Compare From Languedoc to Catalonia Through the Pyrenees: A Cross Border Discovery by Road Scholar vs Easy Pace Spain - Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive Montpellier, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Pezenas D La Distillerie
Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and take some time to unpack and to relax before orientation. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Lectures will be led by our Group Leader, who will also serve as our Study Leader, unless otherwise specified. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel, we will enjoy a 3-course plated welcome dinner, plus a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3
The Languedoc, Pézenas, Weekly Market
Pezenas B,D La Distillerie
Activity note: Walking approx. 2 miles total throughout the day; uneven surfaces, cobblestones; periods of standing.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the buffet features a variety of choices including hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We’ll gather for a lecture at the hotel with our Study Leader and focus on the Languedoc-Roussillon region—one of the most fascinating areas of Europe—which borders the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Pyrenees Mountains to the south. It benefits from an exceptional climate and has unusually rich wildlife, a spectacular coast, and surprising history. Later, led by our Study Leader on foot, we’ll explore the lively outdoor market of Pézenas while learning about its economic and cultural significance to the village and surrounding area. We’ll also learn how this ecological "bio" market has gained importance over the years.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may wish to take this opportunity to purchase local produce to create your own lunch.

Afternoon: Led by a local expert, we’ll enjoy a walking field trip through Pézenas to see more of the village as well as the former home to Molière, all while learning about the history and importance of the village and region. Afterwards, we will return to the hotel.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy plated 2-course meals, plus a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Abbaye Valmagne, Local Wines, Contemporary France
Pezenas B,D La Distillerie
Activity note: Driving approx. 12 miles (20 km) each way to the Abbaye; about 1/2 hour. Walking up to 2 miles total during group activities; periods of standing; more walking dependent on personal interest.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Setting out via motorcoach, we’ll transfer to the countryside outside Villeveyrac where, led by a local expert, we will begin an exploration of the 12th century Abbaye de Valmagne, known for its wine production. While here, we’ll get a closer look at the cloisters of the Abbaye and the grounds where the grapes are grown. We will conclude our visit with a tasting of some of the Abbaye's wines, all from Faugères and certified with the appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) as a “protected designation of origin” in the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region of France. We’ll then return to Pézenas.

Lunch: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Afternoon: After some time for independent exploration, we’ll join our Study Leader in the hotel meeting room for an overview of modern France including discussions on the current economic situation, social policy, immigration, and more of the key issues facing France today.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 5
Intro to the Cathars, Beziers, Minerve, Arrive Couiza
Couiza B,L,D Chateau des Ducs de Joyeuse
Activity note: Driving approx. 105 miles (170 km) total throughout the day, about 3.5 hours: about 1 hour to Beziers, 1/2 hour to Minerve, and 1.5 hours to Couiza. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestones and uneven surfaces, some steep inclines; no elevators in the 2-story historic hotel in Couiza.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll transfer via motorcoach to Beziers, a city rich in Cathar and Romanesque history, for an expert-led field trip with commentary about the history of the Cathar and Beziers. The Cathar faith came to prominence in the twelfth century with a Cathar church being established as early as the beginning of the eleventh century in the Champagne region. Catharism spread all over France with many 'heretics' being burnt, but it was in the Languedoc that it had its widest appeal including noblemen, peasants and merchants alike. While here we will see the two main sites of the Massacre at Beziers when 20,000 people were killed during a crusade against the Cathars, the Church of Mary Magdalene, and, next, the city's grandiose Romanesque Cathedral. Afterwards, we will continue our transfer to Minerve.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Minerve, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Led by our Study Leader upon arrival, we’ll explore the charming vineyard village of Minerve, also rich in Cathar history and tradition, starting with visits to the Romanesque church and the archeological museum. We’ll then carry on to Couiza where we’ll check in to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a plated 3-course meal, plus a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Carcassonne, Free Time
Couiza B,D Chateau des Ducs de Joyeuse
Activity note: Driving approx. 30 miles (50 km); about 1 hour each way to Carcassonne. Walking up to 2 miles around Carcassonne during group activities; cobblestones, gentle inclines; additional walking during free time dependent on personal interest.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the buffet features a variety of choices including hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will set out by motorcoach for the majestic walled city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Cathar capital. The 19th century French songwriter Gustave Nadaud wrote of this fairy-tale fortress, "My God! but I would die content / After having seen Carcassonne!" Led by our local expert while here, we’ll learn about the history of Carcassonne as we spend the day exploring this beautiful city that inspired kings and writers.

