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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260921T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20260927T180000
DTSTAMP:20260607T220436Z
CREATED:20260607
LAST-MODIFIED:20260607
PRIORITY:5
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TRANSP:OPAQUE
SUMMARY:Mountains, Miracles & Memories – from Zaragoza to Lourdes: An Unforgettable Journey
DESCRIPTION:\nOffered by U3A Moraira Travel\n\n\n\nTrip Leaders: Carole and Paul Clark\n\n\n\n21 – 27 September 2026\n\n\n\nI’m delighted to offer you the chance to Join us for a memorable journey through northern Spain and southern France, where history, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes come together in a truly enriching experience.\n\n\n\nTravel through the dramatic scenery of the Pyrenees, explore charming French towns, and discover places of deep cultural and spiritual significance—all at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.\n\n\n\nHighlights of the tour include:\n\n\n\n\nScenic drives through the majestic Pyrenees mountains\n\n\n\nA visit to the world-renowned pilgrimage site of Lourdes\n\n\n\nDiscovering picturesque villages and local markets\n\n\n\nEnjoying regional cuisine and leisurely moments in beautiful surroundings\n\n\n\n\nThis carefully planned tour blends guided exploration with free time, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere, enjoy local culture, and travel comfortably with like-minded companions.\n\n\n\nWhether you are drawn by the history, the landscapes, or simply the pleasure of discovering somewhere new, this journey offers something for everyone.\n\n\n\nDay 1 – 21 September: Moraira to Zaragoza\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour adventure begins with departure from La Senieta in Moraira heading inland toward the historic city of Zaragoza. After brief stops along the way, you’ll arrive at the Hotel Tibur in the historic centre in time for lunch.\n\n\n\nIn the afternoon, a guided tour reveals the city’s rich heritage. Explore treasures such as La Lonja, the Tapestry Museum, and the striking Aljafería Palace. Admire the grandeur of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, climb its towers for sweeping views of the Ebro River, and return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.\n\n\n\nDay 2 – 22 September: Zaragoza → Lourdes\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter breakfast, depart for the spiritual heart of the Pyrenees: Lourdes. Enjoy scenic travel with brief stops en route.\n\n\n\nFollowing lunch at the hotel Esplanade Eden, the afternoon is yours to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this renowned spiritual destination.\n\n\n\nA little background into a story of faith…\n\n\n\nStep back into history\n\n\n\nIn 1858, at a time when Lourdes had a population of just over 4,000, it is believed that the Virgin Mary appeared to the young  Bernadette Soubirous, an inhabitant of the town of Lourdes. On 11 February 1858, Bernadette went to the Massabielle rock, on the banks of the river Gave, to gather dead wood. The spot was known as the “pigs’ shelter” as it was so dirty and dark. It was there that Bernadette heard a sound “like a gust of wind”. Then she saw a lady in the rock, which was the first apparition. 17 others would follow, until 16 July 1858.\n\n\n\nAs I have worked in the hospital in Lourdes I know the town quite well. At 9pm every night there is a procession by candle light in the Basilica gardens The Basilica is within walking distance of our hotel and after our dinner in the hotel, I would be happy to take you to walk in the procession if people were interested. We would join lots of people from all over the world and it is a very moving affair. We can then return to the hotel for our overnight stay.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 3 – 23 September: Lourdes Guided Experience & Donjon des Aigles\n\n\n\nThis morning, we can discover Lourdes with a local guide. Visit the sacred Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, including the Grotto of the Apparitions and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Step into history at the House of Saint Bernadette.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter lunch, enjoy a unique excursion to the Donjon des Aigles, (The Tower of Eagles) where majestic birds of prey are showcased in a dramatic medieval setting.After which we return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.