Paradors of Catalonia and the Spanish Pyrenees

Paradors of Catalonia and the Spanish Pyrenees

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Paradors of Catalonia and the Spanish Pyrenees

12 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: Paris, Agen, Pau, Pamplona, La Rioja, Cardona, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Besalú, Girona, Toulouse, Carcassonne

Tour operator:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

epcs

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Wine Tasting

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Join us on this wonderful holiday to Catalonia and the Spanish Pyrenees. Staying in truly exquisite Paradors steeped in history, these unique hotels offer something spectacular to your tour. You will explore the beautiful town of Bergerac, the royal city of Pau and the delightful cobblestone streets of Pamplona, before enjoying the world-renowned La Rioja region – with a spot of wine tasting, of course! We head to the atmospheric city of Barcelona, famed for its extraordinary architecture, before discovering the historic towns of Girona, Besalù and France's Carcassonne. This magnificent tour is filled will incredible experiences, guaranteed to leave you wanting more!

Highlights

  • Explore the beautiful town of Bergerac, the royal city of Pau and the delightful cobblestone streets of Pamplona

  • Enjoy the world-renowned La Rioja region – with a spot of wine tasting

  • Head to the atmospheric city of Barcelona, famed for its extraordinary architecture, before discovering the historic towns of Girona, Besalù and France's Carcassonne

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Travel To Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City-style hotels

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

Day 2 : Continue To Agen

Location: Agen

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City-style hotels

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


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

Day 3 : Pau

Location: Pau

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Parador de Sos del Rey Católico

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


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.

Day 4 : Pamplona

Location: Pamplona

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Parador de Sos del Rey Católico

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


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.

Day 5 : La Rioja & Wine Tasting

Location: La Rioja

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Parador de Sos del Rey Católico

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


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.

Day 6 : Zaragoza

Location: Cardona, Zaragoza

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Parador de Cardona

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


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.

Day 7 : Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Parador de Cardona

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


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.

Day 8 Free Time Or Montserrat

Location: Cardona

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Parador de Cardona

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


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!

Day 9 : Girona & Besalù

Location: Besalú, Girona

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Parador de Cardona

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


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.

Day 10 : Carcassonne

Location: Toulouse, Carcassonne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City-style hotels

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


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.

Day 11 : Travel Back To Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City-style hotels

Meals Included: Breakfast

To the outskirts of Paris for an overnight stay.

Day 12 : Return Home

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Return home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Additional Services

    Travel from a wide range of convenient joining points across the UK is included within your coach holiday price; some carry a supplement. Please contact us for our full list of joining points.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    This trip includes coach travel from/to a local UK joining point

  • Fully Guided

  • International Travel

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Transport

    Comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach

What's Not Included

Accommodation

Your Luxuria Signature Paradors:

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.

Parador de Sos del Rey Católico – This magnificent Parador is a former stately home set in the perfectly preserved 10th 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.

Parador de Cardona – The Parador de Cardona is a 14th century castle which perches high above the town of Cardona, surrounded by 9th 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.   

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What type of coach will be used?

    You will travel on either our Luxuria Coach or our Silver Service Coach

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Low

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Some tours carry a supplement for solo travellers, please ask for details if the Single price is not shown

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    On Leger Coach Holidays, your allowance is one medium sized suitcase per person, which should weigh no more than 20kg when full.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Fully escorted by our experienced drivers/crews. And in most towns and cities we either include or offer optional sightseeing tours with expert local guides to help you get the most from your visits.

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?

    Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

laura young (Google Reviewer)  

We booked a holiday to...

09-Aug-2024

We booked a holiday to Edinburgh with some excursions. In the travel agents we booked the excursion to sterling which we didn’t do as they went to Loch Lomond instead. The drivers Mike and Heidi were not very polite at times. Moaning that they weren’t allowed to sell alcohol to passengers and then trying to on the sly. Mike quote “if I leave this and £3 appears then great” They read off Google for facts and read like they couldn’t be bothered. Which there was very little facts passed along. We did an excursion to glassglow which was 20 mins away from our hotel. We left at 13:00 meaning we only got around 3 hours there. The trip was lots of people in their 70s meaning they walk slow, some with mobility issues. So not a lot of time there. The Edinburgh tattoo was fantastic but again we left the hotel at 13:00 meaning less time there. When we asked about why we left late they just huffed and said because of legal hours for drivers. While I appreciate this and they need a break there were two drivers. Meaning one could drive the night before and the other the next day meaning we are not left sat around the hotel untill 13:00 each day with very little to do in this area of eaglesham. This was my first trip with ledger and I am very dissatisfied and disappointed at this mainly due to the drivers. The trip was far from cheap and there was no value for money I feel.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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