Lunch: On your own to sample the local fare.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Carcassonne. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We’ll meet at a predetermined time and place for transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Châteaux and Historic Villages
Couiza B,L,D Chateau des Ducs de Joyeuse
Activity note: Driving approx. 90 miles (145 km) throughout the whole day; about 3 hours total on the bus. Walking up to 3 miles, with stops; some uneven surfaces, steep inclines, many steps, and cobblestones. Queribus Castle has an extremely steep entrance with cobblestones and a large number of narrow, winding steps to reach the interior.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: With our local expert, we’ll set out to enjoy a field trip to some of the region's Cathar castles. Romantic and ruined, the medieval fortresses, which range in a broad arc around Carcassonne, have come to be known as the Cathar castles, though in fact many of the castles in question were built after the Cathars' demise. The Cathars were a sect strong in this part of France who were proscribed as heretics by Pope Innocent III. We’ll first see the Château de Peyrepertuse, derived from the Occitan language meaning “pierced rock and perched high on a craggy precipice.” Then we’ll make our way to Quéribus, thought to have been the last Cathar stronghold in France.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We will continue on our discovery of Cathar history with a visit to the town of Villerouge-Termenès led by a Cathar expert. Reviewing the day, we’ll then visit the home of our local Cathar expert to learn more about the Cathars and life today in the Languedoc during a Q&A session.

Dinner: At our local expert’s home, we’ll enjoy a light family-style dinner featuring local wines and regional products.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 8
Foix, Andorra, La Seu d'Urgell
La Seu D'Urgell B,D Parador - La Seu d'Urgell
Activity note: Driving approx. 95 miles (150 km) total throughout the day; about 4 hours total, with stops for field trips; winding, mountainous roads. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day; steep, uneven ground around Foix.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will begin our transfer to Spain. En route, we will have a view of Château de Foix, the impregnable bastion of the Cathars and symbol of the Counts of Foix and Bearn. Led by our Study Leader, we’ll take a walk around Foix before having some time to explore independently. Afterwards, we’ll carry on to Andorra through the wooded Ariège Valley, but not before taking a short stop at the pretty spa town of Ax-les-Thermes for a little more time for independent exploration.

Lunch: On your own to explore the local cuisine.

Afternoon: Continuing, we’ll set out again for the principality of Andorra through the stunning Pyrenean valleys to the capital, Andorra La Velha. Our Study Leader will give a presentation en route, providing insight into the development of this small country from an isolated Pyrenean outpost to a prosperous tourist and often controversial financial center, as well as a UN member. En route, we’ll make a brief stop in Andorra-la-Vella before reloading the motorcoach and completing the last leg of our transfer to La Seu d'Urgell. We’ll check in to the hotel upon arrival.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a plated 3-course meal, plus a glass of wine and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
La Seu D'Urgell, Local Cheese
La Seu D'Urgell B,D Parador - La Seu d'Urgell
Activity note: Driving approximately 25 miles (45 km); about 1/2 hour each way to the cheese maker’s property. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day; flat terrain; some periods of standing.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: In the hotel meeting room, we’ll enjoy an introductory lecture to Catalonia focusing on its people, history and the current political situation. Then we’ll join our local expert at the Cathedral of La Seu d'Urgell, constructed in 1116, making it one of the oldest cathedrals in Catalonia. It has an Italianized Romanesque style, contrasting with the predominant French tendencies of the time. Following a walking visit of the old town, we will finish our field trip with an expert-led visit to the Diocesan Museum, which houses paintings, sculptures, and examples of craftwork in gold and silver from parish churches throughout the diocese and the treasures of the cathedral. As such, it bears invaluable testimony to the history of L'Alt Urgell and the Spanish Pyrénées.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Through a visit to a local cheese maker (a small artisan property), we’ll learn from the cheese makers themselves about traditional and modern methods of local cheese making before having the chance to sample some of the produce.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal of tapas followed by dessert, plus wine and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 10
The Aran Valley, The High Pyrenees, Freedom Trail
Vielha B,L,D Parador - Vielha
Activity note: Driving approx. 80 miles (130 km); about 3 hours total with frequent stops; narrow, winding mountain roads. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; some cobblestones and rugged terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Leaving the hotel after check-out, we’ll travel via the spectacular Bonaigua Pass, with several stops to take in the breathtaking mountain vistas, to the Aran Valley – an enclave within the Pyrénées, which still manages to preserve its own language. Aranese, a form of the Occitan language, exists throughout the area along with Spanish and Catalan. During a brief visit to Sort, we’ll learn from a local expert about El Camino de La Libertad (Freedom Trail) – the treacherous mountain route that was taken not only by thousands of French and Jewish civilians fleeing to safety towards Gibraltar or Africa during WW2, but also by many American and British airmen who had crash-landed or parachuted out after being shot down over Nazi-occupied Europe.

Lunch: At a local restaurant en route, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated meal, plus wine and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We’ll continue learning about the freedom trails and mountain life with our local expert before setting out for Vielha where we’ll check into our hotel and have some time to relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated meal, plus a glass of wine and water. Other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
National Park of Aigüestortes, Romanesque Villages
Vielha B,L,D Parador - Vielha
Activity note: Driving approx. 50 miles (80 km); about 1 hour each way; some winding, mountainous roads. Walking approx. up to 2 miles total throughout the day; some uneven ground; gentle pace, easy terrain. Getting in/out of 4X4 vehicles.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Starting with our local expert, we’ll go on a field trip to the Romanesque route of the Boi Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with uniquely well-preserved examples of Romanesque art and architecture. Churches characterized by their simple structures, delicate exterior stonework, slender bell towers, and the wonderful mural decorations inside provide excellent examples of this distinct style. The high-mountain landscape combined with small country villages and cottages built of slate, wood, and stone all contribute to creating a charming and very traditional Pyrenean backdrop.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a 2-course plated meal with water and wine; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We’ll conclude the day with a field trip to Aigüestortes National Park, the only Spanish National Park located in the region of Catalonia. Of immense environmental and biological importance to the area, it boasts a wealth of specimens of flora and fauna, many unique to this area of the country. Upon arrival, we’ll head into the park in 4X4 vehicles before enjoying a gentle trek led by a local mountain expert.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 12
Historic Cardona, To Barcelona
Barcelona B,L Balmoral Hotel
Activity note: Driving approx. 200 miles (330 km) from Vielha to Barcelona via Cardona; about 4 hours total, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; steep inclines, uneven cobblestones, many stone steps in Cardona. Comfortable footwear suggested.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll begin making our way to Barcelona with a stop en route in the hilltop town of Cardona. Dating from the 8th century, with its walled fortress and castle, it is the foremost example of the Catalan Romanesque style of architecture. Led by our Study Leader, we’ll walk through the streets of the town that also represent a time of Romanesque and Gothic constructions. One of its most emblematic structures is the 9th century fortified enclosure, which has been restored for use today as a parador (a luxury hotel and restaurant).

Lunch: At a local restaurant en route, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated meal, plus a glass of wine and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Continuing our transfer, we will arrive in Barcelona in the late afternoon and check-in upon arrival. After some time to settle in, enjoy an aperitif and some social time together.

Dinner: On your own to explore the local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13
Barcelona, Gaudi, La Sagrada Familia
Barcelona B,D Balmoral Hotel
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles during group activities throughout the day; additional walking dependent on personal interest. La Sagrada Familia entrance times are strictly regulated and subject to change or substituted for another Modernist monument. Driving mileage dependent on traffic and best route; on and off the motorcoach for up to 4 hours throughout the morning.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: With a local expert providing commentary as we go, we’ll enjoy a panoramic exploration via motorcoach and on foot to visit some of the main attractions in Barcelona, including a visit to Gaudi's unfinished architectural masterpiece – La Sagrada Familia.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Barcelona. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer assistance and suggestions.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a delicious 3-course plated farewell dinner with wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences of the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Day 14
Program Concludes
In Flight B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet if flight times permit. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona

Airport transfers depart from Barcelona airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:00. Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, as you get to know your fellow travellers over Spanish delicacies and regional wines.

NH Collection Barcelona Constanza.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Barcelona, the City of Gaudí Relaxed Start

The lively port of Barcelona boasts an impressive Old Town, although it’s the daring architecture of the Catalan Art Nouveau that really sets it apart. Sightseeing with your Local Expert begins with views of the Gothic Quarter and continues with a drive down the Passeig de Gràcia, to Gaudí's Sagrada Família. Venture inside the leviathan of the Eixample where a tree canopy carved from stone, holds up the roof as sun pours through stained glass. Then you are free to explore this amazing city at your own pace.

NH Collection Barcelona Constanza.

Breakfast

Day 3: Barcelona at Leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start and a full day at leisure to explore Spain’s most vibrant city. Consider a stroll along the famous Las Ramblas or explore Gaudí's fascinating Güell Park. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to ascend the sacred mountain of Montserrat, Catalonia's most important pilgrimage site for a thousand years, for sweeping views?

NH Collection Barcelona Constanza.

Breakfast

Day 4: Pamplona and San Sebastián

Journey west to Zaragoza where the four towers of El Pilar soar over the banks of the mighty Río Ebro. Continue to Pamplona in the region of Navarre, famous for the Running of the Bulls festival. With free time to explore as you wish, perhaps stroll to the famous Estafeta Street. Travel to the aristocratic seaside resort of San Sebastián. Northern Spain’s Basque country has evolved into the best place to eat in the Western world, so in the evening, discover the city’s rich gastronomic tradition in the heart of Lo Viejo, the Old Town.

Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.

Breakfast

Day 5: Bilbao and Guggenheim Relaxed Start

Few places have been able to reinvent themselves quite like Bilbao. The former industrial city has changed its ways and is now a pin-up for urban redevelopment. Explore Bilbao with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the spectacular Guggenheim Museum to marvel at its modern architecture and contemporary works of art. Alternatively, join your Local Expert and take the funicular to Mount Artxanda.  On return, join a Local Expert to admire San Sebastián and the crescent-shaped La Concha Bay from the heights of Monte Igueldo. After taking in the amazing views, enjoy a guided tour of the Old Quarter. See the numbered balconies of the Plaza de la Constitución, a reminder of the days when bullfights were held in the square. Explore the Old Town during your progressive Highlight Dinner with the locals, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine. Buen provecho!

Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 6: San Sebastián, Pearl of the Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start

Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk. The harbour is filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, so you can enjoy several sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps explore the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, known as the Jewel of the Basque Country? During this Optional Experience you will explore this town with a Local Expert and visit the church where The Sun King, Louis XIV, married the Spanish princess Maria Theresa.

Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.

Breakfast

Day 7: Burgos and Madrid Relaxed Start

Journey south through the Pyrenees foothills and the land of El Cid for a stop in Burgos, where you can see the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue along the Guadarrama Mountains to the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?

Meliá Madrid Princesa, Madrid.

Breakfast

Day 8: Madrid of the Bourbons

Explore Madrid with Insight Choice. Choose to join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a neighbourhood walking tour, led by female pillars of the community and focused on the history of the women's movement in Spain. Alternatively, sightsee with your Local Expert as they guide you through the Spanish capital’s most historic neighbourhoods.Enjoy a special visit to the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Meliá Madrid Princesa, Madrid.

Breakfast

Day 9: The Medieval Streets of Segovia Relaxed Start

Venture northwest to visit the fascinating city of Segovia. Walk the medieval streets of this fortified city with your Local Expert and see the 14th century Alcazar Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After returning to Madrid, you are at leisure. Make the most of your final night as you join your fellow travellers for a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy delightful regional produce paired with the finest local wines, as you toast to a vacation done well.

Meliá Madrid Princesa, Madrid.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 10: Depart Madrid

After breakfast, transfers arrive at Madrid airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00.

Breakfast