\n\n\n\nDay 4 – 24 September: Funicular de Pic du Jer & Bagnères-de-Luchon\n\n\n\n\nPic du Jer\n\n\n\nThe Pic du Jer is a summit in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Located at 951 metres above the city of Lourdes, it is recognizable by its big cross lit up at night. After breakfast, we shall ascend by funicular to the spectacular views of the Pic du Jer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 5 – 25 September: Bagnères-de-Luchon\n\n\n\nBreakfast. Free day. Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight stay.\n\n\n\nIn the afternoon, visit the Cité des Abeilles (the City of Bees) to discover the fascinating world of honey production. Then it’s back to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.\n\n\n\nContinue to the elegant mountain town of Bagnères-de-Luchon for lunch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnjoy a relaxed day in this charming spa town. Whether you stroll through its elegant streets, explore nearby mountain scenery, or simply unwind, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.\n\n\n\nRelaxation and Wellness\n\n\n\nBagnères-de-Luchon is renowned for its thermal baths and wellness facilities.\n\n\n\nThermal Baths\n\n\n\nIt has Hot Springs: you can relax in the thermal baths known for their high sulphur content.\n\n\n\nVaporarium: Experience the only natural steam bath in Europe.\n\n\n\nSpa Treatments available to book in the local area\n\n\n\nWellness Services: Enjoy hydro-massage pools, sculpting massages, and mud baths in local hotels. These need to be booked ahead.\n\n\n\nCultural Experiences\n\n\n\nArchitecture and History\n\n\n\nBelle Époque Style: Stroll through the town to admire its elegant Belle Époque architecture.\n\n\n\nHistorical Sites: You can visit the Hospice de France, a significant historical landmark.\n\n\n\nThere is a cable car that you can take you up the mountain to the ski resort for a coffee with spectacular views (not included)\n\n\n\nBagnères-de-Luchon is a vibrant destination that combines outdoor adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal spot for visitors year-round.\n\n\n\nDay 6 – 26 September: Bagnères-de-Luchon → Tortosa\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter breakfast, we begin our return journey to Spain, traveling toward Tortosa with lunch along the way.\n\n\n\nArrive in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore this historic riverside town.\n\n\n\nDinner and overnight stay.\n\n\n\nDay 7 – 27 September: Tortosa back to Moraira\n\n\n\nAfter breakfast, depart for Moraira bringing your enriching journey through Spain and France to a close keeping our special memories.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing & Inclusions\n\n\n\nPrice: 978€ per personSingle supplement: 260€\n\n\n\nDeposit 100 Euros ppMinimum group: 36 people or we can’t run it.\n\n\n\nIncluded Highlights\n\n\n\nTHE PRICE INCLUDES:\n\n\n\n\nCoach travel from Moraira for the full itinerary\n\n\n\nTour leader accompanying the group from departure\n\n\n\n3★ accommodation at the following hotels:\n\nHotel Tibur, Zaragoza – full board\n\n\n\nHotel Esplanade Eden, Lourdes – full board\n\n\n\nHotel Corona Tortosa, Tortosa – half board\n\n\n\nHotel Alti, Bagnères-de-Luchon – half board\n\n\n\n\n\n1 lunch en route on 26 September\n\n\n\n2 lunches in Bagnères-de-Luchon\n\n\n\n¼ litre of water and ¼ litre of wine included with all meals\n\n\n\nEntrance to the Sainte Bernadette House-Museum\n\n\n\nEntrance to the Funicular du Jer\n\n\n\nEntrance to the Cité des Abeilles Honey Museum\n\n\n\nGuided city tour of Zaragoza (approx. 2 hours)\n\n\n\nGuided city tour of Lourdes (approx. 2 hours)\n\n\n\nU3A group leader accommodation (free, in a double room)\n\n\n\nEntrance to the donjon (wild birds exhibit)\n\n\n\n\nNot Included:\n\n\n\n\nTourist taxes (paid locally)\n\n\n\nPersonal expenses and hotel extras\n\n\n\nAny services not explicitly listed\n\n\n\nTips for driver/guides\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis journey combines cultural discovery, spiritual heritage, and stunning mountain scenery—an ideal balance of guided exploration and personal time in some of the most beautiful regions of Spain and France.\n\n\n\nBook early to save disappointment.\n\n\n\n\nBook Now\n\n\n\n\nMoraira U3A Terms and conditions apply. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
URL:https://u3ajavea.com/events/mountains-miracles-memories-from-zaragoza-to-lourdes-an-unforgettable-journey/
ORGANIZER;CN=Carole Clark - U3A Moraira:MAILTO:
CATEGORIES:Group - Travel,Home - Bookable
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3ajavea.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bagneres-de-Luchon21.jpg
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