Active in the Pyrenees

  • Days 8
  • Style Original
  • Travellers rating

    based on 322 reviews

  • andorra

    86°F

    86°F

  • From HKD 970 +

Start

18 Nov 2016

Start

24 Nov 2016

OR
HKD 970 +
Tour Code:858520

Bike, hike and raft in the beautiful Pyrenees Mountains.

Prepare for some thrilling adventures during this action-packed week in the Pyrenees. Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra’s beautiful surrounding landscape provides thrillseekers with a setting for some serious adrenalin-fuelled fun. Hike up mountains, cycle through valleys, whitewater raft, zip-line and more in this small yet stunning European adventure land.

Schedule & Pricing Details

  • Date
  • Start

    18 Nov 2016

    Finish

    24 Nov 2016

    OR
  • Options
  • Total
  • HKD 0
    Book

Attention

Chalet (7 nights)

  • Highlights
    • Enjoy a thrilling bike ride down some of the best mountains trails in Andorra, including the historic Iron Route. Wild evergreen slopes and white peaks offer a spectacular backdrop
    • Hold on tight for some exhilarating white-water rafting through the Pyrenees, under the supervision of highly experienced guides
    • Explore the quaint town of Soldeu, based at an impressive elevation of 1,710 metres above sea level
    • Cycle along the scenic trails of Port de Cabus, the mountain pass on the Pyrenees Andorran-Spanish border
    • Get the blood pumping, as you zip-line between the trees and over some rope obstacles in the beautiful set up of Cortals Valley.
    • Trek through the stunning Siscaro reserve, keeping an eye out for native flora and fauna along the way

    Location

    City:andorra

    Name:Bike, hike and raft in the beautiful Pyrenees Mountains.

    Adress:andorra

    Tel: 00852-31158515

    Itinerary

    Day

    1

    Active

    Welcome
    complimentary
    transfer
    Pyrenees

    Welcome to Andorra! There's a complimentary group transfer from the airport in Toulouse to your hotel. For more information about timing and meeting point details please see the 'Joining Point Instructions' in the trip notes. Situated on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, Andorra is squashed between France and Spain. Although small, Andorra is blessed with some of the finest scenery in the Pyrenees and is a great base for an active week in the mountains. Make sure you get plenty of rest tonight, as tomorrow your adventure begins.

    Day

    2

    Active

    morning
    excursion
    10-minute
    Pyrenees

    This morning take your first excursion into Andorra's mountains. It's a 10-minute drive to Grau Roig at the base of the stunning Circ de Pessons. Starting at 2,000 metres above sea level, climb 200 metres to the central of the region's 13 small lakes. At this height, spectacular views can be enjoyed across the Andorran peaks. The rest of the day is a gradual descent back down. This is a great way to ease yourself into trekking and to acclimatise to the altitude. Keep your eyes open for native flora and fauna, such as the griffon vulture, which can often be seen soaring overhead. As you cross the Soldeu ski fields you'll be able to appreciate the steepness of a World Cup black run. From here the descent is more rapid, and the path brings you right into the heart of Soldeu. You'll arrive back at the hotel between 3 and 4 pm, giving you a chance to relax in the sun, explore the village or visit a neighbouring hotel’s spa centre.

    Day

    3

    Active

    Today’s
    activities
    stunningly
    Pyrenees

    Today’s full day of activities takes place in the stunningly beautiful Cortals Valley, about a 30 minute drive away. Half-way up the valley you jump on the bikes for a ride along a flat off road track to the Engolasters Lake giving you the opportunity to enjoy the scenery. Around the lake there are plenty of fun tracks to be taken and you normally have the choice between an easy flat track and a more exciting path through the woods. At the other end of the lake is the zip wiring and tree top centre. After a short briefing, you climb up into the trees and then cross the area by mostly zip lines and some rope obstacles. This is designed to be accessible to all and not too high but then there is an optional area with rope swings and a zip line ridden on a snowboard (these are optional and at an extra cost). After a picnic lunch by the lake you get back on the bikes and take a single track route into the forest to a fun bike park so you can hone your skills on a bit more technical riding or if you don’t fancy it just watch the others trying. Then it is back along the flat off road track to the vehicles. At the end of the day, return by vehicle to Soldeu.

    Day

    4

    Active

    Crossing
    Andorran
    encounter
    Pyrenees

    Crossing the Andorran border into Spain today, encounter different scenery and a more Mediterranean feel. Drive along a mountain pass of the Port de Canto to a height just below 2,000 metres. From here take a 20-kilometre road descent into the village of Sort. Along the way you'll enjoy some spectacular views. Your support vehicles will follow, giving assistance if necessary. Those not wishing to cycle can ride in the van. Your next adventure begins at a white water rafting centre (where there are changing facilities). An ability to swim is essential for this activity. Once kitted out with paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids and wetsuits, local guides will lead you on an exhilarating 14-kilometre white water rafting experience. The rivers around Sort have different grades of rapids (up to class III) and are rated in the top five in the world for safety and enjoyment. After drying off, there'll be some time to relax in the bar or by the pool at the centre, before returning by vehicle to Soldeu.

    Day

    5

    Active

    optional
    activities
    available
    Pyrenees

    Today you are free to choose from the many optional activities available in Andorra. You may decide to go fishing or visit the thermal baths of La Caldea. If you have a good head for heights, you can try your hand at Via Ferrata climbing or canyoning. There are plenty more opportunities for walking and mountain biking, or you might simply like to relax, enjoy the sunshine or go duty free shopping.

    Day

    6

    Active

    mountain
    opportunity
    practice
    Pyrenees

    After being issued with a helmet and a mountain bike, your guides will brief you on mountain biking and give you an opportunity to practice at the hotel. Afterwards, take a 40-minute transfer to the picturesque Ordino Valley. Begin your mountain biking decent at El Serrat, which is the start of Andorra's old iron route. Easy-going off-road tracks take you past old iron mines, mills and forges, finishing in the village of Ordino. The wide dirt tracks are car-free. Though the ground might be a bit rough in places, only basic mountain biking and good normal cycling skills are needed. After a rest and refreshment in the village, get back in the vehicle and head up to the Col de Beixalis (1,800 metres above sea level). Jump on your bike and take a thrilling seven-kilometre off road descent into Encamp. From here, it's a 15-minute drive back to the hotel. You should arrive between 4 and 5 pm. Note: Throughout the day there will be full vehicle support, so if you'd prefer not to bike, you can walk and/or ride in the vehicle.

    Day

    7

    Active

    today’s
    through
    forested
    Pyrenees

    Take a short walk into the Incles Valley, where today’s hike begins. Walk along a single track through forested mountain slopes, keeping an eye out for pine forest plants, flowers and rhododendrons in June, wild fruit in mid summer and mushrooms in September. It's common to see groups of thickset mountain horses grazing on the high slopes. Continue your climb up to the Cabana Sorda Lake, which sits below an impressive amphitheatre of rock at 2,300 metres above sea level. Stop here for lunch. Eager walkers can hike up to the peak (around 2,600 metres) to enjoy amazing bird’s eye views of the valley. After lunch, descend through thick woodland into the valley and head back to town on foot.

    Day

    8

    Active

    adventure
    complimentary
    transfer
    Pyrenees

    Today your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. You are free to depart at any time. If you'd like to take our complimentary group transfer to Toulouse Airport, please advise us at the time of booking. It will be an early morning transfer to Toulouse Airport and you will arrive at approximately 9 am.

    Inclusions

    Included activities
    Pessons Lakes Walk
    Cycling
    Zip wiring
    White water rafting
    Bike ride
    Introduction to Mountain Biking Day Trip
    Incles Valley Walk
    • Meals

      7 breakfasts, 6 dinners

    • Transport

      Private Bus

    • Accommodation

      Chalet (7 nights)

    • Insurance

      This day tour excludes fee of insurance.

    Important notes

    A complimentary group arrival transfer from Toulouse airport is available on this trip and will depart at 10:45am on day 1.

    A complimentary group departure transfer to Toulouse airport is available on this trip and will arrive at the airport for 9am on the day 8.

    If you wish to take either of these transfers please provide your flight details to Intrepid or your travel agent at the time of booking so they can be added to your booking. These must be booked in advance. PLEASE NOTE, if you simply turn up at the airport for the transfer without notifying Intrepid, we cannot guarantee that space will be available. In such case, you may need to take an expensive taxi at your own expense.

    A single supplement is available throughout the trip. Please ask your travel consultant for more details.

    ADVENTURE LEVEL

    The trip is graded as active and requires no previous experience although an ability to cycle is essential for the mountain biking. Days of mountain biking, walking and rafting can be a rigorous test of stamina, but with full vehicle support we believe anyone in good health should be capable of participating. The difficulty of the walks and rides will depend on the ability of the group and will be adjusted accordingly.

    TOP TIPS

    - Most people buy packed lunches; you might find a sealable plastic box useful for storing it in your daypack.

    - Although not essential, gloves for cycling make it more comfortable - especially if you grip hard.

    - Wetsuits provided for rafting come with booties.

    - Shoes are not provided for biking, so please bring comfortable shoes suitable for cycling.

    - Language - Most people in Andorra speak Catalan, Spanish and French so it's a great place to try out your language skills. But don't worry if you can't remember your fromage from your queso or your chapeaux from your sombreros as

    English is also widely spoken.

    Q&A

    Supplier may change time and services due to a special circumstances,so all reply following are for reference only.Please note the relevant information on Web in case of change.

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