Day 01: Join tour Barcelona. Drive to Soldeu
Meet-assist at Barcelona’s international airport then depart heading towards the small alpine village of Soldeu, deep in the heart of the Andorran Pyrenees. The three hour journey should hopefully get us into Soldeu in time to enjoy a short orientation walk around the village before dinner. A popular ski resort, lying some 1,710 metres above sea level, Soldeu is an engaging mix of traditional rural inns, converted farmhouses and lively bars, providing us with an ideal base for our Pyrenean adventure.

Day 02: Walking in the Vall de Riu
After a short taxi ride to the neighbouring village of Ransol this morning, we begin our walk into the Vall de Riu, another of Andorra’s scenic gems. Encircled by a ring of glacial-formed mountains, the valley provides us with a beautiful backdrop to today’s walk up to the small mountain village of Canillo. Home to Andorra’s tallest church tower, and one of its finest Romanesque chapels, Canillo will be our final destination today, before returning to Soldeu by public bus.

Todays 11km walk is expected to take around 5hrs with 600m ascent and 1000m descent.

Day 03: Hiking in the Andorra valleys; visit Sorteny Valley and Estanyó Lake
This morning we drive a short distance to the Sorteny Nature Reserve, set amongst the fertile valleys of north-eastern Andorra. Renowned for its abundance of plant species, the valley is a botanical haven for over 700 species of flora, some of it unique to the Pyrenees region. The trail that we take today leads us up to Estanyó Lake (2,350 metres) and passes through an alpine landscape that is home to wild boar, martens, chamois and ptarmigan. Driving back to Soldeu later we may also have time to stop for a drink in the pretty mountain village of Ordino.

Todays 10km walk is expected to take around 4.5hrs with an ascent and descent of 600m.

Day 04: Free day to explore Andorra la Vella
Some free time today affords us a chance to pay a visit to Andorra’s bustling capital, Andorra la Vella. Home to the smallest parliament in Europe and the oldest Romanesque church in the principality, the city is also a great place for shopping. Alternatively you may wish to remain in Soldeu and enjoy some more walks around the area.

Day 05: Walk in the Incles Valley
Our first walk takes us into the beautiful glacial landscapes of the Incles Valley, home to Scots pine, Pyrenean chamois and one of the largest alpine lakes in Andorra. We begin the day gently, before following the course of the river up to the Siscaro Lakes. Nestling within a glacial cirque at some 2,350 metres, the lake provides us with a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. There may even be an opportunity for us to walk a little further, towards the Incles Pass, before we head back down to the hotel.

Todays 14km walk is expected to take around 4.5hrs with 900m ascent and 1350m descent.

Day 06: Walking in the Madriu and Perafita Valleys
Today we explore the untouched wilderness of Andorra’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful and remote Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley. Covering nearly 50 square kilometres this pristine setting is the country’s spiritual and cultural heart, as well as being a haven for wildlife that includes marmot, bearded vulture and ptarmigan. Driving to the small hamlet of Saint Miquel d’Engolasers, we then hike up to the refuge at Fontverd, where we stop to enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to Soldeu by bus.

Todays 12km walk is expected to take around 4.5hrs with 900m ascent and 400m descent.

Day 07: Free day: optional white water rafting or 4WD excursions
There is an option today to take a drive across the Spanish border, travelling by 4WD vehicles through the medieval hamlet of Tor and on to the village of Llavorsi. From here we then have a chance to raft down the Noguera River, along 14 kilometres of exhilarating white water rapids, before making the journey back across the border to Soldeu. Alternatively you can just relax around the village, or take a trip back into the capital for a spa and maybe some last minute shopping.

Day 8 – Tour ends Barcelona Airport
Driving back to Barcelona this morning our journey ends back at the city’s international airport.

Day 01: Soldeu
Welcome to Andorra! Your adventure begins with a greeting from your leader upon arrival at the hotel. There are no activities planned for today.

