Tour Description

On this eight-day active adventure, you’ll take on some heart-pumping activities among the slopes of the Pyrenees. Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra’s beautiful landscape provides thrill seekers with the perfect setting for some adrenalin-fuelled fun. With a base in the ski resort town of Soldeu, you’ll hike up mountains and through Didcaro Nationl Park, cycle through valleys and along the famed Iron Route, go whitewater rafting in Class 3 rapids around Sort, and zip-line through the treetops. Take on some of the most scenic trails in the country and get active with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop – what could be better?

Priced From:

$ 1830.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Soldeu

End Location: Soldeu

Countries: Andorra,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Cycle some of the best mountain trails in Andorra, including the historic Iron Route with its wild evergreen slopes and white peak backdrops. Then take to the scenic trails of Port de Cabus – the mountain pass on the Pyrenees Andorran-Spanish border.

Take to the water on an exhilarating white water rafting experience through the Pyrenees, under the supervision of highly experienced guides.

Hike through Siscaro Reserve, keeping an eye out for native flora and fauna along the way, including the griffon vulture which can often be seen soaring above.

Get the blood pumping as you zip-line between the trees and over rope obstacles in the beautiful surroundings of Cortals Valley.

Travel each day from your base in rural Soldeu – a ski resort town in the mountains, surrounded by snowy peaks and likeminded active adventurers.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Itinerary

Benvingut! Welcome to Andorra. Situated on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, Andorra sits between France and Spain. Although small, this country is blessed with some of the finest scenery in the Pyrenees and is a great base for an active week in the mountains. You’ll have a complimentary transfer from the airport to your hotel in Soldeu, your base for the trip. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in this gorgeous ski resort town – if you arrive early, there’s plenty to do to explore! Then, the night is yours to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.

Today, you’ll head to the Cortals Valley. After a short drive you’ll arrive at the top of the valley to enjoy some easy riding on the only flat off-road track in Andorra, which leads to Engolasters Lake. Around the lake there are plenty of fun tracks and you’ll have the choice between an easy, flat track and a more exciting path through the woods. At the other end of the lake is the zip wiring and tree top centre. After a short briefing, climb up into the trees and cross the area by zip lines and rope obstacles. After a picnic lunch in the trees by the lake, get back on your bike and take a single-track route through a short tunnel to a look-out point over the capital city Andorra La Vella. Finish with a bike track where you can hone your skills and cycle back to the vehicles to return to Soldeu. At this point there is an option where the more experienced riders can do an exhilarating 5km road descent with switch backs and views.

This morning you’ll head into Andorra's mountains. When you arrive, walk to the base of Ransol Valley Ridge. It's a steady climb up to the Salamandres Lake, passing by the Roca del Home Dret (the rock of the straight man). While at the lake, you may get a chance to see the small yellow dotted salamander that this lake is named after. Relax by the lake or opt to hike up to the Ransol Ridge, which sits at 2500 m. At this height, there are some spectacular views across the Andorran peaks. The rest of the day is a gradual descent back down to Entorn and the hamlet of El Tarter. Keep your eyes open for the griffon vulture soaring above! Walk through the Incles Valley, cross the river and take the gentle path back to the hotel. This afternoon you can relax in the sun, explore the village or visit a nearby spa centre.

Crossing the Andorran border into Spain, you’ll drive along a mountain pass of the Port de Canto. When you arrive, grab your paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids and wetsuits and then your local guides will lead you on an exhilarating white water rafting experience. The rivers around Sort have different grades of rapids (up to Class 3) and are rated in the top five in the world for safety and enjoyment! Paddle through the rapids past rolling hills and then after drying off, enjoy some time to relax in the bar or by the pool at the centre, before driving back to Soldeu for the night.

Today, you’re free to choose from the many optional activities available in Andorra. You might like to visit the thermal baths of La Caldea, or if you like heights, you can try your hand at Via Ferrata climbing. There are plenty more opportunities for walking and mountain biking here too, just ask your local leader! If you prefer, you can just take the chance to relax, enjoy the sunshine or go duty free shopping.

Today you’ll hop on a mountain bike and ride through the Pyrenees. Your guides will brief you on the route, then you’ll take the short shuttle ride to Port d’Envalira, which sits at 2408 m and is the highest road pass in the Pyrenees. This is a climb that has featured several times in the Tour de France! Take a road descent, then an off-road track to the Abelletes Lake – the official border between Andorra and France. Transfer back to 2400 m then descend to Grau Roig Valley where you’ll stop for a packed lunch, surrounded by mountains, pine trees and the source of the Valira River. After lunch, cycle off road back to Soldeu. Finish up at the local Caves Manacor market, where you can taste a variety of local products such as hams, cheeses and spirits.

