The Mountains & Mediterranean Marvels of Spain (Starts Barcelona)
13 day tour

Day 1

• Marvel at sculptures and mountainous scenery at the monastery of Montserrat
• Delve into Lleida, one of the most ancient towns in Catalonia

It’s time to contrast the bravado of Barcelona with the serrated peaks of Montserrat. This majestic mountain with strangely shaped crags is home to a Benedictine Monastery and one of Spain’s most venerated statues of the Madonna and Child. At your stop here, you can enjoy lunch, contemplate the life of monks and hermits, and explore the magnificent basilica.

You continue deep into the mountains of Catalonia and visit Lleida. This is one of the oldest towns in the region and is steeped in Roman history. It’s a little off the beaten track and you have time to discover its castle and cathedral.

As the evening settles in, you arrive in Huesca. You overnight here for two evenings and have plenty of time to amble around the medieval streets discovering the many churches and façades of this hilly town.

 

Optional Activities

• Entrance to Montserrat Monastery

 

Accommodation

Hotel Pedro I de Aragón or similar, Huesca

Day 2

• Let the perfect panoramas of the Pyrenees take your breath away
• Step back in time and discover the ancient walls of Jaca

Put on your adventure hats and get ready for nature. This morning, you travel to Torla-Ordesa, the gateway to the Monte Perdido National Park.

From here, you explore crumbling cliffs, forests of oaks and pines, and vertical views up to 1,700 metres tall. There may be a little walking involved, so make sure you’re wearing good footwear. It’s worth it to see a few of the most scenic views in all the Pyrenees.

You leave Torla behind and head through the mountains to Jaca. Here, you can explore the perfectly preserved ‘star-shaped’ fortress, find out about the regional cuisine of Aragón, and tick off more quintessential Spanish cathedrals.

You travel back to Huesca and arrive in the early evening.

 

Accommodation

Hotel Pedro I de Aragón or similar, Huesca

Day 3

• Survey a fusion of Islamic and Gothic style architecture at the Aljafería Palace
• Gaze at gorgeous Goya paintings in Zaragoza

Zaragoza in Aragón looks as enchanting as it sounds. You travel here in the morning and have tickets to the 11th-century Aljafería Palace included in your tour.

After you’ve admired the patterned porticos of the beautiful palace, you have free time to explore the city. Art lovers can search for Goya paintings; history geeks can seek out Roman remains; and foodies can sample chireta, a local and delicious haggis type dish.

You then travel to Tarazona. This town boasts medieval Mudéjar style architecture: a glorious fusion of the ancient Muslim and Christian aesthetic ideals. Your neck will ache from all the staring up in wonder.

You arrive in Haro in time for your first glass of local La Rioja red wine. This wine-soaked village is your overnight location for three evenings.

 

Included Activities

• Entrance to Aljafería Palace

 

Accommodation

Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro

Day 4

• Tantalise your tastebuds with the regional flavours of the Basque Country

Today, you explore the Basque country, a land of curious customs, incredible coasts, and fabulous flavours.

Your first stop is San Sebastián, a foodie heaven with the highest number of Michelin stars per capita. You have time here to grab lunch and check out the beautiful blonde beach.

You travel back inland to Pamplona. This town is famous for San Fermin, ‘the Running of the Bulls’. Fortunately, you aren’t going to have to run anywhere, instead you can stroll around the town’s splendid fortress walls and relax.

Next, you venture to Logroño, the capital of the La Rioja region. You have free time here to enjoy the charming plazas and delicious aromas of this laid-back town. And if you want to learn more about the local area and history, your guide will offer the option to visit La Rioja Museum.

In the early evening, you travel back to Haro.

 

Optional Activities

• Entrance to La Rioja Museum

 

Accommodation

Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro

Day 5

• Take in the rustic villages and rolling green hills of La Rioja region
• Sample famous La Rioja wine from the place it’s produced

Waterfalls, wine and relaxation: an unbeatable travel combination awaits you today. In the morning, you embark on a scenic ride amongst the gentle hills and vineyards of La Rioja region. We show you a few of our favourite views of the area and let you stop and gush over the beautiful waterfalls of Tobera.

