overview
We offer two holidays here based on, and around the Noguera Palleresa River. The first is a gentler adventure aimed at providing thrills with time for relaxation and exploration. The second holiday is more intense and packed with activities from start to finish.
The Catalan Pyrenees have become an activity Mecca and with very good reason - the range of activities in the area is simply enormous thanks to a fast flowing river and soaring mountain peaks. We offer two holidays here.
If you want to develop your taste for adrenaline gradually as well as having more time to relax, there is our taster week.
For those who want more excitement Level 2 offers higher level, more challenging activities to keep the adrenaline pumping. This holiday is suitable for children aged 12 and over.
Sort is our mountain base and is the capital of the Pallars Sobira region of Spain, a proud and traditional Catalan area. The passion of the region is encapsulated in the activities we offer. The real star of the show is the river which offers up superb rafting and kayaking for all levels.
The town of Sort is a great base for families. There is a great choice of restaurants. You can choose from Michelin stars, spectacular game to delicious grills and tapas, there is something for every palate.
The annual fiesta can also prove to be a real highlight of the holiday if visiting in July.
"Our rep was fantastic and became very much part of our group/family. All the activity guides were great fun, encouraging and very professional. Hotel Pey was a really nice place to stay. The town of Sort and location are idyllic. We all agree that this has been the best family holiday we have ever had." The Welford Family, 2009
suitable for
Families with children over the age of 8 years (please note that this does not preclude younger children but participation in the activities will be at the discretion of our instructors)
our opinion
"Nestled in the Catalan Pyrenees to the west of Andorra, Sort is truly an activity mecca. I took my children on the level one holiday in 2009 and whilst the kids were off playing together with their new friends I overheard parents giggling like school children and having an 'our rep is better than your rep' conversation - it really brought a smile to my face. The whole team in Sort put in 110% to make sure that everyone has fantastic time during and after the activities". Barry Nolan
agenda
Saturday
Flights, arrival & introduction
We will be transferred from Barcelona Airport to our accommodation in the Pyrenean town of Sort for an introductory meeting with our guide.
Sunday
National park picnic trek
Today we witness the outstanding natural beauty of the Aigues Tortes National Park with 3000m peaks and picture postcard lakes. Our trek allows us to fully appreciate Catalonia's stunning mountain landscapes and is a gentle introduction to the activity week.
Monday
Sea Kayaking and rock climbing
Two great activities today, starting off with sea kayaking on a stunning lake. We will be given full instruction and have the opportunity to soak up our surroundings.
Next up it's rock climbing. Our instructors will give us the confidence to take to the rock face and we'll have a great time making our way up and then abseilling down. Rock climbing can be quite addictive so you have been warned! This afternoon we will have some free time to relax and explore Sort.
Tuesday
Canyoning Level 1
We use a family friendly route and after a 30 minute walk (gentle uphill) we hit the water. We use various methods to descend the canyon including natural water slides and chutes, abseiling and simply jumping into deep pools.
A great experience in the water for all the family.
Wenesday
Free Day
Today you can try one of your favourite activities again or sample an additional activity available locally including: walking, trekking, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, quad biking, hydrospeeding, advanced canyoning and paragliding. Alternatively, why not take a day off and simply relax by the hotel's swimming pool?
Thursday
White water rafting
In our opinion, the Noguera Palleresa offers some fabulous white water rafting. You will be introduced to the river during this half day on the water. It's not just the rapids that make today such a great experience. Stunning mountain scenery and the sheer, steep sided rock faces of the canyon lands add to an unforgettable activity
Friday
Open Kayaking
This is the activity which we have been building up to and it's an ideal sport for those who wish to experience the sensation of white water without the need for too much skill. After instruction, you set off towards the rapids of the Noguera Palleresa River. The descent makes it possible to discover beautiful spots on the river and enjoy the thrill of white water without being an experienced paddler.
A farewell dinner will be served this evening.
