The Crusader Trail - Cathar Castles Walk

What's Included

• Accommodation
  5 nights in a combination of 2-3 star hotels, B&Bs, gites/guesthouses

• 6 breakfasts, 5 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 to 3 courses which include regional specialties

• 6 nights accommodation is included: 5 nights on a twin share basis in a combination of small family run hotels, B&Bs and gites/guesthouses, some nights with private facilities and some with share facilities, and 1 night in a gite-hostel in a small dormito

• Digital information pack including GPX tracks

• Luggage transfer - limited to one bag weighing a maximum of 20kg per person. Any excess luggage should be stored at your pre-tour hotel, or we can arrange for its transfer from Perpignan to Foix - supplement applies (note you will not have access to this

• All internal transfers described in the program

• Emergency hotline

• Travel to Perpignan and from Foix

• Meals not listed as included, drinks

• Travel insurance - mandatory

• Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday

• A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

• Entrance fees not listed as included

• Optional transfer Foix to Perpignan

• Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage

• Excess luggage

• Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel

• Items of a personal nature

What's Not Included

• Lunch and drinks

• Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip

• Entrance fees

• Optional transfer Foix to Perpignan - supplement applies

• Travel insurance

• Excess luggage fees

• Lunch and drinks, dinner in Foix

• As prices are based on twin occupancy, a single supplement will apply if you book a single room

Accommodation

5 nights in a combination of 2-3 star hotels, B&Bs, gites/guesthouses
During the trip you will be accommodated in a combination of small family run hotels, B&Bs and gites/guesthouses. The hotels and some guesthouses have private facilities, at times there are share facilities. At Roquefixade it is a gite-hostel and you will stay in a small dormitory with shared facilities. Sheet and sleeping bag provided. Single rooms are available on two nights only (days 1 and 6), other nights are in small dormitories. The accommodation has been specially chosen for the location, character and fabulous cuisine typical of the region.

Grading

MODERATE – GRADE 3
This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of around 5-6 hours (not including rests or visits to the castles enroute). The trip is graded moderate as the paths are well defined and generally clearly marked. There are many ups and downs as you would expect in a mountainous region, and walking poles are definitely a good idea. A good level of fitness is required and the trip is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. Map reading skills are essential and you will need to use a compass at times in order to check the path. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.