Paradors of Catalonia and the Spanish Pyrenees
Paradors of Catalonia and the Spanish Pyrenees
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:
Tour code:
epcs
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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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.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
This trip includes coach travel from/to a local UK joining point
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Fully Guided
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International Travel
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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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
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What type of coach will be used?
You will travel on either our Luxuria Coach or our Silver Service Coach
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low
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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
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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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.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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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.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.