Take a short walk into the Incles Valley, where today’s hike begins. Walk along a single track through forested mountain slopes, keeping an eye out for pine forest plants, flowers and rhododendrons in June. You can also spot some wild fruit growing in mid-summer and mushrooms in September. The climbing path zig zags up to the stunning Cabana Sorda Lake, which sits below an impressive semi-circular amphitheatre of rock. Stop for lunch and if the weather allows, take a dip in the cold mountain water. After lunch, you’ll descend through meadows and woodlands to the valley floor.

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you'd like to take the complimentary group transfer to Toulouse Airport, please advise at the time of booking. It will be an early morning transfer, arriving at approximately 9 am.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

25MAY2025

Return Date :

01JUN2025

1830NZD

available

Departure Date :

01JUN2025

Return Date :

08JUN2025

1905NZD

available

Departure Date :

08JUN2025

Return Date :

15JUN2025

1975NZD

available

Departure Date :

15JUN2025

Return Date :

22JUN2025

1975NZD

available

Departure Date :

22JUN2025

Return Date :

29JUN2025

1905NZD

available

Departure Date :

13JUL2025

Return Date :

20JUL2025

1830NZD

available

Departure Date :

24AUG2025

Return Date :

31AUG2025

1830NZD

available

Departure Date :

31AUG2025

Return Date :

07SEP2025

1905NZD

available

Departure Date :

07SEP2025

Return Date :

14SEP2025

1975NZD

available

Departure Date :

14SEP2025

Return Date :

21SEP2025

1975NZD

available

Trip Notes

Last modified (date)

22 Aug 2024

Trip title

Andorra: Hike, Bike & Raft

Trip code

AAXS

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Multi-Active Adventures

Transport

Private Bus

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

You’re in for an active trip! Whilst previous experience isn’t essential for getting involved, a good level of fitness will really help you get the most out of this tour. There are certain activities it’s not possible to skip. If you can imagine yourself hiking for two days on the trot or canoeing for a couple of days and setting up camp on the shore; this is the adventure for you. If you’re already a regular exerciser, it might be an idea to up your game a little. Run those extra laps, cycle the extra mile or swim a few more lengths to make sure you’re on top form. If you’re not exercising so regularly (we’re talking 2-3 times a week here), it’s important to start in the weeks leading up to your departure. Your best bet would be to tackle trip-related activities (yes, that’s cycling and hiking), but anything cardio based will make a huge difference (swimming, running or rowing). Add it to your routine now and you’ll be ready to go in no time.

Joining point

Hotel Roc de Sant Miquel

Carretera General

Soldeu

ANDORRA

Phone: +376 346791

Joining point description

Hotel Roc is located in heart of the Pyrenees Mountains. The building is a charming stone chalet with a modern and warm feel. The hotel has 12 rooms offering triple and family rooms. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom, telephone, TV, and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel has it's own restaurant and bar. There is also WiFi access available throughout the hotel.

Joining point instructions

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: This trip includes complimentary group transfers. If you wish to travel on these transfers, please speak to your booking agent as this will need to be organised in advance. The transfers only operate at certain times of the day so you will need to book your flights accordingly. See below for more details. DAY 1: A complimentary group arrival transfer from Toulouse airport is available on this trip for all flights landing before 11:30am. A transfer guide will meet you in Hall D international arrivals with the clipboard sign so be sure to look out for it. The group transfer departs the airport at the latest by 12:30pm. DAY 8: A complimentary group departure transfer is also included back to the Toulouse Airport. The transfer arrives at the airport around 9am. Please provide your flight details to Intrepid or your travel agent at the time of booking so they can be added to your booking. If you arriving a few days prior the start of the trip, the most convenient way to reach Soldeu is to travel by public bus from either Toulouse or Barcelona airports. Transfers are provided by Novatel and stop directly in front of Hotel Roc de Sant Miquel in Soldeu. For more information on timetables please visit https://www.andorrabybus.com/en. If you have any questions in regards to your transfers, or are aware of any delays in your flights, please contact our local operator on 00376 346791.

