Roman Forum

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Barcelona to explore two of south Catalonia’s most captivating destinations: the historic town of Tarragona and the modernist paradise of Sitges. This guided tour immerses you in Tarragona’s Roman heritage and introduces you to the colorful charm of Sitges, with its artistic streets and stunning coastal views. To end the day, relax at San Sebastian Beach, widely considered one of the best urban beaches in Europe. Your adventure begins with a private transfer from your hotel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride to these two coastal gems south of Barcelona. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll uncover the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture of both locations. First, you’ll visit Tarragona, along the beautiful Costa Dorada. Known as the ancient Roman city of Tarraco, Tarragona boasts some of Spain’s best-preserved Roman archaeological sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman Circus, Roman Forum, and Tarragona Amphitheater. Begin your tour with a visit to the Devil’s Bridge, a stunning Roman aqueduct, 217 meters long and 26 meters high, showcasing advanced Roman engineering. As you walk through the ancient city walls, you’ll discover the remains of the Roman Circus, one of the most well-preserved structures of its kind in Europe. You’ll also visit the Roman Forum, a space that blends ancient ruins with medieval and modern elements. The tour culminates at the Tarragona Amphitheater, located on the Mediterranean coast, where gladiator battles were once held in the 2nd century. After exploring Tarragona, you’ll head to Sitges along the stunning Costa del Garraf. This charming coastal town is a blend of traditional fisherman’s houses and Modernist architecture, attracting artists, writers, and musicians for over a century. On a walking tour, your guide will take you through the town’s labyrinthine streets, where you’ll see Casa Bacardi and Casa del Rellotge, examples of modernist design. You’ll also learn about the “Americanos”, wealthy emigrants who returned from the Americas to build extravagant homes in Sitges. Visit the Church of San Bartolomé and Santa Tecla, the Maricel Palace, and the peaceful Quiet Corner, a plaza where local musicians perform, adding to Sitges’ bohemian atmosphere. The tour concludes with a visit to San Sebastian Beach, known for its beauty. Rated one of the best urban beaches in Europe, you can unwind on one of the beachside terraces or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. This day trip combines history, culture, and relaxation, offering a unique opportunity to explore Tarragona’s Roman legacy and Sitges’ artistic charm. With private transport and an expert guide, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Take a full-day excursion to Tarragona and Sitges and combine a tour of the Roman city with an afternoon lazing on the beach. The 11-hour trip departs from Barcelona and heads south to Tarragona’s breathtaking 2,000-year-old Roman Aqueduct, known locally as El Pont del Diable (The Devil’s Bridge). The perfectly preserved piece of ancient Roman history is hardly ever visited by tourists, but leaves an indelible impression on all who see it. From the Aqueduct, travel into Tarragona city center and explore the ancient Roman capital of the Iberian Peninsula, entering the Old Town through a narrow gateway in the Roman walls. Starting at the Archaeological Walkway, admire the surviving stone walls, wander through the historic old quarter, pass the medieval hospital, and stop at the cathedral to enjoy the Sunday morning antique market for a great chance to pick up some unique gifts. Explore the beautiful cathedral before continuing to the Roman Forum and nearby Roman Circus. Walk along underground passageways that once held the Circus stands, and arrive at Plaça de la Font, one of the most popular squares within the Old Town. Enjoy breathtaking sea views over the Roman Amphitheatre, and imagine gladiators battling each other to the death! It’s a poignant moment to stand on the dusty ground that once bore witness to countless scenes of sacrifice and passion. At approximately 12:30, depart Tarragona for Sitges. En route, you will stop briefly at Roc de Sant Gaieta, an intimate village built on the rocky shoreline. Stroll around its tiny white houses, and let your imagination take you away to Ibiza-style fishing villages, built with a touch of Roman-Greco flair. Arrive in Sitges at 14:00, in perfect time for lunch. This once quiet fishing village today boasts a long and sandy beach, groovy boutiques, and a handful of interesting sights. Fashionable since the 1890s, when it became an avant-garde, art-world hang-out, Sitges provides a maze of shady side streets, where you can enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of its whitewashed houses. After a leisurely lunch, head off to one of the 17 beaches in town to spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun. Reunite with your group at 18:00 for the return journey to Barcelona.

