BARCELONA – VALENCIA – MURCIA – GRANADA – COSTA DEL SOL – JEREZ – SEVILLA – CORDOBA – TOLEDO – MADRID – BARCELONA
Day 1: BARCELONA – Arrival and Hotel accommodation.
Dinner in a typical Restaurant and overnight stay.
Day 2: BARCELONA – Breakfast and overnight at the Hotel.
Morning half day City Tour with local guide: Plaza Catalunya, Via Laietana, Cathedral and its cloister, the Gothic Quarter, Plaza Sant Jaume (Generalitat and Town Hall), we will continue to the Vila and Port Olimpic (Olympic Harbour), which we will tour on foot After that, we will go up the Montjuich Mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the Port. We shall tour the Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant Jordi and Calatrava Tower. Visit the Pueblo Espanyol (Spanish Village), which reproduces the most typical regional architectural styles of Spain. Return to the Hotel.
Afternoon at leisure. Optional walking for the famous Ramblas or for shopping. Dinner and “Flamenco Show” at one of the best “Tablaos Flamencos” of Barcelona.
Day 3: BARCELONA – Breakfast and departure by coach to VALENCIA.
Optional stop in PEÑISCOLA, beautiful coastal population, located on a Peninsula that enters the sea. The nucleus more ancient of the Villa was constructed on a rocky promontory. Special attention to the Castle of Papa Luna.
Continuation to Sagunto (optional stop), divided in two parts: The city and the Port, distance between 3 Kms. Historical city where the Castle stands out, where there developed the tragic facts of the famous destruction. We continue to VALENCIA with dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 4: VALENCIA – Breakfast.
Short City Tour: Cathedral with the “Miguelete” of 51 m. high, the “Lonja” and the new and recently inaugurated “Ciudad de las Ciencias y Artes”. Departure to Cullera, Benidorm, Alicante. Stop for lunch and for panoramic sightseeing. Walking for these nice city with its Promenades in front of the sea and Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Prosecution to Elche, where you can visit the “Jardin del Huerto del Cura”, rich in tropical plants and palms. Continuation to Orihuela till arrive at MURCIA with dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 5: MURCIA – Breakfast.
Before to continue the journey we recommend to visit the famous “Museo Salzillo”, the Cathedral with its main baroque façade and the Monasterio de la Fuensanta. Continuation till Lorca, Puerto Lumbreras, Vélez Rubio, Baza, Guadix and GRANADA.- dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 6: GRANADA – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Morning city tour with local guide including los Jardines del Generalife the summer resort created for the recreation of the sultans with its gardens, water-basins and fountains, the Alhambra, one of the most famous works of Arab-andalusian architecture.
In the afternoon free time to visit, if you wish, other monuments as: the Cathedral and The Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), tomb of the Catholic Kings Isabella and Ferdinand, whose remains have rested there since 1521. The University of Yusuf I and the Alceria (old Jewish quarter).
Day 7: GRANADA – Breakfast.
Departure to Loja, Antequera till MALAGA panoramic city tour, where the Cathedral stands out. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon you will travel to COSTA DEL SOL (Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola etc).
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: COSTA DEL SOL – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Free time or join the optional excursion to NERJA, picturesque town on a cliff in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara. It is famous for the sea and mountain views from “Balcón de Europa”. Visit of the fine prehistoric cave of impresssive dimensions used for dance and music festivals.
Day 9: COSTA DEL SOL – Breakfast.
Departure in the early morning, travel through Algeciras, Tarifa the most southern extremity of the european continent, with clear weather you can see Africa, to JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, famous for its “Bodegas” that produce the most international wine of the Country. Visit to a typical sherry cellar or to the Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre (Andalusian Horses Show). Free time for lunch. Continuation to SEVILLA with dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: SEVILLA – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
In the morning with local guide, half day city tour: Barrio de Santa Cruz, Torre del Oro, Parque de Maria Luisa, Plaza España, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, in the center of the old town. One of the largest Christian churches in the world. Just next to it, the Giralda Tower, founded in 1776 as a minaret and taken as a tower from the complex of the Cathedral.
