Paradors Of Catalonia And The Spanish Pyrenees

Itinerary

Paradors of Catalonia and the Spanish Pyrenees

• Day 1

  Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to the Paris area for an overnight stay.

• Day 2

  Travel south through the heart of France to the Agen area for an overnight stay.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 3 - Pau

  We continue our journey south today, with a brief stop in Pau, a royal city scenically set between the mountains and ocean. On a clear day, the Boulevard des Pyrenées provides majestic views of the mountains – this long avenue is dotted with cafés which offer the perfect spot to take in the atmosphere.

  We then travel through magnificent scenery and cross the border into Spain to reach our panoramically located Parador.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 4 - Pamplona

  Enjoy an included excursion today as we visit nearby Pamplona – world-famous for the ‘Running of the Bulls’ which takes place every July. Explore the old town and wander the cobblestone streets to uncover the town’s history, and simply enjoy the medieval centre.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 5 - La Rioja & Wine Tasting

  Join our included excursion as we explore the revered wine region of La Rioja, famous for its full-bodied reds and crisp white wines.

  Our first stop is bustling Haro, regarded as the wine capital of La Rioja. Here we will visit one of its historic bodegas for a wine tasting. Haro’s old quarter has a maze of streets, arcades and, of course, wine shops.

  We then continue to the town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a popular stop on the fabled Camino de Santiago pilgrims’ trail, which snakes its way through the vine covered landscape.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 6 - Zaragoza

  We leave Sos del Rey Católico this morning and travel to the city of Zaragoza, the capital of the Aragon region and situated in a lovely location on the banks of the Ebro River. There is time to discover the historic centre with its famous multi-domed Basilica del Pilar, with paintings by Goya adorning its ceiling. The city is known for its gastronomy too and sampling a taste of the local tapas is not to be missed.

  We continue to Cardona where we spend four nights at the picture-postcard castle, the Parador de Cardona.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 7 - Barcelona

  Today we travel to the fascinating coastal city of Barcelona – the cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region and Spain’s second largest city. A delightfully relaxed atmosphere pervades the city whilst extraordinary architecture, such as Antonio Gaudí’s unique Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló, provide a spectacular backdrop.

  An optional guided sightseeing tour by coach and on foot will introduce you to the most important sights of the city, including the Eixample district, as well as the vast Olympic Stadium.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 8 - Free Time or Montserrat

  Today we offer an optional excursion to Montserrat, known locally as the ‘serrated mountain’.

  We travel to the site of the famous Benedictine monastery, which is today home to around one hundred monks who follow the Order of St. Benedict. One of Catalonia’s most visited sights, and regarded by many as the region’s holiest place, the chapels, beautiful Basilica and often-turbulent history make this a fascinating place to visit. The views are incredible too!

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 9 - Girona & Besalù

  Our first stop on our included excursion today is the town of Girona. Behind the colourful houses lining the River Onyar is the old town, with its imposing Gothic cathedral and maze of narrow streets.

  We then make our way to the medieval town of Besalù, in the volcanic region of La Garrotxa. Step back in time as you explore this fascinating old centre, with its historic churches, stone façades and narrow cobbled streets lined with pretty houses.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 10 - Carcassonne

  After breakfast, we begin our journey back to France, first stopping in the walled town of Carcassonne, famous for the defences which encircle the medieval city. The walled ‘Cité Médieval,’ with its cobbled lanes, is a joy to explore, offering spectacular views towards the Pyrenées.

  We stay overnight in the Toulouse area.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 11

  To the outskirts of Paris for an overnight stay.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 12

  Return home.

  Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

Your Luxuria Signature Paradors:<_o3a_p>

You will stay for three nights at the Parador de Sos del Rey Católico, set in the foothills of the Pyrenees near Zaragoza, before moving onto the Parador de Cardona, located in a peaceful position above the town of Cardona, for four nights. Overnight stays in France will be in city-style hotels. <_o3a_p>

Parador de Sos del Rey Católico – This magnificent Parador is a former stately home set in the perfectly preserved 10^th century medieval town of Sos del Rey Católico. Part of the Cinco Villas or “Five High Towns”, Sos del Rey Católico was the birthplace of King Ferdinand II of Aragon (the “Catholic King”). The Parador skilfully combines nods to its medieval past such as a coat of arms in the communal area and elegant Castilian-style furniture, with more contemporary features. Breathtaking views abound over the Aragonese landscape of foothills, mountains and valleys and the outdoor terrace provides an exceptional spot from which to enjoy the scenery.<_o3a_p>

Parador de Cardona – The Parador de Cardona is a 14^th century castle which perches high above the town of Cardona, surrounded by 9^th century fortified walls. The Parador is steeped in history and atmosphere with its carefully restored vaulted ceilings, wooden beams, archways and exposed stonework, whilst the interior design incorporates magnificent Catalan-inspired medieval furniture, drapes and tapestries. Striking colours are often used in the decoration of the public areas, many of these being genuine colours of the original era of the castle. Views from the battlements across the town, Cardener River and the surrounding countryside are spectacular.   <_o3a_p>