You then arrive at one of our favourite wineries in the region, which also has a wine museum. Here you get to enjoy an included tour and tasting of the local produce.

In the afternoon, you arrive back in Haro with time to rest and do whatever you please.

 

Included Activities

• Rioja wine tasting and tour at Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture

 

Accommodation

Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro

Day 6

• Cherish the stunning Cathedral of Burgos
• Stroll the exquisite grounds of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

You wave goodbye to La Rioja and travel to the region of Castile and León.

Your first stop is in Burgos, where you have a few hours to admire one of the most spectacular cathedrals in all of Spain and check if the local flavours can compete with your favourite dishes from La Rioja and the Basque regions.

You head further south to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. Your included ticket to this stunning structure lets you wander through the rooms of Spain’s ‘mini-Versailles’ and wonder how much the gardening bill must be for its gorgeous grounds.

As the sun sets, you arrive in the country’s capital, Madrid.

 

Included Activities

• Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

 

Accommodation

Hotel Porcel Ganivet or similar, Madrid

Day 7

• Marvel at the opulence of the Royal Palace in Madrid
• Try tapas in one of the La Latina district’s local bars

You have a free day in the golden metropolis of Madrid and can decide how you want to spend it. Packed with tapas bars, world-renowned art, and amazing architecture; this city really knows how to live.

To get around town, you can use Madrid’s fantastic public transport or jump on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Begin your exploration with the oldest part of Madrid, home to the lavish Royal Palace. It boasts a staggering 3,418 rooms decorated with paintings by world-renowned artists. Then, stroll around the city’s grand plazas; the portico-lined square of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.

Next, fuel your batteries in one of many restaurants before an exciting afternoon. For art lovers; there’s Prado Museum lined with Spanish, Italian and Flemish masterpieces. For nature lovers; there’s El Retiro Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city where you can row a boat.

And in the evening head to La Latina; the city’s top district for tapas, mojitos, and terraces. But don’t get carried away too much by the city’s energy, because tomorrow you join the next leg of your tour.

 

Optional Activities

• Ticket for a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus

 

Accommodation

Hotel Porcel Ganivet or similar, Madrid

Day 8

• Visit an ancient mine that provided ‘windowpanes’ for the Roman Empire
• Arrive in a town that’s carved into the cliffs, Cuenca

You say adiós to Madrid and start your journey through Castilla-La Mancha, the heart of Old Spain. This stunning region boasts gentle landscapes, lush nature, and unrivalled Manchego cheese. It’s also where Cervantes set the fictional journeys of Don Quijote in his novel that laid the foundation for modern European literature.

Your first stop is Villarejo de Salvanés. This small town boasts an unusual castle and archaeological sites that pre-date the Romans.

You travel the short distance to Osa de la Vega to explore a 2,000-year-old Lapis Specularis mine. Here, the Romans extracted transparent gypsum that was used as glass for windows. Tickets to go into the mine and discover its history are included in your tour.

Clinging to the cliffs of a limestone hill, you find Cuenca; a medieval town of cobbled paths and superior crafts. You stay in this fascinating place for two nights so you can discover its gravity-defying hanging houses and delicious cuisine.

 

Included Activities

• Entrance to Lapis Specularis Mine

 

Accommodation

Hotel Exe Cuenca or similar, Cuenca

Day 9

• Traverse the natural stone sculptures and scenic heights of Parque Natural de la Serranía de Cuenca

Today, you explore one of Castilla-La Mancha’s finest nature reserves - Parque Natural de la Serranía de Cuenca, a 73,000-hectare wildlife paradise.

Your first stop in the natural park is in the ‘Enchanted City’. This location boasts some of the strangest rock formations you’ll ever see. Wander around this magical landscape and spot mushroom-shaped stones and faces glaring at you from limestone.

