Walking in the Pyrenees
From CAD $1,760 Was CAD $1,990
Guarantee
Small Group
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Hidden deep in the Pyrenees, the little-known mountains of Andorra offers superb summer walking. Based in the alpine village of Soldeu, enjoy beautiful walks through protected valleys, meadows and glacial landscapes.
Sorteny Nature Reserve - A botanical haven with over 700 species of flora
The Andorran Valleys - Explore the scenic majesty of the Vall de Riu and the Incles Valley
Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley - Explore the untouched wilderness of this UNESCO World Heritage glacial valley
Highlights
Centre-based walking holiday in the Pyrenees, in the little-known mountains of Andorra|Take on mountains, lakes and stunning scenery of this principality|Explore the UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Madriu valley
Trip Details
Product Code: 20294
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: BusTaxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: PAW
Starts: Andorra
Finishes: Andorra
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
- Explore Tour Leader
- Driver(s)
Accommodation
Hotel Soldeu MaistrePrice
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,760 ($220 /day)
Itinerary
Our trip begins at Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN) at 3.30pm, the latest your flight can arrive is 3pm. Please note that depending on which terminal you arrive into you may have to take the airport shuttle bus to terminal 2B which is where we'll be meeting.
We will travel together as a group to the small alpine village of Soldeu in the heart of the Andorran Pyrenees, a 3.30 hour drive. A popular ski resort, lying 1,710 metres/5,611 feet 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. Our base for the week is Hotel Soldeu Maistre, centrally located in Soldeu. This family-run hotel is furnished in local Catalan style. Built to replicate the mountain lodge look with a stone and wood panelled exterior the hotel is in keeping with its surroundings.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you may have time to wait ahead of our group transfer to Soldeu. You can make the most of this time by exploring Barcelona with its many attractions such as 'La Boqueria' food market, Las Ramblas boulevard lined with bars and restaurants and not to mention the many incredible architectural works of Antoni Gaudi. The Barcelona metro line L9 Sud connects terminals T1 and T2 with the city of Barcelona every 7 minutes and takes 32 minutes. Bags can be stored at the airports left luggage for around Euro 10 per piece of luggage.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Soldeu Maistre
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - No
- Breakfast Provided - No
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: None
This morning, we travel by public bus to Merixtell, the religious centre of Andorra where the patron saint Meritxell is worshipped at a dedicated sanctuary. From there , we start our walk back Soldeu along the ancient Cami del Gall trail, marked by the symbol of a red cockerel and which got its name from the capercaillies once living in large numbers in the forests of the area. Gradually descending we pass through mixed woods, cross streams and view waterfalls following the valley of the Valira River which crosses Andorra from east to west.
Today's 10.5 kilometre/6.50 miles walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 600 metres/1968 feet of ascent and 200 metres/656 feet of descent. There are sections equipped with wooden walkways, steps and handrails.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Soldeu Maistre
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
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/19.30 square miles 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/7.50 miles walk is expected to take around 4.30 hours with 900 metres/2953 feet of ascent and 400 metres/1312 feet of descent.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Soldeu Maistre
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
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/6.80 miles walk is expected to take around 5 hours with 600 metres/1969 feet of ascent and 1,000 metres/3281 feet of descent.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Soldeu Maistre
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Some free time today affords you 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 or to enjoy the famous Caldea Spa facilities.
Alternately you could take an optional walk to Pessons Lakes or drive to Canillo to cross the second longest Tibetan suspension bridge in the world, over the Vall del Riu (603 meters/1978 feet in length). You tour leader will be able to assist with arrangements.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Soldeu Maistre
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
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/7,710 feet) and passes through an alpine landscape that is home to wild boar, martens, chamois and ptarmigan. On the way we'll stop for a hearty lunch at the Sorteny refuge, a chance to try Andorran specialties in a s spectacular location. 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/6.20 miles walk is expected to take around 4.30 hours with 600 metres/1969 feet of ascent and descent.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Soldeu Maistre
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - Yes
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch
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/7,710 feet, 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/8.70 miles walk is expected to take around 4.30 hours with 900 metres/2953 feet of ascent and 1,350 metres/4429 feet of descent.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Soldeu Maistre
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
We leave the mountains behind this morning, driving back to Barcelona Airport where the trip ends.
We will travel as a group, leaving our hotel at around 9am for the a 3.30 hour drive to Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN). The earliest your flight can depart is 2.30pm.
Accommodation:
- Type -
- Accommodation Name -
- Grade -
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2025
Fantastic week. Beautiful location and great walks. Comfortable hotel and good places to eat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2025
Karen - Traveled, June 2025
The scenery was amazing as were the walks. Our guide Donal was fantastic, making sure we were all happy and even gave up his day off for some of us that wanted an extra hike.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2025
Barbara - Traveled, June 2025
Fabulous trip, tweaked perfectly by Donal, who knows the area like the back of his hand. The accommodation was great, and having the trip be center based in the one convenient hotel was excellent. In early June, the wildflowers were in profusion, an added bonus to incredible mountain scenery. Uphill parts of walk manageable given a lot of tge mileawas contouring. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2025
Scott - Traveled, October 2024
The "tour" was well organized and pace was appropriate. The accommodations were very good and the hotel staff members were very friendly and helpful. The leader was well informed about the cultural and natural history of the area and took the time to assess each participant's requirements, physical capabilities and personality. He successfully balanced the needs and interests of each individual with the expectations of the group as a whole.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2024
Sheila - Traveled, September 2024
I am 80 years old and have a lung problem, this means that I lose my breath going uphill. All the group and the leader were very patient waiting for me to catch up.. I knew before I started that I wouldn't be able to do the last walk but the tour leader showed me and one of the men an alternate route and this was very satisfying.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2024
Fantastic tour guide with great walking route and general local knowledge. The guide made a real effort to ensure we got the best out of our free day, even accompanying some of us to the capital to ensure we got to the best starting point. Interesting itinerary with varied walks. Lovely group of people who got on very well together. Nice family run hotel with good service, nice size bedrooms and en suite bathrooms, quiet location. lovely weather for 1st wk in September, most walking trails were very quiet. Good hotel wifi. Food prices in Soldeu are very competitive and lower than the South of the UK. All highly recommended. Only improvements would be the meeting place at the start of the tour in Barcelona airport appeared to have changed and I was not notified. It was not clear that to operate the key safe in the hotel room you had to pay a deposit and needed a dongle to operate it. The hotel not using through away sachets for showergel etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2024
Giles - Traveled, September 2024
A really enjoyable trip. A lovely, friendly hotel with good food and comfortable rooms. A fun and knowledgable tour guide. Great hikes in beautiful scenery. All the walks were moderate in terms of difficulty.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2024
Patrick - Traveled, September 2024
A good tour, nice, well paced hiking and beautiful scenery, Donal the Group Leader was very professional, good craic and looked after everyone and their needs.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2024
Neil - Traveled, September 2024
Had a great time walking in Andorra. Donal the tour leader was helpful and engaging and had organised everything so there were no difficulties. The accommodation was very nice and the walks themselves were within the range of a moderately fit person (and I am only moderately fit at best). A free day gave time to visit Andorra La Vella which only requires a day to go through. Would happily recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/10/2024
Fatema - Traveled, September 2024
A great trip visiting Andorra. Good walks with return in afternoon, so down time but not enough time to go anywhere (as Soldeu was about 50minutes on bus to main town) so it was good to have a free day. Weather was unpredictable and not always favourable. Great guide Donal, who really looked after the group and individuals- walked at a pace for the group and offered advice and suggestion for non walk activities
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2024
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