Andorra is a tiny, independent principality situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. It’s known for its ski resorts and a tax-haven status that encourages duty-free shopping. Capital Andorra la Vella has boutiques and jewelers on Meritxell Avenue and several shopping centers. The old quarter, Barri Antic, houses Romanesque Santa Coloma Church, with a circular bell tower.
Day 01: Arrive Barcelona – Soldeu B
Arrive Barcelona meet and assist at the airport and drive to Soldeu and transfer to Hotel.
We will travel together as a group to the small alpine village of Soldeu in the heart of the Andorran Pyrenees, a three hour drive. A popular ski resort, lying 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. After settling into our hotel depending on traffic we’ll hopefully have time for a short orientation walk around the village before dinner.
Day 02: Walking in the Madriu and Perafita Valleys B
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. Today’s 12 kilometre walk is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with 900 metres of ascent and 400 metres of descent.
Day 03: Walking in the Vall de Riu B
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. Today’s 11 kilometre walk is expected to take around five hours with 600 metres of ascent and 100 metres of descent.
Day 04: Free day to explore Andorra la Vella, optional walk to Cabana Sorda Lake B
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 take a walk through the beautiful glacial landscapes of the Incles Valley. The walk begins gently, before following the course of the river up to the Cabana Sorda Lake. Nestling within a glacial cirque at some 2,290 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. Today’s optional 14 kilometre walk is expected to take around five hours with 700 metres of ascent and descent. To reach Port d’Incles it is a further three kilometre two hour walk.
Day 05: Hiking in the Andorra valleys; visit Sorteny Valley and Estanyó Lake B
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. Today’s 10 kilometre walk is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with 600 metres of ascent and descent.
Day 06: Walk in the Incles Valley
Today’s 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. Today’s 14 kilometre walk is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with 900 metres of ascent and 1,350 metres of descent.
Day 07: Free day: optional white water rafting and 4WD excursion B
There is the option of a full day rafting excursion today. Travelling by 4WD vehicles we drive across the Spanish border, 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 to the capital.
Day 08: Soldeu – Barcelona Depart B
After breakfast drive back to Barcelona and transfer to airport to catch the flight for onward Journey.
Place | Night (s) | Hotels |
Soldeau | 07 | Alpine Residence |
- Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet to attend airports / hotels by our office representative.
- 07 nights in accommodation as per the program.
- Meals as per Program
- Guide Services ( English language )
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- All taxes.
• International flights
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tipping.
• Travel Insurance.
• Visa If any.
• Accommodation in good hotels.
• Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
• Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost. – Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
• In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.