Tarragona is located on the Mediterranean coast, about 60 miles southwest of Barcelona in the region of Catalonia, and is the most important Roman town in Spain. Tarragona was the old Roman capital of the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans chose Tarragona's strategic position as the site of a military camp during their campaigns against the Carthaginian troops in 218 BC.
Travel back in time and retrace the footsteps of Roman gladiators where chariots raced by and walk across the magnificent Roman aqueduct. See the ‘Old Quarter’ with its stunning cathedral. Roc de Sant Gaieta is a tiny Mediterranean village with its mix of Ibizan fishermen's houses, Seville-style patios, and Roman-Greco influence.
Sitges is soaked in the typical Mediterranean atmosphere of an old fisherman’s village with its shady streets, traditional houses, over a dozen beaches, cosmopolitan bars and restaurants. It is a renowned tourist destination with a strong community of English speaking residents. With its miles of sandy beaches, active nightlife and lively gay scene, this seaside town has a special charm of its own.
Enjoy this journey into the past when the Roman empire was at its zenith!
Once you arrive at the designated meeting point, you will be taken in an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach, accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide for a full day sightseeing tour of Tarragona and Sitges .
The tour leaves Barcelona and heads straight down to Tarragona, the old Roman capital.
The first stop is just past Tarragona where you will discover the impressive Roman Aqueduct (1st century BC) popularly known as 'El Pont del Diable' (The Devil's Bridge) or 'Les Ferreres' Aqueduct. It used to be part of the water supply network of the city and today stands in almost perfect condition. Over 200 metres long and nearly 30 metres high it is one of the hidden jewels of the area. This is a rare chance to get completely off the beaten track and visit one of the most amazing architectural wonders of Catalonia - and one that hardly anybody knows about.
From the aqueduct you travel back to Tarragona, entering the old part of the city through a narrow gateway in the ancient walls. Nowadays, the new city overlaps the site of the ancient Acropolis and during your visit you will see firsthand the surprising coexistence of a Roman past and modern life. Starting at the Archaeological walkway, you will be able to admire the surviving stone walls, wander through the historic old quarter - passing the medieval hospital - before stopping at the Cathedral where you can enjoy the Sunday morning antique market. It's a great chance to pick up something truly unique from the area. For others, there is ample time to explore the beautiful cathedral that looks down on the antique collectors.
From there, you continue down through the old town to discover the Roman Forum and the nearby Roman Circus hidden amidst the urban design. Walk along the underground passageways that held the Circus' stands and come to one of the most popular squares within the old town: Plaça de la Font, situated inside the Roman Circus. On this very spot, thousands of years ago on, perhaps on the very same day of the week, the Roman capital of the Iberian Peninsula came alive in all of its bloody glory.
Enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea view over the Roman amphitheatre and imagine gladiators battling each other to the death! It's a poignant moment to stand on the same dusty ground that bore witness to countless scenes of sacrifice and passion. Perhaps most fascinating of all is the Christian church built in the middle of the stage out of the very same blocks that were used in their amphitheatre.
At 12:30pm, you will leave Tarragona and stop briefly at Roc de Sant Gaieta, an intimate little village built on the rocky shoreline. Stroll between its tiny white houses and let your imagination take you away to Ibiza fishing villages built with a touch of Roman-Greco flair. There's time to take in the rocky coastline from one of the seaside bars and enjoy some Mediterranean snacks and a refreshing drink.
Arrive at Sitges at 2:00pm. This once quiet fishing village today boasts a long and sandy beach, trendy boutiques, and some interesting sights. Sitges has been fashionable since the 1890s, when it became an avant-garde art-world hang-out. Get lost in its shady side streets and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere with its old whitewashed fisherman's houses. After leaving this charming labyrinth, you suddenly find yourself on the seafront.
You will make a stop in one of the numerous cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants. Sitges has dining options to suit every taste and budget. After a leisurely Sunday lunch, you might want to head off to one of the seventeen beaches the town has to offer. All this while, your guide will ensure that you are in awe of the place.
At 6:00pm, begin the return journey and return to Barcelona, arriving in Plaça Catalunya at approximately 7:00pm.
Please call the activity operator at least 24 hours prior to start of the tour to confirm all departure details.
Please be at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure time.
Lunch is not included. However, the tour stops at places where there is a range of lunch options to suit all budgets. Picnic options are also available.
It was a good tour. I wouldn't use the word "fun" to describe it but it was very interesting and educational because the tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable and taught us...