You continue your journey through this landscape and stop at the stunning Mirador de Uña viewpoint.

After lunch, there are a variety of optional activities for you to choose from. Go kayaking, hiking, or visit more vibrant villages. Your guide will help you pick which one suits you best.

Back in Cuenca, you can admire more natural wonders and see dinosaurs at the Paleontological Museum if it’s open. Or, you can scroll through your images from the day over tapas and red wine before enjoying a well-earned rest.

 

 

Included Activities

• Entrance to Ciudad Encantada (the Enchanted City)

 

Optional Activities

• Various outdoor leisure activities in Parque Natural de la Serranía de Cuenca
• Entrance to Castilla-La Mancha Paleontological Museum 

 

Accommodation

Hotel Exe Cuenca or similar, Cuenca

Day 10

• Savour the flavours of the wines and cuisines of the region
• Relish paella at its birthplace in Valencia

 

You have a leisurely start of the day with a visit to the breathtaking Cathedral of Cuenca. The ticket to this monument is included in your tour.

Then you leave this fascinating city and travel to the tiny village of Utiel for a rustic lunch. This region is famous for seafood, pumpkin dishes, and the best oranges in the country – great nourishment for all that time travelling!

Later on, you head to a winery in Requena for an included wine tasting which will invigorate your taste buds. The delicious beverage has been produced in this area since at least the 7th century BC, so you know it’s going to be delicious.

You then travel to Valencia; the home of paella, laid-back nightlife, awesome architecture, and your accommodation for the next three nights.

 

Included Activities

• Entrance to Cuenca Cathedral
• Requena wine tasting

 

Accommodation

Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

Day 11

• Learn about Monastic life at the Monastery of Santa Maria
• Roam through the unique wetlands of Albufera Natural Park

Today, your journey takes you on a half day trip that combines monastic knowledge with fantastic nature spots.

In the morning, you can choose an optional visit to the Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig. This large building combines cloisters with defensive structures and has been used as a temple, a school, and even a prison.

It’s now time to explore the rice paddies that gave birth to the paella in the Albufera Natural Park. Your visit here also gives you a chance to spot the unique flora and fauna around a large freshwater lagoon.

You arrive back in Valencia in the afternoon. Here you can join an optional guided tour of the city combined with a tasty tapas experience.

Use the evening to either enjoy the city’s famous nightlife or prepare for the next day of your adventure.

 

Optional Activities

• Guided city walk and tapas experience in Valencia
• Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig

 

Accommodation

Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

Day 12

• Lose yourself in the history and narrow streets of Xàtiva

Xàtiva, the town of ‘a thousand fountains’ lies upon the slopes of Monte Vernissa. A castle crowns the hills, and the location is famous for ancient paper production, educational institutions, and the notorious House of Borgia. This morning, you travel here and start off with visiting the castle and then you've got free time to delve deep into all this history. The ticket to the fortress is included in your tour.

In the afternoon, you embark on a journey to Los Charcos de Quesa. We hope you have packed your swimwear, because this scenic nature spot boasts natural pools and waterfalls for you to dip your toes in.

You return to Valencia in the early evening.

 

Included Activities

• Entrance to Xàtiva Castle

 

Accommodation

Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

Day 13

• Imagine an ancient Roman play at the theatre of Sagunto
• Admire a fusion of artistic and architectural styles in Sitges

Sagunto is your first destination this morning. You have time here to roam around a well-preserved Roman theatre, climb to the top of a 2,000-year-old castle complex, and explore the famous Jewish quarter.

You leave this historic town and make your way to the seaside town of Peñiscola. This place is known as the ‘City in the Sea’ and boasts a castle built by the Knights Templar. It’s also the delightful location where you have your lunch today.

A little further along the Mediterranean coast, your journey takes you to Sitges. A happening cultural hotspot, a menagerie of modernist architecture, and a few fascinating museums make this a great preparation for the big city.

You arrive in Barcelona in the evening.