The Pyrenees

The Pyrenees

With this one-day excursion, discover and contemplate the Pyrenees mountains. You’ll discover breathtaking valleys, streams, peaks, captivating villages... but you’ll also be surprised by the unique artistic heritage of its churches and monasteries.

Description:

• Start the tour by visiting the village of Ripoll, located at the foot of the Pyrenees mountain range. Visit its monastery, an important cultural center during the Middle Ages, known for its extensive collection of manuscripts.

• Then continue on to the Ribes de Freser ski station where you will ride the rack railway that will bring you to the Vall de Núria. This is the only way to access the valley and it offers some spectacular views on its journey.

• Encircled by mountains reaching almost 3,000 meters above sea level and with a unquestionably beautiful scenery, Vall de Núria is renowned as a site of pilgrimage. Its sanctuary venerates the virgin of the same name. After reaching Vall de Núria and visiting the sanctuary, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the numerous outdoor activities available. One of these activities is included as part of the train ticket and involves a trip in gondola lift to the highest point, offering the best views of the valley.

• After visiting Vall de Núria, descend by rack railway to the village of Queralbs, a typical Pyrenees mountain village, where you will stroll through its streets, heading to the 11th century Romanesque church.

• Finally, before returning to Barcelona,stop off in one of the typical hostels in the village to sample some cheese and cured meats prepared by local artisans, accompanied by a good wine.

Itinerary and tour times:

  9.00 a.m. Departure from Barcelona (Plaça Catalunya)

10.45 a.m. Arrival in Ripoll. Visit of the monastery.

12.50 p.m.* Ascent in rack railway to Vall de Núria.

  1.30 p.m.* Arrival in Valle de Núria and free time.

  4.15 p.m.* Arrival in Queralbs Visit of the village, the Romanesque church and sampling of local produce.

  6.00 p.m. Return to Barcelona.

  8.00 p.m. Arrival in Barcelona (Plaça Catalunya)

* These times may vary according to the season.

Departure times:

• May to October: Wednesdays, at 9.00 a.m.

Language:

• English and Spanish.
• Free audioguide service in French, Italian, Russian and German.

The price includes:

• Transport by luxury coach.
• Guide.
• Entrance to the monastery of Ripoll.
• Ticket for the rack railway.
• Ticket for the gondola lift.
• Tasting of wine, cheese and cured meats.