Tour Overview
Aigues Tortes (meaning winding waters) covers a large area in the North Western corner of the Catalan Pyrenees, thus building a natural barrier between Atlantic and Mediterranean climate. Apart from being an excellent trekking area the region offers a distinct and rich cultural heritage. It's isolation from interior Catalunya and France helped to ensure that local customs could be maintained, and picturesque, unspoilt mountain villages can still be found. We will focus on walks in the mountain ranges of the Pallars Sobirà county which is especially rich in preserved Romanesque buildings, some of them to be found at dramatic sites in high altitude villages. The region is renowned for its local cuisine and we will have the chance to sample some of the fine dishes, such as 'Escalivada' or 'Solomillo', washed down with wines from the Lleida Province. Accommodation is in a good hostel and a 2 star hotel, both situated in villages on the Eastern side of the National Park. This way only a daypack is needed for our walks whereas the main luggage remains in the hotel.
Itinerary:Day 1 Join Barcelona Airport; drive to Esterri d'Aneu.
2 Walk into the Vall d'Aneu via medieval mountain villages (5hrs).
3 Walk to Son del Pi and on to Planes de Son.
4 Drive to Espot; walk in Aigues Tortes NP; hike to San Maurici Lake and Portarro Pass (5hrs).
5 Free day for optionals; rafting, walks in park.
6 Hike to Estany Negre (Black Lake) via Refuge J.M Blanc (6.5hrs).
7 Free day or hike through the Monestero Valley.
8 Drive to Barcelona Airport; tour ends.
(Reference ID: EXPY)
Prices
Date: Base Price05/21/2009: $1,120
05/31/2009: $1,140
06/07/2009: $1,140
06/25/2009: $1,140
07/12/2009: $1,160
07/19/2009: $1,140
08/30/2009: $1,140
09/06/2009: $1,140
09/13/2009: $1,140
09/20/2009: $1,140
05/20/2010: $1,200
05/30/2010: $1,200
06/13/2010: $1,200
06/24/2010: $1,200
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Accomodations and comfort level:
3 nights at the simple yet comfortable Inn Vall d'Aneau in Esterri; 4 nights at the very comfortable, historic and family-run Hotel Roya in Espot
Are meals included?
7 breakfasts included.
Notes :
A two centre trip offering the very best of the Catalan Pyrenees. The grading is moderate to slightly strenuous with average walking time between 5-6 hours a day. Two days are left free to relax or take further walks. We avoid the hottest and most crowded periods of the year.
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