Start your adventure with a captivating day trip from Barcelona to explore the historic town of Tarragona and the vibrant, modernist charm of Sitges. After a hotel pickup in private transport, you’ll head south to these two remarkable coastal destinations, where your expert guide will share fascinating stories and insights along the way. Tarragona, located 100 kilometers south of Barcelona on the Costa Dorada, is home to one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of Hispania, one of the three provinces of the Roman Empire in the Iberian Peninsula. As you explore this ancient town, you’ll be immersed in its rich history and stunning architecture, including the iconic Devil's Bridge. This impressive Roman aqueduct stretches 217 meters long and rises 26 meters high, showcasing the advanced engineering techniques of the Romans. On a walking tour of Tarragona, discover more of the city’s ancient remnants, from the Roman Forum to the medieval city walls. Visit one of the best-preserved circuses in Europe, hidden beneath later structures, and learn about the fascinating history of gladiator battles that once took place in the amphitheater on the shores of the Mediterranean. Tarragona’s rich blend of Roman ruins, medieval structures, and modern-day life make it an unforgettable stop. Later on, proceed to Sitges, a colorful and idyllic town just 38 kilometers from Barcelona, located on the Costa del Garraf. Known for its picturesque setting between the sea and mountains, Sitges has long been a haven for artists, musicians, and creative souls. Once famous for its health tourism, Sitges evolved into a charming bohemian town, blending traditional fishermen’s houses with a lively, modern atmosphere full of boutiques, restaurants, and street performers. On a walking tour of Sitges, explore its labyrinthine streets and hidden corners. Admire the town’s modernist architecture, including Casa Bacardi and Casa del Rellotge, and learn about the "Americanos"—wealthy locals who made their fortune in the Americas. Marvel at the iconic spots like the church of San Bartolomé and Santa Tecla, Maricel Palace, and the "Quiet Corner", where live music adds to the town’s unique charm. Wander along the idyllic seaside, often called the "Saint Tropez of Spain", before ending at the famous San Sebastian Beach. Finish your day in Sitges by relaxing at one of the charming beachside terraces or, if the weather permits, enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of San Sebastian Beach, considered by the New York Times as one of the best urban beaches in Europe. This full-day tour of Tarragona and Sitges is the perfect combination of Roman history, modernist architecture, and Mediterranean beauty, making it an ideal way to explore the best of Catalonia outside of Barcelona.

Step back in time and experience the ancient capital of Hispania Citerior, a city that dates back over 2,000 years. On this immersive half-day tour from Barcelona, you’ll explore Tarragona, one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Spain. Known for its stunning history and ancient ruins, Tarragona offers a fascinating journey through Roman, medieval, and modern times. Your private transport will pick you up from your hotel in Barcelona, and your expert guide will take you on an unforgettable adventure through Tarragona’s Roman past. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just 100 kilometers south of Barcelona on the Costa Dorada, boasts ancient streets, majestic ruins, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Begin your journey with a walking tour of the Roman city, exploring the impressive ancient walls that once fortified the city. Discover one of the best-preserved Roman circuses in Europe, hidden beneath structures from the 19th century. Marvel at the remnants of the Roman Forum, nestled among medieval and modern architecture, showcasing Tarragona’s rich historical layers. Next, visit the amphitheater, built in the 2nd century and located on the edge of the Mediterranean coast. Imagine gladiators battling in this open-air arena, as you take in the breathtaking views and feel the echoes of history in the air. Tarraco’s strategic location made it a vital hub in the Roman Empire, and you’ll see how its legacy lives on today. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Balcony of the Mediterranean, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the sea and beaches, an iconic scene that’s been part of Tarragona’s landscape for millennia. Whether you’re a history lover or a culture enthusiast, this Tarragona tour provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient Roman world while enjoying the beauty of the Costa Dorada.