Luxury hotel holidays to Navarre and Aragon

Luxury holidays to Navarre and Aragon: luxury hotel holidays, touring holidays and special interest holidays

The regions of Navarre and Aragón offer the opportunity to explore a largely unsung and under-visited region which stretches almost half the length of Spain. Its reaches include the famed city of Pamplona, best known for its daredevil bull-running in July, medieval castles and Romanesque churches and the exquisite Mudéjar architecture found across the region with the finest example in Zaragoza. Navarre was a medieval Basque kingdom and the Euskadi/Basque language is still recognised as co-official with Spanish in several areas. To the north of the regional capital lies the mountainous border with France, a vivid landscape of forested slopes and lush valleys whilst the centre of Navarre consists of wide basins and gentle hills, carefully tended with crops, livestock and woodlands. The Ebro, the second longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, runs through the southern area of Tudela and leads westwards into neighbouring Aragón. Visitors to Aragón will find a vast landscape of picturesque ancient villages, rolling green foothills and arid plains in the southern reaches of Teruel. Above all, Aragón is set apart from the rest of Spain by the majesty of the Pyrenees which mark its northern border. The three highest peaks of this chain, Pico Aneto, Pico Posets and Monte Perdido, are all found within the borders of Aragón, giving some of Spain’s finest hiking and adventure sports. Visitors to Navarre and Aragón will find that the variation in climate is just as dramatic as the changing landscape with often long, harsh winters and hot, balmy summers. Many of our hotels in Navarre and Aragón are housed in significant historic buildings, providing guests with elegant and comfortable accommodation options. The regions of Navarre and Aragon are particularly well suited for touring holidays in combination with different areas of Spain such as the Spanish Basque Country, Catalonia and Eastern Spain or the Heart of Spain.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine several different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Navarre and Aragon can be

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Highlights of Navarre and Aragon

The Gothic cathedral in Pamplona (Iruña), a major stop on the Way of St James pilgrimage route through northern Spain, as well as the opulent Palacio del Gobierno de Navarra. The town of Tudela with its 13th century bridge across the River Ebro and beautiful old town, in addition to the otherworldly landscape of the nearby Bardenas Reales National Park. The charming town of Sos del Rey Católico, birthplace of Fernando of Aragón, with the grand Palacio de Sada and Church of San Esteban. The riverside Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, the second largest church in Spain, celebrated for its eleven brightly coloured domes and elegant Baroque façade. Classic examples of Mudéjar architecture which combines Gothic and Islamic elements, some of the best examples of which are in the high-altitude town of Teruel in southern Aragón. Tranquil religious houses including the Cistercian Monastery de la Olivia and isolated Monastery of San Salvador de Leyre. Perhaps the most unique of these buildings is the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña in Aragón; set under an overhanging rock, this monastery was a supposed guardian of the Holy Grail. Formidable castles such as the Castillo de Loarre where visitors can explore the ramparts, dungeons and keep. The medieval old town of Huesca topped with its impressive gothic cathedral and nearby Castle of Montearagón. The stunning landscape of Ordesa National Park draws guests with its well-marked hiking trails, native wildlife and scenic “Horse’s Tail” waterfall. The small village of Torla is the gateway to the park and is a popular stopping point for visitors. Historic towns and villages, unspoilt by mass tourism, such as Estella (Lizarra), Olite, Albarracín, Ujué and Calahorra.

Festivals in Navarre and Aragon

January: Festive processions on the 5 January, marking the arrival of the Three Kings with huge floats. February: Festival of Santa Águeda in Alsasua. February/March: Carnivals celebrating the start of Lent, one of the best is in the town of Bielsa. March/April: Easter celebrations such as Las Tamborradas in the Aragonese town of Hijar and El Volatín in Tudela. Festival of Dance with performances throughout spring weekends in Pamplona. April: Traditional pilgrimage of San Marcos in Ujué on 25 April. July: San Fermín, the famous bull-running festival in Pamplona. International music festival of Navarre and also another in the medieval castle at Aínsa. Traditional Romero pilgrimage in Yebra de Basa. Tudela’s festival in honour of their patron saint, Santa Ana. July/August: Pyrenean Folk Festival in Jaca. Pyrenees South International Festival of Cultures in Huesca. Classical Theatre Festival in Olite. August: Medieval festival in Olite with market and historical demonstrations of trade and fashion. September: La Morisma, a re-enactment of an 8th century battle between Christians and Moors in Aínsa. October: Fiestas de Pilar in Zaragoza, a week-long celebration in honour of the city’s patron saint. November: Cinema Festival in Pamplona. December: El Olentzero - Christmas Eve celebrations across Pamplona and Navarre include this traditional Basque character who comes late at night to drop off presents for children.

