we know.....
The Catalan Pyrenees has, quite rightly, become an activity Mecca during the summer months. We are working with a fantastic team here to create two outstanding itineraries, split into two levels depending on how challenging you want your activity programme to be.
Your base here is the town of Sort. This is a highly popular town with the Spanish holiday makers especially during the summer months. It still remains a relative secret to the mass tourism market, but that is why we find it so special. The town itself is the bustling capital of the Pallars Sobira region of Catalonia; its annual fiesta is always an added bonus for those families visiting towards the end of July. The people here are extremely proud of their Catalan culture and this is reflected particularly in their cuisine; there are a wide range of restaurants in the town of Sort ranging from fine dining to traditional tapas and grill options.
you know.....
“The holiday was such an amazing experience that was enjoyed by us all and I think that a large part of this was due to our two great holiday reps. I was apprehensive that we would all enjoy it but it has been the best experience that we have all had. I only hope in the future we can repeat some of this in another country." Jill Avramoussis - July 2010
Suitable for
Families with children over the age of 8 years (please note that this does not preclude younger children but participate in the activities will be at the discretion of our instructors).
saturday - arrival and welcome
Upon arrival at Barcelona Airport you will be met by a representative and transferred to the town of Sort. After settling into your accommodation a welcome meal will be served for the whole group with your guide.
sunday - picnic trek
A perfect introduction to the beautiful Pyrenean landscapes, with a walk through the National Park. The hike will cover approximately 6km with a picnic lunch included en route. Our guides have found an easy route that still offers stunning views for this activity and at lunch time there will be some team building games.
monday - am: open kayaking
This morning you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the activity start point. The instructors will decide the most appropriate type of kayak for each member of the group before a full safety briefing. From here you can relax and enjoy paddling downstream and discovering some beautiful spots along the river - a thrilling activity with no prior experience necessary. This afternoon is free for you to explore the town.
tuesday - canyoning
There are three levels of canyon here in Sort and this introductory level is ideal for families with younger children or those who have not been canyoning before. Your expert instructors are there to support you every slide, jump and leap of the way. This is one of the more challenging activities this week but really rewarding when you reflect on your family’s achievements.
wednesday - free day
Today we have left free for you to either book some additional activities (payable locally) or to relax around the outdoor swimming pool and sample some of the delicious local cuisine from the range of restaurants around the town.
thursday - white water rafting
In rafts of up to 8 people, each with a guide, you will set off down the beautiful Noguera Palleresa River. Each year the feedback for this activity is consistently high and a firm favourite with all members of the family. An exciting, fast paced activity supervised by your experienced guides to ensure complete safety.
friday - cycling and sea kayaking at the lake
This morning the group will spend time relaxing at the lakeside. It is possible to swim in the lake, play football or to lie back on the shore and read a book.The group will take turns to spend an hour sea kayaking on the open lake and then to cycle on the gentle, flat path around it. Guides will accompany you on both these activities. We recommend the group takes a picnic lunch to the lake with them as this can be enjoyed on the shore.
saturday - depart or extend your stay
Today you will head back to Barcelona for your return flights home. Alternatively, we can arrange either coastal or city extensions; please contact us for more details on 01670 785 072.
Extending Your Stay
Many of our clients want to make the most of their time in Spain and extend their stay. We have some brilliant options for those who want to get the most value out of their flights. We are happy to arrange flights around any duration and your individual requirements. Our great value extensions include the option for a city break in Barcelona and some hidden gems on the Spanish Coast.
BARCELONA CITY BREAK
It would be a shame to be so close to Barcelona and not visit this vibrant and family friendly city. We can arrange for you to extend your stay either before or after your activity holiday in a central hotel. You can then choose to explore on your own or take advantage of our bike tour. The price includes return airport transfers and two nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. We have two 4 star hotels to choose from:
Ayre Rosellon
This new 4 star hotel has 105 en suite rooms. The hotel offers a restaurant and coffee shop with terrace overlooking Gaudi's world famous Sagrada Familia. The hotel provides easy access to some of the cultural delights of this vibrant city.
Ayre Caspe
There are 145 en suite rooms at this modern 4 star hotel. The hotel is within 15 minutes walk of Plaza Catalunya (the old town) and it's only 5 minutes via public transport to the city beaches. The hotel's central location is ideal for those who want to get out and about in this fantastic city.
NORTHERN SPAIN COASTAL EXTENSION
After an active week in the mountains of Spain or France we find that many people like to relax on the coast for a week and explore the Catalan coastline on their own. We offer two coastal hotels in Calella de Palafrugell; a small fishing town and relatively undiscovered by British clients. If you do not have your own vehicle in Spain we can of course also arrange the necessary car hire. The prices include seven nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. We have two hotels to choose from:
Hotel San Roc
This family run hotel boasts one of the best locations in Calella de Palafrugell, situated on the cliffs and just 300m from the centre of town. The hotel has 47 rooms and there are two restaurants serving a variety of cuisine.
Hotel Garbi
This is a family run hotel set amidst beautiful pine trees and boasting an impressive outdoor swimming pool. The hotel has 52 en suite rooms. The hotel is just a 10 minute walk to the town centre and the beach.
Available
Limited places
On request
Pricing Notes
Prices include all activities. If you do not wish to take part in one or more activities please let us know at time of booking as this may reduce the price.
Getting there
Flexible Departures and Extending Your Stay: Many of our clients extend their holiday in Barcelona, France or Spain. Holiday departure and return dates are not fixed to our start and end dates. To extend your holiday just let us know your requirements and we will be delighted to help.
Self-drive (Source: Google Maps, March 2011):
Ferry to Santander:
Distance from Santander: 360 miles
Driving Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Estimated fuel cost from Santander: £60.00 each way excluding tolls
Route: From Santander via Bilbao, Saint Sebastian, Bayonne, Pau, Tarbes.
Ferry to Calais:
Distance from Calais: 750 miles
Driving Time: 12 hours
Estimated fuel cost from Calais: £140.00 each way excluding tolls
Route: From Calais via Paris, Orleans, Limoges, Toulouse.
NOTES: We estimate that based on current flight prices and car hire rates that a family of 4 save approximately 40-45% on travel costs by self-driving.
The Pallars Sobera Region is the base for this exciting Family Activity Holiday in the Catalan Pyrenees. Specifically we are based in the small town of Sort on the banks of the Noguera Pallaresa River, where all the water based activities take place.
The Hotel Pey is run by the Salvans Family, one of the most important families in the region with a fierce commitment to the protection of the Catalan culture, environment and language, whilst pioneering the development of the local economy through tourism and by only working with companies who share this philosophy.
Accommodation is strictly limited in the area which allows careful management of tourism in terms of numbers. The hotel promotes the responsible use of natural resources and encourages guests to re-use towels rather than submit them for daily cleaning.
Our activity partners, Carlos and Lluis Rabeneda, are equally committed to the promotion and protection of the local Catalan culture and this infuses every aspect of their business.
Guides and Instructors must not only demonstrate their professionalism and ability, but also have to be seen to endorse and practice the company's policy. They believe wholeheartedly in impressing upon visitors that it is possible to enjoy a wonderful holiday but still be responsible to the environment. This is particularly highlighted during the Trek in the Aigues Tortes National Park on the first activity day.
At the entrance to the National Park clients are shown a collage made up of some 10,000 cigarette ends which were collected in one day of an environmental clean up in the National Park.