In the afternoon free time to visit the other highlights or walking through the numerous and narrow streets or go to “Isla de la Cartuja” where you can find the Thematic Park of “Isla Magica”. In the evening optional visit to a Flamenco Show.
Day 11: SEVILLA – Breakfast.
Departure to CORDOBA. In the 10th Century was the centre of power as well as the cultural capital of the west. Accommodation at the Hotel. Half day city tour with local guide including: la Sinagoga, Plaza Maimonides, Barrio Judio (Jewish Quarter), Mezquita-Cathedral inside you can contemplate the “Mihrab” and “El bosque de las columnas”.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: CORDOBA – Breakfast.
Departure to Manzanares, Madrilejos to TOLEDO. Arrival to one of the most beautiful cities of our country, situated on the banks of the rio Tajo, declared and artistic monument and mankind’s heritage by the UNESCO.
Accomodation. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 13: TOLEDO – Breakfast.
After breakfast start of the guided half day city tour. The most important places of interest are: the Cathedral, a gothic building, the mudejar church of Santo Tomé, with the principal work of El Greco “El entierro del Conde Orgaz”, Plaza de Zocodover, Puerta del Sol, la Judería, the Synagogue of Sta. Maria la Blanca, etc.
In the afternoon departure to MADRID, Capital of Spain. Madrid is also the capital of friendliness and good feeling. Its atmosphere, its animation and its joy of living are contagious.
Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 14: MADRID – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
In the morning guided half day city tour: Drive through the most important streets, passing the Puerta del Sol, fountain of Cibeles and Neptune. Visit of the world famous Prado Museum with paintings from Spain’s most relevant artists, such as El Greco, Velázquez, Goya. Continue along Gran Via, Plaza de España to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), magnificent building of 18th century architecture and a one-time residence of the Spanish Kings, with a wonderful furniture and rich collection of tapestries, ceramics, clocks….
Afternoon at leisure for shopping or visit other highlights: Plaza Mayor situated in the old Madrid, Retiro Park the largest and most splendid of the city, etc.
Day 15: MADRID – Breakfast.
Departure to ZARAGOZA, located on the foot of rio Ebro. Short stop for panoramic City Tour: the Cathedral’s Square (the second largest square of Europa) and Town Hall, the famous Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Seo, the Arab Palace of the Aljaferia. Travel on to BARCELONA with dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 16: BARCELONA – Breakfast and departure home.
BARCELONA – VALENCIA – MADRID – TOLEDO – AVILA – SEGOVIA – ZARAGOZA – BARCELONA
Day 1: BARCELONA – Arrival and Hotel accommodation.
Dinner in typical Restaurant and overnight at the hotel
Day 2: BARCELONA – Breakfast and overnight at the Hotel.
Morning half day City Tour with local guide: Plaza Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, bus tour to see Gaudi’s famous buildings Casa Batlló and Casa Milá, visit to Güell Park (also by Gaudi), declared an artistic monument and mankind’s heritage by the UNESCO. Go back to admire the “Sagrada Familia” (Holy Family) Cathedral, unfinished masterpiece of the world famous architect Gaudí, Monumental Bull Ring (outside). Return to the Hotel.
Afternoon at leisure. Optional walking along the famous Ramblas or for shopping.
Dinner and “Flamenco Show” at one of the best “Tablaos Flamencos” of Barcelona.
Day 3: BARCELONA – Breakfast and departure by coach to VALENCIA.
Optional stop in PEÑISCOLA, beautiful coastal population, located on a Peninsula that enters the sea. The nucleous more ancient of the Villa was constructed on a rocky promontory. Special attention to the Castillo of Papa Luna.
