Tarragona Highlights Private Tour

based on 48 reviews

Duration:4 hours (approx.)
Location: Tarragona, Catalonia

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ADULT (Age : 18 to 64)

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It's a 4 H PRIVATE TOUR with a LICENSED TOUR GUIDE with GOOD ENGLISH LEVEL to discover some of the historical Roman and Medieval gems of the city of Tarragona, World heritage site since 2000.

-The glory of the Roman monuments and the hidden gems of the medieval city.

-Relive the excitement of the chariot races.

-Get a 360º panoramic view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

-Trace the steps of the Romans along an underground passageway of the circus maximus.

-Learn about the gladiators and their fighting techniques.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Circ Roma
Located between Via Augusta and the provincial forum, Tarragona's circus was once used to hold horse and chariot races. An elongated structure measuring 325 by 115 metres, its original capacity has been estimated at 30,000 spectators. The complex was built in the 1st century. Unusually, it was located within the city limits and is thus endowed with several atypical architectural features. It is considered one of the best-preserved circuses in the West, although some of the original structure remains hidden under old 19th-century buildings. The Praetorium is a Roman-era tower that once housed the stairs that connected the lower city to the provincial forum by way of the circus, to which it is connected by means of underground passageways. It stands at one of the corners of the vast rectangle of the provincial forum square. In the 12th century, it was transformed into a palace for the monarchs of the Crown of Aragon. It was subsequently used as a prison.
2. Catedral Basilica Metropolitana Primada de Tarragona
As for the cathedral itself, construction began in the 12th century in the Romanesque style and continued throughout the Gothic period. The building was consecrated in 1331; however, it could not be finished due to the Black Death, which razed the region. The soaring entrance and rose window of its façade are one of the city’s most emblematic images. At the cloister entrance, visitors will also find the Diocesan Museum and spectacular Saint Tecla altarpiece. The cloister’s sculpture work is one of the most pre-eminent examples of Romanesque art in Catalonia and dates back to the turn of the 13th century. As for the Diocesan Museum, special attention should be called to the collections of mediaeval and modern religious art from Tarragona and its diocese, including altarpieces, stone sculptures and wood carvings, goldwork, wrought-iron work, textiles, ceramics, etc. ON SUNDAYS THE CATHEDRAL, ITS CLOSE DUE TO THE CATHOLIC MASS. (WE WILL GET INSIDE OF THE ROMAN ANPHITHEATRE INSTEAD).
3. Murallas de Tarragona
In the 2nd century B.C., a great wall was built around Tarraco, delimiting the municipal boundaries. The wall originally ran some 3,500 metres. Today, approximately 1,100 metres remain, bordering present-day Tarragona's Old Quarter. The walls are the oldest Roman construction still conserved outside Italy. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, they were reinforced with bulwarks, a curtain wall and exterior fortifications in order to adapt the Tarragona defences to new forms of artillery.
4. Anfiteatro
An oval structure built in the 2nd century overlooking the sea, its stands were carved directly out of the underlying bedrock. The amphitheatre is 109.5 metres long by 86.5 metres wide and can hold up to 14,000 spectators. In its day, it was the scene of fights between gladiators and against wild beasts, as well as public executions. In the year 259 A.D., the Bishop Fructuoso and his deacons Augurio and Eulogio were burned alive within its confines. In the early 6th century, a Visigoth basilica was built on the site, which was eventually replaced by the mediaeval Santa Maria del Miracle (Our Lady of the Miracle) church.
5. Mediterranean Balcony
Located at the top of Rambla Nova, rising 40 metres above the sea, this airy “balcony” offers a splendid view of the Mediterranean, the Tarragona port, Platja del Miracle beach and the ancient Roman amphitheatre. A place beloved by Tarragona natives, legend has it that touching its singular railing ("tocar ferro") brings good luck. Outdoor point of interest.
6. Casco Antiguo de Tarragona
Located in the upper part of the city, the Tarragona Old Town is a maze of narrow and short streets full of old buildings with a somewhat special decadent air. A very charming and definitely an unmissable spot on any visit to the capital of the province.
7.
It is located within the facilities adjoining the cloister, some from the XII-XIII centuries, amongst which we would highlight the old chapterhouse and the old Canonical refectory, covered by a pointed barrel-vault ceiling. We would also mention the Mudejar Gothic artwork from the mid XIV century in the Treasury room, with polychromic heraldic, geometric and figurative themes. Of special note are the collections of medieval and modern religious art from Tarragona and its dioceses: altarpieces, stone and carved wood sculptures, gold-work, wrought iron work, textiles, ceramics, etc. Some of the tombstone collection is kept in the Chapel of St. Tecla the Elder. ON SUNDAYS THE CATHEDRAL, ITS CLOSE DUE TO THE CATHOLIC MASS. (WE WILL GET INSIDE OF THE ROMAN ANPHITHEATRE INSTEAD).
8. Casa Castellarnau
XV century noble house
9. Museu d'Art Modern de la Diputacio de Tarragona
The Museum of Modern Art was created in 1976 by the Tarragona Provincial Council to promote the study and knowledge of modern and contemporary art, as well as to showcase its artistic heritage and share it with the community. Located in the Part Alta (historic centre) of Tarragona, the result of the union of three 18th century buildings, the Museum is equipped with an auxiliary library, a documentation centre and a photographic archive. Its collection includes works from different artistic disciplines from the 19th to the 21st centuries, including the legacy of the sculptor Julio Antonio and the Tarragona Tapestry by Joan Miró and Josep Royo.
10. Ajuntament de Tarragona
Art Noveau tomb of the medieval king Jaume I.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Greg P
A really comprehensive tour of the old town. Bernat provides a great deal of interesting and informative detail of the history and development of Tarragona and the sites are breathtaking.
Highly recommended.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-12 04:36:04

