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Andorra: Hike, Bike & Raft

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Andorra: Hike, Bike & Raft

Was From $ 1,630 AUD
Now From $ 1,467 AUD
Sale!

Description

On this eight-day active adventure, you’ll take on some heart-pumping activities among the slopes of the Pyrenees. Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra’s beautiful landscape provides thrill seekers with the perfect setting for some adrenalin-fuelled fun. With a base in the ski resort town of Soldeu, you’ll hike up mountains and through Didcaro Nationl Park, cycle through valleys and along the famed Iron Route, go whitewater rafting in Class 3 rapids around Sort, and zip-line through the treetops. Take on some of the most scenic trails in the country and get active with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop – what could be better?

Trip Name
Andorra: Hike, Bike & Raft
Last Updated
2024-04-23
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Cycle some of the best mountain trails in Andorra, including the historic Iron Route with its wild evergreen slopes and white peak backdrops. Then take to the scenic trails of Port de Cabus – the mountain pass on the Pyrenees Andorran-Spanish border.
  • Take to the water on an exhilarating white water rafting experience through the Pyrenees, under the supervision of highly experienced guides.
  • Hike through Siscaro Reserve, keeping an eye out for native flora and fauna along the way, including the griffon vulture which can often be seen soaring above.
  • Get the blood pumping as you zip-line between the trees and over rope obstacles in the beautiful surroundings of Cortals Valley.
  • Travel each day from your base in rural Soldeu – a ski resort town in the mountains, surrounded by snowy peaks and likeminded active adventurers.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Soldeu, Andorra
Benvingut! Welcome to Andorra. Situated on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, Andorra sits between France and Spain. Although small, this country is blessed with some of the finest scenery in the Pyrenees and is a great base for an active week in the mountains. You’ll have a complimentary transfer from the airport to your hotel in Soldeu, your base for the trip. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in this gorgeous ski resort town – if you arrive early, there’s plenty to do to explore! Then, the night is yours to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 2 - Salamandres Lake Walk
This morning you’ll head into Andorra's mountains. When you arrive, walk to the base of Ransol Valley Ridge. It's a steady climb up to the Salamandres Lake, passing by the Roca del Home Dret (the rock of the straight man). While at the lake, you may get a chance to see the small yellow dotted salamander that this lake is named after. Relax by the lake or opt to hike up to the Ransol Ridge, which sits at 2500 m. At this height, there are some spectacular views across the Andorran peaks. The rest of the day is a gradual descent back down to Entorn and the hamlet of El Tarter. Keep your eyes open for the griffon vulture soaring above! Walk through the Incles Valley, cross the river and take the gentle path back to the hotel. This afternoon you can relax in the sun, explore the village or visit a nearby spa centre.
Day 3 - Cycling and Zip wiring in Cortals Valley
Today, you’ll head to the Cortals Valley. After a short drive you’ll arrive at the top of the valley and jump on your bikes for a descent with incredible views. Enjoy some easy riding on the only flat off-road track in Andorra, which leads to Engolasters Lake. Around the lake there are plenty of fun tracks and you’ll 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, climb up into the trees and cross the area by zip lines and rope obstacles. After a picnic lunch by the lake, get back on your bike and take a single-track route into the forest to a bike park, where you can hone your skills. Cycle back down to Andorra la Vella and then return to Soldeu by car.
Day 4 - White Water Rafting in Sort
Crossing the Andorran border into Spain, you’ll drive along a mountain pass of the Port de Canto. When you arrive, grab your paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids and wetsuits and then your local guides will lead you on an exhilarating white water rafting experience. The rivers around Sort have different grades of rapids (up to Class 3) and are rated in the top five in the world for safety and enjoyment! Paddle through the rapids past rolling hills and then after drying off, enjoy some time to relax in the bar or by the pool at the centre, before driving back to Soldeu for the night.
Day 5 - Free Day in Soldeu
Today, you’re free to choose from the many optional activities available in Andorra. You might like to visit the thermal baths of La Caldea, or if you like heights, you can try your hand at Via Ferrata climbing. There are plenty more opportunities for walking and mountain biking here too, just ask your local leader! If you prefer, you can just take the chance to relax, enjoy the sunshine or go duty free shopping.
Day 6 - Mountain biking to Abelletes Lake
Today you’ll hop on a mountain bike and ride through the Pyrenees. Your guides will brief you on the route, then you’ll take the short shuttle ride to Port d’Envalira, which sits at 2408 m and is the highest road pass in the Pyrenees. This is a climb that has featured several times in the Tour de France! Take a road descent, then an off-road track to the Abelletes Lake – the official border between Andorra and France. Transfer back to 2400 m then descend to Grau Roig Valley where you’ll stop for a packed lunch, surrounded by mountains, pine trees and the source of the Valira River. After lunch, cycle off road back to Soldeu. Finish up at the local Caves Manacor market, where you can taste a variety of local products such as hams, cheeses and spirits.
Day 7 - 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. You can also spot some wild fruit growing in mid-summer and mushrooms in September. The climbing path zig zags up to the stunning Cabana Sorda Lake, which sits below an impressive semi-circular amphitheatre of rock. Stop for lunch and if the weather allows, take a dip in the cold mountain water. After lunch, you’ll descend through meadows and woodlands to the valley floor.
Day 8 - Soldeu
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you'd like to take the complimentary group transfer to Toulouse Airport, please advise at the time of booking. It will be an early morning transfer, arriving at approximately 9 am.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
26-05-202402-06-2024AUD $ 1,467-
02-06-202409-06-2024AUD $ 1,521-
09-06-202416-06-2024AUD $ 1,710-
23-06-202430-06-2024AUD $ 1,845-
07-07-202414-07-2024AUD $ 1,795-
18-08-202425-08-2024AUD $ 1,970-
25-08-202401-09-2024AUD $ 1,760-
01-09-202408-09-2024AUD $ 1,760-
08-09-202415-09-2024AUD $ 1,775-
15-09-202422-09-2024AUD $ 1,695-
22-09-202429-09-2024AUD $ 1,630-
25-05-202501-06-2025AUD $ 1,710-
01-06-202508-06-2025AUD $ 1,710-
08-06-202515-06-2025AUD $ 1,775-
15-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 1,775-
22-06-202529-06-2025AUD $ 1,775-
29-06-202506-07-2025AUD $ 1,710-
13-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 1,710-
24-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 1,775-
31-08-202507-09-2025AUD $ 1,845-
07-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 1,845-
14-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 1,845-
21-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 1,845-

Accommodation

Chalet (7 nights)

Transport

Private Bus

Map