Gastronomy in Navarre and Aragon

Cuisine across these regions is varied with tastes to suit everyone’s palate, thanks to the vast landscape and products grown here. Whilst there is no coastline, there is great choice with plentiful meat and game, locally grown crops and vegetables and fresh-water fish. Cuisine is based on traditional recipes which have been handed down through generations and modernised. In Aragón you will find menus featuring stews, ternasco (roasted lamb) and jamón from Teruel. Not all Aragonese cooking is based on meat with river-caught fish like trout and eel also used. Try local olive oil from Empeltre, asparagus from the banks of the Ebro and sweet onions from Fuentes. Fruits grown in Aragón include pears, apples, cherries and plums and are exported throughout Spain. The gastronomy in neighbouring Navarre is not dissimilar yet offers additional treats such as black truffles from the Allín valley and woods of the Lóquiz mountains. Dining out in Pamplona is a treat with restaurants to match all budgets and styles, from local bars to Michelin-starred destinations. Whatever your choice, be sure to try the local wines as well as the Navarran spirit pacharán, made with sloe berries and anise.

Climate in Navarre and Aragon

This part of Spain has a mixed climate which is inextricably linked with the contrasting landscape. The northern areas are amongst the coldest in Spain with the winter months of November to April often bringing freezing temperatures, snow and making mountain roads impassable. On the other hand, the arid plains of southern Aragón can be very hot in the summer months with residents and visitors alike spending the warmest hours relaxing inside. Rain falls throughout the year in the northern areas, although with less frequency throughout the summer. We recommend speaking to one of our Personal Travel Specialists about your interests in order to suggest the best time for your visit.

Navarre and Aragon travel information

Navarre and Aragón can be reached from the UK by air, combining it with one of the neighbouring regions. Some clients choose to take their own car all the way, driving through France or making use of the ferry system.

By air

Depending on your holiday plans, there are several airports which can be used to access this region of Spain. Bilbao airport is served by British Airways and Easy Jet and is only 1 hour 40 minutes’ drive from Pamplona, making it ideal for reaching Navarre. Aragón is served by Barcelona airport with a longer drive. Most visitors to Navarre and Aragón combine their stays with other parts of the country. There are several smaller airports within the region itself which have flights to other cities in Spain.

Car hire

Car hire is highly recommended for visitors to Navarre and Aragón as the simplest means of transport, also giving most flexibility.

Rail travel

There are train stations in several towns including Pamplona and Zaragoza which facilitate travel to destinations such as Madrid and Barcelona. However, rail links to the rest of the country or from smaller towns can be poor with long journey times.

Self-drive

Brittany Ferries offers weekly ferries from Plymouth to Santander (journey time 20 hours) and twice weekly ferries from Portsmouth to Santander (journey time 24 hours). LD Lines offers weekly ferries from Poole to Santander (journey time 26 hours). Alternatively, routes overland from the UK through France are also possible and should be discussed with one of our personal travel specialists. It is possible to cross the border at the eastern or western ends of the Pyrenees as well as via Andorra.

Two centre recommendations

Choose a theme to focus your holiday on and combine a stay in Navarre and Aragón with one of the neighbouring regions. Perhaps combine Pamplona with Green Spain to follow the Way of St James pilgrimage route by car or compare the historical castles and monasteries of Aragón with Montserrat Abbey near Barcelona. Art-lovers can learn more about the history of Francisco Goya and his life near Zaragoza with the work of Antoni Gaudí in Catalonia. Those interested in Spanish history shouldn’t miss the chance to travel across Spain from Catalonia to the Basque Country, learning more about the autonomous regions and the cultures which at once unite and divide the Iberian Peninsula.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine several different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Navarre and Aragon can be

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Here you will find a map of Navarre and Aragon showing the locations of the hotels that we offer

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine several different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Navarre and Aragon can be

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245