Pyrenees & Scenic Catalonia

Pyrenees & Scenic Catalonia

12 days from only £869 

Experience the tiny Catalan principality of Andorra, a paradise of ragged mountain peaks and breathtaking scenery, cosmopolitan Barcelona, Spain's second city and capital of Catalonia, packed with spectacular sights, as well as the Costa Brava, the 'Wild Coast' of Spain.

Holiday highlights
• Barcelona
• Montserrat
• The Pyrenees
• Andorra
• Scenic Costa Brava

Optional excursions
• Val Nord & Ordino
• Costa Brava cruise
• Guided City Tour of Barcelona
• Banyoles Lake Cruise

Holiday itinerary
Day 1 UK to Paris area - To Dover for the ferry crossing to Calais, then southwards to Paris for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Paris to St Nectaire area - We continue southwards through France to the town of St Nectaire where we spend the night.
Day 3 St Nectaire to Andorra la Vella - Across the impressive Millau Bridge, stopping in the delightful town of Foix for lunch, we then continue across the Spanish border and straight to the tiny principality of Andorra and its capital, Andorra la Vella, appealingly set amidst crags and green slopes. We enjoy dinner and a three night stay at the Hotel Plaza (5*), a first class hotel with a wealth of leisure facilities and a high level of accommodation and service.
Day 4 Scenic Andorra - Delight in today’s scenic drive through Andorra’s dramatic Pyrenean landscape as we travel along the high valleys surrounded by aweinspiring mountains and discover timeless little villages. View unspoilt valleys and hillsides dotted with mountain pine and silver fir, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Day 5 Andorra la Vella - Enjoy a day at leisure in Andorra la Vella, taking advantage of the hotel’s leisure facilities or maybe enjoying a walk through some of the dramatic scenery. With its stone church of Sant Esteve, its delightful old quarter set on the heights above the River Valira and its variety of shops and restaurants, Andorra la Vella is an attractive resort.
Day 6 Andorra to Costa Brava - We climb across the Pyrenees and pause for sightseeing at Montserrat, where for 700 years pilgrims have ascended to the rock-top monastery to worship in front of the small statue of the Virgin Mary, known as ‘La Moreneta’. Then on to Santa Susanna and the Hotel Onabrava (4*), a well-appointed hotel with an outdoor pool for a refreshing dip after a day’s sightseeing. Settle in for dinner and a four night stay.
Day 7 Santa Susanna - At leisure in this lovely resort to enjoy the hotel’s facilities and the resort’s many amenities.
Day 8 Barcelona - To stunning Barcelona, where you can enjoy a day at leisure in this historic city. You can stroll around the harbour, with its statue of Columbus, or along the broad, leafy avenues of the Ramblas, packed with cafés, shops and restaurants, and intersected with plazas, statues and beautiful water fountains. Throughout the city watch out for the many splendid examples of Modernismo, the popular Spanish version of Art Nouveau which is represented by the buildings of Antoni Gaudí - the magnificent Palau Güell and the breathtaking Church of the Sagrada Familia are simply unmissable. Barcelona also offers a fantastic selection of modern art - the Museum Picasso offers one of the most important collections of the artist’s work in the world. Take the cable car up the ‘Montjuic’ to see some of the 1992 Olympic installations and enjoy some stunning views of the city. An optional guided city tour will be available.
Day 9 Banyoles & Besalu - Join our included excursion to visit the delightful town of Banyoles, with its picturesque lake which played host to the 1992 Olympic rowing events, and the medieval town of Besalu, where you can explore the pretty cobbled streets.
Day 10 Costa Brava to Orange area - Homeward bound as we journey back into France and on to Orange for an overnight stay.
Day 11 Orange to Champagne - We continue through France to our overnight hotel in the Champagne region.
Day 12 Champagne to UK - To Calais for the crossing to Dover and then home.

Whats included
• 11 nights room & breakfast, 10 dinners
• Touring itinerary as detailed
• Grand Tourer coach travel