Exploring Catalan Megalithic Tombs Tour
Highlights
- In a private tour, explore the Neolithic megalithic tombs in the Empordà hills overlooking the Costa Brava, about 90 minutes drive north of Barcelona
- Visit the magnificent medieval walled village of Peratallada in the heart of the Empordà wine region
- Experience the tranquil, stunning countryside of Catalonia “away from the madding crowd”
- Immerse yourself in the charms of this Mediterranean region’s culture and heritage in an expert-led tour
- Have a traditional Catalan lunch in a local restaurant or have a gourmet Catalan picnic
Duration: Approximately 9 hours
Activity level: Light/Moderate
Itinerary
Morning
Tour leader Killian Driscoll and your chauffeur will pick you up from your chosen location, and you’ll start your tour driving out of the city with Killian introducing the day ahead, and answering any questions you may have.
Throughout the day, Killian will share with you his knowledge of the history and archaeology of the region, and the places you visit. You will be given an insight into the lives of the people that inhabited the area from the hunter-gatherers of the Palaeolithic to the first farmers of the Neolithic to the later medieval period.
To begin exploring the Catalan megalithic tombs in Empordà, we'll drive about 90 minutes north of Barcelona to the medieval village of Romanyà de la Selva. In the shade of the majestic cork oak trees, you'll have a private tour of a number of megalithic tombs and monuments dating back some 5,000 years. You'll learn about the first farmers of the 'Neolithic revolution' and their way of life in prehistoric Europe and Spain.
The Neolithic and later prehistoric people in Catalonia built different types of megalithic tombs and monuments such as standing stones. During this tour you'll visit and explore four different types of these, learning about these ancient societies and their way of life in the Stone Age.
Lunch
From there you'll continue through the scenic Empordà wine region to have your leisurely lunch in a local restaurant of your choice or your specially prepared, gourmet Catalan picnic.
Afternoon
After lunch, you'll visit the magnificent medieval walled town of Peratallada to explore the beautifully preserved town. In Peratallada you'll see the archaeology and history of this living, authentic medieval town. While exploring the winding streets and laneways, you'll learn about lives of the people who lived in the town and its environs, from the Iron Age (about 2500 years ago), Roman period, medieval period, to the present day. Peratallada is regarded as one of the most important examples of Catalan medieval town architecture, and is not to be missed.
