Discover the Abbey of Montserrat or the San Benet Monastery depending on your voyage date as well as the medieval charms of Cardona, a town founded in the 10th century.
Note: This program begins in Barcelona and ends in Tarragona for embarkation. Flights should be booked into the Barcelona International Airport.
This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or for those who use a wheelchair, walker or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces.
Day 1
Upon arriving at the Barcelona International Airport, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall which is outside the luggage claim area. Please look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo.
You will then be transferred to the NH Gran Calderon Hotel Barcelona or a similar hotel, where you will spend the evening. Meals are on your own today.
Note: Single guests will transfer in a sedan and couples in a van. Sedans hold 2 pieces of luggage plus 2 carryon size bags. Vans hold 4 pieces of luggage plus 2 -3 carry-on sized bags. Should you have more luggage than is permissible, a larger vehicle may be required with additional cost. Please advise your booking agent at least 21 days before sailing if a larger vehicle is required.
Day 2
After breakfast meet your driver and guide and begin the journey to the magnificent Abbey of Montserrat, located approximately 1.5 hours from the city.
This unusual multi-peaked mountain is topped by pinnacles that look like fingers reaching for the sky and offers stunning views of Catalunya.
According to legend, a millennium ago, villagers discovered a statue of the Madonna in one of the grottos which has since become a popular pilgrimage site. Montserrat draws millions of faithful to revere the statue, which now resides in the Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery.
Over the centuries the statue has been darkened by the smoke of millions of candles and as such has become known as the Black Virgin. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost a thousand years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, work and welcoming the pilgrims.
From the bottom of the mountain, you will reach the peak of Montserrat in about 15 minutes on the rack rail which allows some stunning views on the way up. At your arrival, follow your guide on foot for a visit of the sanctuary and the local museum. Lunch is also included at local restaurant. Time will also be allowed for some independent exploration before your return.
Note: There is substantial walking on this tour, approximately 1.5 hours – over sloped and uneven terrain.
Special Note: Should this day fall on a weekend or a religious holiday, the Montserrat will no longer be open to groups. Instead the group will visit the Monastery of Mon Sant Benet where you will journey through a thousand years of Catalonian history as you discover the monumental rooms of the monastery. Included are spectacular holograms, immersive projections and amazing effects. This is one of the most daring and spectacular proposals made to the historical heritage, turning this monument into an emotional experience. Lunch is also included at local restaurant. Your final cruise documents will outline which site you will see.
Your journey continues with a 1-hour drive to Parador de Cardona, a charming hilltop hotel in Cardona that was once a medieval castle. It’s an exquisite setting with unrivalled views over the city and the Cardener River. The atmosphere inside the hotel is just as memorable, as the architectural features and furnishings are medieval in style.
Important Note about the hotel: being a medieval castle, guests should not expect this property to have the same feel as a luxury city hotel. There is now luggage porterage available at the hotel, however due to the size of the hotel and depending on the number of guests on this program, it may take some time before your luggage reaches your room.
All 54 rooms at the Parador de Cardona are spacious, well equipped and furnished in Gothic style. They are decorated with fine, rich fabrics in light pastel tones and bright colors. The rooms enjoy lovely views over the countryside, Cardoner river or the medieval-style town of Cardona. Guests will find rooms encased by ancient walls and arches, but offering modern comforts such as marble bathrooms, satellite TV, minibar and free Wi-Fi. From the atmospheric cellar vaults right up to the furnished roof terrace, the hotel exudes a charming atmosphere – one where guests may feel like they have travelled back in time to the Middle ages. On this 9th-century fortified site, guests can also visit Minyona Tower and a lovely church, both dating from the 11th century.
A group dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Also Note: There are approximately 100 steps to reach the town center from the hotel. A shuttle service between the town and the castle will be offered on day 3. The local representative that accompanies you on the transfer from Barcelona / Montserrat does not remain at the hotel with you.
Day 3
After breakfast, you will meet your English-speaking guide in the lobby of your hotel and start your walking tour of the castle. A number of wealthy salt barons lived here between the 11th and 15th centuries. Amazingly, the fortress was never conquered and survived intact through the Spanish Succession of 1711, the Spanish Civil War and other conflicts.
Because of its age and excellent condition, the castle reflects the evolution of military arts from the Middle Ages to modern times. It is now a state national monument, as is the adjoining Collegiate Church of Sant Vicenç.
Leaving Pardaor De Cardona behind, you will continue to the Old Historic Quarter where you will walk through the narrow medieval streets in Cardona. The Old Town is typically quiet and immensely charming, and if time permits you will visit the massive Church of St. Miquel. The Catalan Gothic-style building dominates the main square.
