Our program -

• 3 nights - ANDORRA (in the Pyrenees Mtns
• 2 nights BARCELONA
• 4 nights SOS del REY CATOLICO Aragon, Spain
• 1 nt - near Madrid

I invite you to join me on this exciting new program. So many of you have told me that you want to experience culture, art, and the great outdoors. You want to learn about, and interact with the people that live in some of the most beautiful, and sometimes secret places of Europe. Come along and discover it with us!

Jun 04
We have arranged for transportation from Toulouse, France to Andorra. Situated in a saddle of the Eastern Pyrenees this tiny Country is actually a principality owned jointly by France and Spain. Although it's main centre Andorra la Vella has become a mecca for dutyfree shopping the surrounding villages still show how people have lived among the mountain peaks for centuries. We will spend our time in one of these lovely villages “Odino”. We will enjoy a Welcome dinner on June 04. June 05 will be a free day to explore and go to the Spa, June 06 we will take a 10km walk in the mountains. Overnight - June 04, 05, 06 (3 nights)

Jun 07
Andorra to Barcelona - After breakfast we will leave Andorra to travel to Barcelona, Spain. Dating further back than Madrid Barcelona offers examples of architecture from Roman, through to the most exciting Art Nouveau you will find in Europe. We spend 2 nights here to allow time to explore personal adventures in this hospitable city. We will have a morning tour of the Gothic Quarter walking us through 15 centuries of history in one labyrinthine district. The afternoon and evening are free to explore; Guell Park you follow its narrow twisting pathways with colourful sculptures and mosaics are to be discovered, Gaudi's 'temple Sarada Familia', Picasso and Miró museums. Overnight - June 07, 08 (2 nights)

Jun 09
Barcelona to Sos del Rey Catolico. After breakfast today we travel about 4 hours into Aragon, up to its northern border and the Village of Sos del Rey Catolico. Our home for 4 nights is perched atop a hill in the middle of a large flat plain. Over the next few days we will take 8 km walks over the beautiful landscape surrounding the village. We will stay in the Parador here. Overnight - June 09, 10, 11, 12, (4 nights including 3 dinners)

Jun 13
After breakfast today we make our way south toward Madrid. We will have our break for lunch plus time to explore Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon and an important pilgrimage site on our way to our hotel near Madrid airport. Overnight - June 13, (1 night)

As a fully licensed travel agency we are happy to assist in arranging your flights And any other custom arrangements either before or after this program.

Some background on Andorra - Charlemagne gave this country its independence in A.D. 784, and with amused condescension, Napoleon let Andorra keep its autonomy. The principality is now ruled by two co-princes, The president of France and the Spanish archbishop of La Seu d'Urgell.

Less than 464 square km (288 square miles) Andorra is a storybook land of breathtaking scenery - cavernous valleys, snow-capped peaks, rugged pastureland and deep gorges. The drive to Andorra takes us through some of the finest mountain scenery in Europe with a backdrop of peaks, vineyards, and rushing brooks. Because of its isolation, Andorra retained one of Europe's most insular peasant cultures until as late as 1945.

Barcelona's history is older than that of its rival, Madrid, and its streets are filled with Gothic and medieval buildings that Spain's relatively newer capital lacks. During the 1200s it rivalled the trading prowess os such cities as Genoa and Pisa. It is the home of 'Curvilinear Modernismo' (Catalán Art Nouveau) 'that inspired Gaudi's Sagrada Familia; and the seminal works of Picasso and Miró. In architecture the modernismo blends pre-Rahaelite voluptuousness and Catalonian romanticism, lacing them heavily with curved lines and organic forms easily recognized in nature' - “Frommers Spain 2006”

Sos del Rey Catolico formed one of the 'Cinco Villas de Aragon' stretching along a 90km frontier with Navarre. These villages, in the fare-distant part of northern Aragon included Tauste, Ejea, Uncastillo, and Sabada. Despite their small size they were raised to the status of town by Philip V, who was grateful for their assistance and loyalty in the War of Spanish Succession (1701-13). The Palacio de Sada is the birthplace of Ferdinand, the Catholic king, in 1452 (wife to Queen Isabella of Castile and León. The kings of Aragón fortified this village on the Navarre border with a thick wall. Much of its medieval character of narrow, cobbled streets has been preserved. The entire village has been declared a national monument.

COST : $2089.00 CAD /$1850.00 USD per person sharing twin room

Single supplement $400.00 CAD / $350.00 USD per person

INCLUDED FEATURES:

• transportation as outlined in itinerary
• Accommodation
  • 3 nights in Ordino, Andorra
  • 2 nights in Barcelona,
  • 4 nights Sos del Rey Catolico
  • 1 night near Madrid
• Included meals - 10 Breakfasts - 4 Dinners
• Guided walks as outlined in the itinerary
• Fully escorted by Debbie Lloyd