Situated on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, nestled between France and Spain, the principality of Andorra measures a mere 25 kilometres by 30 kilometres, with an average elevation of 1996 metres. Although small, Andorra is blessed with some of the finest scenery in the Pyrenees and is a great place for an active week in the mountains. Once you arrive at your base for the week, you will have time to explore or relax until the evening.

Day 02: Walking at Salamandres Lake
This morning you will join your fellow travellers for welcome meeting before heading off on the first of many activities. Be sure to check with the hotel check-in staff to check the exact time of this meeting.

Venture out for your first excursion into Andorra’s mountains today. It’s a short (10 minute) drive to Entorn at the base of the stunning Ransol Valley Ridge. Starting at 2000 metres above sea level, climb 250 metres to Salamandres Lake. Choose to relax or take a paddle in the lake or challenge yourself to continue the hike up to the Ransol Ridge at 2,500m. At this height, spectacular views can be enjoyed across the Andorran peaks. The rest of the day is a gradual descent back down going past the Roca del Home Dret, the rock of the straight man. 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. Arrive in the beautiful Incles Valley where you’ll cross the Incles river and take a gentle path back to the hotel. 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 03: Cycling in Cortals Valley
Drive to the stunning Cortals Valley (approximately 30 minutes). Here you and the family will enjoy a full day of activities. Half-way up the valley you will jump on bikes for a ride along a flat track to Engolasters Lake, glimpsing some beautiful scenery along the way. There are plenty of fun tracks around the lake for all skill levels, and we visit a beautiful viewpoint with a birdseye view of Andorra la Vella, the Principality’s capital city (population 22,000).

For lunch you’ll stop for your picnic in an alpine woodland (you’ll have time to buy this picnic before setting off today), before trying some newly learnt mountain bike skills in the ‘skill-park’. You’ll then cycle back around the far side of Engolasters Lake to the scenic lakeside bar, before returning to the vehicles along the flat track. Here there is the option to ride an exhilarating on-road switch-back descent to Encamp (a total descent of 600 m). Today’s routes can be walked if you’d rather not cycle, and there may be an optional gondola ride – this is the largest ski lift in Europe.

Included Activities:
. Bike ride
. Cortals Valley

Day 04: White-water rafting on Noguera River
Crossing the border into Spain, take the high mountain pass over the Port de Canto through very some Mediterranean scenery, still at 1,000 metres high. You can stop at the Port de Canto lookout point to take in the lovely foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees. Continue down to the village of Sort (Catalan for ‘luck’) where at the rafting centre you and the family will be kitted out with wetsuits, helmets, life jackets and a paddle. From the top of the Noguera River, enjoy 14 kilometres of exhilirating white water rafting. Noguera River is renowned as one of the top five rivers for rafting in Europe, thanks to nice stretches of continuous but not too rough water, and many exit points. After a fun ride over a weir and through the Olympic kayaking course, arrive back at the rafting centre to take a shower. The centre has a beautiful garden with a swimming pool and a bar, so you can spend some time here before heading back to Soldeu.

Notes: There is a support vehicle that follows the rafting. Those who don’t want to, or are too young to raft, can follow along in the vehicle or relax and unwind at the centre. Children must be at least 8 years old to participate, and 8–12 year-olds will be able to raft grades I & II only.

Included Activities:
. The Old Smugglers Route
. White water rafting

Day 05: Mountain Biking in Ransol Valley
Head out today on a mountain biking adventure the whole family will enjoy. You will be provided with a helmet and fitted to your bike before taking a short drive (10 minutes) to the starting point of the ride. Pedal along a gently undulating path (2.5km) to the end of Ransol Valley, where there is a lovely picnic area with running spring water. Your guide will point out the important peaks of the area such as the Pic de la Serrera where they used to collect iron ore from. Afterwards, descend back through the valley, perhaps taking the chance to ride a more challenging off road section. Finish up the ride at the local Caves Manacor market, where you can purchase souvenirs or taste a variety of local products such as hams, cheeses and spirits. Head back to the hotel for a picnic lunch on the terrace.

