need!
How long is your private bike tour?
Private city bike tours allow you to decide the length of your tour.
Our private city bike tours typically last between 2.5-3.5 hours, the perfect length to experience Barcelona by bike.
Our MTB tours are more challenging and normally run from 3-4.5 hours.
Will you deliver/pickup the bikes to my hotel, apartment, conference hall etc.?
Yes. Please refer to our “General questions about bike delivery services” below for all of the details.
What's included in the tour price?
Our guides, the bikes, mechanical and logistical support and the planning and execution of a wonderful Barcelona bike tour experience are included in your tour.
You may choose extra services: bike transport to your starting and ending points (a hotel, an apartment, a restaurant, etc.), drinks, a stop for tapas or a nice lunch at a local restaurant and more.
What if there is a mechanical problem with the bikes?
Our guides will quickly exchange your bike with a replacement from our fleet.
Depending on where you are in the city, this normally takes from 15-30 minutes.
General Questions About Bike Delivery Services
Do you deliver to and pickup the bikes at hotels, apartments or other locations in Barcelona?
Yes. We can and do offer bike delivery services.
However, the cost for this service will vary based on your group size, day of the week and where you are staying.
This service is mostly for groups larger than 10 people, as it can be rather costly for smaller groups.
If you do opt for our delivery service, we´ll bring your bikes right to your door – or anywhere else in Barcelona.
Can we start and end at different locations?
Yes, in fact, this is what most groups do.
For example, you may wish to start at your hotel and end at a nice restaurant.
The choice is totally up to you. We will coordinate the delivery and pick up to your specific itinerary.
How much will bike delivery cost?
This service has many moving parts and requires added labor and time to execute.
Costs vary depending on group size and the number of bikes that are being transported.
The short answer is a minimum of 400 euros.
All Shore Excursions FAQ's
Do you allow on-the-fly changes to an itinerary?
Yes, most of the time. We want you to have an experience that you won´t forget. We encourage nuanced changes to an itinerary. Spend more time in one place and less time in another, or just drop a stop altogether; you call the shots.
Are your sample itineraries flexible?
Yes. Our sample itineraries are like a rough draft. They give you an idea of what´s possible, and we then work with you to craft a schedule that meets your specific need.
Browse some of our private walking tours here.
Browse some of our private driving tours here.
Browse some of our private out of town excursions here.
Have any of your cruisers ever missed their boat?
Nope. Every single cruiser we´ve taken on a tour has made it back to their ship on time to brag about their shore excursion.
Who chooses the restaurants we eat at?
We don´t take you to places we haven´t eaten at ourselves. In some cases, we make reservations ahead of time because it´s the only way we can guarantee you a table. Other times, we offer you a list of suggestions and let you choose.
What if I get hurt and need medical assistance during our tour?
Should an emergency take place on one of tours, we´ll do everything we can to make sure you get the help you need as quickly as possible. We recommend that you purchase your own travel insurance before you arrive to Barcelona. We can help you choose a local company, or you can choose on your own.
Will my host or guide speak English?
Yes. In many cases, they are native speakers.
What kind of car do you use for your driving tours?
Our transportation can vary based on group size.
For groups of up to 7 people luxury vans such as the Mercedes Vito or similar are used.
They seat up to 9 people. A driver, a guide and up to 7 clients.
Groups of 8 or more people will require an appropriate size bus or mini bus.
What if I have more than 7 people in my group?
Groups that are 8 or more people will require a bus or mini bus to accommodate you.
What is your cancellation policy?
- Cancellations made 21 days or more from the date of your tour will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations made between 13 and 7 days from the date of your tour will receive a 50% refund.
- Cancellations, for any reason, made 6 days or less from the date of your tour will not receive a refund.
- Barcelona Experience is not responsible for cancellations that are out of our control. If you miss your connecting flight to Barcelona and consequently miss your scheduled tour, we follow the guidelines stated above.
- Any tickets that were purchased in advance are non refundable as they are date and time specific and can not be returned.
How do I contact you?
We are available by email and by phone.Click here to to to our “Contact Us” page.
How do you select the sites and locations I´m going to see?
We´ve explored the streets of Barcelona and beyond to gain first-hand knowledge of the sites to which we take you. Taking a tour with us isn´t a shot in the dark; we know the sites like the back of our hand.
Are you a licensed and insured company?
Yes. Barcelona Experience is a licensed and insured company that meets the standards and regulations of the regional and national government.
Will I need any special items for my shore excursion?
No, not anything outside of what you´d normally bring: identification, money and a wallet (preferably all three together).
Are you shore excursions suitable for children?
Most of our tours are adaptable for children. When families book with us, we try to incorporate into our tours one or two kid-focused stops. The more the merrier (no matter how young or how old)!
Do you offer services for clients with mobility restrictions?
Yes. Contact us to discuss your specific requests. We can arrange personal mobility devices like scooters, as well as vehicles to accommodate your particular needs.
Why isn´t lunch included in the cost of the tour?
To allow you the flexibility of choice and preference, the cost of your meals are not included in the cost of the tour.
Lunches typically cost between 15 and 50 euros per person. Your guide’s meal will be included in your lunch bill.
We pick or suggest only spots that we have eaten at, enjoy and frequent.
Can you help me get tickets to places that charge admission?
Yes. In fact, it is almost mandatory to let us purchase your tickets in advance for you.
Many sites sell out, and without advanced tickets, you will not be able to enter during the high season.
As these are non refundable or exchangeable, we will ask for a booking deposit to cover the cost of your tickets.
All Photography FAQ's
How long does it take for you to send me the photos you take?
The time it takes for me to return your photographs is based on two goals: to get them back to you quickly, and to get them back to you with quality editing.
Normally, I’ll send your photos to you within 1-3 weeks of your event.
Turnaround will largely depend on the season and the volume of work.
However, if you need them faster, let me know before hand in order to estimate a more precise turnaround time.
What kind of gear do you use?
I use professional-level Nikon equipment.
What’s your experience in the photography world?
I have more than 23 years of experience photographing a wide variety of events: weddings, corporate retreats, private tours, groups, sporting events, families and on location photo shots both indoors and outdoors.
How would you best describe your style?
I like to capture your event in the spirit of reportage, a fancy old word which means I approach your wedding, family or event like a journalist. I want to tell the story exactly how it happened, and I want to do it with photographs: big moments, little details and everything in between.
Off course, there is always time for more orchestrated and posed shots as well.
What are your wedding package prices, and what do they include?
The short answer is it depends! Prices and packages are tailored to your event, the amount of coverage, location etc.
Click here to view prices for my Barcelona wedding photography packages.