we know.....
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 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 and is suitable for children aged 12 and over.
The town of 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 good 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 at the end of July.
you know.....
"Our favourite activity was the white water rafting. We all thoroughly enjoyed the day. The activity guides were so skilled that we felt that we were in safe hands even when they were doing tricks, etc and the experience is one that will never be forgotten!" Jill Avramoussis - July 2010
Suitable for
Families with children over the ages of 12 years (please note this does not preclude younger children but participation in the activities will be at the discretion of our instructors).
saturday - arrival and welcome
You will be met at Barcelona Airport before being transferred to the hotel in Sort. This evening a welcome meal will be served for the whole group with your guide.
sunday - white water rafting
Your activity programme starts here with a full day of white water rafting! You will be met at the hotel after breakfast, before heading out for a full days activity. Rafts are made up of groups of up to 8 people, each with a guide and they will carry you down the fast paced rapids surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
monday - canyoning level 2
An uphill walk takes you to the start of the canyon and in maximum groups of 10 you will work your way downstream. This is a real adventure as you slide and abseil down different sections of the river. The descent of the canyon will last approximately one and a half hours leaving the afternoon free to relax.
tuesday - free day
It is possible for additional activities to be booked in the local area (payable locally) or you can spend the day simply relaxing around the pool.
wednesday - pm: open kayaking
Today will be spent on the beautiful Noguera Palleresa River in open kayaks. We have single or double inflatable kayaks and your guide will help you choose the most appropriate. Then, armed with a paddle, you will head off downstream; try to take your eyes away from the rapids along the river to enjoy the beautiful scenery!
thursday - am: hydrospeeding and pm: kayak course
Hydrospeeding is fantastic fun but not for the faint hearted! You are fully protected by a body board, helmet, lifejacket and flippers but this is one of the most adrenaline fuelled activities we offer. The whole activity will last approximately 90 minutes depending on water levels, but if you decide you’ve had enough excitement you can stop at different stages along the way.
This afternoon you will spend two hours honing your kayaking skills under the tuition of some of Spain’s best instructors. The session is held on the Campo de Slalom Course and under your guide’s instruction you will negotiate the obstacles on this entertaining course.
friday - canyoning level 3
Today is the culmination of your activity week here in Sort. This is one of the most stunning canyoning routes in the area and is ideal for very active families who ideally have some previous canyoning experience. The jumps are bigger and the water faster flowing than in other canyoning routes but for those looking for a real challenge to round the week off – look no further!
Your expert guides will support you during the whole activity and the guests’ safety is paramount to them at all times.
saturday - depart or extend your stay
It’s time to leave Sort and either travel home or we can also arrange for several extension options. Please see our website or call to us to discuss the different options available.
Extending Your Stay
Many of our clients want to make the most of their time in Spain and extend their stay. We have some brilliant options for those who want to get the most value out of their flights. We are happy to arrange flights around any duration and your individual requirements. Our great value extensions include the option for a city break in Barcelona and some hidden gems on the Spanish Coast.
BARCELONA CITY BREAK
It would be a shame to be so close to Barcelona and not visit this vibrant and family friendly city. We can arrange for you to extend your stay either before or after your activity holiday in a central hotel. You can then choose to explore on your own or take advantage of our bike tour. The price includes return airport transfers and two nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. We have two 4 star hotels to choose from:
Ayre Rosellon
This new 4 star hotel has 105 en suite rooms. The hotel offers a restaurant and coffee shop with terrace overlooking Gaudi's world famous Sagrada Familia. The hotel provides easy access to some of the cultural delights of this vibrant city.
Ayre Caspe
There are 145 en suite rooms at this modern 4 star hotel. The hotel is within 15 minutes walk of Plaza Catalunya (the old town) and it's only 5 minutes via public transport to the city beaches. The hotel's central location is ideal for those who want to get out and about in this fantastic city.
NORTHERN SPAIN COASTAL EXTENSION
After an active week in the mountains of Spain or France we find that many people like to relax on the coast for a week and explore the Catalan coastline on their own. We offer two coastal hotels in Calella de Palafrugell; a small fishing town and relatively undiscovered by British clients. If you do not have your own vehicle in Spain we can of course also arrange the necessary car hire. The prices include seven nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. We have two hotels to choose from:
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. The hotel has 47 rooms and there are two restaurants serving a variety of cuisine.
Hotel Garbi
This is a family run hotel set amidst beautiful pine trees and boasting an impressive outdoor swimming pool. The hotel has 52 en suite rooms. The hotel is just a 10 minute walk to the town centre and the beach.
Available
Limited places
On request
Pricing Notes
Prices include all activities. If you do not wish to take part in one or more activities please let us know at time of booking as this may reduce the price.
Getting there
This holiday includes return flights from London to Barcelona (regional and flexible departures on request). Please see our website for the different extension options available. Self drive discounts are available on request.
Self-drive (Source: Google Maps, March 2011):
Ferry to Santander:
Distance from Santander: 360 miles
Driving Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Estimated fuel cost from Santander: £60.00 each way excluding tolls
Route: From Santander via Bilbao, Saint Sebastian, Bayonne, Pau, Tarbes.
Ferry to Calais:
Distance from Calais: 750 miles
Driving Time: 12 hours
Estimated fuel cost from Calais: £140.00 each way excluding tolls
Route: From Calais via Paris, Orleans, Limoges, Toulouse.
NOTES: We estimate that based on current flight prices and car hire rates that a family of 4 save approximately 40-45% on travel costs by self-driving.
The Pallars Sobera Region is the base for this exciting family activity holiday in the Catalan Pyrenees. Specifically we are based in the small town of Sort on the banks of the Noguera Pallaresa River, where all the water based activities take place.
The Hotel Pey is run by the Salvans Family, one of the most important families in the region with a fierce commitment to the protection of the Catalan culture, environment and language, whilst pioneering the development of the local economy through tourism and by only working with companies who share this philosophy.
Accommodation is strictly limited in the area which allows careful management of tourism in terms of numbers. The hotel promotes the responsible use of natural resources and encourages guests to re-use towels rather than submit them for daily cleaning.
Our activity partners, Carlos and Lluis Rabeneda, are equally committed to the promotion and protection of the local Catalan culture and this infuses every aspect of their business.
Guides and Instructors must not only demonstrate their professionalism and ability, but also have to be seen to endorse and practice the company's policy. They believe wholeheartedly IN impressing upon visitors that it is to enjoy a wonderful holiday but still be responsible for the environment. This is particularly highlighted during the Trek in the Aigues Tortes National Park on the first activity day.
At the entrance to the National Park clients are shown a collage made up of some 10, 000 cigarette ends which were collected in one day of environmental cleanup in the National Park.