Summer Pyrenees Family Holiday with teenagers (Original)

Just for you, 2020 discounts on every Intrepid Travel product. Savings up to $2,500 depending on the Adventure you purchase. One thing for sure, Pavlus Travel guarantees you the absolute lowest price for every Intrepid Tour. No joke, we're a leader in marketing Intrepid Travel. Don't let this deal slip away, simply call 800.528.9300 to book for real savings.
Call Us 800.528.9300

Summer Pyrenees Family Holiday with teenagers (Original)



Tour Description:

Challenge the family to an unforgettable week of adrenaline-fuelled activities with this active Pyrenees trip. From Soldeu, head out around Andorra trying fun new experiences along the way. Get the pulse racing on hiking and cycling adventures, then spend a wet and wild afternoon whitewater rafting. Take advantage of the location and explore nearby hamlets on horseback or go fishing in the local lakes. This is sure to be an inspiring week, enjoying Andorra’s adventure playground as a family.

Map for Summer Pyrenees Family Holiday with teenagers (Original)
Click for larger view.

Dates & Pricing



Destination & Sightseeing

  • From scenic valley hikes to mountain biking and zip-lining, there's a great mix of activities for all ages and the whole family will be entertained
  • The Noguera River is one of the top five rivers for white-water rafting in all of Europe, thanks to its many safe exit points and continuous stretches of steady foaming rapids
  • Fabulous hosts make you and your family feel at home, and knowledgeable and friendly guides help you and your family get the most out of your adventure in this beautiful part of the world
  • The hotel is occupied only by Intrepid travellers, making for a wonderful atmosphere and the chance to chat with like-minded families
  • Enjoy a flexible activity schedule. If you and your family want to relax a little more, there are many chances to opt out of the adventure and simply soak up the fresh air and perfect Pyrenean scenery

ITINERARY

Day 1 - 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 2 - 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 3 - 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. Return to Soldeu in the vehicle at the end of the day.

Day 4 - Free day
Today has been left free for you to choose from the many activities that are on offer in Andorra. You may decide to go horse riding, or perhaps visit the thermal baths of La Caldea. The more adventurous members of your family might like to take to the trees for some zip-lining adventures through the tree-tops. Canyoning is also a great option. If you have a head for heights and a good level of fitness, you can try your hand at via ferrata climbing. This is a style of climbing that uses handy equipment such as rungs and a steel cable to traverse tricky and rugged terrain. Further cycling – perhaps mountain biking – is a solid option also. Otherwise, simply relax and enjoy the sunshine, or do a spot of duty-free shopping.

Day 5 - 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.

Day 6 - 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. After lunch, hop 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).

Day 7 - 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 – an ideal stop for lunch. 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.

Day 8 - Departure Day
Your trip ends after breakfast, with no further activities planned. See the Essential Trip Information for checkout times and luggage storage options. Those who have booked an airport transfer will be taken to the airport in time for the group flight.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.