Europe & Africa / Spain
Spanish Pyrenees Multisport Tour
Hiking, Rock Climbing, Canyoneering and Aquatic Trekking through the Pyrenees
Explore ancient trails and quaint villages from the vibrant city of Barcelona to the mighty mountains of the Pyrenees that form the natural border between France and Spain.
Days 1-2: Barcelona-Val de Boí-Taüll
You are free today to explore the bustling city of Barcelona after your morning arrival. The unique architecture of Antoni Gaudi, including the famous Sagrad Familia (Sacred Family) Cathedral, is a must-see. We transfer with our guide the following morning to the picturesque stone village of Taüll. Following lunch and a visit to the 16th century Romanesque St. Climent church, we hike through orchards, lush forests and quaint villages to the visitor center of Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.
Days 3-4: Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park-Bierge
Today's hike is a tour highlight as we embark on a circular route that links several of the 200 estany, glacial lakes, scattered throughout this granite wonderland. We trek through black pine forests, alpine meadows and glacial cirques surrounded by mountains. Donning harnesses and helmets, we set off the following morning on the "Via Ferrata", a route with fixed cables and iron steps and ladders. Once we reach our climbing area, we receive an introductory lesson on rock climbing basics--knot typing, top roping, belaying and rappelling.
Days 5-6: Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Reserve-Alqúezar-Torla
We add wetsuits to our equipment list for the next two days as we enjoy the increasingly popular sport of canyoneering in the Sierra de Guara. Under the watchful eye of our expert instructor-guide, we swim and float, walk and scramble, jump into pools, and rappel down small waterfalls as we move downstream through one of the area's 80 canyons. This afternoon we visit one of several rock art caves that have received the UNESCO World Heritage designation. A short transfer takes us to Alquezar to begin our second excursion into a karstic wonderland of water and limestone. We'll be doing "aquatic trekking"--a blend of hiking and canyoneering.
Days 7-8: Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park-Barcelona
One of Europe's deepest canyons is the setting for todays hike in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. We ascend the walls of Ordesa Canyon for superb views. We see countless wildflowers, a succession of waterfalls and beech forest before returning to the valley floor. We return to Barcelona for our final dinner together and fly home the following day.