Highlights:

 

• Visit the Basilica del Pilar, the largest Baroque temple in Spain and the symbol of Zaragoza, offering magnificent views
• Discover the origin of the Roman city - walking through unique spaces such as the Roman Theatre
• Enjoy delicious, local food and drink, including a chocolate tasting and cookery class
• Guided visit of Sos del Rey Catolico - one of just 5 medieval towns in Spain that have been kept in tact

 

Included:

 

• 4 Star minimum accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast Basis 
• Meet and Greet at Airport
• Expert driver/guide
• Comfortable touring vehicle
• Local knowledge, recommendations and help with any bookings you want to make

 

 

Not included

 

• Flights - purchase your own flights
• Gratuities minimum recommended $20 per person per day
• Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary

 

 

Detailed Itinerary:

 

 

Day 1:

 

 

Meet and greet at Barcelona airport before taking a short transfer to Montserrat (just under an hour away). Enjoy some free time, explore the Natural Parc before settling down for some dinner at a local restaurant.

 

Day 2:

 

We start the day by exploring more of Montserrat. The existing devotion for Virgin of Montserrat, together with the singularity of the surrounding area and the cultural importance of the monastery make Montserrat a different place. It’s a place conceived for everyone wanting to visit it.

We then continue on to Meritexell, where we can stop on the way at Bages to visit a winery and a museum here.

Once we arrive in Meritexell we go for dinner and check in to our hotel where we stay for one night.

 

Day 3: 

 

 

After breakfast we explore Meritxell. In the Principality of Andorra, surrounded by privileged scenery and enclosed in a landscape of great natural beauty, the sanctuary of Meritxell emerges as a symbol of passion of a whole nation. The pope Francis granted the church the title of Minor Basilica in honour of its singular liturgical life, its religious work and its history and cultural activity. The complex is one of the most visited places in Andorra.

We then continue our journey on to Lourdes, crossing over into France and stopping for lunch on the way. Foix and Tarbes also offer great locations to stop at for a short break.

Check-in to hotel in Lourdes for 1 night and enjoy some fabulous French cuisine.

 

Day 4: 

 

After breakfast we get to enjoy the surroundings. The Sanctuary of Lourdes is a cosmopolitan place, a universal sanctuary whos strength comes from the diversity of its people. It is considered the first pilgrimage Marian destination in the world. Every year, more than 6 million people arrive to this place looking for relief and hope. The Castle, Pic du Jer and the Bhetarram Coves are must-sees before we head back on the road. 

We then make our way across the border towards Zaragoza, at the heart of the Kingdom of Aragon. It is a reasonably long drive so we will stop off at Somport, Canfranc Jaca and Huesca along the way to break up the journey and view different sanctuaries.

Once we arrive in Zaragoza, we check in to our hotel where we stay for 2 nights and enjoy a dinner packed with local delicacies.

 

Day 5:

 

Today is a full day to explore Zaragoza. After breakfast we visit the basilica of ‘El Pilar’ which stands on the right bank of river Ebro. It is one of the most important sanctuaries in the Catholic world. This huge urban shrine located in the downtown area of Zaragozais a mandatory stop. The towers and domes that shape the exterior view make the basilica recognizable anywhere. The Virgin of the Pilar is venerated by millions of people each year. Other must-sees are the San Salvador Cathedral, the paintings of Goya, the Aljaferia Palace and the Roman 'Caesaraugusta'.

After lunch you will have free time to soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful town, walk along the Ebro and enjoy a dinner at one of the many local restaurants.

 

Day 6: 

 

After breakfast we depart for Torreciudad, our final point of the Ruta Mariana. We can stop off at Huesca and Barbastro along the way at a local winery to enjoy a spot of lunch before reaching our destination in the early afternoon. 

 

El Pilar and Torreciudad are linked by a road of love and devotion to the Virgin Mary. It is a path of faith, art and culture where you can enjoy Nature, castles, Romanesquechurches, cathedrals, villages and other places that you never envisioned. Let ́s not forget Goya, the unique Aragonese Mudejar art (Inscribed on Unesco World Heritage List), several exceptional sacred art museums, unforgettable landscapes, vineyards and wineries... and of course, its people.

 

The Sanctuary of Torreciudad is located near the town of Barbastro, in the Huesca province. It belongs to the Aragonese ‘Ribagorza’ county, but also it is located very close to two other important counties: ‘Somontano’ and ‘Sobrarbe’. This modern shrine is a meeting point for many groups and families. It’s one of the most visited places in the Aragonese Pre-Pyrenees.

We end the evening with dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on our journey through this incredible region of faith.

 

Day 7: 

 

After breakfast we transfer you to Barcelona airport we wish you farewell. We hope to see you on another journey with us again soon!