Posted By : Betsy_D
Who knew there was so much to see in Tarragona? Bernat was a knowledgable, professional and thoroughly personable guide!! He took us throughout the old city at a very comfortable pace. A highlight was a children's fair where kids were learning how to climb and make the human towers that are traditional at local celebrations.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-23 03:52:40

Posted By : Shanna_H
Tarragona is a must for anyone who loves Roman history. The city has done a great job to live up to the UNESCO status.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-10 13:13:59

Posted By : Gioia_P
Bernat was so informative and patient with me and all my questions. He shared secrets of the city and I felt like a local. Great experience
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Posted On : 2024-04-10 13:00:27

Posted By : James_D
It's really highlights of the historical area (10% of Tarragona) but that's largely why I came. I'm writing a novel re 4th c. Christian. Bernat humbly bested me with his insights. Nice man, too!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-01-27 13:25:25

Posted By : Diane_M
The tour guide was exceptional and his knowledge off the area. Made arrangements for transportation to Tarragona and return to our cruise ship. An amazing amount of history in this area. I would recommend this walking tour off Tarragona, especially for those interested in history.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-30 12:22:02

Posted By : Alexander_K
If you are somewhat worried about the price like I was when booking, DON’T be. This tour is absolutely incredible and is a comprehensive look at Tarragona’s history and landmarks. It simply doesn’t compare to a standard group tour where you have a dozen or so others along with you. Our guide was Bernard (sorry if I misspelled) and he was extremely knowledgeable about every site we went to. I could immediately tell that he enjoys what he does and has a genuine passion for history. My Fiancé and I took this tour on the first day of our honeymoon, and we saw literally everything we wanted to see and more, from a historical perspective. I think this tour would be especially good if you have limited time in Tarragona and want to get all of historical sites done in one day. Bernard was also kind enough to stop and take many pictures of my Fiancé and I along the way, which is and of itself is invaluable! Just make sure to bring walking shoes and plenty of water, you will be walking A LOT. 10/10 experience, I would recommend to anyone coming to Tarragona and interested in its history.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-09-21 03:22:48

Posted By : KatieBDavis22
Bernat is a phenomenal guide! Great communication via WhatsApp and email during the booking and planning process. He gave us directions on where to safely park and exactly where to meet him. He has a vast knowledge of the city and it’s history. The tour does require quite a bit of walking but it was definitely worth it to see all the sites and learn the history. Bernat was kind enough to send us several dinner recommendations in the areas we were staying and even offered to make reservations for us. Our entire group agreed that he went above and beyond to make our trip exceptional. Highly recommend!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-07-21 16:29:54

Posted By : Alyra_H
Fabulous guide and experience! Our guide was flexible as we missed the express train and arrived 30 min late. She did not cut our tour short (which we told her would be completely understandable)
Highly recommend!!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-07-07 16:26:31

Posted By : sunprodigy
Bernat is a very knowledgeable guide and a real people person. He is fun to hang out with. I ended up with a totally different feel for Tarragona after the tour. This was my third time in Tarragona.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-06-24 09:30:19