Catalonia's Enchanting Medieval Journey - 4 Days

Welcome to your exciting journey through northern Catalonia. We begin our adventure in the vibrant city of Barcelona, where we set off to discover Girona. This city boasts a stunning historic centre, rich in medieval architecture with Roman, Arab, and Hebrew influences. You'll have time to explore the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Mary, a striking Gothic monument nestled in the city's upper reaches, along with the charming old Jewish quarter known for its narrow, picturesque lanes.

Our journey continues to the enchanting medieval town of Besalú. Here, you'll have the opportunity to lunch amidst its atmospheric streets, discovering landmarks like the impressive stone bridge, the castle, the ancient Jewish baths, and the historic pilgrim hospital. After lunch, we venture into French Catalonia, stopping in the delightful coastal town of Collioure, where you might take a leisurely stroll along its beautiful beach, explore the bustling port and quaint streets, or visit the remarkable castle that once housed the Mallorcan royal court. For those with literary interests, the poet Antonio Machado's tomb is also accessible.

As evening falls, we arrive in Carcassonne, a city renowned for its spectacular medieval fortress. We suggest a nighttime walk to marvel at the beautifully illuminated city walls and recommend dining at one of the many charming eateries in La Cité for a delightful end to your first day. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Begin your second day with a morning in Carcassonne, where our guide will lead you through its remarkable county castle, including a visit to its medieval walls. The entrance is included in your tour. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to wander and soak up the historic atmosphere of this fascinating city. Our journey then takes us towards the majestic Pyrenees mountain range. We make a brief stop in the medieval city of Foix, notable for the impressive castle of the Counts of Foix that dominates its skyline. Continuing onwards, we traverse into the high mountains of the Pyrenees, where snow-capped peaks can be seen throughout the year.

Our route brings us to Andorra, a small principality whose official language is Catalan. On our way, we pause at Sant Joan de Caselles, a quaint Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century. We then proceed to Andorra la Vella, the bustling capital of this charming country. Here, you have free time to explore the city's vibrant commercial scene or visit Caldea, the largest thermal spa in Europe. Dinner is included in your itinerary today.

Enjoy some leisure time in Andorra, whether it’s indulging in a bit of retail therapy or taking a pleasant walk through the scenic surroundings. After lunch, we'll resume our journey into the Catalonian landscape, making our way to the majestic abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Here, you'll take a rack train up the mountain – a truly spectacular experience offering panoramic views. Spend some time exploring the sacred sanctuary before we conclude our day by continuing on to Barcelona, where we’ll arrive in the late afternoon.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your travels.