Touring: Medieval and Mystic Catalonia + Spanish Delights-11 days

This eleven day tour will take you to the heartland of Catalonia and sophisticated Barcelona, home of the modernista movement. Then discover the magic of Spain. Visit bustling Madrid and Valencia and let yourself be seduced by the legacy of Moorish Andalusia and the passion and fire of flamenco. The tour is fully escorted throughout, all accommodation is in four star hotels and travel is by luxury air-conditioned bus.

On the first day we'll start with a visit to the mediaeval market town of Vic. We'll visit all the main buildings as well as the town's bustling market. After lunch it's time to head for the incredible Dali Museum at Figueres, housing the largest collection of the controversial artist's works in the world.

We'll spend the night at Girona, and the following morning we'll go on a guided tour of this mediaeval city with its narrow winding streets and well-preserved old buildings. We'll visit the old Jewish Quarter and the impressive Gothic Cathedral. After lunch we'll climb the magical mountain of Montserrat, heading for the world famous Benedictine Abbey, a magnet for pilgrims for centuries and the home of the Black Madonna, La Moreneta. Then we'll pass through the attractive resort town of Sitges where you'll have time to explore the quaint old town and the miles of golden sandy beaches.

After spending the night at Sitges the next stop is the old town of Tarragona, known to the Romans as Tarraco with its impressive ruins. After spending the night here we'll pay a visit to the mediaeval Cistercian Abbey of Santes Creus, and then stop for some wine tasting at world famous Bodegues Torres before returning to Barcelona.

After a night here we'll go on a tour of this lively city, visiting the impressive legacy of visionary architect Antoni Gaudi, the old Port and Gothic Quarter, Montjuic and the Olympic Ring. The afternoon is yours to do as you will.

Early next morning we'll heading through the parched plains of Aragon, heading for the nation's capital, Madrid, located on the high Castillian meseta. We'll also make a stop at Zaragoza with its famous Cathedral on the way.

After spending the night in Madrid we'll now drive south through La Mancha following the tracks of Don Quixote, heading for the city of Cordoba, once the capital of an Empire that extended from the Persian Gulf to the Atlantic. We'll tour this beautiful city, visiting the old Jewish Quarter and the Mosque before continuing to Seville where we'll spend the night.

In the morning we'll go on a panoramic tour of this vibrant city, visiting the Cathedral from outside, the shady Maria Luisa gardens and the old Santa Cruz Quarter. Then in the afternoon you can explore this fascinating city at your own pace. In the evening you will have the chance to experience a sensual evening of Flamenco.

Early the next morning we'll follow the Caliphate Road to the city of Granada, capital of the last Moorish stronghold in Spain. Here we'll visit the exquisite Alhambra Palace and the lush Generalife Gardens.

Next stop is Valencia, a bustling modern port city and home to the paella. On the way to the hotel we'll visit the brand new City of Arts and Sciences. The next morning you'll have plenty of time to explore this vibrant city on your own before we leave for Barcelona in the early afternoon.

Meeting / Pick up point: Carrer Balmes 5 Barcelona.
Duration:11 days.
Start or opening time:Tuesdays 8.30am.
Languages:English & Spanish.
Others: Includes bed and breakfast, 1 lunch, 6 dinners and wine tasting.
Customers can choose between 2 options: A (first class) and T (economy class). A class will stay at Catalonia Gran Vía **** / Santo Domingo **** hotel (Madrid), Meliá Lebreros **** hotel (Sevilla), Abades Nevada Palace **** hotel (Granada), Abba Acteon **** hotel (Valencia) and Barcelona Plaza **** (Barcelona). Both classes will stay at the following hotels: Ciutat de Tarragona **** (Girona and Tarragona) and Antemare **** (Sitges). T class will stay at Regente *** / Florida Norte **** hotel (Madrid), Emperador Trajano **** hotel (Sevilla), Los Ángeles **** hotel (Granada), Tryp Oceanic *** hotel (Valencia) and Catalonia Aragón *** (Barcelona).

Meal

Drinks

Assistance or guided tour

Admissions

Equipment

Optional meal

In Spanish, A class