Walking in the Pyrenees

Walks were varied & were done in a logical manner with easier ones first gradually increasing in length & severity. All the walks were capable of being done by an experienced walker. Our guide, Bert, was very knowledgeable & also ensured that all the guests were comfortable going at their own pace.

Our tour leader Lucas was fantastic, he was very knowledgeable about the country and tailored the walks to every member of the group, he also provided us all relevant information on the local area and took us to personaI restaurants he recommended all of which were fantastic. I cannot emphasise enough how enjoyable he made the trip. The walks themselves took place all over Andorra really giving you a feel for the landscape with some absolutely stunning views. The accommodation was clean and comfy and the staff friendly, the safe in the rooms was complicated to try and work however that is my only criticism of the accommodation. The optional rest day provided a great opportunity to do some shopping in the local towns. While the group was large (the full 16 people) it didnt stop a good sense of friendship among the group. The first week of September provided a good mix of warmth while also keeping cool in the mountains. I would book with Explore again!

Wonderful scenery & an excellent tour leader who was friendly & approachable, with a variety of ideas on options to take on the rest day. Good variety of food options too.

Outstanding Guide and great walking routes with things to see. La Calela tapas bar near the hotel in Soldeu has excellent food for a very good price and is the only eating venue we ate at that I would recommend. The hotel is quite basic with almost no hanging space in the rooms, and nothing suitable for drying wet clothes - a shortcoming for walkers and skiers alike. Don’t request a double bed room - they are all tiny! The twin beds can be put together in larger rooms however. Very good shower pressure and room make up service. If you are expecting interesting bread, fruits and locally made yogurt for breakfast in the hotel restaurant (typical of other mountain venues) you will be disappointed. But at least you can order eggs. I was disappointed that the owner showed off baskets of porcini mushrooms he had picked locally, but failed to add them to the hotel menu: He said he would eat them himself! Some foreign members of hotel staff were smiling and charming, but the locals less so. There is a convenient supermarket across the road (where you can even buy hangers!). We joined a very good group which made it fun. Excellent local swimming pool in Canillo.