Large Groups
TOURS FOR GROUPS OF 7 OR MORE
We specialize in small groups, which is why our fees are calculated for groups up to 9 people (walking tours) or up to 6 (chauffeured tours).
Larger groups require more planning and coordination, and sometimes that can be more than our company infrastructure can handle. This is why we can only accept groups larger than 10 for walking tours or 6 for chauffeured tours under certain conditions.
We reserve the right to reject a tour request or booking if it doesn’t meet the conditions we need to deliver an excellent tour. If your group is larger than we feel confident working with, please find another provider.
All our tours are private tours for your party only. When we talk about “groups” we mean the people you are traveling with. We’ll never hook you up with other travelers for a tour (but you are welcome to find people to share costs in travel forums, as some have done before – we just can’t do it for you).
LUNCH ON FULL DAY TOURS
Tours of 7 hours or more require a lunch stop at some point (lunch is optional for 6-hour tours).
Most restaurants don't let groups of 10 or more eat à la carte, and require booking a set group tasting menu. I'm afraid we don't have enough infrastructure to help you booking restaurants for your group when they imply choosing and pre-paying group menus. We'll be happy to make recommendations near the sites you'll be visiting, though.
Another option is giving your group free time (1 hour is the average) so they can split in smaller groups to find a place to eat. Such free time will still count as tour time.Your group is kindly asked to take care of the guide's lunch in all cases.
VERY IMPORTANT
We adhere to the Best Practices Declaration of the AGUICAT tour guide association, which has the support of the Barcelona City Council. For the sake of tourism sustainability and respect for the neighbors, any group larger than 20 people will be split in two smaller groups, each with their own tour guide (with the resulting extra costs).
Also, in order to avoid noise pollution, our guides will not use speakers to provide explanations to large groups, but we can provide whisper systems (headsets) at an extra cost.
WALKING TOURS
Groups of 8 or 9: the only issue you'll encounter is that if your itinerary requires taxi rides, you'll have to split in 3 taxis - which is complex, but still doable.
Groups of 10 or more: besides the complexity of coordinating (and finding) enough taxis when needed, most important tourist sites require pre-paying group tickets in advance and often they don't admit changes nor refunds once they are paid. While we are happy to organize itineraries for groups of 10 or more that include Sagrada Familia and/or Park Guell, I'm afraid we don't have enough infrastructure to make the necessary group reservations for other sites. We can, though, find alternatives that can be seen just from outside or that don't need reservations.
THESE ARE OUR RECOMMENDED ITINERARIES:
BUS TOURS
Nowadays the city council is actively restricting the access of tour buses near most tourist sites, forcing groups to walk back and forth. That is not only time consuming, but also more energy demanding, and often what can be done in 4 hours in a smaller vehicle, requires one extra hour when using a minibus or a tour bus.
Groups of 7 to 9: The minivans we use for our chauffeured tours have only room for upto 6 passengers + guide + driver. For a time-efficient tour, we recommend that you split in 2 minivans for your tour, rather than using a minibus.
Groups of 10 or more: Most important tourist sites require pre-paying tickets in advance for groups of 10 or more, and often they don't admit changes nor refunds once they are paid. While we are happy to organize itineraries for groups of 10 or more that include Sagrada Familia and/or Park Guell, I'm afraid we don't have enough infrastructure to make the necessary group reservations for other sites.
- 10 to 13 people: we strongly recommend to split in 2 minivans for your tour.
- 14 people or more: your best transportation option is using a minibus (as coordinating 3 or more minivans would be too tricky). Please note that your itinerary might be shortened as required unless you book extra time.
DAY TRIPS OUT OF TOWN
While the restrictions that force us to split groups in smaller minivans do not apply to day trips and minibuses can be used no problem, there are some aspects that need to be taken into account.
- Bronze & Steel destinations: Half day trips to Montserrat, Sitges or the Penedes Wine Country are the best options for large groups.
- Ivory Destinations: Half day trips to Girona or Tarragona can also be done pretty well. However, please note that minibuses move slower than minivans, and that might result in a bit less time spent at the sites and more time needed for the rides.
- Full Days: Most full day itineraries require extra time in order to cover the full program. Please check with us before booking.
THESE ARE OUR RECOMMENDED DAY TRIPS:
FOOD TOURS
Our food tours are always 100% walking tours. They do not include transportation, but we'll be happy to organize transfers on request. Be aware that restrictions might apply and the group might need to walk from the closest drop-off point to the tour area and back anyway.
Our favorite tapas bars are small and don't have enough room for groups larger than 6. Be aware that in most cases we'll have to pre-book and pre-pay for the tapas and tasting stops. This is also why we might not be able to take you visiting some particular food businesses
Group size also applies to visiting the Boqueria Market during certain days and seasons of the year. Please check with us before booking.
THESE ARE OUR RECOMMENDED FOOD TOURS:
