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Andorra and trip extension to beautiful Barcelona March 1-12, 2024
Many people have never heard of the Principality of Andorra. YES - it's an actual country, just 181 square miles and
about 84,000 residents, located high in the Eastern Pyrennes between France and Spain. The principality was formed in the
year 1278 and is the sixth smallest nation in the world. The capital is Andorra la Vella, 3365 feet above sea level, the
highest capital in Europe
Andorra is a very prosperous country, due to its favorable tax laws and thriving tourism trade. Andorra is not a member
of the European Union, but the Euro is the de facto currency of the country. The official language is Catalan, but French,
Spanish, and Portuguese are commonly spoken. Life expectancy in Andorra is the fourth highest in the world - 82 years. It
holds its entire ski industry compressed into an area the size of a valley of traditional France, Austria, or Switzerland.
Andorra has the bonus of 300 sunny days per year. Because Andorra does not possess an airport, the gateway city is Barcelona,
Spain. A 3-hour bus ride will connect us from Barcelona airport to Andorra la Vella.
THE ACTA ART HOTEL
The 4 star Acta Art Hotel is our home for 7 nights and is the perfect place for an unforgettable holiday in Andorra! It enjoys
a prominent location in the heart of the capital city of Andorra la Vella, and features two restaurants and a pub, free internet
connection throughout, and has its own in-house spa with 7 meter relaxation pool, ice fountain, Finnish sauna, steam room,
and sensation showers. Rooms will be completely renovated in the summer (2023). A delicious buffet breakfast and 3-course
dinner will be offered daily and is included in the tour price. Buses are available just outside the Acta Art Hotel to take
skiers and boarders to the different ski areas of Andorra (just 20-30 minutes away).
SKIING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
The spectacular mountains of Andorra are split into three separate ski domains, Grandvalira, Pal-Arinsal, and Ordino-Arcalis
which between them offer over 300km of slopes for you to enjoy, brought together under the Grandvalira Resorts brand. There
are several choices of Andorra lift passes depending on where you intend to ski.
The vast ski area of Grandvalira offers an extensive terrain covering the linked sectors of Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Peretol,
Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo and Encamp. The Pal-Arinsal domain (formerly known as Vallnord), popular for families and beginners,
spans across the two areas of Arinsal and Pal. The third area of Ordino-Arcalis is a hidden gem of a ski area with incredible
freeride opportunities.
Across Andorra all ski lifts operate on a modern hands-free system, meaning you can keep your lift pass tucked away safely
on your person and access the lifts quickly and easily. There are a number of consecutive day/ non-consecutive day combinations
of lift tickets. Prices for this season have not been announced yet, but last year, the average lift ticket price was about
$60 (U.S.) per day.
ATTENTION IKON PASS HOLDERS
All Andorra ski areas accept the Ikon Pass.
A variety of other activities await you in Andorra. It's duty-free status makes Andorra la Vella a shopper's paradise. Our
hotel is located in the heart of the city's commercial district. As far as snow activies there is snow shoeing, snow
bikes, dogsled rides, and paragliding. There are several interesting museums highlighting the history of this ancient
country. One museum boasts an impressive collection of antique and classic autos. The Caldea Spa is Europe's largest
recreational spa and offers you over 6,000 square meters of inside and outside lagoons, saunas, jacuzzis, grapefruit pools,
an Aztecian pool, and Indo-Roman baths.
BARCELONA
A feast for the senses. Catalonia's capital has a distinctly Mediterranean feel. It's revitalization for the 1992 Olympics
made Barcelona the place to be on the continent. A picturesque location, Europe's best-preserved Gothic Quarter, Gaudi's
delightfully cheeky architecture, and galleries with the treasures of Miro, Tapies, and Picasso make Barselona visually stunning
indoors and out. "New Catalan Cuisine" and tapas bars tempt the taste buds, and the nightlife and music are on the cutting
edge. Our hotel for 3 nights is the Hotel Atrium Palace****. Beyond the comfort and excellences of the Atrium Palace and
its restaurant, the greatest luxury for its guests is the closeness to everything! Flanked by the Rambla and Paseo de Gracia
avenues, universe of possibilities opens out: Casa Batllo, Pedrera, Liceo, Plaza Batalunya, Palau de la Musica, Tapies Foundation,
the Gothic District, hundreds of shops and stores, the University campus and gardens, art galleries and the medieval Consejo
de Ciento, plus a non-ending number of secrets which we will leave to you to discover at your own pace and inclinations.
So...we're ready to take your registration. Click on the "Trip Registration Form" below, fill it out, and send it in to me
along with your initial $750 payment. Also, click on the "Trip Flyer, "Insurance Form" (for optional trip insurance information),
and "Tour Conditions."
DOUBLE OR TWIN ACCOMMODATIONS (Per Person)
$2,339
SINGLE ACCOMMODATIONS
$3,179
Our 2023 trip to Val Gardena and Innsbruck sold out quickly. To insure space, download the registration form below, and send
it in with your $750 deposit.
Forms below are for the upcoming 2024 trip. Use these forms when registering.
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