Tour Details

'The Shadow of the Wind' Walking Book Tour in Barcelona

From: £10.14

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Category: Culture & History

Discover central Barcelona in a unique way with this guided walking tour of locations in 'The Shadow of the Wind,' a bestselling novel by Spanish writer Carlos Ruiz Zafón. Follow the footsteps of the characters in the book, which has sold more than 2 million copies since 2001, and visit Barcelona sites unknown to most tourists, such as Santa Anna Street, Baixada de la Llibreteria and Montcada Street. See the famous Els Quatre Gats Café and the beautiful Church of Santa Maria del Mar, and become immersed in the magic of the book as you listen to commentary from your guide.

On this literary city walking tour, travel back to the Barcelona of the early 20th century and follow the footsteps of the characters in the novel The Shadow of the Wind, a bestseller by Carlos Ruiz Zafón set in the 1940s. The winner of several awards including the Premio de la Fundación José Manuel Lara in Spain and the Borders Original Voices Award in the United States, The Shadow of the Wind is about a boy, Daniel, and his mysterious journey around Barcelona to find the truth about a book, also called The Shadow of the Wind, that he finds in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. The book and the journey will change his life forever.

Meet your local guide in central Barcelona, and dive into the story as you visit locations both real and fictional, and hear about the key plot points from your guide. Just like Daniel Sempere and Julian Carax, two of the main characters, you’ll walk through a labyrinth of mysteries and surprises.

Stroll down Rambla Santa Mónica and arrive at the Arch of the Theater, where you can imagine the aged carved wooden door that Daniel sees, the ‘old palace skeleton’ and the Cemetery of Forgotten Books.

Head through Plaza Real, Calle del Call and Baixada de la Llibreteria before making you way to Calle de Argenteria. You’ll soon reach the Church of Santa Maria del Mar and Montcada Street (Calle Montcada), where the Santa Lucia shelter and Xampanyet are located. Enjoy commentary from your guide reminding you of scenes from the book that happened in these places.

Continue to the famous Els Quatre Gats Café and Santa Anna Street, and then see a square with a church, where the Sempere & Sons bookshop is located in the novel. Walk along Canuda Street until you reach the Ateneo Barcelonés and the Palau de la Música Catalana (Catalan Music Palace), where your tour will finish. From here, visit the palace (on your own at own expense) or continue your exploration of Barcelona at your own pace!

Special Offer - Book and travel before July 31, 2012, and save 10% on the recommended retail price. - Book Now!

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon