Description
This 11km circular tour has time machine power; we will discover Barcelona and its transformation along the centuries from the middle ages, passing through the time of Gaudi and Modernism.
For this circular tour, our meeting point is in Plaza Catalunya – the beating heart of the city. Going up to Rambla Catalunya (famous street for local outside-seating bars and restaurants) we reach the famous Passeig de Gracia, one of the most expensive and beautiful streets in Spain, which hosts luxury shops, 5-star hotels and gems of Catalan modernistic buildings, among them Gaudi’s “Casa Batlló” and “La Pedrera”, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Our next step is Born, the old city famous for its narrow and cozy streets, home of the modernist Palau de la Musica, Santa Maria del Mar Church (yes, the one of Idelfonso Falcones great book “Cathedral of the Sea”) and Arc de Trionf, the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair, intended to welcome people. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for some local tips, we can’t wait to share them!
Through the big Ciutadella park, the first public garden built during the 19th century over the old fortress, we will arrive at the beach. If you book this tour as an early morning tour and if we are lucky enough we can observe the sun rising and shining on Barceloneta and its iconic building such as the Peix (the fish) and sail shaped W Hotel. Be ready to be amazed by the morning colors hitting the city and la playa.
On our way back, we will run aside the Port Vell arriving to the Columbus Statue. Here is where the famous Rambla begins. This emblematic avenue lined by trees is generally overcrowded by tourists, but has a completely different face during early mornings. Despite it is nowadays famous for pickpocketing, it is still one of Barcelona’s must sees, and running it without being hindered by people is a wonderful feeling. At the end of this 1,2 km Rambla we will reencounter Plaza de Catalunya; now you can enjoy the city as a “local”.
This is a great tour if you are looking for a run that has it all – sea views, history, modernism – shaped into the unique feel of Barcelona.
Li-Yu Mitchell –
Lorenzo was an excellent guide for my family of 5 and was very accommodating to our needs/pace, as we had a later start than was typical and it was warm and humid. My kids are 10, 14, and 14, so we had very different running levels and the run was customized to our needs perfectly . What a great way to see Barcelona on our very short cruise ship timeframe! Thanks Lorenzo (and Mattie) for making this excursion possible !
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Jennifer –
This was a great tour of the city- especially since it was early enough that there weren’t any crowds. Mattia was easy to talk to and the run highlighted some of Barcelona’s iconic spots. Pace was comfortable and weather was great. Highly recommend!
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Sebastian –
Good run and great recommendations
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Ellen Toobin –
My husband and I have done Go Running Tours across Europe and we really enjoyed our run in Barcelona. This was our first tour as parents and our guide was flexible with our schedule (and running abilities). We were able to see the city before it woke up and enjoy the beautiful weather. I highly recommend a running tour in Barcelona!
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Andrew Brady –
Mattia was an awesome guide! He met me at my hotel at the prearranged time, then we promptly set off on our early morning 11k run. Mattia was very easy to chat to, super informative, and would ensure to point out all the must see sights along the way. The route was pleasantly flat, and very well paced. Mattia would regularly check that I was managing okay which was much appreciated. He was more than happy to provide some recommendations for the rest of my trip, and even sent over a list afterwards. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable experience, if in Barcelona and looking to get some miles in – do them with Mattia, you won’t regret it!
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Mark –
The run with Mattia was fantastic. Well paced, great route to see the best bits of the city, including some you wouldn’t find without a guide and good information on the sites. Mattia himself was a great guide, knowledgeable, understanding and we were able to have good conversation as we completed. Thanks Mattia!
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Clive –
Mattia was the perfect host and guided us around wonderful Barcelona at our pace. Full of interesting facts and a great circuit to see the sights. Be sure to get up early and enjoy the sunshine as you run along the beach promenade, stunning!
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Mandy and Michelle –
Mattia is amazing! So knowledgeable, thoughtful, personable, friendly and helpful. He met us outside our hotel and toured us to areas we would never have encountered. Would definitely recommend this tour with Mattia and it’s an amazing way to see the city. Muchas gracias Mattia! Mandy and Michelle
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Alona –
Mattia is great, very thoughtful, and trying to understand your abilities and adjust the run accordingly. Enjoyed it very much.
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Kim –
We booked a running tour with Mattio in Barcelona. It was amazing! Definitely one of the highlights of the trip!
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Alex F –
Well managed tour. Flexible and accommodating to my pace.
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Adrian Marsh –
Great run. The guide was friendly and helpful. Good intro to Barcelona!
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Krystye Dalton –
This was an amazing experience!! Mattia was awesome! He took me running through Barcelona and gave me all the insights to the beautiful city. He was waiting for me outside of my hotel and let me pick the pace which was great, because this was my first run in a month since surgery. This was by far one of the most exciting and fun things I have ever done! Mattia was absolutely the best! I highly recommend this experience to everyone!!
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Laura –
Mattia provided a fun and insightful tour. He is friendly, warm and caring and can run at any pace! I come back for another tour!
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Elad Tzur –
A wonderful experience the best w wet to get to know the city.
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Malena –
Thank you for a great experience in Barcelona! I did the morning run, and it was great to have someone give a tour that was at my own pace. I am not the fastest runner, but had a great time and enjoyed the city! Thank you’! It was easier than other companies, as they make you pay cash and we can pay online.
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Lauren –
My friend and I did the 11km run with Mattia in May and had a thoroughly enjoyable run and sightseeing tour – best way to start a beautiful weekend in the city. Mattia was friendly, knowledgeable and very help to advise on all things Barcelona. The sights encompassed city, history and beautiful beach – who could ask for more. Would highly recommend!
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Carlos Alberto Gutierrez –
Excelente oportunidad para conocer y disfrutar l ciudad.
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Lauren Roach –
This was the best way to start my day in Barcelona and was my favorite part of my holiday in Spain. Mattia went above and beyond in recommending places to eat, and must see destinations after the run. The run (and route) was fantastic and he was very easy to chat with. I learned a lot of things about Barcelona I would have otherwise never known. I would 10/10 recommend running with Mattia, and cannot wait to book another tour!
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