Experience impressive and remote paths chosen specifically for intermediate hikers by experienced tour leaders.
TRIP DURATION | 7 days, 6 nights
MIN. PARTICIPANTS | 6 people
MAX PARTICIPANTS | 12 people
HIKING LEVEL | 2 out of 5
REQUIRED SKILLS | Hiking on uneven terrain, maintaining a sustainable pace for three to four hours.
TERRAIN | Moderate ascent and descent with occasional steep sections. Stepping stone-to-stone for water crossings.
MEETING POINT | Foix, France
OVERVIEW
The Pyrenees Mountains are steeped in the history and symbolism of resistance, perseverance, and freedom. Also known as the Savage Frontier, the Pyrenees Mountains provide a natural border between France and Spain.
Over thousands of years, the Pyrenees have offered refuge for those facing persecution and possible extermination. In the 11th and 12th centuries, the spiritual and cultural group known as the Cathars built strongholds like the castles of Puilaurens, Peyrepertuse, and Quéribus in the extremely rugged terrain of the Pyrenees knowing that their fortresses could neither be hidden nor conquered. Later, when hunted by the Catholic Church, the Cathars used their knowledge of the mountains to resist and protect as many of their followers as possible.
Again, in the 20th century, the Pyrenees were a beacon of hope for those fleeing Francisco Franco’s fascism during the Spanish Civil War. Only a few years later, those resisting Nazi Fascism within France would also take to the high mountains to resist tyranny, smuggle the persecuted to safety, and strike at the Nazi armed forces to support the Allies.
Hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains is not only a physical activity but also an immersion into the poignant history that remains relevant today. It reflects the themes of resistance, survival, and the quest for spiritual freedom against overwhelming odds.
Embark with us on an unforgettable journey through the untamed beauty of the Pyrenees Mountains, where rugged landscapes and pristine wilderness converge to create an exhilarating hiking experience. This intermediate-level tour is designed for adventurers seeking to explore the wild frontier between France and Spain, offering a perfect blend of challenging trails, breathtaking scenery, excellent food and wine, and cultural immersion.
Details
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We will be in some rural areas, and there are shops and cafés that only take cash, so it is important to have euros with you when you travel. Generally speaking, €300 - €500 should be fine for the tour, but you can plan your cash amount based on your personal spending plans while you travel. We have found it simplest to purchase euros from your bank prior to traveling to Europe. Another option is retrieving cash from an ATM at the airport when you arrive in France, which gives you the best exchange rate on that day. Tip: Make sure you are aware of your bank’s fees for international withdrawals, as well as other credit card usage fees.
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Athara Adventures strongly recommends that you obtain travel insurance. Depending on the type of tour that you have booked, Athara Adventures may also require that you secure or show proof of other insurance.
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If you need to cancel your tour, you must do so in writing. The following terms apply to tour cancellations:
• If you cancel your booking within seven days of the booking, you will be entitled to a full refund except as provided below regarding cancellations less than 120 days (four months) prior to the tour start date;
• If you cancel your booking between 173 and 120 days (four months) prior to the tour start date, you will be entitled to a full refund less $500;
• If you cancel your booking less than 120 days (four months) prior to the tour start date, you will not be entitled to a refund of any fees paid by you; however, you will be entitled to a credit towards a future tour within the 24-month period after the cancellation date; and
• Athara Adventures will have no obligation to issue any refunds if you are unable to participate in or continue with your tour for any reason after your tour has commenced.
