Cartagena Tapas Tour

OVERVIEW

Stand in the ruins of an ancient Roman theater that remarkably wasn’t discovered until 1988, and then enjoy a tasting of small-plate specialties at several tapas bars. Get a full understanding of its design and restoration. Once inside the open-air structure, you will likely be awed by its size, as the theater can hold up to 7,000 spectators. A sampling of characteristic regional tapas follows at venues that will be chosen the day of the excursion. While the origin of tapas is unknown, it may refer to an old custom of serving drinks with a slice of ham on top to keep out sand on windy days. Tapa literally means “lid.” Others believe Spain’s small-plate specialties can trace their origin to King Alfonso X, who in the 13th century became ill and could only eat small amounts of food; a trend that caught on.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore an ancient Roman theater in downtown Cartagena that was unexpectedly found in 1988.
• Understand how it looked in Roman times.
• Visit several acclaimed tapas bars for a sampling of the small-plate specialties.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.