Continuation to Sagunto (optional stop) divided in two parts: The city and the Port, distant between 3 Kms. Historical city where the Castle stand out, where there developed the tragic facts of the famous destruction. We continue to VALENCIA with dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 4: VALENCIA
After the breakfast, brief visit of the third city of Spain for his commercial and industrial importance: Cathedral with the “Miguelete” of 51 m. high, the “Lonja” and the new and recently inaugurated “Ciudad de las Ciencias y Artes”. Departure to CUENCA. Recommended to visit the city, named in 1996 by the UNESCO, “Patrimony of the Humanity”. Special attention to “Casas Colgadas”, Plaza Mayor Town Hall, “Casa de la Inqusicion” (actually Archivo Provincial). Continue drive to MADRID.- Capital of Spain . Madrid is also the capital of friendliness and good feeling. Its atmosphere, its animation and its joy of living are contagious.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 5: MADRID – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
In the morning guided half day City Tour: Drive through the most important streets, passing the Puerta del Sol, fountain of Cibeles and Neptune .Visit to the world famous Prado Museum with paintings by Spain’s most relevant artists, such as El Greco, Velazquez, Goya …. Continue along Gran Via, Plaza de España to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), magnificent building of 18th. Century and onetime residence of the Spanish Kings, with a wonderful furniture and rich collection of tapestries, ceramics, clocks, etc.
Afternoon at leisure for shopping or for visit other highlights: Plaza Mayor situated in the old Madrid, Retiro Park, the largest and most splendid of the city, etc.
Day 6: MADRID – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Full day guided excursion to TOLEDO. The imperial TOLEDO, standing on the banks of the rio Tajo and one of Europe’s most ancient cities, offers the most characteristic example of the Spanish civilization. TOLEDO is still the spiritual capital of the country and has been declared National Monument. We will visit the Cathedral, magnificent Gothic monument, the Mudejar Church of St. Tome, with the principal work of El Greco “El entierro del Conde Orgaz” (The Burial of the Count Orgaz), Plaza de Zocodover, Puerta del Sol, la Juderia, the Synagogue of Sta. Maria la Blanca, etc.
Return to Madrid with possibility to assist a Flamenco Show.
Day 7: MADRID – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Full day guided excursion to AVILA and SEGOVIA.
AVILA: A wonderful well preserved Middle Age walled city that is still the most representative of the Spanish mysticism. Named by the UNESCO Patrimony of the Humanity. Visit the Cathedral, fine example of Gothic Transitional architecture, “Cuatro Postes”, the “Puerta de San Vicente”, Convent of Santa Theresa and Monasterio de la Encarnacion.
SEGOVIA: Standing on the heights between two deep valleys formed by the rivers Eresma and Clamores. Named also by the UNESCO Patrimony of the Humanity. The Roman aqueduct that once supplied spring water to the town testifies how important this town used to be. This construction of arches with a total height of 29 m. is made up of two rows of arches arranged on top of each other. Visit the Alcazar, fortress palace which contains furniture and objects of the days when it was built. The Cathedral, begun in late gothic style that for its elegance, gracefulness and sobriety has gained the nickname of the Lady of Cathedrals. The Judería (Jewish Quarter), Palacio Episcopal, Casa de los Picos, etc. Return to Madrid.
Day 8: MADRID – Breakfast
Departure to ZARAGOZA, located on the foot of rio Ebro. Short stop for panoramic City Tour: the Cathedral’s Square (the second largest square of Europa) and Town Hall, the famous Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Seo, the Arab Palace of Aljaferia. Continue drive to Lleida and BARCELONA for accommodation, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9: BARCELONA – Breakfast and departure home.
MADRID – SALAMANCA – COIMBRA – FATIMA – LISBON – MERIDA – MADRID
Day 1: MADRID.
Madrid is also the capital of friendliness and good feeling. Its atmosphere, its animation and its joy of living are contagious.
Arrival and Hotel accommodation. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: MADRID – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
In the morning guided half day City Tour: Drive through the most important streets, passing the Puerta del Sol, fountain of Cibeles and Neptune. Visit of the world famous Prado Museum with paintings by Spain’s most relevant artists, such as El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, etc. Continue along Gran Via, Plaza de España to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), magnificent building of 18th. Century and onetime residence of the Spanish Kings, with a wonderful furniture and rich collection of tapestries, ceramics, clocks etc.
Afternoon at leisure for shopping or for visit other highlights: Plaza Mayor situated in the old Madrid, Retiro Park, the largest and most splendid of the city etc.
In the evening possibility to visit a Flamenco Show.
Day 3: MADRID – Breakfast.
