Family Pyrenees Multi-Activity Adventure
Family Pyrenees Multi-Activity Adventure
Family Pyrenees Multi-Activity Adventure
8 Days Starting in Barcelona Airport and ending in Terminal Two Barcelona Airport
Visiting: Barcelona, Sort, Aigüestortes i Estany of Saint Maurici National Park
Tour Overview
Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Pyrenees, the town of Sort is an ideal location for an activity holiday. Explore the beautiful surroundings of Aigues Tortes National Park, whitewater raft and kayak along rivers and have the option to abseil down gorges and try our hand at abseiling and off road mountain biking. All equipment is provided and no previous experience is necessary.
Sort - Activity centre of the Spanish Pyrenees with bars and cafes to watch the world go by and several excellent restaurants showcasing some of the best of Catalonia's proud culinary traditions.
Noguera River - Whitewater rafting and kayaking on one of Europe's best and safest rivers with good year round water levels
Spa hotel - Comfortable accommodation based in a family-run hotel with a swimming pool, gardens and spa
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip At Barcelona Airport And Drive To Sort In The Spanish Pyrenees
Location: Barcelona, Sort
Accommodation: Hotel, Pessets
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pessets
Our trip begins at Barcelona Airport (airport code BCN) at 3pm. If you would like an airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 2.15pm. We will travel together as a group, the 230km journey takes around 3.5 hours to get to Sort, a charming mountain village close to the Noguera River and the centre for water sports in the Pyrenees. Our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 8.30pm for those that wish to go out for dinner . There are no other activities planned today.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you may have time to wait ahead of our group transfer to Sort. You can make the most of this time by exploring Barcelona with its many attractions such as 'La Boqueria' food market, Las Ramblas boulevard lined with bars and restaurants and not to mention the many incredible architectural works of Antoni Gaudi. The Barcelona metro line L9 Sud connects terminals T1 and T2 with the city of Barcelona every 7 minutes and takes 32 minutes or take the Aerobus to the city centre. Bags can be stored at the airports left luggage for around Euro 10 per piece of luggage.
Day 2: Walk In The Aigues Tortes National Park With Lunch Included
Location: Aigüestortes i Estany of Saint Maurici National Park
Accommodation: Hotel, Pessets
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pessets
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
For those that want to immerse themselves in majestic alpine scenery, we a morning walk in the Aigues Tortes National Park included. We leave in the morning and head off in Land Rovers to the Sant Maurici Lake which is placed amidst the rugged mountain ranges of the Pyrenees with peaks of up to 3000 m surrounding the area. The image of the two Encantats peaks is surely the most stunning one in the mountain range. We walk along-side the lake, passing a beautiful waterfall before reaching the 'Mirador', a viewpoint high above Sant Maurici. We have our picnic lunch close by with local specialities such as longaniza sausage or farmhouse goat cheese before continuing our walk along the other side of the Sant Maurici lake and then driving back to Sort. (Approximately 3 hours walking, 300 m ascent)
The minimum suggested age for this activity is 8 years old.
Day 3: Exhilarating White Water Raft Along The Noguera River
Location: Aigüestortes i Estany of Saint Maurici National Park
Accommodation: Hotel, Pessets
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pessets
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting. Driving to our activity base right next to the river, we don our wet suits and lifejacket to explore this exciting river on our rafts along a 14 km stretch of the river. Pass through some exhilarating rapids including the famous 'washing machine' rapid which will throw your raft onwards as your travel down the steep body of water and we are sure you will yell with triumph once through this rollercoaster of a rapid. The river Noguera is unique as there is a high enough water level all year round for water sports. We return to our spa hotel in Sort around 1pm, the afternoon is free.
It's possible to extend the rafting to a full day excursion finishing at 5pm, simply let your tour leader know the day before the activity. The full day rafting includes lunch (typically pasta and salad) after which we re-join the river, rafting down the river through Sort and continuing through the picturesque Collegats canyon, an idyllic swimming spot. The river is marginally quieter on this second section. We will aim to be back at the hotel by 6pm. Please refer to the budgeting and packing section for the supplement to upgrade to a full days rafting.
