Italica city of emperors tour

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: The tour costs $51 per person and is valid for one day, with flexible starting times based on availability.
• In-depth exploration: Walk through the largest amphitheater in Spain, see original mosaics, and learn about Roman sewers still in place.
• Expert guide: The tour is led by a live Spanish guide who is known for being very knowledgeable and able to help visitors imagine what the site was like during Roman times.
• Highlights include the Cardo Maximus, Roman domus, thermal baths, and a ceremonial city built for gladiatorial spectacles.
• Private group experience: The tour is tailored for small groups, ensuring a more personal and engaging visit.
• Convenient meeting point: Starts right next to a gas station, with guides waiting to welcome guests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Italica’s Roman Heritage in Andalusia

This Italica city of emperors tour from Martaole Tours allows visitors to explore one of the most significant Roman archaeological sites in Spain. For $51 per person, you gain a comprehensive walking experience that covers major ruins, including the largest amphitheater in Spain, and highlights the city’s historical importance as the birthplace of Trajan and Hadrian. The tour duration is flexible, valid for one day, with starting times that depend on availability.

The tour focuses on the ruins’ most remarkable features, giving you a chance to walk through the ceremonial city created for gladiatorial games, processions, and public events. You will see original mosaics, renowned for their bright, glazed ceramic material, and walk along the Cardo Maximus, a main street where processions once passed and residents lived.

Key Points

• Cost-effective at $51, with the choice of a private group to enhance the experience.
• Includes entrance to the archaeological site, so there’s no need to buy tickets separately.
• Guided in Spanish, providing expert commentary to bring the ruins to life.
• Tour duration is flexible within a single day, allowing for a customized visit.
• Meeting point is easy to find, right next to a gas station, with guides ready to assist.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users, but perfect for history buffs wanting a detailed walk through Roman remains.

Exploring the Roman Amphitheater and Arena

One of the highlights of the tour is the amphitheater, which is the largest in Spain. Visitors can walk along the steps and imagine the spectacles that once took place—gladiator fights, wild beast shows, and public entertainments. The site still bears original marks of the cages, giving a real sense of its ancient use.

Beyond the amphitheater, the tour takes you to the fossa bestiario, or animal cage area, with original cage marks. This allows visitors to visualize the dramatic spectacles held in Roman times, and the fascinating construction of this ancient arena.

The City Layout and Major Ruins

It’s impressive to see how the city was laid out like a chessboard, with the Cardo Maximus and Decumanus streets still visible. These main thoroughfares once hosted processions and daily activities for Roman residents. The tour also encompasses over 9 km of original paved sewers and lead pipes, showcasing Roman engineering skills.

The thermal baths spanning more than 32 hectares are another major feature. These baths reveal how Romans prioritized public health and social activities, and their remains provide insight into their sophisticated urban infrastructure.

More Great Tours Nearby

Inside Roman Domus and Commercial Areas

Visitors get to see domus, Roman private homes, with their peristyles and original mosaics. These well-preserved houses help portray daily life in ancient Italica. The area once contained tabernae, or stores, where Romans bought pottery, silk, and food, offering a glimpse into commerce and trade.

The tour also explores the area of tabernae, giving context about the shopping experience and market life in Roman times, making the city’s bustling commercial zone come alive.

The Thermal Baths and Urban Infrastructure

The thermal baths cover an impressive 32 hectares, emphasizing the importance of public bathing for Roman citizens. Walking through these ruins, visitors can appreciate the scale and sophistication of Roman urban infrastructure, which integrated hot, warm, and cold baths into daily life.

This site showcases how Italica balanced residential, entertainment, and public health facilities, illustrating Roman urban planning at its finest.

The Guide and Tour Experience

The live Spanish guide is praised for their depth of knowledge and the ability to help imagine the site’s past. The guide’s storytelling style makes complex history accessible, especially as they point out original mosaics and structures.

Since the tour is private, it offers more personalized attention, allowing questions and detailed explanations about Roman history, architecture, and everyday life in Italica.

Practical Details and What to Bring

The meeting point is conveniently located next to a gas station, where guides are attentive and ready to start the tour. The activity includes entrance to the site, so no additional tickets are required.

Guests should bring their passport or ID, and since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, those with mobility concerns should consider this. Summer visitors are advised to bring sunscreen, hats, or umbrellas to stay comfortable during outdoor walks.

Why Choose This Tour

This Italica tour offers a deep dive into Roman history at a very reasonable price, especially with the private group setting. The expert guidance enhances the visit, making it suitable for history enthusiasts or anyone interested in Roman architecture and urban planning.

The comprehensive coverage, from amphitheater to sewers, ensures a well-rounded understanding of this ancient city. Despite its focus on historical ruins, the tour provides plenty of photo opportunities and visual context to help visitors fully appreciate the site.

The Sum Up: A Rich Journey Through Roman Italica

The Italica city of emperors tour offers a compact yet detailed experience of one of Spain’s most important Roman sites. For $51, visitors gain access to major ruins, original mosaics, and public baths, guided by an experienced local guide. The private setting allows for questions and personal interactions, making the visit more engaging.

While the tour’s duration is flexible within a day, it covers key highlights that bring Roman history to life. It’s ideal for history lovers, architecture fans, and those wanting a thorough, well-organized visit without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The easy meeting point, comprehensive site access, and expert narration make this tour a great value for exploring Roman Hispania in Andalusia. Just remember to bring your passport or ID and be aware of accessibility limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is included in the tour?
  Entrance to the archaeological site and guided inspection of the ruins.

• How long does the tour last?
  The tour is valid for one day, with starting times based on availability.

• Is transportation provided?
  No, transportation is not included, so visitors need to arrange their own travel to the meeting point.

• What language is the guide speaking?
  The tour is led in Spanish.

• Can I join the tour with children?
  The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users; age restrictions are not specified, but consider the walking involved.

• What should I bring?
  Bring passport or ID, sunscreen, and protection for sunny weather; food and smoking are not allowed.

• Is the tour customizable?
  As a private group, it allows some flexibility, but the itinerary covers the key Roman ruins.

• Are there any discounts or special offers?
  Pay later option available; cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.

• Where does the tour start?
  Next to a gas station, guides will be waiting for guests.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
  More Great Tours Nearby