Departure to SALAMANCA known also with the nickname of “Roma Chica” (Small Roma) for the style and its great quantity of Monuments. Free time for lunch and visit the Cathedral, University, “Casa de las Conchas”, its impressive Plaza Mayor, one of the more beautiful of Spain. Continue drive to the Portuguese border and COIMBRA, the heart of the romantic and academic Portugal.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: COIMBRA – Breakfast.
Possibility of visiting this university and student’s town, and one of the bigger artistic centres of the Portuguese renaissance. Worth visiting are the old and the new University, the Royal Palace, the Library, the Monasterio de Santa Cruz and the Acueducto de San Sebastian.
After lunch, departure to FATIMA. The world centre of pilgrimage with its majestic Catholic Shrine. On the 13rd. of May 1917 the Mother of God appeared, according to the legend, before three shepherd children. Since 1939 the adoration of the Mother of God of Fatima has been the objective of pilgrimages from all over the Catholic World.
Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 5: FATIMA – Breakfast and departure.
Optional visit to the famous Sanctuary of pilgrimage of Fatima and its very interesting Wax Museum. Shortly after you will arrive to Batalha, which impressive Monastery, a gothic masterpiece, deserves a visit. Continue drive to LISBON, the Capital of Portugal, situated in the fall of River Tajo. In a practical sense, Lisbon is the hub of Portugal’s Atlantic coast. It is a city that epitomizes the traveller’s dream of the European town: both ancient and cosmopolitan.
Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 6: LISBON – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
On your guided morning City Tour you will be impressed by its sometimes melancholic beauty. Drive via Liberty Avenue and Rossio, the famous Railway Station of the 19th Century, to the shopping area called “Baixa”, then through the old town to St. George’s Castle. Walk in the charming old city of Alfama, Praça do Comercio and visit to the famous Royal Coach Museum. Visit the impressive church of Jeronimos Monastery and stop at the tower of Belem and at the Memorial to Maritime Discoveries.
Afternoon at leisure. We recommend a walking tour along the elegant Avenida da Liberdade or the bustling Rossio, tasting its confectionary and enjoy the cosmopolitan environment of the Portuguese Capital.
In the evening optional assistance to a selected Fado restaurant for dinner, in the old city quarter, while you listen the nostalgic Fado singing, Portuguese guitar music and see a delightful folklore exhibition.
Day 7: LISBON – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
In the morning you will leave the Capital and visit the most elegant beach resorts on the portuguese coast.
In CASCAIS, typical fishing village, visit the old city centre called “Ciudadela” and in ESTORIL, famous summer resort, you can admire Europe largest Casino. SINTRA visit the Royal Palace of the Aviz dynasty. Back to Lisbon. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 8: LISBON – Breakfast and departure.
Border crossing near Badajoz, passing MERIDA. Free time for lunch and short panoramic visit of this important roman city with its monuments: Circo Romano, Teatro, Museo Nacional de Arte Romano, etc. Continue to Trujillo, Navalmoral and Talavera de la Reina on your way to MADRID.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9: MADRID – Breakfast and departure home.
BARCELONA – HUESCA – JACA/CANFRANC – LOGROÑO – BURGOS – LEON – SANTIAGO – ZAMORA – VALLADOLID – SORIA – ZARAGOZA – BARCELONA
Day 1: BARCELONA – Arrival and hotel accommodation.
Dinner in typical Restaurant.
Overnight.
Day 2: BARCELONA – Breakfast and overnight at the Hotel.
Morning half day City Tour with local guide: Plaza Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, bus tour to see Gaudi’s famous buildings Casa Batlló and Casa Milá, visit to Güell Park (also by Gaudí), declared an artistic monument and mankind’s heritage by the UNESCO. Go back to admire the “Sagrada Familia” (Holy Family) Cathedral, unfinished masterpiece of the world famous architect Gaudí, Monumental Bull Ring (outside). Return to the Hotel.
Afternoon at leisure. Optional walking along the famous Ramblas or for shopping.
Dinner and “Flamenco Show” at one of the best “Tablaos Flamencos” of Barcelona.
Day 3: BARCELONA – Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to MONTSERRAT incomparable mountain, rising majestically to 1235 metres. Visit to the Basilica of Montserrat, which holds the famous “Verge Moreneta”, a 12th. century Romanesque carving.
