Anyone have experience with Cicerone? I know we could probably just wander the city on our own, but I thought we might like to try something 'organized'. RS recommends them. If not Cicerone, any other preferred options? We are a family of five (kids 15. 12, and 10) and would enjoy something under 3 hours that would give us a nice overview of the city on our first day. The following day we are visiting the Alhambra (yes, we have the tickets).
Posted by
OP
CA, USA
266 posts
Bumping this up....
Considering this twilight tour:
http://www.ciceronegranada.com/en/services-of-cicerone/visits-in-granada/join-a-group/walking-tour-twilight-albayzin-sacromonte/
RS mentions that some consider the Albayzin "dicey" after dark. Any truth to that? I grew up in a major city, so not easily rattled, but taking the kids this time. Do I need to give this a second thought?
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4656 posts
Did you know that Granada has a Global Greeter Program? It is a free volunteer who can meet you for a 2-4 hour walking tour. It won't be a normal tour, but it may be a tapas tour, but it will include places the locals know and love. Better yet, it is free. No tipping the greeter, but donations to the programs are appreciated. Fill out the form 15-20 days before you arrive and let them know your interests and a theme. There is also one in Seville. Google Global Greeter Network and search by country.
They do day and evening tours, by the way.
Posted by
Port St Joe Florida
513 posts
I did an Old Town Granada Walking Tour with Cicerone Tours ago band it was great! I signed up online and met the guide at the plaza just off of the cathedral. The guide spoke excellent English. was very knowledgeable, and quite pleasant. I can very strongly recommend them.
Posted by
OP
CA, USA
266 posts
The Greeter program looks neat. I am going to fill out an inquiry form with our interests and see what response I get. Cicerone replied to my inquiry and we may do a tour with them - have to decide. Sounds like they are the way to go if doing a paid tour. I am particularly interested in the twilight Albazyin tour with Cicerone. I can disregard any opinions that it's not safe or sketchy at night, correct?
Posted by
US
399 posts
I took this "Historical Free Tour" (with tip) in Granada, and would recommend it. The non-professional young guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It was a good intro to the city, and I returned to the locations that I found interesting on my own.
http://walkingranada.com/granada-historical-free-tour/
They also have an "Albyzin Free Tour" starting in the early evening.
Posted by
OP
CA, USA
266 posts
This looks good too. The Historical Free Tour says it touches on parts of the Albayzin. Did you find it was enough?
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4656 posts
More and more tourists are staying in the Albacin district in short let apartments. There wouldn't be so many positive reviews if it was that sketchy. At this time of year it is light until late and there are plenty of people around until late hours. The streets are very narrow, buildings old and atmosphere is not middle America....these can make some people nervous due to unfimiliarity.....not safety issues. Do normal personal safety practices. Consider packing light....i.e. Leave as much as you can in the apartment and the rest on your person somehow (small wallet in a pocket).
Posted by
US
399 posts
I take these free tours at the beginning of a visit to every big city. Most of the guides are not full time tour professionals, and will not try to sell you other tours, and will have no vested interests in steering you to stores/restaurants where they get commissions. They tend to be quite passionate about their cities and countries, and take pride in introduce them to the visitors.
In Granada, get familiar with the minibuses that are primarily for the tourists. They will take you to Albyzin, the Alhambra, etc. Two tips:
Buy a card on the bus and load up enough for your family and length of stay. Return it to the driver on your last trip and get a refund. Fares are discounted with the card, and you don't have to mess around with change.
Take the bus to locations at a higher elevation, and walk down hill. Unless you need more exercise :-)