Day 4: Canyoning And Abseiling Down The Estaron Canyon. Free Afternoon To Explore The Town Of Sort
Location: Sort
Accommodation: Hotel, Pessets
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pessets
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we drive 30 minutes north to the beautifully set Guingueta reservoir, one of the dammed lakes of the Noguera river. There are excellent views of the Pyrenees with the backdrop of mountains all around. After changing into our wetsuits and harnesses we'll spend the morning abseiling, jumping and sliding down the Estaron Canyon. We'll be back at the hotel at lunch time and then the afternoon is free for more optional activities or relaxing by the pool or use the hotel spa; all guests 14 years and over will receive one complimentary day spa pass to use during their stay with access from 1600 to 2100 daily except Mondays. Children from 14 to 17 can access the spa between 1600 and 1700 hrs Tuesday to Friday.
For those looking to explore the village of Sort, there is plenty to explore in this old capital of the area with remains of the castle dating back to the 11th century still overlook the village. A great location with beautiful surroundings and the backdrop of the Pyrenees, the town also boasts several pleasant bars and cafes where one can sit on the terrace and watch life pass by.
In the evening a dinner out of the village can be organized in one of the delightful restaurants tucked away in small mountain villages not too far from Sort. The town is known for its fine choice of restaurants. Looks can sometimes be deceiving, some of the best eateries in town may not look appealing at first glance but it's not hard to find outstanding traditional Catalonian food at great prices. Typical set menu start at €25 per person with six course taster menus around €40 including wine. There are also several family friendly options including a great pizzeria.
Day 5: Free Day With Optional Activities Such As Hydrospeed, Abseiling, Horse Riding
Location: Sort
Accommodation: Hotel, Pessets
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pessets
Meals Included: Breakfast
By today you will hopefully know which activities you liked most and there are plenty of possibilities for a very active day, perhaps exploring 'hell's' canyon which involves abseiling 20 metres into a cave, horse riding, via ferrata or an adventure park. Another option involves a more challenging way of floating down the river in an activity called hydrospeed where you hang on to a little board following the current through rapids and calmer sections of the river.
Day 6: Open Kayak Excursion On The Noguera River
Location: Sort
Accommodation: Hotel, Pessets
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pessets
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is left free for relaxing or filling in with further optional activities that your tour leader can help you organise.
This afternoon we transfer to Geri de la Sal village where we get changed into our wet suits and spend the afternoon kayaking down the Noguera River through some exciting rapids and stunning canyons. These kayaks are often referred to as 'open kayaks' (inflatable, very stable mini-rafts). This area is one of the last habitats of the 'quebrantahuesos' vulture (or bearded vulture) which is close to extinction in Europe - with a bit of luck we can see one.
Day 7: Free Day With Optional Mountain Biking, Use The Hotel Spa Or Relax By The Pool
Location: Sort
Accommodation: Hotel, Pessets
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pessets
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you can rest at the pool or on the banks of the river. Alternatively you may want to go for a walk in the surrounding area or ask the Tour Leader to organize another activity for you. There are a wide range of possibilities; perhaps you may wish to spend the afternoon kayaking.
Day 8: Drive To Barcelona Airport Where The Trip Ends
Location: Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departing Sort this morning we drive 230km, around 3.5 hours to Barcelona Airport (airport code BCN), where we will arrive at about 1pm and this is where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 3pm.
What's Included
-
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
-
Accommodation
-
Fully Guided
-
Meals – Breakfast Only
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
Country Entry Visas
Why Book this Tour
This holiday is perfect for active families who enjoy the outdoors all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pyrenees. Sort is the Pyrenees' premier water-based activity centre - a true mecca for lovers of white-water rafting, canyoning, kayaking and hydrospeed. Our riverside hotel has been specifically chosen to offer a range of facilities including tennis courts, two swimming pools and a gym plus it is located close to the Aigues Tortes NP, the region's finest National Park with numerous walking trails. Furthermore, the town of Sort is an ideal location to discover the traditional local culture of the area and last but not least is blessed with a beautifual micro climate, allowing an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.
Meals
Breakfasts: 7
Lunches: 1
Check out our Q&As
-
I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
-
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
-
What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
-
Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
-
Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.