Group Tour Operator for Holidays to Andorra la Vella, Andorra

Depart the UK

Travel to Dover for the short sea ferry crossing to France.  Continue south, stopping overnight in the Orleans area before continuing the next day to Andorra.  Check into the hotel in Andorra la Vella before having dinner together.

At leisure – Andorra la Vella

Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of the historic centre including the City Hall with a rectory and a dungeon, the Church of Sant Esteve, The Council Buildings and the Casa de la Vell which used to be the home of the smallest parliament in Europe.  The main square has a beautiful view over the city and the surrounding countryside.  The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the town further or enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

Canillo, Roc-del-Quer and Engolasters Scenic Drive

On this tour you will really get to know Andorra and that it has much more to offer than just tax-free shopping and skiing. This excursion will take you through mountains, beautiful green landscapes, small villages with Romanesque churches and crystal clear rivers.

Drive to Canillo located in the mountains of Grandvalira. Traditionally a ski resort, Canillo is considered the religious centre of Andorra with the Sanctuary and Chapel of Our Lady of Meritxell, patron saint of Andorra, and contains one of the best-preserved Romanesque churches in the Pyrenees, Sant Joan de Caselles.  It also the home of the ‘Tibetan Bridge’, one of the most impressive tourist attractions in the Pyrenees. This unique pedestrian bridge is located in the valley of Vall del Riu, and is  more than 1,875m high, 603m long and only 1m wide.

(The bridge can only be accessed by boarding the official bus from Canillo and then approx 1km walk – and the same on the return – further information can be provided)

Only a short drive from Canillo, the Roc del Quer viewpoint is one of those places that you will never forget and is one of the most famous places in Canillo.  The viewpoint is easily accessible and dominated by a sculpture of three totem poles. It is a 20m long walkway, of which 8m sit on dry land, but the other 12 go into the panorama itself: this part of the walkway is made up of a ledge suspended in the air, so it will make you believe that you are the one who floats and can fly. Much of the flooring is made of transparent glass, highlighting the feeling of altitude and suspension.

On the return to Andorra la Vella a visit is included to Ricard Bofill’s famous church which houses the Guardian Angel of Andorra in nearby Meritxell and a brief stop at Lake Engolasters where you can enjoy the stunning backdrop of the lake bordered by pine forests.

Labouiche Caves and Château de Foix

Today, venture into France.  There, you will discover a subterranean river 60m below the village of Labouiche in the Ariège area of France, winding through caverns and pools.  Being Europe’s longest navigable subterranean river, the Labouiche culminates in the gushing turquoise Cascade Salette waterfall.

After descending into the caves, board a little boat and sail across beautiful natural ponds formed by calcite and see masses of stalactites and stalagmites and a gallery nicknamed ‘Angkor Temple’ as its appearance is reminiscent of the famous Cambodian temple until you reach a magnificent waterfall. Discover how the many fascinating elements of this cave were formed as you travel through this enchanting underground world.

(Note: There are approximately 200 steps in and out of the caves. Remember to bring closed shoes to go down the slippery steps as well as warm clothing – 13°C inside all seasons. The guided tour is open to people of all ages and is conducted by a professional guide. Not recommended for people who are claustrophobic, have difficulty moving around as well as respiratory and/or heart problems)

Then continue to the town of Foix, which is overlooked by a castle built upon a rocky hill. Over the years, this Château has been used for defence, as a residence and as a prison. From the Château, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Pyrenees and the Ariège. This is an imposing building: pace the walkway between the dramatic watchtowers and peer through arrow slits and machicolations. Furthermore, Château de Foix houses a collection as part of the Departmental Museum of the Ariège. This is a genuine treasure-trove of the region’s medieval past.

(Note the Château is closed until June 2024 but the museum remains open and is accessible to all.  However, the location of Château, on a rocky outcrop, makes access difficult for people with reduced mobility – steep paths, numerous stairs, sometimes uneven ground, etc.)

Villefranche and The Little Yellow Train

Our excursion today takes us, again, into France, first to Villefranche-de-Conflent a town with an exceptional heritage from the Middle Ages. In July 2008 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Labelled the ‘Most Beautiful Village of France’ strolling through the streets transports you back in time.  Wander around the ramparts that encircle the city, or visit the sentinel Fort Liberia that overlooks the town or head down into the casemates of Cova Bastera (guided tours available/entrance costs applicable).

After some free time, drive to Mont Louis, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and board the Little Yellow Train for an unforgettable journey through the Pyrenees, one of the great railway journeys of the world. This historic metre-gauge electric railway in the French Pyrenees, opened in 1909, and still going strong. The line rises through dramatic scenery to the summit at Bolquère Eyne, France’s highest railway station and then drops down to its terminus at Latour de Carol.

(Dependent upon train schedules, this excursion may be done in reverse or embarkation/disembarkation may be at alternative stations along the route)

Depart Andorra

Check out from the hotel after breakfast and depart for your overnight stop in France. The following morning, continue to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.

Typical Market Day in Spain

Just over the border into Spain and the city of La Seu d’Urgell for the traditional outdoor market.  Explore the market and the interesting old town with its narrow streets and picturesque arcades or perhaps visit the Romanesque cathedral of Santa Maria, one of the oldest churches in Spain. Market days are Tuesdays and Saturdays (subject to confirmation) and include stalls selling local produce, textile products, footwear, accessories and artisanal goods amongst others.

Exploring Northern Andorra and Ordino

Ordino is home to some authentic architectural gems. For example, the medieval Church of Sant Corneli and Sant Cebria or the romanesque style church of Sant Marti in La Cortinada. Between Llorts and La Cortinada, you are able to walk around the Iron Men sculptures, or visit the Llorts Mine an ode to the history of Andorra’s iron and steel industry.  There are also a range of interesting museums including the Miniatures Museum and the Postal Museum, both located in the centre of Ordino.

(It is recommended that an experienced local guide accompany this tour)