From Seville: Italica Roman City & Medieval Monastery Tour

Discovering Italica and a Medieval Monastery: An Honest Review of the Seville Tour

If you’re visiting Seville and eager to step back into the past, the From Seville: Italica Roman City & Medieval Monastery Tour offers an appealing way to do so without spending the entire day on a single site. This 4-hour journey takes you from the lively streets of Seville to the ancient ruins of Italica, and then on to a beautifully preserved medieval monastery. It’s a good pick if you like history, architecture, and a touch of Spanish spirituality, all wrapped into one trip.

What we really love about this tour is how accessible and well-organized it is. The well-preserved ruins of Italica are a highlight, especially the massive Roman amphitheater, which is one of the largest in the world. Plus, the chance to see where some scenes from Game of Thrones were shot adds a fun pop culture twist. We also appreciate the small-group or private options, which can make the experience more intimate and tailored.

That said, a potential downside is that the tour can feel a little rushed—with just over two hours at Italica and less than an hour at the monastery, you’ll want to keep your pace up. Also, while the price is quite reasonable at around $44 per person, it’s worth considering that food and drinks aren’t included. This is not a problem if you’re prepared with snacks or plan to eat after, but it’s good to keep in mind.

This tour looks best suited for those with an interest in Roman history and medieval architecture, especially if you prefer guided insights over wandering on your own. It’s perfect for history buffs, Game of Thrones fans, or travelers who want a taste of ancient Spain without dedicating an entire day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $44, you get a comprehensive glimpse into Roman and medieval history.
• Expert Guides: Multiple reviews praise the guides’ knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability.
• Iconic Sites: The Roman amphitheater and mosaics are breathtaking and well-preserved.
• Film Location Insight: Fans of Game of Thrones will enjoy visiting the filming sites.
• Efficient Itinerary: The tour covers two major sites in just four hours, making it great for tight schedules.
• Group Options: Available as private or small-group tours, providing flexibility for comfort and intimacy.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Starting Your Journey: Ease and Convenience

The tour begins with multiple pickup points in Seville, including Calle Trajano and Hotel Don Paco. This flexibility helps a lot because no one wants to stress over a long commute early in the morning. The transportation is air-conditioned and comfortable, ensuring a smooth ride out of the bustling city towards Santiponce, where Italica is located.

Traveling by van or coach means you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and chat with fellow travelers. The journey lasts about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in before stepping into the ancient world.

Exploring Italica: A Roman Marvel

Once at Italica, the guided tour lasts around 105 minutes. During this time, you’ll walk through some of the best-preserved ruins, including mosaics, streets, and public spaces. What’s genuinely striking is the size and grandeur of the amphitheater, which could seat up to 25,000 spectators—an enormous feat for its time.

Our review sources point out that guides are very knowledgeable. For example, one reviewer said, “Jose Luis was very pleasant and well-informed about the archaeological aspects of Italica,” which makes a big difference when you’re trying to understand the significance of the site. Others mention how guides answer questions with enthusiasm, making the experience lively and engaging.

You’ll get to stand in the tunnels where gladiators once prepared before shows, and walk through the den where lions were kept. Seeing these areas up close is a reminder of how advanced Roman engineering was, and how much history is hidden beneath the surface.

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Scenes From Game of Thrones: A Fun Bonus

Film fans will enjoy the connection to Game of Thrones—the amphitheater was used as the Dragonpit in season seven. This adds an extra layer of appeal, especially if you’ve watched the series and want to imagine those dramatic scenes happening in real life. It’s a fun way to combine history with pop culture, and guides often highlight these filming locations, making the tour more memorable.

The Medieval Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo

After exploring Italica, the next stop is the monastery of San Isidoro del Campo, which dates from the Mudejar, Gothic, and Baroque periods. This site provides a stark contrast to the Roman ruins—here, you get a glimpse into medieval spirituality and architecture.

The guided tour at the monastery lasts around 40 minutes. While it’s not as expansive as the Roman site, it offers an interesting perspective on Spain’s layered history. The reviews mention that the monastery is “beautiful and interesting,” giving visitors a tangible link to the past beyond the Roman era.

Returning to Seville: A Relaxed Close

The entire experience wraps up with a return journey, giving you some downtime to reflect on what you’ve seen or chat with your group. Most tours finish back at the original meeting points, like Calle Trajano or Hotel Don Paco, making the whole process straightforward.

The Value for Money

Considering the price point of about $44 per person, this tour offers a lot. Entrance tickets to Italica are included, so you skip the lines and head straight into exploring. Transport and a local guide are also covered, which significantly enhances the experience. Given how much history and culture you get in just four hours, it’s a solid deal.

Reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude, which can turn what might be a standard site visit into a lively and informative experience. Plus, the small-group or private options mean you can customize your visit if you prefer a more intimate setting.

What’s Missing?

The main thing to remember is that food and drinks aren’t included. If you’re hungry after all that walking, plan to bring a snack or wait until after the tour to grab a meal. Also, the tour is quite structured, so if you’re a slow explorer or prefer wandering at your own pace, it might feel a little rushed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is a good fit for history enthusiasts, fans of Game of Thrones, and travelers looking for a compact yet rich cultural outing. It’s also perfect for those who want a guided experience but don’t want to commit an entire day. If you’re traveling with kids, they might enjoy the vast ruins and stories, but consider the pace and whether they can handle a few hours of walking and standing.

Because it’s about 4 hours long with a small group, it’s convenient for fitting into a busy itinerary. The price and inclusion of tickets make it attractive for travelers on a budget who still want to see something extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The entire tour lasts approximately four hours, including transportation, guided visits, and travel time between sites.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price. You might want to bring snacks or plan a meal afterward.

Can I choose a private tour?
Yes, private and small-group options are available, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential since you’ll be walking on uneven ancient surfaces. Sun protection like sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen are also recommended.

Is there any film or TV connection?
Yes, parts of Game of Thrones were filmed at Italica, specifically the amphitheater, which is often highlighted during the tour.

Are children welcome?
Children can enjoy the ruins and stories, but keep in mind the walking distance and pace. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infant seats are available on request.

What’s the group size?
It varies depending on whether you choose a shared or private tour, but reviews suggest the group sizes are manageable, with many travelers praising the guides’ attentiveness.

Wrapping It Up

All in all, the From Seville: Italica Roman City & Medieval Monastery Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Spain’s layered past, combining Roman grandeur with medieval charm. The high praise for guides’ knowledge, the stunning ruins, and the reasonable price make this a worthwhile outing for most travelers interested in history or TV sets.

While it’s not a full-day exploration, its efficiency makes it great for fitting into a busy schedule or as a primer before exploring more of Andalusia. Just remember to come prepared with comfortable shoes, some snacks, and a curiosity for the stories behind these ancient stones.

If you love learning about history, enjoy a scenic drive, and want a dose of culture, this tour could be just the ticket for your Seville visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: