The "Catalan Country" package

This northeast corner of Spain is as diverse an area as you will find anywhere in the country.  You'll discover the beauty of the ragged headlands and beaches along the Costa Brava, the awe inspiring Pyrenees mountain range,  countless hidden valleys that seem little changed since medieval times, some of Spain's premier wine vineyards,  tiny fishing villages - and Barcelona.  

Barcelona, one of the most fascinating cities in all the world, is the cultural center of Catalunya (Catalonia in Spanish).  This great city is where your trip will begin and end.  The "Catalan Country" tour will leave you with so many wonderful and varied memories - you'll feel as if you've just visited several different and magical countries. 

The Paradors at which you'll stay comprise an exciting mix of mountain chalets, castles, fortified monasteries, and grand old country manor houses.  They are described below in the order they will be encountered in your  circular tour of this amazing area of Spain.

 

Aiguablava -

The Costa Brava is beautiful.  Driving along here, you will come upon many  enticing inlets and nearly hidden bays.  Cute and timeless villages abound.  It has been fairly well built up, but unlike some of the other "Costas" - it remains aesthetically pleasing. Don't miss Pals and Peratallada - you'll have them to yourselves on weekdays.  Ullastret is the best preserved of the ancient Iberian settlements and is an archaeological work still in progress.  Walk up to the lighthouse and hermitage at Sant Sebastia near Llafranc - you'll be rewarded with spectacular views. The "Dali Triangle" is a must see for all art buffs.  The southern point of the triangle is the Castell de Pubol - a Gothic-Renaissance mansion re-done by Dali in his outlandish and wonderful style.  The other "points" of the triangle are alluring Cadaques - where Dali lived for a time (several of his works are in the Cadaques museum)  and Figueres, where is located perhaps Europe's most unusual museum - the Teatre Museu Dali.

The modern Parador Aiguablava occupies its own small, pine covered peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea.  All bedrooms have incredible panoramic views of the ocean.  The grounds are a delight to stroll.  There is a seaside dining room, and a short walk brings you to your own beach.  As well, you can arrange boat trips to completely private, nearby coves.  With so much to do in the area, you will stay here for your first two nights.

 

Vic -

Located on the shores of the Sau resevoir, the Parador Vic offers wonderful views over the lake and countryside.  This is a haven of tranquility and the perfect "next stop" after the bustle and excitement of the Costa Brava. The serene environs are the attraction here - as well as the massive stone Parador Vic with its unusual stained-glass, skylight covered lobby and cozy sitting rooms with fireplaces and vistas of the lake.  Completely relax here for a day,  then off to the magnificent Pyrenees on the following morn.

La Seu D'Urgell -

A drive of around 107 miles through very remarkable geography and up into the lower elevations of the Pyrenees will bring you to La Seu D'urgell. The Parador La Seu D'Urgell appears modern from the outside, but it has been built over and around a 14th century convent. It has a unique sky-lit lounge (pictured to the left at night) that must be experienced to be really appreciated.  It is located right next to a Romanesque cathedral (Seu) that was built in the 12th century.  A short jaunt up into duty-free Andorra makes an interesting side trip.

Vielha -

The next day's leisurely drive runs through incomparable mountain scenery -  among the heights of the mighty Pyrenees to the Parador at Vielha.   Here you are surrounded by majestic peaks and overlook the beautiful Aran valley.  The Parador Vielha is a modern structure that boasts a unique restaurant housed in its own glass-walled building - with incredible 360 degree views!  Vielha is a ski town - if you love skiing, or mountain hiking - you'll be right in your element here. The Parador Vuelha has thermal spas, saunas, multi-degree swimming pools, mud baths, and a host of health-related services not usually found in other Paradors.

Alcañiz -

This monumental Parador Alcaniz is actually located just inside the border of Aragon.  Though  not officially in Cataluñya, it fits in the circle you are making and is a great place to stay.  It is built high up on top of a hill that looks out over the countryside and town below. This Parador was built in 12th century as a castle/convent and became the headquarters of the Order of Calatrava - a group of monks trained in war (?!) - whose responsibility was to form a protective garrison for the populace in the surrounding countryside. The conversion into a first class hotel was accomplished with the usual grand style of the Parador system.   Parts of the Gothic walls and baroque facade have been left pretty much untouched.  Be sure and dine in the restaurant - the views are as outstanding as the cuisine.

Tortosa -

Another fortress-style castle, the Parador Tortosa commands wonderful views out over the city below.  Constructed in the 10th century, it has a regal feel, and with its thick stone walls and Gothic windows, it is an altogether enjoyable and medieval presence. The town itself has a few worthwhile attractions that can be discovered by walking around the center, but for a real treat - take a drive out into the delta of the Ebro river.  You'll discover a paradise for birdlife - there are 95 species of nesting birds that make the area home here for at least part of the year.

Barcelona -

(click on image to enlarge)

Barcelona is a wonder, and a city of juxtapositions.  Stylishness and funkiness go hand-in-hand here.  Incredibly unique, world-class architecture coexists with carnival-like street scenes.  Wealth and poverty - locals and foreigners - the busy port and tranquil city parks - it's all here.  Barcelona requires some time.  This is not the kind of city you try to see in a day - or even two. One day could be spent just seeing the the main buildings designed by Catalunya's most famous architect - Antonio Gaudi. The Sagrada Familia is an absolute must-see.  This truly is a miraculous building and the superlatives use to try and describe it all fall far short.  Set aside a full morning or afternoon for this alone.  Walk down along the new port area - AND - meander up and down the incomparable "La Rambla."  This 'mother of all streets' provides a non-stop kaleidoscope of fascinating action and activity at any time of day or night!

You'll stay at a 4-star hotel, and it will be one of Barcelona's finest.

We currently put our travelers into one of those below:

       

The Gran Hotel Catalonia	The Husa Avenida Palace
The Rivoli Ramblas	The Colon