Crossing the Pyrenees (12 Days starting from $2,199)

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Collette > Crossing the Pyrenees

Crossing the Pyrenees
12 Days starting from $2,199

Countries Visited:
Spain

Length:	12 Days
Type:	First Class Tour
Category:	Europe Tour
Operator:	Collette
Tour Code:	3465

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About This Tour

Discover cosmopolitan Madrid, avantgarde Barcelona, the beautiful Pyrenees and more on this diverse and fascinating journey through Spain. Admire the masterpieces of Spanish artists at the illustrious Prado and Picasso museums and stroll through the medieval streets of Toledo. Explore the distinct cultures of the Pyrenees region as you enjoy the breathtaking mountain landscape. Stop in Pamplona to learn about the revered "running of the bulls." Conclude in Barcelona, home to Gaudi's whimsical architecture and a showcase of works by other modern Spanish artists. Through lectures by Smithsonian experts, gain an understanding of Spain's rich history and distinctive cultures.

What's Included
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Sightseeing
Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
10 Breakfast(s), 6 Dinner(s)

Hotels:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

MADRID Hotel Melia Galgos
BILBOAHotel Abando
VIELHAParador de Vielha
BARCELONAAvenida Palace Hotel. On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.

Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach

Day 1
Overnight 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 2
Arrive 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 3
Madrid - 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 4
Madrid - 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 5
Madrid - 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 6
Bilbao
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 7
Bilbao - 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 8
San 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 9
Vielha - 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 10
Barcelona
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 11
Barcelona
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Barcelona. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 12
Barcelona - Tour Concludes

To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301. Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/18/2008 - 9/29/2008	$2,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/23/2008 - 11/3/2008	$2,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/7/2009 - 5/18/2009	$2,699	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/10/2009 - 9/21/2009	$2,799	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/15/2009 - 10/26/2009	$2,799	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us

Hotel check-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 PM. Rooms may not be available prior to that time. Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing sturdy walking shoes. The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. Tour price does not include fees for a passport, which is required. Hotel check-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 pm. Rooms may not be available prior to that time.

Educational Highlights:
Your experience in Spain will be enhanced by expert presentations on topics ranging from Spanish art history to the fascinating Basque language and culture. These lectures will provide you with the background and insight to appreciate the history and dynamics of this region.

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 Dalí, during a lecture in beautiful Barcelona.

Hotel check-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 PM. Rooms may not be available prior to that time.

Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing sturdy walking shoes.

The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.

Tour price does not include fees for a passport, which is required.

Hotel check-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 pm. Rooms may not be available prior to that time.

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Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.