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Historical Land Adventure: Roman Spain Tarragona Day Tour by Spanish Trails - Barcelona

Historical Land Adventure: Roman Spain Tarragona Day Tour by Spanish Trails

Barcelonaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

11 hours

Fitness Level

Basic fitness level sufficient for walking and standing during tours

Overview

Step back into history with the Tarragona Day Tour by Spanish Trails, uncovering Roman ruins, UNESCO sites, and medieval architecture just outside Barcelona. Perfect for history lovers and adventurers alike.

Barcelona, Catalunya

Roman Spain - Tarragona Day Tour

All Ages • 11 hours • Group Size from 2 to 8

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable 11-hour Tarragona Day Tour, exploring stunning Roman architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discover the ancient Amphitheater, Circus, and Monastery of Poblet, while enjoying a delicious three-course Catalan lunch. This small-group adventure offers a unique glimpse into history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes just outside Barcelona.

This Tarragona Day Tour takes you to see some of the most beautiful pieces of Roman architecture on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, as well as to the legendary Medieval town of Montblanc and the ancient Monastery of Poblet.

Duration

11 hours

About

Highlights:

  • The 2nd Century Amphitheater: Used for gladiator fights, wild beast fights, and public executions
  • Tarragona’s Circus: Used for horse and chariot races, is considered one of the best-preserved circuses in the West
  • The remains of the Provincial Forum: The political center of Tarragona
  • The recently discovered remains of a Roman temple within a cathedral
  • A fantastic 3-course lunch of Catalan cuisine

Just a short trip outside of Barcelona, Tarragona is a journey back in time to the Roman Empire. In Tarragona, we get the opportunity to view some of the most beautifully preserved and some of the oldest examples of Roman architecture outside of Italy. The Tarragona Roman Tour is a small-group day-trip outside of the hustle and bustle of Barcelona that takes us to some of the most beautiful pieces of architecture on the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites that are perfect for any history buff or anybody interested in seeing beautiful places around the world.

Follow the footsteps of Romans The Tarragona Roman day tour will retrace the steps of period Romans as we travel on and enter Tarragona’s center using the Via Augusto (the longest and busiest road built by the Romans) in the area. Once we enter the city, we will be led on a day of exploration as our guide purchases multi-monument tickets for us to gain access to the many Roman heritage sites in the area.

Explore the Roman City Once we have finished, we will traverse the Roman boundary walls, said to be the oldest Roman constructions outside Italy. After the wall, we will explore the interesting Medieval, Roman, and Gothic sites within the city itself. Some of the more interesting sites include The Medieval Hospital (a Romanesque-Gothic structure that serves as the seat of the El Tarragonès Regional Council), The Jewish quarter (the Jewish neighborhood located near the King for protection and isolation), and much more. The adventure in Tarragona ends with a quick drive to the famous Pont del Diable, or Devil’s Bridge; a structure that is a great example of a Roman aqueduct that integrates various sized conduits. This is a great way to finish off your introduction to Roman structures.

An Amazing Roman and Catalan Lunch After exploring and building our appetite, we will head to an amazing lunch in Montblanc near the San Jordi gate. Amongst the villages of Roman settlers, the meal will consist of traditional Catalan and some Roman-influenced gastronomy. This meal will help deepen our experience of the area’s mixed culture. Following that amazing lunch the final part of our day-trip into history will involve a tour through either the Poblet or the Santes Creus monastery. Both are great ways to learn more about the religious culture of the area and both are a great end to the day. After seeing the monastery, groups will head back to Barcelona.

What’s Included

  • Very knowledgeable and entertaining, English-speaking guide
  • Transportation in a modern, air-conditioned touring van
  • Great three-course restaurant lunch with wine

What’s Not Included

  • Guide’s gratuity (optional)
  • Very comfortable walking shoes
  • Dress comfortably anticipating fluctuation in temperature
  • A light rain jacket and/or umbrella

There would be a surcharge/ person if you end up being only two clients on any non-private tour.

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable shoes

Prepare for walking on uneven ancient ruins and cobblestone streets.

Bring sun protection

Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses for full-day sun exposure.

Stay hydrated

Carry water throughout the day to keep refreshed during outdoor activities.

Arrive early

Begin the day at the designated meeting point to maximize your experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • European kestrel
  • Common wall lizard

History

Tarragona was an important port and military hub in Roman Hispania, with its archaeological remains dating back over two millennia.

Conservation

Spanish Trails emphasizes responsible tourism by respecting historical sites and supporting local preservation efforts.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Barcelona

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Suitable footwear for extensive walking on archaeological sites and city streets.

Sunscreen and hat

Essential

Protection against sun exposure during outdoor touring.

Small backpack

To carry water, snacks, and personal items during the day.

Camera or smartphone

Capture the stunning Roman ruins and scenic vistas.