Finish point

Hotel Roc de Sant Miquel

Carretera General

Soldeu

ANDORRA

Phone: +376 346791

Finish point description

Finish point instructions

Intrepid offers a complimentary group transfer back to Toulouse airport. If you wish to travel on this transfer, please ensure your transfer is book in advance, please speak to your sales consultant for timings or check the Important Notes section of this Trip Notes. You can travel by public bus to both Toulouse and Barcelona airports. For more information on timetables please visit http://www.andorrabybus.com/en/1/travel-andorra-bus

Important information

1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 3. DAY 1: A complimentary group arrival transfer from Toulouse airport is available on this trip for all flights landing before 11:30am. A transfer guide will meet you in Hall D international arrivals with the clipboard sign so be sure to look out for it. The group transfer departs the airport at the latest by 12:30pm. DAY 8: A complimentary group departure transfer is also included back to the Toulouse Airport. The transfer arrives at the airport around 9am. Both transfers must be booked in advance! Please provide your flight details to Intrepid or your travel agent at the time of booking so they can be added to your booking. If you simply turn up at the airport for the transfer without notifying Intrepid, we cannot guarantee that space will be available. In such case, you may need to take an taxi at your own expense, a 3 hour drive from Toulouse. 4. The trip is graded as active and requires no previous experience although an ability to cycle is essential for the mountain biking. Days of mountain biking, walking and rafting can be a rigorous test of stamina, but with full vehicle support we believe anyone in good health should be capable of participating. The difficulty of the walks and rides will depend on the ability of the group and will be adjusted accordingly. PLEASE NOTE, all the activities will take place in mountainous terrain where weather is rather temperamental. Some adjustments to the walks or cycling routes may be done on the day, depending on the weather forecast, and will depend on our experienced leader’s good judgement. 5. Most people buy packed lunches; you might find a sealable plastic box useful for storing it in your daypack. Although not essential, gloves for cycling make it more comfortable - especially if you grip hard. Wetsuits provided for rafting come with booties. Shoes are not provided for biking, so please bring comfortable shoes suitable for cycling.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety SCAMS Common scams operating in Europe include ploys to get you fined on the metro without a validated ticket. Ensure that you always travel with a validated ticket (have your ticket stamped). Another common scam is used by children who distract you with a map or a newspaper and while you are attending to them, steal your valuables. You may also come across players offering you to participate in the so-called "shell game". This is a scam and you will most certainly lose your money. FIRE PRECAUTIONS Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

BIKE HELMETS: Helmets are provided for all included sightseeing by bicycle, however if you choose you can bring your own to ensure the right fit and quality.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Why we love it

Take to the water on an exhilarating white water rafting experience through the Pyrenees, under the supervision of highly experienced guides.

Hike through Siscaro Reserve, keeping an eye out for native flora and fauna along the way, including the griffon vulture which can often be seen soaring above.

Get the blood pumping as you zip-line between the trees and over rope obstacles in the beautiful surroundings of Cortals Valley.

Travel each day from your base in rural Soldeu – a ski resort town in the mountains, surrounded by snowy peaks and likeminded active adventurers.

Is this trip right for you

This is an active trip packed with cycling, white-water rafting, zip-lining and trekking activities. To fully enjoy all activities, you'll need a moderate level of fitness. To participate in the rafting experience, you'll need to be a confident swimmer. Soldeu is the base for this trip and is located in a rural area in Andorra's high mountains. Transferring to Soldeu from the closest international airports can take up to five hours, but the stunning scenery will help pass the time. This is a multi-activity trip with specialist guides for different activities, your local host is available when you're not out and about. While the accommodation is simple, it's a friendly, family-run chalet-hotel with a reputation for fantastic hospitality with hearty and delicious food.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. This centre based trip have all the breakfast and most of the dinners included in the cost of the trip, however, you will have some flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, on those days where meals are not included. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each others company. There's no obligation to do this though. Vegetarians might find the menu selection less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own. There are some basic breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar).