Afternoon in the van and drive up to Grau Roig ski area, which is 2000 metres above sea level. Have a go at conquering the dirt mountain bike circuit before cruising back to the hotel. This ride will be on and off road and mostly downhill (6km).

Included Activities:
. Introduction to Mountain Biking Day Trip
. Bike ride

Day 06: Walking in Incles Valley
Walk from the hotel to the nearby Incles Valley for today’s walk. Set off along forested mountain slopes and along a single track through the woods where there are beautiful flowers, rhododendrons (in June), wild fruit (midsummer) and wild mushrooms (in September). The gently climbing path zig-zags up to the stunning Cabana Sorda Lake, which sits below an impressive semi-circular amphitheatre of rock.

From the lake, eager walkers can continue the hike up to the peak (2,600 m), which gives you a bird’s eye view of the gorgeous valley. Those staying at the lake can take a refreshing dip in the cold mountain water, walk around the lake or perhaps watch the fishermen catching mountain trout. After lunch, descend through beautiful meadows and woodland to the valley floor, where you can either take transport back to the hotel or continue back on foot.

Included Activities:
. Incles Valley Walk
. Walk in the Pyrenees

Day 07: Departure Day
Departure transfer to airport for flight back to home.

Day 01: Soldeu, Andorra
In and around Soldeu
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 Essential Trip Information. 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 02: Salamandres Lake Walk
This morning take your first excursion into Andorra’s mountains. It’s a 10-minute drive to Entorn at the base of the stunning Ransol Valley Ridge. Starting at 2000 metres above sea level, climb 250 metres to the Salamandres Lakes. Then there is a chance to relax by the lake and take a paddle or for the more energetic to hike up to the Ransol Ridge at 2,500m. At this height, spectacular views can be enjoyed across the Andorran peaks. The rest of the day is a gradual descent back down going past the Roca del Home Dret, the rock of the straight man. This is a great way to ease yourself into trekking and to acclimatize to the altitude. Keep your eyes open for native flora and fauna, such as the griffon vulture, which can often be seen soaring overhead. From here you arrive in the beautiful Incles Valley where you cross the Incles river to take a gentle path back to the hotel. 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 03: Cycling and Zip wiring in Cortals Valley
Today’s full day of activities takes place in the stunningly beautiful Cortals Valley, about 30-minute drive away from our hotel. Up at the top of the valley you jump on the bikes for a 6 km descent of switch backs with little or no traffic enjoying incredible views. You will then enjoy easy riding on the only flat off road track in Andorra leading to the Engolasters Lake. 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. At the end of the day there is a 10km road descent with plenty of switch backs down to the capital Andorra la Vella and then return by vehicle to Soldeu.

Day 04: White Water Rafting in Sort
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 2000 metres. Your 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 05: Free Day in Soldeu
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 06: Mountain biking on The Iron Route
After being issued with a helmet and a mountain bike, your guides will brief you on the mountain biking and then there is a short 10 minute shuttle to the start of the picturesque Ransol Valley. From here you will ride with the guide 2.5km of gentle uphill and flat to the end of Ransol Valley, where there is a lovely picnic area with running spring water. Here the guide will go through the important peaks of the area such as the Pic de la Serrera where they used to collect iron ore from. Then descending back down The Valley there is a chance to take the bikes on a bit more challenging off road section. Down to the main road you find the local Caves Manacor market which stocks local products and souvenirs such as hams, cheeses, and spirits, lots you can try even if your not buying. Then it is back to the hotel for your picnic lunch on the terrace. After lunch you take the vehicles up to the Port Envalira pass. At 2,400m this is the highest road pass in Western Europe. Spectacular views from the top and then a thrilling 10km road and off road descent back to the hotel in Soldeu.

Day 07: Walking in Incles Valley, Soldeu
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 2300 metres above sea level. Stop here for lunch. Eager walkers can hike up to the peak (around 2600 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 08: Soldeu
Final departure transfer to Toulouse Airport for flight back to home.