|
Travel Spain throughout a
mosaic of diverse cities and regions in the north.
Catalonia has a very distinct culture and a proud
tradition that differentiates it from other areas of
Spain; even its primary language, Catalan, is not spoken
elsewhere. The Basque region is fiercely autonomous and
also has its own unique traditions, culture and
language, and the region of Castile is central to
Spain’s medieval history. From the magnificent Pyrenees
Mountains to the rugged Basque coast, scenic wonders
abound. Discover the extraordinary cities of Barcelona,
Seville and Madrid, and enjoy overnight stays in
historic paradors – restored palaces, monasteries and
castles.
- Tauck’s Yellow
Roads
Experience the culture and spectacular scenery of
northern Spain as you travel along the Yellow Roads
for overnight stays in four historic paradors –
authentically restored castles, palaces and
monasteries in stunning settings.
- Medieval Castle
Feast in La Seu d’Urgell
Step back in time to medieval Spain in La Seu
d’Urgell, one of the most historically important
towns in the Catalan Pyrenees, where a 10-course
feast in an ancient castle includes cultural
entertainment and regional cuisine.
- Mountain-Top
Montserrat Monastery
Indulge in outstanding scenic views of the Pyrenees
and the Mediterranean during a visit to beautiful
Benedictine monastery atop saw-toothed Montserrat,
renowned as the religious center of Catalonia and
home to the shrine of La Moreneta, the Black Virgin
of Montserrat.
1.
Arrive Barcelona
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Le Méridien Barcelona, Barcelona,
Spain. Welcome to Barcelona! A transfer is included from
Barcelona Airport to your first night’s hotel, Le
Méridien Barcelona, ideally located on Las Ramblas. Join
us for a welcome dinner tonight. Meals D
2. Art and Architecture in Barcelona
Walk to the city’s beautiful Cathedral in medieval
Barrio Gótico, then take a drive to architect Antoni
Gaudí’s extraordinary unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada
Familia - it is truly Europe's most unconventional
church. Continue to Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium,
situated high above the city with the harbor glistening
below, before visiting the Picasso Museum. Spend the
remainder of the day at your leisure. Meals B
3. Country Roads of Catalonia
Discover the rural charms of Catalonia soon after you
depart Barcelona. Travel along the Yellow Roads to the
spectacular mountain-top monastery at Montserrat, one of
the most important – and most scenic – pilgrimage sites
in Spain, en route to Cardona. Enjoy authentic Catalan
cuisine during lunch at a 9th-century castle, the
Parador de Cardona, before driving along the western
edge of the Sierra del Cadi to tiny Castellciutat, near
historic La Seu d’Urgell. Spend the next two nights
indulging in the majestic beauty of the Pyrenees from
one of the region’s most elegant resort hotels, where
recreational activities and stunning views abound. Meals
BLD
4. The Incomparable Pyrenees
Visit the 12th-century cathedral in La Seu d'Urgell this
morning, one of the only preserved Romanseque cathedrals
in the Catalan Pyrenees. You have a choice of activities
this afternoon that includes a Catalan cuisine cooking
demonstration, a pampering visit to the spa or a
whitewater river-rafting trip. Feast on a 7-course
dinner this evening at a hilltop 9th-century castle on
the grounds of your hotel. Meals BLD
5. The Heart of Basque Country
Travel through wondrous mountain scenery to San
Sebastian, in the heart of Basque country, for a
two-night stay at one of the most spectacular Belle
Epoque hotels in all of Spain. Stop for lunch in
Pamplona, site of Spain's annual running of the bulls,
enjoying free time to explore on your own. Your first
view of Spain's popular seaside resort is from the top
of Mount Igueldo, providing a picture-perfect overview
of the small city, shell-shaped bay and Cantabrian
coastline. Meals BD
6. Enjoy Seaside San Sebastian
Join us for a walking tour of Old Town before
experiencing San Sebastian, the aristocratic summer
capital of Spain, as you wish. Stroll down the narrow
medieval streets of La Parte Vieja (old town), sampling
typical Basque food, and enjoy the city's waterfront
attractions. Its beaches are popular with surfers from
around the world. Meals B
7. Art in Bilbao / Parador de Fuente De
Visit the world-renowned Guggenheim museum in Bilbao to
view works of modern art and continue on to medieval
Santillana del Mar. Drive into the impressive Picos de
Europa, through gorges, remote villages and emerald
valleys, en route to Fuente De. Overnight at a modern
parador located in the foothills of the Picos amidst
classic mountain-style decor. Meals BLD
8. Castile / Parador de León
Cross the Cantabrian Cordilleras on the way to the high
Meseta Plateau of Central Spain. The mountains are now
behind, with the endless flats and wheat fields of
Castile ahead. Visit one of the finest gothic cathedrals
in Spain when you arrive in León for an overnight stay
at the ornate Parador de León. Meals BLD
9. Parador de Santiago de Compostela
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who walked strenuous
El Camino de Santiago on their pilgrimage to Santiago de
Compostela; take a guided walking tour of its age-old
lanes and narrow streets, and visit the extraordinary
cathedral. Spend the night at the Parador de Santiago de
Compostela, considered to be one of the oldest and most
beautiful hotels. Meals BLD
10. Journey to Porto, Portugal
Spend the morning at your leisure, before driving across
the border to Porto, Portugal's medieval port city,
nestled on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Meals BLD
11. Sightsee Porto
Giving its name to its important export, port wine, it's
not surprising that the city's historic sights are
entwined with its many wineries. You'll be able to
sample this locally produced product during a whine
tasting lunch, a fitting finale for your morning
sightseeing excursion. Meals BL
12. Coimbra / Fatima / Lisbon
Portuguese history comes alive today as you journey to
Lisbon, taking the time to visit Coimbra, home to
Portugal's oldest university, founded in 1210 by King
Dinis, and Fatima, world famous for reported sightings
of the Virgin Mary in the early 20th century. Meals BL
13. Sightseeing in Lisbon
Portugal's capital city intrigues with reminders of the
"Great Period of Discoveries," vividly chronicled on
this morning's sightseeing tour. See Mosteiro dos
Jeronimos, the Tower of Belem and the Discoveries
Monument. Join us for a farewell dinner tonight. Meals
BD
14. Journey Home
Tour Ends: Lisbon, Portugal. A transfer from The Tivoli
Lisboa to Lisbon's Int'l Airport is included. Allow a
minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B
Begins Barcelona
Apr 18
May 2, 23
Jun 20
Jul 4, 18
Aug 1, 29
Sep 5, 12, 26
Oct 10
Additional departure dates may become available as these
sell out, call us for further information
14 Days from $4,990 plus airfare
(13 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches & 9 Dinners)
Price Per Person
Double $4,990 Single $6,249 Triple $4,699
International Airfare is additional.
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel
nights before your tour begins and about our
comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
Note – Please note that dinner in Spain is usually after
10:00 PM. We’ve arranged for special availability as
early as 8:30 PM in most restaurants.
- Night 1,2 Le
Méridien Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
- Night 3,4 Hotel
El Castell de Ciutat
Seu d’Urgell, Spain
- Night 5, 6 Hotel
Maria Cristina
San Sebastián, Spain
- Night 7 Parador
de Fuente Dé
Fuente Dé, Spain
- Night 8 Parador
de León
León, Spain
- Night 9 Parador
de Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Night 10. 11
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
Porto, Portugal
- Night 11,12
Tivoli Lisboa
Lisbon, Portugal
Back to Itinerary Page
|