Drive to LLEIDA, placed in a wide plain in the margins of the mighty of rio Segre. Stands out its old Cathedral, beautiful example of the romanesque-gothic architecture with mudejar tastes. The new
Cathedral constructed between 1761 and 1781, great temple of corinthian order. The Paheria or Town Hall (XIII Century), Castillo de la Zuda, Hospital de Santa Maria, etc. Continue to HUESCA, capital of Alto Aragón, rich in artistic-historic monuments: The Cathedral, Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), etc.
Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 4: HUESCA – Breakfast.
After breakfast departure to LOARRE with its impressive Medieval Castle and SANTA CRUZ DE LOS SEROS with its Romanesque Church totally restored. Drive to SAN JUAN DE LA PEÑA, Romanesque Monastery and his King’s and Nobles Pantheon of Aragon and Navarra. Arrival at CANFRANC.- Point of Spanish origin of the way to Santiago of the route Tolosana.
Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 5: CANFRANC – Breakfast.
Departure to PUENTE DE LA REINA, point of union of four traditional French Routes of Santiago. Arrival to ESTELLA, on the foot of Rio Ega, optional short sightseeing, highlights: The Palacio de los Reyes de Navarra, Church of San Pedro de la Rúa (Rúa = pilgrim’s route) XII and XIII Century, etc. Continue drive to LOGROÑO, capital of Rioja and ancient Varia of the romans. Possibility of visiting this town and its historical center: Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), San Bartolomé y Santiago, la Muralla de Revellín, the Cathedral, etc.
Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 6: LOGROÑO – Breakfast
Following the rio Ebro, we reach NAJERA optional visit of the King’ Pantheon and Monastery. Continue to SANTO DOMINGO DE LA CALZADA, one of the most famous places on the pilgrim’s route. Visit to the romanesque Cathedral (11th. Century) and the Old Pilgrim Hospital, actually Parador Nacional. Through Villafranca, Montes de Oca, and San Juan de Ortega, you will arrive to BURGOS, historical city, which origin goes back to the 10th. Century, placed in the valley of the Rio Arlanzón. Mother land of the legendary Cid Campeador, Don Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, where there was developed great part of his legendary exploits.
Accommodtion at the Hotel.
Afternoon guided city tour, first visit to the Cathedral, the third largest episcopal church and the same time one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings of Spain, declared by the UNESCO artistic monument and mankind’s heritage. Monastery of “Las Huelgas Reales”, founded by Alfonso VIII and intimately tied to the Corona of Castilla (Wreath of Castilla). The Arch of Santa Maria, one of all twelve doors of the former medieval wall. The Carthusian Monastery of Miraflores (15th. Century), a former palace of King Enrique III, etc.
Dinner and overnight at the Hotel
Day 7: BURGOS – Breakfast.
The course of the Camino de Santiago from Burgos is one of the most beautiful parts of this old pilgrim’s route. The journey goes on through VILLALCAZAR DE SIRGA optional visit to the Church of Santa Maria la Blanca. Continue drive to CARRION DE LOS CONDES optional visit the Church of Santa Maria del Camino, and the Church of Saint James worth seeing.
LEON, one of the most important cities of this area.
Accommodation at the Hotel.
City Tour, stand out its Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria de Regla (12th Century), the San Isidoro’s Royal Basilica to which foot is the Pantehon of the Kings, set with pintures of the 12th Century, which has been named “The Chapel Sixtina of the Gothic Art”.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: LEON – Breakfast.
Departure to Astorga, with its beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria and its Episcopal Palace. Continue to PONFERRADA obliged step to the Pilgrims towards Galicia, VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO former end of the way of Santiago. Visit to the Church of Santiago and its Puerta del Perdon. (Pardon’s Door), you will pass the small village of Cebrero, situated on the pass with the same name to SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA.- One of the most important and monumental cities of Spain. In the year 2000, was nominated together with other 7 cities, Cultural Capital of Europe. Next to Rome and Jerusalem this city is one of the most important places of pilgrimage of Christianity. She is itself known also like as “Jerusalem of West”.
Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
In the morning city tour : Visit to the famous Cathedral of Santiago (St. James), rises up in the old part of town. It was founded on the ruins of a roman – Arab metropolis. Supposedly keeps the mortal remains of the Apostle James. The Plaza del Obradorio, Platerias, la Quintana and Azabacheria,
Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, founded in 1492 by the Catholic Monarchs as a Pilgrims Hospital.
Afternoon at leisure. We recommend a walking tour along the typical “ruas” or to make an optional excursion to FINISTERRE (End of the Earth), from which cape you will enjoy the wonderful panoramic of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to the Rias de Muros and Noia, whose landscapes are of great beauty. Return to the Hotel.
Day 10: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – Breakfast.
Departure to OURENSE, free time to visit the Cathedral, after Santiago, the second bigger Romanesque Temple of Spain, the Plaza Mayor, the Puente Romano, Casco Viejo, etc. Continue drive to Allariz, Verin to ZAMORA. The rio Duero crosses this old city that preserves remains of his walls and original enclosure. Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: ZAMORA – Breakfast.
After breakfast, we suggest a short panoramic City Tour: The compact and elegant Cathedral. Drive continue to VALLADOLID, old Capital of the Spanish monarchy during Felipe’s III reign. This is located in a vast plain waters by the Rivers Pisuerga and Esgueva. Panoramic City Tour, including the Church of Santa Maria la Antigua, the Cathedral, Plaza San Pablo, the Monastery de las Huelgas reales (12th and 16th Century). After lunch continue to SORIA.- His geographical situation, just half way between Galicia and Cataluña, made her a participant of the cultural, religious and social epic of the pilgrimages to Santiago. Still today she continues being stop and inn of pilgrims.
Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: SORIA – Breakfast.
After breakfast, we suggest to visit the romanesque Churches of Santo Domingo, San Juan de Duero and San Pedro. Departure to Calatayud and ZARAGOZA, located on the foot of rio Ebro. Short stop for panoramic City Tour: The Catedral’s Square (the second largest square of Europe) and Town Hall, the famous Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Seo, the Arab Palace of Aljaferia. Continue drive to Lleida and BARCELONA.-
Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 13: BARCELONA – Breakfsat and departure home.
BARCELONA – TARRAGONA – LLEIDA – ANDORRA – VIC – GIRONA
Day 1: BARCELONA – Arrival and Hotel accommodation.
Dinner in typical Restaurant.
Overnight.
Day 2: BARCELONA – Breakfast and overnight at the Hotel.
Morning half day City Tour with local guide: Plaza Catalunya, Via Laietana, Cathedral and its cloister, The Gothic Quarter, Plaza Sant Jaume (Generalitat and Town Hall), we will continue to Vila and Port
Olimpic (Olympic Harbour), which we will tour on foot. After that we will go up the Montjuich Mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the Port (harbour). We shall tour the Olympic Stadium, Palacio Sant Jordi and Calatrava Tower. Visit to the Pueblo Espanyol (Spanish Village), which reproduces the most typical regional architectural styles of Spain. Return to the Hotel.
Afternoon at leisure. Optional walking through the famous Ramblas or for shopping.
Dinner and “Flamenco Show” at one of the best “Tablaos Flamencos” of Barcelona.
Day 3: BARCELONA – Breakfast
Departure to SANT SADURNI DE NOIA, population where it is elaborated more than 90% of Cava (Champagne) of Spain. Visit of one of the most important Cellar, where we can see the process of production and marketing. After the visit, continue drive to TARRAGONA, Placed in a beautiful and fertile field, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: TARRAGONA – Breakfast.
It is obligatory a visit to the city, which during many years was the Capital of the Roman Spain, with the same preeminences and rights as Rome. His perimeter was ten times major than at present occupies and his population, it is said, it was exceeding the million inhabitants. Recommended to visit:
The Cathedral beautiful example of the Ogival architecture, its nice cloister, which inside garden does it more charming. The Paseo Arqueologico, the rest of the Anfiteatro Romano, the Archaeological Museum where you can see the famous Roman figures of Baco and Minerva. Church of Santa Tecla, Paseo del Balcon del Mediterraneo with very nice panoramic view to the sea, etc.
Departure to Valls, Montblanc, population with a former walled enclosure, with fortified towers.
