Tarragona & Sitges Small-Group Day Trip from Barcelona with Hotel Pickup
- Duration10 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
Spend a day in two very different coastal towns south of Barcelona. This small-group tour of up to eight guests starts with hotel pickup in a private air-conditioned people carrier, then follows an English-speaking guide through Roman Tarragona, including the amphitheatre and circus with entry included, before continuing to Sitges for its modernist streets and San Sebastian Beach. It suits couples, small families and friends who like history, architecture and sea air at an unhurried pace.
Highlights
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in a private air-conditioned people carrier
- Small group of up to 8 guests with an expert English-speaking guide
- Entrance to Tarragona Amphitheatre and the Roman Circus included
- Les Ferreres Aqueduct, known as the Devil's Bridge, and the Roman walls
- Sitges' whitewashed lanes, seafront church and modernist houses
- Free time at San Sebastian Beach, one of Sitges' most loved urban beaches
Full Description
Les Ferreres Aqueduct, the Devil's Bridge
The first stop is the Les Ferreres Aqueduct, known locally as Pont del Diable or the Devil's Bridge. This two-tiered Roman aqueduct, more than 200 metres long, once carried water to the city of Tarraco across a valley, and legend says the devil himself built it in a single night.
It sits in a pine-covered park just outside Tarragona, and it is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in Spain. It makes an excellent first photograph of the day and a good introduction to the engineering skills of the Romans, whose empire made Tarragona the capital of Hispania Tarraconensis.
Tarragona Amphitheatre, the Roman Circus and the city walls
The Tarragona Amphitheatre, built in the second century, stands on the seashore with the Mediterranean behind its stone seating. Gladiator fights and public executions took place here, and the ruins of a later church mark the spot where the bishop Fructuosus was martyred in the third century.
Nearby, the Roman Circus once held chariot races for around 25,000 spectators, and parts of its vaults still run under the streets. Your guide also walks you along the Roman walls and the Archaeological Promenade. Tickets for the amphitheatre and the circus are included, so you skip the ticket line. The whole ancient city is part of the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco.
The Roman Forum and old Tarragona
The Roman Forum was the political and commercial centre of ancient Tarraco. Its columns and paving stones lie among shops and cafés in the heart of the modern city, which shows how much later history has been layered on top of the Roman streets.
From here you enter the medieval old town, with narrow lanes and a cathedral rising over the city. Tarragona is often called one of the best cities in Catalonia for Roman history, and a guide is very helpful, because the sites are spread out and many of the ruins are easier to understand when someone explains what they were.
Sitges and San Sebastian Beach
Sitges is a coastal town known for its whitewashed houses, seafront promenade and artistic past. Around 1900 the painter Santiago Rusiñol made it a centre of the Catalan Modernisme movement, and the town still has a lively cultural scene, including its yearly international fantasy film festival.
On your walk you pass the church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla on its seafront headland, hear about the wealthy Americanos who returned from the Americas and built grand houses, and see modernist façades. The day ends with free time at San Sebastian Beach, ideal for a swim or a walk on the promenade before the return to Barcelona.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickup in BarcelonaA private air-conditioned people carrier collects you between 8:00 and 9:00.
- Les Ferreres Aqueduct (Devil's Bridge)Stop at the Roman aqueduct in its park for photographs and stories.
- Tarragona Roman walls and Archaeological PromenadeWalk along the ancient defences that surrounded Tarraco.
- Tarragona Amphitheatre and Roman CircusGuided visit of both monuments, with entry included.
- Roman ForumSee the columns of the ancient city's main square.
- Sitges old townGuided walk through the whitewashed lanes, seafront church and modernist houses.
- San Sebastian BeachFree time for a swim or a promenade stroll.
- Return to BarcelonaDrop-off at your hotel area at the end of the day.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in a private air-conditioned people carrier between 8:00 and 9:00 AM
- Expert guide (English)
- Small group of up to 8 guests
- Guided tour of Roman and medieval Tarragona
- Guided tour of Sitges village
- Entrance to Tarragona Amphitheatre and Tarragona Circus
Not included
- Food and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Pickup from the airport or cruise terminal
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 10 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Travellers who cannot walk for extended periods on uneven ground
- Visitors who want pickup or drop-off at the airport or a cruise terminal, which is not offered
- Anyone who prefers a large-coach tour with a fixed schedule
Meeting point
Pickup is included and takes place at your hotel in Barcelona in a private air-conditioned people carrier between 8:00 and 9:00. Enter your hotel name when you book, even if it is not on the list, and we will confirm the exact time. We cannot pick up or drop off at the airport or at the cruise terminal.
Important information
- Hotel pickup is between 8:00 and 9:00; please be ready in the lobby.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, because much of the day is spent walking outdoors.
- The tour is run in English by a small group of up to 8 guests.
- Tickets to the Tarragona Amphitheatre and the Roman Circus are included.
- Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you would like to swim at San Sebastian Beach.
- Pickup and drop-off at the airport and the cruise terminal are not available.
- Food and drinks and personal expenses are not included.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Tarragona and Sitges tour cost?
The price depends on the passenger type and the date. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Barcelona are included, between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning. Pickup from the airport or the cruise terminal is not available.
How long is the tour?
About ten hours from pickup to drop-off, including the drives and the free time.
How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to eight guests, which allows a more personal experience than a large coach tour.
Are tickets included?
Yes. Entry to the Tarragona Amphitheatre and the Roman Circus is included in the tour.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 9 and under have their own category in the booking panel. The tour involves quite a lot of walking, so it suits children who enjoy history and can walk for a few hours.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a hat, and a swimsuit and towel if you want to swim at San Sebastian Beach.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
If seats are open, yes. The booking panel shows only the dates that are currently available.
Is Tarragona worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the best places in Spain to see Roman monuments, and the amphitheatre beside the sea is a highlight.
What is the best time to visit Sitges?
Late spring and early autumn are pleasant and quieter. In summer the beach is at its best but busy, while in October Sitges is lively with its film festival.
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