Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Across the Pyrenees AN INSIDER’S JOURNEY FROM PAMPLONA TO BARCELONA

The high peaks of the Spanish Pyrenees soar above an enchanting realm of ancient oak and fir forests, stone bridges, and remote villages linked by shepherds’ paths. We’ve selected the best hikes for our journey that traces an arc across this storied land. Our trails bring us through verdant valleys where the ancient Aragonese dialect is still spoken, up to craggy alpine heights where mountain goats scramble, and to stone villages where

age-old traditions still flourish. Along the way, we enjoy fantastic local cuisine (both on and off the trail!) and meet the welcoming Basque, Aragonese, and Catalan people who make this area of northern Spain so intriguing. Days 1-3 Pamplona / Ordesa National Park From Pamplona, we head right to the mountains for a hike from the remote medieval village of Anso, once so isolated that its inhabitants spoke their own

“I loved this trip, from the guides to the hikes, to the food and wine, all among beautiful landscapes and an enriching culture. A spectacular trip!”

Leela H., Woodstock NY

dialect, to Siresa, a village of cobbled streets and splendid old stone houses. In Ordesa National Park, a spectacular glacier-carved valley crowned by steep 10,000-foot peaks, we savor 360-degree mountain panoramas on our hike to the Cola de Caballo, a waterfall just below the sheer face of Monte Perdido (11,000'). Days 4-6 Aiguestortes National Park We find a serene landscape of jagged granite peaks, meandering streams, and crystalline tarns in Catalonia’s Aiguestortes National Park. One of our hikes leads right from our hotel along the banks of the Ara River, with its tumbling rapids. Another hike brings us up a riverside trail amid granite rock formations to stunning Sant Maurici, where craggy peaks are mirrored in blue-green waters. On one day, we lunch in a bodega offering traditional ternasco asado , or grilled Pyrenees leg of lamb. Days 7-9 Andorra / Barcelona In Andorra, the tiny principality nestled in the peaks between France and Spain, our panoramic ridge trail brings us to medieval Bescaran, graced by a Romanesque bell tower. After a pastoral hike in Catalonia’s green hills amid the sound of sheep and cattle bells, we head to beautiful Barcelona to explore its Old Quarter and Gaudi’s fanciful architecture. Depart on Day 9. ON OUR WEBSITE ANDALUCIA AND THE ALPUJARRAS Hiking and cultural adventure from Granada to Sevilla, including the whitewashed pueblos blancos of Andalucia. May 19-27, Sep 22-30, 2018. From $4395.

DAN HELLER

TOLO BALAGUER

Our trails lead to glacier-carved valleys and to stone-built villages lost in time. PHOTO: SEBASTIAN WASEK

• Savor northern Spain’s wonderful gastronomy, from jamón serrano to grilled Pyrenees lamb • Enjoy Barcelona’s exceptional artistic and architectural heritage DETAILS • 9-day trip begins in Pamplona and ends in Barcelona • 8 nights hotels • All meals included except 3 dinners

DATES May 20-28, 2018 Sep 2-10 Jul 22-30 Oct 7-15

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike in breathtaking Ordesa National Park, with its sheer limestone canyons and network of dramatic fajas (trails) • Discover hidden stone villages and high trails of the Spanish Pyrenees • Stay in charming and historic mountain inns

TRIP COST $5095 (11-15 members) $5495 (4-10 members) Single supplement: $480

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails, 3-7 hours a day, altitudes between 4,500-8,000 feet, van support

COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 60