Travel back in
time and retrace the footsteps of Roman gladiators - stand where
their chariots raced by and walk across the magnificent Roman
Aqueduct. This is Tarragona - old Roman capital of the Iberian
Peninsula.

You'll also see the "Old Quarter" with its stunning cathedral.
After Tarragona, you visit Roc de Sant Gaieta, a tiny
Mediterranean-style village with its mix of Ibizan fishermen's
houses, Seville-style patios, and Roman-Greco influence.
Finally, you travel to Sitges to discover the authentic
Mediterranean atmosphere of this old fisherman's village with its
shady streets, traditional houses, over a dozen beaches,
cosmopolitan bars and restaurants.

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.
Your 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.