Barcelona Experience Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Cost is completely dependent on what services you book and your group size. Our private tours start at about 200 euros.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We do not arrange airline tickets.

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.

Yes. We will be more than happy to accommodate you.

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.

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.

It's a fun, safe, exciting and efficient way to see the city.

Biking in Barcelona is like flying with freedom and ease through the crowds and streets of the city.

Cover an incredible amount of terrain in a short time and with little effort. It's actually less tiring to bike Barcelona than it is to walk its streets.

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.

No, helmets are not required. However, we do have them available if you want to wear one.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. We have helmets, child seats and kids bikes available. Most of our bikes have bike racks already attached.

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), we will fix it or replace the bike immediately, at no cost to you.

If you are part of a tour, we normally replace the bike with a bike from one of our guides or our support vehicle. If your bike is a rental, contact our service line and we will send our support vehicle to you.

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.

We accept major credit cards, cash (euros only) or bank transfers for groups and pre-paid reservations.

Our cancellation policy is dependent upon what service you are booking. All cancellations must be done by e-mail or through our website.

BIKE RENTALS BARCELONA

Bike rentals may be cancelled 48 hours prior to your reservation for a full refund.

Those cancelled less than 48 hours and no shows are nonrefundable.

No-shows on the day of the rental will not be refunded.

PRIVATE BARCELONA BIKE TOURS

Barcelona private bike tours may be cancelled 28 days prior to your reservation for a full refund.

A 50% refund is available for private bike tours cancelled between 27 and 15 days before your reservation.

Cancellations made less than 14 days before the reservation, as well as no-shows, are nonrefundable.

No. We usually ride on flat ground, open areas and bike lanes.

Our 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.

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.

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.

No. However, small groups will have a higher per-person cost than larger groups.

No. We´ve organized tours for groups of more than 250 people! Large groups will be divided into smaller groups to maintain a good guide-to-client ratio.

Yes. Reservations are required to book a private bike tour.

Most of our bike tours are in English. However, our staff speaks several languages. Let us know which language you need!

Private bike tours allow you to decide the length of your tour. Our private tours typically last between 3-3.5 hours, the perfect length to experience Barcelona by bike.

Yes! Transporting our fleet of bikes is one of our specialties.

Our specially-designed vehicles allow us to bring our bikes to just about anywhere in Barcelona.

In fact, most of our private tours start and end at our client's specified locations. After all, it's easier to bring the bikes to you than for you to bring your group to us!

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.

Flat tire, no problem! We will fix or replace your bike on the spot during your private bike tour.

Our guides will quickly exchange your bike with a replacement from our fleet. This will allow your group to continue with their bike tour within minutes.

Yes, as this is the only way to guarantee availability and to confirm your bike and other booking details.

All reservations must be made through our online booking system.

To reserve your bike and guarantee your model, day and time, click here to go to our bike rentals page.

A valid passport or photo ID is required to rent a bike. Minors must be accompanied by an adult in order to rent a bike.

Yes. You may use a credit card or cash for your security deposit.

The deposit amount depends on the bike model you rent and is fully refundable if the bike is returned in without any damages.

Because it is illegal to retain passports or identity cards, they cannot be used as a security deposit.

Mechanical support, bike locks, position lights and route maps are included.

Helmets, child seats and other additional equipment are available for rent but are not included in the cost of the bike rental.

Yes. We provide locks, lights and maps with your bike rental at no charge.

Yes. This is one of our specialties. We´ll bring your bikes right to your door – or anyone else in Barcelona - if you add bike delivery and pickup to your booking.

Click here to go to our bike rentals page to read more about our bike delivery and pickup services.

• There is a risk of theft when leaving bikes unattended on the street in Barcelona, just like in other big cities. You are ultimately responsible for the bike and we strongly suggest you follow these guidelines.

  1. Always lock your bike properly and securely with the lock provided when not in use, even if you will just be sitting on a terrace. Thieves are very quick to take advantage of an opportunity.
  2. If possible, bring the bike inside your hotel or apartment for overnight rentals for added security. Our folding bikes are compact and easily stored in a corner of your room.
  3. If you use common sense and be proactive, you should have no problems.

Renting a bike is like renting a car. You will be held responsible for any damages to the bike, and will be charged at market value for repairs or replacement parts.

If your bike is lost or stolen, you will be charged the market value (replacement cost) of your bike.

Yes, theft insurance is available on some of our bike models, but not on all of them.

Our insurance reduces the replacement cost of the bike by 50%. For example, if you rented a bike with a 500 euro replacement cost, you'd only be liable for 250 euros if your bike is stolen.

During the booking process you will have the option to purchase theft insurance. Costs will vary and are specific to each bike model.

You can rent a bike for as little as 3 hours or as long as multiple weeks.

Yes. Just contact us by phone or e-mail to extend your rental.

Click here to go to our bike rentals page to read more about our bike rental terms and conditions.

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.

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 Barcelona walking tours here.

Browse some of our private Barcelona driving tours here.

Browse some of our private out-of- town day tours here.

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.

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.

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 in Barcelona. We can help you choose a local company, or you can choose on your own.

Yes. All of our hosts, guides and drivers speak English.

Our transportation can vary based on group size, but many times our vans feature individual climate control, adjustable seats, a panoramic sun roof and plenty of space.

A bigger group means a bigger vehicle. Let us know about your group size when you begin the booking process, and we´ll make sure we find a vehicle that fits the needs of your group.

• Cancellations made 30 days or more from the date of your tour will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made between 29 and 21 days from the date of your tour will receive a 50% refund.
• Cancellations made between 20 and 14 days from the date of your tour will receive a 25% refund.
• Cancellations made within 13 days 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.

We are available by email and by phone.Click here to go to our "Contact Us" page.

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.

Yes. Barcelona Experience is a licensed and insured travel agency company that meets the standards and regulations of the regional and national government.

No, not anything outside of what you´d normally bring: identification, money and a wallet (preferably all three together).

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)!

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.

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 10 and 25 euros per person. Your guide's meal will be included in your lunch bill.

Yes. In fact, we recommend advance ticket purchases for most of the museums in Barcelona. Let us know where you want to go, and we´ll buy the tickets for you in advance.