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be. OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. We have found that this is easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in the following destinations: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. All other European countries still have their own national currencies. The most convenient and cheapest way to acquire money in Europe is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat as they are often referred to. Check with your bank in advance concerning the suitability of your account / card overseas and any international fees that will be applied. You can obtain local currencies easily at airports and major train stations, but be sure to bring some extra emergency cash in a major currency that can be exchanged if the ATMs are not functioning. The safest option is to bring cash in either Euro or US dollars. When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it is stolen. Keep this in a safe place. Credit cards are not always accepted in stores and restaurants. While travelling we recommend you carry some cash to pay for restaurant bills and other services. Change can be difficult to obtain so throughout the day, try to gain as many small denominations as you can. You might be advised to take some of your money as travellers' cheques from a major financial institute. Travellers' cheques have security advantages, however please be aware that the exchange rates may not be favourable and that it is difficult to change Travellers' cheques in most countries. Be particularly aware that after hours money exchanges and hotel receptions carry high commissions- sometimes up to 20%. Taking all that in to account, we do not advise bringing traveller’s cheques to Europe. For money safety we recommend that you carry your cash and credit cards in a secure money belt or pouch concealed under your clothes. SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need. Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. This should make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that's this document). TIPPING If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. The following amounts are per person suggestions based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers: In local markets and basic restaurants and cafes - round your bill up to the nearest €1. In more up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill. Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour leader. We suggest €2-€3 per day for local guides. You may also have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, however we suggest €1-€2 per day for drivers. You may also consider tipping your tour leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €4-€5 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. In total, we recommend you budget approx €5-€10 per day of your trip to cover tipping. EMERGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you bring an extra USD500 for emergencies (e.g. natural disasters or civil unrest). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to our itineraries, and we can’t guarantee there won’t be some extra costs involved. Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. We suggest EUR 180.00 for meals not included on this trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less. COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps). If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 30 minutes). Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. As this is a centre based trip, once you check in to your hotel you will not need to pack again until the end of the trip. In that respect, suitcase with wheels may be an option too, especially if you are taking a group transfer from and to the airport. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list MAIN LUGGAGE What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip. You need to bring your main piece of luggage as well as a small to medium backpack for day activities (20-25 litres). One with waist strap would be most comfortable for walking around Pessons Lakes, Incles Valley and cycling the Iron Route. ESSENTIALS - Day pack: for carrying essentials during activities - Lightweight clothing: A mixture covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers is recommended. Your activities will take place in the mountains where weather may change quickly. It is best to check the weather and seasonal information before travelling. Lightweight, comfortable and quick drying clothes for the activities are best. Laundry facilities may not be available on every day basis, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes. - Warm jacket/fleece - Wind and waterproof jacket - Hiking boots or trainers with a good grip and ankle support that are comfortable to walk for an entire day are recommended for trekking, and closed toe shoes are required for cycling activities - Cycling gloves will make cycling more comfortable but also come handy for other activities such zip-wiring and water rafting. - Water bottle: you will need water during activities and it’s best to avoid buying unnecessary plastic. Tap water is drinkable in Andorra - Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses - Toiletries RECOMMENDED - Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your leader, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, antihistamine tablets and any personal medication you may need - Insect repellent - Camera with spare batteries/power bank: You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items daily - Electrical adapter plug - Travel wipes/hand sanitizer - Swimwear OPTIONAL - Torch/flashlight/headtorch - Small towel - Ear plugs & eye mask - A good book, a journal and music player VALUABLES Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. It’s a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. It’s also recommended to bring a copy of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list. WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

Climate and seasonal

SUMMER Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C/104°F), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. SHOULDER SEASON In contrast, weather in shoulder season can be unpredictable, and snow is not unheard of at higher altitudes. If you travel at the start or towards the end of the European season please pack accordingly with warm and/or waterproof clothes (preferably layers). The advantage of travelling during this time is that there are less tourists around.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In the case of genuine crisis or emergency please call our partner High Trax on their 24 hour emergency number Tel: 00376 346791 Intrepid local operator : Available for phone call on +00376 346791

Responsible travel

We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please visit our website for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/rt/responsibletraveller DRESS CODE In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe. Note when visiting churches, monasteries or other religious sites modest dress is required - shorts or skimpy tops may not be permitted, for both men and women.

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip supports World Bicycle Relief, who are providing people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas - giving them access to education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles to those who need them most. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/wbr

Accommodation notes

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. The Hotel Roc de St Miquel is a small and friendly, family run chalet hotel. The Roc has a total of 12 rooms with a range of singles, doubles, twins and family rooms. It offers clean and comfortable rooms that all have en-suite facilities, fresh linen, a daily maid service, telephone, television and tea & coffee making facilities. The restaurant caters all diets with a wide range of tasty menus. Breakfast is a buffet continental style with some hot options also available. The bar lounge is the perfect place to relax after an active outdoor day.

Transport notes

On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus, as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten track destinations and give us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that traveling is not particularly long, but you will experience some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time for included activities.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Accommodation

Chalet (7 nights)

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