Peaks of the Pyrenees & Costa Brava Shores

Day One

We depart North Wales and travel to Folkestone for our Eurotunnel crossing to Calais, before continuing to Amiens for our first overnight stay. Our centrally located hotel is well placed for a first taste of France. Depending on our arrival time, enjoy a stroll through the surrounding streets before choosing one of the local restaurants for a relaxed evening meal.

Day Two

After breakfast, we continue south through France to Limoges. On arrival, we check in at our centrally located hotel, with the remainder of the day free to discover something of this historic city. Take a wander through its characterful streets, admire the old buildings or pause at a café and watch the world go by. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a little French city life before tomorrow’s journey into the dramatic scenery of the Pyrenees.

Day Three

Mountain scenery signals our approach to Andorra as we travel through the Pyrenees and cross into this small principality. We continue to Andorra la Vella, where lively shopping streets and a historic old quarter sit against an impressive mountain backdrop. Here, we settle into the Acta Arthotel for three nights. With the capital’s shops, cafés and restaurants close by, it is an inviting base for our stay.

Day Four

Discover the character of Andorra in the company of a local guide, who brings its landscapes and landmarks to life. We visit Meritxell Sanctuary, an important part of the principality’s spiritual heritage, before continuing to Pal. Traditional stone houses, slate roofs and a Romanesque church give this mountain village a timeless appeal, with lovely details to admire among its old buildings. The scenery opens out as we journey to Coll de la Botella, where sweeping mountain views reveal the grandeur of the Pyrenees. It is a day of contrasting perspectives, from village streets to wide horizons, before we return to our hotel.

Day Five

This morning takes us to Ordino, a charming village where stone-built houses and historic streets reflect a more traditional side of Andorra. Enjoy time to wander, browse the small shops or settle down with a coffee and take in the mountain surroundings. We return to Andorra la Vella for an afternoon at leisure. Explore the old quarter’s little squares and traditional buildings, or browse the shops along Avinguda Meritxell. You might prefer a gentle riverside stroll or a relaxed afternoon in one of the capital’s cafés. With your evening free, there is also the opportunity to choose a local restaurant and sample the flavours of Andorra.

Day Six

Today brings a wonderful change of perspective as we leave Andorra and travel into Spain for our included journey on the Vall de Núria Rack Railway. Settle into your seat and watch the mountain landscape unfold as the train climbs to more than 1,900 metres above sea level. At the top, the secluded Vall de Núria opens before you: a lake, a sanctuary and a peaceful valley framed by towering peaks. There is time to enjoy this remarkable setting, take photographs and discover the sanctuary before we rejoin our coach. We then continue towards the Mediterranean, exchanging mountain views for the coastal surroundings of Lloret de Mar. Arriving in the late afternoon, we check in at the L’Azure Hotel for four nights, with breakfast and dinner included throughout our stay.

Day Seven

A full day at leisure gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the coast. Stroll along Lloret’s promenade, pause for coffee overlooking the Mediterranean or browse the shops before choosing somewhere for lunch. You may wish to explore more of the resort or simply enjoy the comfort of the hotel. With no organised excursion today, there is time to follow your own interests and enjoy a more leisurely day.

Day Eight

Our first stop is Besalú, where a magnificent stone bridge leads towards a beautifully preserved medieval town. Its arches and fortified gateway create an unforgettable first impression, while the streets beyond invite you to explore at a slower pace. Wander among old stone buildings, narrow passages and small squares, enjoying the character of a place where history is part of the everyday scene. We then continue to Girona, a city of colourful riverside façades, atmospheric lanes and impressive architecture. Explore the old quarter, discover the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter or admire the cathedral before finding a café in which to pause and enjoy your surroundings.

Day Nine

Medieval towers, a sandy bay and the blue Mediterranean make Tossa de Mar one of the most appealing sights of our coastal stay. Spend the morning discovering its old streets, browsing the shops or enjoying the view from a seafront café. Those who wish can follow the rising lanes within the fortified old town for different perspectives over the coast, while the waterfront offers a leisurely setting in which to relax. We return to Lloret de Mar in the early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free. Enjoy another stroll beside the sea or relax at the hotel before our final dinner on the Costa Brava.

Day Ten

We leave the Costa Brava after breakfast and travel north through France, arriving in Clermont-Ferrand in the late afternoon. With our hotel in the city centre, there is time to head out and discover this historic city before settling in for the night. Explore the old town’s characterful streets, admire the striking dark-stone cathedral or find a café terrace and enjoy the atmosphere. As evening approaches, take your pick of the local restaurants for a leisurely dinner.

Day Eleven

Our sightseeing concludes with an included visit to Château de Versailles, a palace whose scale and splendour still inspire wonder. Explore the lavish state apartments, where elaborate decoration and grand ceremonial spaces reveal the world of the French royal court. In the celebrated Hall of Mirrors, glittering chandeliers, painted ceilings and long reflections combine to create one of the palace’s most extraordinary interiors. After the mountain villages and Mediterranean towns of the past few days, Versailles offers a striking final contrast and a memorable conclusion to our journey. We then continue to the Pullman Paris La Défense Hotel for our final overnight stay.

Day Twelve

Following breakfast, we travel to Calais for our Eurotunnel crossing to Folkestone, then continue home to North Wales.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included