4 days at the Loarre Fortress and the peaks of the Artouste Train

This July 16th, embark on a fascinating journey through medieval fortresses, panoramic trains, and dreamlike landscapes!

From the imposing Loarre Castle to the legendary Canfranc Station, we'll explore places steeped in history and mystery. We'll delve into the majestic Ordesa National Park, cross the Pyrenees on the spectacular Artouste Train at an altitude of 2,000 meters, and discover the magic of Aínsa and San Juan de la Peña. Four days of adventure, nature, and culture will transport you to another era. A getaway to remember!

DAY 1 - PLACE OF ORIGIN - LOARRE CASTLE - HUESCA

Morning departure. We'll stop for breakfast (not included) and continue our journey to the Sierra de Loarre, where one of Spain's most impressive fortresses awaits us: Loarre Castle. Built in the 11th century, this imposing Romanesque castle is not only an architectural gem but also a testament to medieval history. Its strategic location atop a steep promontory offers spectacular views of the Aragonese landscape.

Declared a Site of Cultural Interest and a National Monument, the castle has been the setting for numerous film productions, such as Kingdom of Heaven (2005), directed by Ridley Scott and starring Orlando Bloom. During filming, even the inhabitants of Loarre participated as extras, lending authenticity to its legacy. After this fascinating visit, we will travel to Huesca, where we will enjoy a meal in a restaurant. In the afternoon, we will tour the city, discovering its charm and heritage. We will also have free time to stroll at our own pace and enjoy its atmosphere. At the end, we will head back to our hotel in Sabiñánigo, where we will settle in comfortably. Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 2 - THE ARTOUSTE TRAIN - CANFRANC (A Palace on Rodes)

Breakfast and departure for the French border to explore a dreamlike landscape. We'll arrive at Artouste, where we'll take a panoramic cable car to the top of the mountain. From there, we'll begin an unforgettable journey on the Artouste Train, a narrow-gauge railway that, at an altitude of 2,000 meters, allows us to traverse one of the highest tourist routes in Europe. This small train, surrounded by majestic peaks and with views of Lake Fabrèges and the imposing Midi d'Ossau, offers a unique experience: a 10-kilometer journey through gorges and spectacular landscapes. At the end of the tour, we'll descend to enjoy nature in its purest form, with the opportunity to hike; a haven of tranquility in the heart of the Pyrenees. After returning by train and cable car, we'll head to a restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon, we'll stop at a place steeped in history and mystery: Canfranc International Station. Known as "A Palace on Wheels," this 241-meter-long station with over 300 windows was once the second largest in Europe. During World War II, Canfranc was a strategic enclave for Nazi gold smuggling and the passage of spies between France and Spain, starring in some intriguing 20th-century stories. Canfranc Station has been converted into a 5-star hotel, preserving its original essence and giving us the opportunity to discover its legendary past. During our visit, we'll admire its impressive façade and lobby, soaking up its unique atmosphere. At the end, we'll return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay are provided.

DAY 3 - TORLA - ORDESA NATIONAL PARK - AÍNSA

After breakfast, we'll head to Torla, a medieval town with a unique charm. Its cobblestone streets and stone houses will transport us to another era as we enjoy a stroll through its old town, with spectacular views of the Pyrenees. From Torla, we'll take the designated buses to Ordesa National Park, a natural sanctuary of indescribable beauty.

Crossed by the Arazas River, this paradise offers stunning landscapes of forests, waterfalls, and mountains that have made Ordesa one of the most impressive corners of the Pyrenees. We will have free time to explore its trails, breathe fresh air, and marvel at its spectacular surroundings. After this experience surrounded by nature, we will head to the restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit Aínsa, one of the most beautiful towns in the Aragonese Pyrenees. Its old town, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, will surprise us with its majestic arcaded square, its medieval castle, and its streets steeped in history. A place where time seems to stand still. Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

DAY 4 - SAN JUAN DE LA PEÑA - PLACE OF ORIGIN

Breakfast and departure to visit, in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, the spectacular Protected Landscape of San Juan de la Peña and Monte Oroel, where one of the most outstanding elements is located: the Old Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, a jewel of the medieval period. Covered by the enormous rock that gives it its name, the complex covers a long chronology beginning in the 10th century. The first monarchs of the Kingdom of Aragon rest within its walls and its cloister is a true masterpiece of Romanesque art.

We'll also make a fantastic visit to the Kingdom of Aragon Interpretation Center, a modern interactive space located inside the Baroque church of the New Monastery. With mobile screens adapted to the temple's architecture, a spectacular audiovisual presentation will tell us the keys to the origin of the Kingdom and Crown of Aragon, with surprising light, sound, and model effects. After this interesting visit, we'll have lunch and begin the return trip to our place of origin.

The price includes:

• Coach trip.
• Accompanying guide.
• 3* Hotel.
• Full board with water and wine.
• Excursions described in the program.
• Travel assistance insurance.

Visits included:

• Loarre Castle.
• Huesca.
• Artouste Train.
• Canfranc Station.
• Saint John of the Rock.
• Ordesa National Park.
• Aínsa.

Are you going to miss it?