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Erik Perez, trip leader for our popular Hiking the Picos de Europa trip (as well as treks in Nepal, Patagonia, and Greece), ventures farther afield from his beloved homeland of Asturias to lead this traverse across the Pyrenees (or Pirineos, to Erik). The Pyrenees, a dazzling mountain range crowning the border between France and Spain, is an irresistible lure to hikers and adventurers drawn to its enchanting landscapes of flower-filled meadows, sparkling lakes, spectacular mountain cirques, and ancient passes steeped in smugglers' lore.

Our itinerary takes us from Bilbao to Barcelona, and features challenging hikes that are mostly on the Spanish side, where it's sunny and warm (but we do venture over the border into France to appease the Francophiles among you!). Besides the great hikes, you'll get an eclectic taste of Basque, Aragon, and Catalan culture while staying at picturesque country inns and luxurious paradores that are among the most romantic and historic hotels of Spain.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Exhilarating hiking in the Pyrenees' Ordesa National Park, Spain's answer to Yosemite
  
• Stay in lovely, historic paradores in beautiful settings and enjoy delicious gourmet dinners
  
• Visit Bilbao's celebrated Guggenheim Museum, noted for its permanent collections of avant-garde art
  
• Diverse itinerary with city and art tours in addition to the great hikes
  
• End the trip in Barcelona, with its wonderful mix of Spanish and Mediterranean influences

Day 1 - Meet in Bilbao, Spain. Visit the famous Guggenheim Museum, then drive to Pamplona, the capital of Navarre province.

Day 2 - From Isaba, hike through pasturelands where Basque shepherds tend their flocks of cattle and sheep. Drive to the perfectly preserved village of Torla at the entrance of Ordesa National Park.

Day 3 - Hike through a fantastic scenery of high meadows and pastures to the French border. Descend to Gavarnie, where foaming waterfalls pour off the 3,000-foot walls of its stone amphitheater.

Day 4 - Hike in the vicinity of Monte Perdido (11,000') in Ordesa National Park. Cross back into Spain.

Day 5 - Traverse a spectacular lunar landscape above dramatic mountain cirques, with views of majestic Monte Perdido.

Day 6 - Hike below Aneto (11,168'), the highest peak in the Pyrenees, to the Valle de Aran in Catalonia.

Day 7 - Hike through the mountains, meet the vehicles, and drive to the surroundings of Montserrat.

Day 8 - Hike below the sandstone pinnacles of Cavall Bernat and visit Montserrat, a 9th century Benedictine monastery. Drive to Barcelona and enjoy a tour of this lively city.

Day 9 - Depart Barcelona. (You can do the September departure back-to-back with our Hiking the Picos de Europa trip.)

Photo Credits
Both images: ©Anne Wood (MTS staff)