Hiking in the Pyrenees Spain and France

9 days (begins in Bilbao and ends in Barcelona)

7 days moderate to strenuous hiking on varied terrain (maximum elevation 9,900'); Some long drives

8 nights hotels or paradores

2008
Jun 21	-	Jun 29
Jul 19	-	Jul 27
Aug 30	-	Sep 07
Sep 13	-	Sep 21
2009
Jun 20	-	Jun 28
Jul 18	-	Jul 26
Sep 12	-	Sep 20

This departure can be done back-to-back with Spain: Hiking the Picos de Europa.

2008 Prices
$4245 (10-16 members)
$4545 (8-9 members)
$4745 (1-7 members)
$900 single supplement

2009 Prices
TBA

SPAIN & FRANCE: Across the Pyrenees

Mountani views and village on the trails of the Pyrenees.

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Erik Perez, trip leader for our popular Hiking the Picos de Europa trips as well as treks in Nepal and Patagonia, 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 cuts a swath 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

Visit Bilbaos' celebrated Guggenheim Museum, noted for its permanent collections of avant-garde art
Hike in the Pyrenees' Ordesa National Park, Spain's answer to Yosemite
Stay in lovely paradors in beautiful settings, enjoy delicious gourmet dinners
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

Map of the route taken on Across the Pyrenees.

Itinerary; Hiking in the Pyrenees

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.

Days 8-9 - 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. Depart Barcelona on Day 9.

Hikers relaxing on the trail in the Pyrenees.

Detailed Itinerary - SPAIN & FRANCE: Across the Pyrenees

1. Download detailed itinerary in a PDF format
2008 Detailed Itinerary

(PDF files require that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. This program can be downloaded for free from the Adobe Website.)

2. Or email us your itinerary request at sales@mtsobek.com

3. Or call us at 1-888-831-7526 (USA and Canada) or (510) 594-6000

We’ll email you a copy (Word or Acrobat document), fax, or mail you the itinerary as you prefer.

For more information and reservations, please contact:

Mountain Travel Sobek
1266 66th Street, Suite 4
Emeryville, CA 94608 USA
Toll Free (USA and Canada): 1-888-831-7526
Phone: +1-510-594-6000
Fax: + 1-510-594-6001
Email: info@mtsobek.com