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Crossing the Pyrenees

HighlightsMadrid, Toledo, Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Burgos, Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Parador de Vielha, Barcelona, Picasso Museum

Collette Experience

  • Your journey to Spain will be enhanced by local guest speakers who will discuss topics ranging from Spanish art history to the fascinating Basque language and culture.
  • Enjoy a lecture by an art historian on the achievements of the Spanish masters, whose works you'll have the opportunity to admire during your visit to the world-renowned Prado Museum.
  • Gain an understanding of the fascinating and vibrant Basque culture with its mysterious origins, unique history, and centuries-old language during an exclusive talk.
  • Learn about modern art and architecture, particularly the contributions of Spanish legends Picasso, Gaudi and Dali, during a lecture in beautiful Barcelona.
  • Details
    Tour OperatorCollette Vacations
    OfferOffer valid through 12/31/2008
    Duration
    12 Days
    Itinerary
    DayDestinationDescription
    Air 1Overnight FlightOvernight Flight: Discover cosmopolitan Madrid, avant-garde Barcelona, and the beautiful Pyrenees on your journey through Spain. Admire the masterpieces of Spanish artists at the illustrious Prado and Picasso museums and explore the distinct cultures of the Pyrenees region as you enjoy the breathtaking mountain landscape. Conclude in Barcelona, home to Gaudi's whimsical architecture. Through lectures by local guest speakers, gain an understanding of Spain's rich history and distinctive cultures.
    Day 2MadridArrive Madrid, Spain: Your tour begins in the vibrant capital city of Madrid. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner.
    Day 3MadridMadrid - Toledo - Madrid: A tour of Toledo - a hilltop city that served as the capital of medieval Spain until 1560 - highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 13th-century synagogue of El Transito. You'll also stop in the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco's masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz.
    Day 4MadridMadrid - Prado Museum: During a walking tour of Madrid's historic center, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, the city's main public area for centuries. Visit the world-renowned Prado, opened in 1819 to house the Spanish royal collections. Among its treasures are works by Spanish masters, including Velazquez, El Greco and Goya. An evening lecture on Basque culture prepares you for a visit to the Basque region.
    Day 5BilbaoMadrid - Burgos - Bilbao: Travel through the Castile-Leon region to the beautiful town of Burgos, home to Spain's third largest Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, continue north to Bilbao. This evening, enjoy a traditionally prepared dinner, slow cooked in a wood fired brick oven at a charming local restaurant, where you will also learn about this typical regional cooking technique.
    Day 6BilbaoBilbao: Tour the impressive Guggenheim Museum, considered one of the most important collections of avant-garde art in the world, whose Frank O. Gehry designed building is an architectural masterpiece. Your afternoon is at leisure to pursue individual interests in Bilbao.
    Day 7San SebastianBilbao - San Sebastian: Today, take a breathtaking drive with views of mountains, charming villages and the coast, to the city of San Sebastian, an elegant turn-of-the-century seaside resort. Upon arrival, stroll along the promenade and explore the historic town center.
    Day 8VielhaSan Sebastian - Hondarribia - Vielha: Travel along the scenic Basque Coast to the charming village of Hondarribia, whose walled Old Town is considered a "Historic Artistic Site". Briefly cross the border to France before you return to Spain and arrive in the town of Vielha. Spend the evening surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Pyrenees in one of Spain's famous Paradors, offering unbeatable views.
    Day 9BarcelonaVielha - Lleida - Barcelona: Cross the majestic Pyrenees Mountains via Lleida as you travel to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Spend the next three nights in this dynamic avant-garde city on the shores of the Mediterranean.
    Day 10BarcelonaBarcelona: Discover the architecture of Antonio Gaudi. View Las Ramblas Boulevard, Columbus Monument, Parc Montjuic, Antonio Gaudi's "La Sagrada Familia," Parc Guell and Casa Mila. Conclude your city tour with a visit to the world-famous Picasso Museum which contains the most significant collection of Pablo Picasso's early work. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the area independently or take an optional tour to Montserrat Monastery.
    Day 11BarcelonaBarcelona: Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Barcelona. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
    Day 12Tour ConcludesBarcelona - Tour Concludes:
    Dates/Pricing
    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
    May 07, 2009Land Only$2,699.00 (USD)Quote
    June 11, 2009Land Only$2,699.00 (USD)Quote
    September 10, 2009Land Only$2,799.00 (USD)Quote
    September 24, 2009Land Only$2,799.00 (USD)Quote
    October 08, 2009Land Only$2,799.00 (USD)Quote
    October 15, 2009Land Only$2,799.00 (USD)Quote
    October 22, 2009Land Only$2,799.00 (USD)Quote
    Dining
    Total meals - 16
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
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