Next proceed by shuttle bus to the salt mines for a visit. The Vall Salina of Cardona is a depression of the land in the form of an elongated ellipse, having a surface area of 100 ha. The outcrops of salt are located within the depression and were thus formerly known as the Salí (salt warehouse) and are today known as the Vall Salina (salt valley).
Enjoy a walk through the old mining facility, Mina Nieves. See the imposing tower of the old mine shaft ‘Maria Teresa’ and the museum, which explains the history of the industrial exploitation of the valley. The shaft’s mining machinery can also be seen just as it was when fully operational.
NOTE: The visit of the mine is not exclusive – there will be other people visiting as well. Personal audio guides are used inside the mine. The salt mines are closed on Mondays. Should this occur during your stay, guests will visit the mines on day 2 or day 4. Guides will provide an updated itinerary.
Return to Old Town by shuttle bus and enjoy some free time in the centre or take the shuttle to return to the Parador. Lunch is on your own.
Later in the day a group dinner will be arranged at the hotel.
Note: If you visit Old Town on a Sunday, expect crowds from the local market. Respectful attire is required to enter all churches. If you arrive at a church during mass, you may only visit the outside, where the guide will elaborate on the history and construction of the church.
Reminder: This tour not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or those who utilize a walker, wheelchair or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces. There are over 100 steps from the castle between the Old Town and the hotel.
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your driver in the lobby for the transfer to the pier in Tarragona, where you will embark the ship. This transfer is not guided or escorted.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Barcelona International Airport and private transfer to the NH Gran Calderon Hotel Barcelona for 3:00 pm check in. Although rooms may be available before then, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you have an early arrival you may wish to book an extra night, so your room is ready upon your arrival.
Meals will be on your own and the evening will be at your leisure.
Overnight at the NH Gran Calderon Hotel Barcelona or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Checkout, meet your guide at the hotel. Load luggage on bus
9.30am Drive to Montserrat
11:00am Arrival, visit of Montserrat & free time
1:00pm Lunch in a restaurant in Montserrat
2:30pm Drive to Parador de Cardona
3:30pm Arrival and check in, afternoon at leisure
8:00pm Group dinner at Parador de Cardona
Overnight at Parador de Cardona or similar hotel
Alternate program details should this day fall on a weekend or religious holiday:
9:00am Checkout, meet your guide at the hotel. Load luggage on bus
9.30am Drive to San Benet Monastery
11:00am Arrival and visit
1:00pm Lunch in a local restaurant
2:30pm Drive to Cardona
3:30pm Arrival and check in
8:00pm Dinner at Parador de Cardona.
Overnight at Parador de Cardona or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Meet your guide and start you guided tour through the Castle of Cardona
10:15am Transfer to the Old Town by shuttle bus
10:30am Guided tour of the Old Town
11:15am Transfer to the salt mines by shuttle bus
11:30am Change to local minibus & briefing of audio-guides
11:45am Visit salt mines
1:00pm Transfer by shuttle bus back to Old Town
Afternoon at leisure, lunch at own expense
8:00pm Group dinner at Parador
Overnight at Parador de Cardona or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
10:45am Check out, meet your driver and drive from Cardona to Tarragona
12:30pm Approximate arrival at the pier and embark the ship
Expected Weather:
April: average temperature 12º C
May: average temperature 15º C
June: average temperature 20º C
August: average temperature 28º C
September:average temperature 22º C
October:average temperature 15º C
November:average temperature 10º C
What to Bring:
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, flat comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, umbrellas and cameras.
Currency:
Euro
Electricity:
220 Volt. Bring a travel converter, as hotels do not provide them.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport is required.
Luggage:
Luggage will travel with guests at all times.
Hotel addresses:
NH Gran Calderon in Barcelona
Rambla de Catalunya, 26, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 933 01 00 00
Parador de Cardona Hotel
Castell de Cardona, s/n, 08261 Cardona, Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 938691275
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of changes before departure, then the hotel(s) listed in this program will be used
Program Includes:
1 night at the NH Gran Calderon Hotel in Barcelona (Premium room) – subject to change
2 nights at the Parador de Cardona Hotel – (Standard double) - subject to change
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch including 1 water, glass of wine or beer and coffee
2 group dinners at the Parador de Cardona Hotel including one glass of wine, water and coffee.
Transfers
All touring and entrances per the itinerary
City tax
Luggage porterage in Cardona
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes:
Gratuities to drivers and guides
Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Meals and beverages not listed above
Any touring not listed above
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
