Tarragona and Sitges Day Trip from Barcelona by Minivan

Combine a visit to Roman Tarragona and beachfront Sitges on a full-day small group tour by minivan from Barcelona. You'll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan and receive individual attention from your expert tour guide.

You'll travel back to the time of the ancient Romans at Tarragona, the Roman capital of the Iberian Peninsula. The days of Imperial Rome come alive when you retrace the footsteps of Roman gladiators, stand where their chariots raced by and walk across the magnificent Roman aqueduct. You'll also see Tarragona's Old Quarter, with its stunning cathedral.

Leaving Tarragona, you'll visit Roc de Sant Gaieta, a tiny Mediterranean-style village built on the rocky shoreline. Take a stroll among the town's mix of fishermen's houses and Seville-style patios, and enjoy views of the coast from a seaside bar.

Then it's on to Sitges to discover the authentic Mediterranean atmosphere of this old fisherman's village with its shady streets, traditional whitewashed fishermen's houses, 17 beaches and cosmopolitan bars, boutiques and restaurants.

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Schedule Details Departs:

Sunday

Unavailable Dates:

• December 24 to 26 (Christmas)
• December 30 to January 01 (New Year)

Departure Point: Tour departs from Placa Catalunya outside Banco de Espana opposite the Tourist Information Center Departure Time: 8:30am Return details: Tour returns to original departure point at approximately 7:00pm Hotel Pickup: Hotel pickup not available Itinerary:

The tour leaves Barcelona at 8:30am and heads straight down to Tarragona, the old Roman Capital. The Romans chose Tarragona's strategic position as the site of a military camp during their campaigns against the Carthaginian troops in 218 BC. In time, that primitive fortress became the Capital of Hispania Citerior, one of the biggest provinces within the Roman Empire.

Our 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 meters long and nearly 30 meters 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 we travel back to Tarragona quietly 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. Few tourists ever make it to Tarragona, and fewer still stumble across this traditional 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, Placa de la Font, situated inside the Roman Circus. If you stand very still and close your eyes, you can almost hear the chariots racing by. 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.

And last, but certainly not least, enjoy the breathtaking seaview over the Roman amphitheater 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 amphitheater.

At 12.30 we 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 is 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 around 2:00pm. This once quiet fishing village today boasts a long and sandy beach, groovy boutiques, and a handful of 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. Make a stop in one of the numerous cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants and imagine yourself in St. Tropez. 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 17 beaches the town has to offer.

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