2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees AN INSIDER’S JOURNEY FROM PAMPLONA TO BARCELONA

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike in breathtaking Ordesa National Park, with its sheer limestone canyons and waterfalls • Discover ancient stone-built towns where mountain traditions thrive • Stay in charming and historic mountain inns • Savor northern Spain’s culinary treats, from jamón serrano to grilled Pyrenees lamb • Explore 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 2 dinners

Our hikes capture the rugged beauty of the Spanish Pyrenees, leading us into glacier-carved valleys and stone-built villages. PHOTO: DAN HELLER

DATES Jun 7-15, 2020 Jul 16-24 Aug 30-Sep 7 Sep 27-Oct 5

Dramatic peaks, deep green valleys, and centuries-old alpine villages make the Spanish Pyrenees irresistible hiking country. We explore from Ordesa National Park, nestled along the French border, to Catalonia’s Aigüestortes National Park, with its rock peaks

TRIP COST $5495 (11-15 members) $5895 (4-10 members) Single supplement: $480

JOSÉ LUCAS

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

and ancient pine forests. We’ll hike to craggy ridges where mountain goats scramble, explore valleys and hear the ancient Aragonese

mountain settings in Europe, we savor 360-degree panoramas of jagged peaks on our hike to the Cola de Caballo, a waterfall just below the sheer face of Monte Perdido (11,000'). Days 4-6 Aigüestortes National Park / Aínsa Starting right from our hotel, we hike along the Ara River, then enjoy an afternoon in medieval Aínsa. We cross Aigüestortes National Park from west to east on our hike over the Portarró d’Éspot (8,000'), the highest point on our trip, with a descent to the glacial lake of Sant Maurici. On our picnics, we’ll feast on the array of sheep cheeses and cured meats that make Catalonia famous. Days 7-9 Andorra / Barcelona In Andorra, the tiny principality nestled between France and Spain, our panoramic ridge trail brings us to medieval Bescarán, graced by a Romanesque bell tower and offering wonderful views of the Pyrenees. After a pastoral hike in Catalonia’s green hills amid the sound of sheep and cattle bells, we head to Barcelona to explore its Old Quarter and Gaudi’s fanciful architecture. Depart on Day 9.

“The beauty of the Pyrenees was mesmerizing, and the camaraderie among guests and leaders was fantastic. The best group trip I have ever taken.” Ray C., Essex CT

dialect spoken, and ramble the back lanes of stone-built Pyrenean towns, with our expert Trip Leaders introducing us to Basque, Aragonese, and Catalan culinary specialties along the way. After our hike in tiny Andorra, we cross the Catalan Pyrenees to explore the renowned cultural hub of Barcelona. Days 1-3 Pamplona / Ordesa National Park From Pamplona, we head right to the idyllic Ansó Valley for a hike from the medieval village of Ansó to Siresa, with its imposing 11th century monastery and classic stone houses. In Ordesa National Park, one of the most spectacular

DAN HELLER

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 61