His typical streets are fall of lordly mansions that remember the greatness of this villa in others periods.
Continue drive to Espluga de Francoli, closely you can find Poblet’s Monastery, one of the more beautiful and richest of Spain. When it was declared a National Monument, under the protection of the State, it can be said that reconstruction has come to the perfection. Continue to LLEIDA, placed in a wide plain in the margins of the mighty of rio Segre.
Accommodation. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 5: LLEIDA – Breakfast.
Before departure, we make a panoramic city tour. Stands out its old Cathedral, beautiful example of the romanesque-gothic architecture with of Mudejar tastes. The new Cathedral constructed Between 1761 and 1781, great temple of corinthian order. The Paheria or Town Hall ( 13th Century), Castillo de la Zuda, Hospital de Santa Maria, etc.
Continue drive to Artesa del Segre, Oliana, Organya, SEU D’URGELL, one of the primitive populations of Spain, placed in the centre of the fertile Pyrenean plain of Urgell on the banks of the rio Segre. Its streets have picturesque arcades and its houses beautifuls fronts with balconies of wrought iron. It preserves walls and doors of his former ones defences. Its three fortresses stand out: the “Ciudadela”, The “Torre de Solsona” and the “Castillo”. Border crossing to ANDORRA, country of approx. 450 Km2, placed between Spain and France. Andorra is extremely mountainous, forming the serious one of Valleys divided between it for heights that range between 900 and 3000 meters. The nr. of inhabitats is about 12.000 people, distributed in six “Parroquias” or “Comunas”. The official language is the Catalan. The main towns are: Sant Julia de Loira, Andorra la Vella (The Country’s Capital), Les Escaldes and Encamp.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 6: ANDORRA – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
In the morning departure and make a Tour through the principal points of interest: Santuario de Meritxell, Andorra’s Patroness, work of the Ricardo Bofill, famous catalan Architect, continue drive to Encamp, famous for its Romanesque Church of Santa Eulalia, ANDORRA LA VELLA Capital and Commercial Centre of the Country, la Massana and Ordino stand out : Plaza Mayor, Casa Rosell and the Areny Plandolit Museum , which shows great variety of styles in the furniture.
Return to the Hotel.
Free time to cross the multitude of shops offering all kind of products or to realize an optional visit to the Centre Termoludico of Caldea. One of the largest of Europe located in the mountains, with its refreshing water-fall, Turkish-bath, saunas, roman hot baths, etc.
Day 7: ANDORRA – Breakfast and departure to Seu d’Urgell, Martinet, Bellver de la Cerdanya, Tunel del Cadí, Berga to VIC, placed in the centre of the beautiful and fertile Valley, named “Plana de Vic”.
Accommodation, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: VIC – Breakfast.
Before to continue the journey we recommend to visit this beautiful city. Highlights: Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) 13th Century, the Cathedral of San Pedro, founded the year 1040 and reconstructed in the baroque style of the 18th Century. The vaults of this three ships has been decorated by the great contemporary painter Jose Maria Sert. Its cloister of the 15th Century guards the sepulchre of the Philosipher Jaume Balmes. Joined to the Cathedral is the Episcopal Palace and its very interesting Museo Arqueologico, the Romanesque Chapel of Santa Clara, 10th Century, etc.
Departure throughout the “Eix transversal” to GIRONA, one of the most important cities of Catalonia, which ancient part raises on a great spur formed by the confluence of the River Ter and Onyar.
Accommodation at the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 9: GIRONA – Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Morning city tour. Visit of his ancient part that preserves still his medieval flavour, gothic houses, steep streets, arches and steps. Stands out the former Jewish Quarter, one of the better preserved of our Country. The Cathedral that is promoted by an impressive stair of 86 steps. The famous Benedictine Monastery of San Pedro de Galligans which foundation was attributed to Charlemagne (772 year). The Church of San Martin, etc.
Afternoon at leisure or optional excursion to FIGUERES, placed in the centre of Ampurdà Region.Visit to Dali’s Museum. Stands out the Castle of San Ferando, built in time of the King Fernando VI, on a height that dominates the city and its plain. Return to Girona.
Day 10: GIRONA – Breakfast and departure to home or to the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava.