Highlights
- Full-day small group tour by minivan to Tarragona and Sitges
- Explore the Roman past at Tarragona's aqueduct, forum and circus
- Seaside views at tranquil Roc de Sant Gaieta
- Cosmopolitan Sitges' beaches, cafes and boutiques
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Illuminating commentary from your expert guide
- Transport by comfortable air-conditioned minivan
- Personalized small group and commentary
Recent Photos of this Tour
Useful Information
Sitges, Spain
Leaving Tarragona, you'll visit Roc de Sant Gaieta, a tiny village built on the rocky shoreline. Take a stroll among the town and enjoy coastal views 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 houses, 17 beaches and cosmopolitan bars, boutiques and restaurants.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.
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.
Reviewed by Edward I, Philippines, May 2013
Because our family is a group of 8 already, we had the van all to ourselves. Our guide Feliciano is the BEST! We love his humor and nonstop talking! He explained everything so well.
Reviewed by Mohammed A, April 2013
Hands down the most beautiful city in Catalunia