Saturday
Depart or extend your stay
Today it's time to wave goodbye to Sort as we transfer back to Barcelona Airport. If you just can't bear to go home yet then why not extend your stay. We can arrange extensions in Barcelona and on the northern Spanish coastline. It doesn't have to end here though
Barcelona extension
It would be a shame to fly in and out of Barcelona Airport and miss out on a faulous extension in this vibrant and family friendly city. We can arrange for you to be picked up from Barcelona Airport either after or before your activity holiday and transferred to a central hotel. You can then choose to explore on your own or take advantage of our bike tour.
Our basic package includes return airport transfers and 2 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Please see pricing box below.
We have two modern hotels to choose from:
Ayre Rosellon
This is a brand new 4 star hotel near to Gaudi's world famous Sagrada Familia and is easily accessed by all public transport.
There are 105 rooms in this modern and new hotel. The en suite rooms are equipped with air conditioning, telephone, TV, hairdryer, safe and wifi.
There is a restaurant and coffee shop with terrace overlooking the Sagrada Familia.
The hotel provides easy access to some of the cultural delights of this vibrant city.
Ayre Caspe
There are 145 rooms at this modern 4 star hotel. The hotel is within 15 minutes walk of Plaza Catalunya (the old town) and its 5 minutes by excellent public transport to the city beaches.
The en suite rooms are equipped with air conditioning, telephone, TV, hairdryer, safe and wifi. Some interconnecting rooms are available.
The hotel's central location is ideal for those who want to get out and about in this fantastic city.
Optional activity - Barcelona by bike
Classic tour
On our Classic-Tour we explore the most important sites of Barcelona in the medieval Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter), the Art Nouveau neighbourhood, with its famous modernist buildings, the 1992's Olympic Village and the seaside and beach areas. Duration: 3hrs, easy cycling on the flat.
Coastal extension
After and active week in the mountains of Spain or France we find that many people like to relax at the coast for a week and explore the Catalan coastline on their own. We can arrange week long hotel stays and car hire for you so that on your return to Barcelona you can pick up your car and head to one of two delightful coastal hotels in Calella de Palafrugell.
Calella de Palafrugell is a small fishing town and popular holiday destination in the summer. It must not however be confused with Calella which is a much larger resort. Calella de Palafrugell has escaped the mass tourism and large hotel complexes which are features of many other regions of the Costa Brava. The scenery here is spectacular and the town's coastline stretches 2 kilometres from Golfet Beach to a headline where some stunning botanical gardens are situated. There are some beautiful small sandy coves and a delightful coastal walk to Llafranc.
We have been lucky enough to secure very limited allocations at two very well known and desirable hotels in the beautiful town of Calella de Palafrugell. These extensions are based on 2 people sharing a room for a minimum of seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Hotel Garbi
This is a family run hotel set amidst beautiful pine trees and boasting an impressive outdoor swimming pool. The hotel has 52 rooms each with satellite television, balcony, air conditioning, hair dryer and phone.
The hotel is in the town of Calella de Palafrugell, noted as one of the most scenic in this region and it is just a 10 minute walk to the town centre and the beach. There are many activities available locally such as hiking, mountain biking and scuba diving.
Hotel San Roc
This family run hotel boasts one of the best locations in Calella de Palafrugell, situated on the cliffs and just 300m from the centre of town. It is a quiet location and has built an excellent reputation.
The hotel has 47 rooms which are en suite and equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV and balconies or terraces. There are two restaurants serving a variety of local and international cuisine.
accommodation
Hotel Pey
Our base is the Hotel Pey in Sort. This family run apart hotel is centrally situated within the town and within easy walking distance of many restaurants. The hotel owner is a former international kayaker who is responsible for helping promote Sort as an activity destination so it is no wonder that you can watch people hone their skills on the river from the hotel.
Accommodation is in apartments with one double bedroom, a lounge area with two pull out beds, bathroom and kitchenette. En suite twin and triple rooms are also available as well as a very limited number of two bedroom apartments.
There is an indoor swimming pool, a small games room and a sauna. The hotel also has a spacious bar and lounge ideal for after dinner drinks.