The route

Pyrenees

Hidden Routes

Experience Europe in a very different way to the usual European holiday. Instead of visiting the obvious highlights we travel to a remote Europe, which most people do not know exists. Not many get to experience Europe like this. Using 4x4s we can access the remote Pyrenees Mountain Range which stretches over 450 km, from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Mediterranean in the east and acts as a natural border between Spain and France. A trip through these mountains takes the traveller through alpine scenery, clear lakes, winding rivers, powerful waterfalls and impressive cliffs, all acting as a gorgeous background to the unique cultures that grew in the region, isolated by the mountain range. Not only will we experience stunning scenery but also wineries, quaint and picturesque villages, ancient citadels, hidden monasteries and fun off-road driving. You will be surprised at the variety of the scenery in the Pyrenees – they are high, rough and wild. We’ll stay in comfortable and charming accommodation along the route. The adventure starts and ends in Barcelona famous for its buildings by Gaudi, tapas, seafood and sangria.

Highlights include:

Barcelona; Penedés Wine Region; the coastal region of Costa Brava; Girona with its Gothic churches; the Cathar region of France including the UNESCO world heritage site fortress of Carcassonne and Renne les Chateau which influenced the famous “Da Vinci Code” novel; Niaux Cave, one of the last caves with prehistoric art that is still open to the public; Pic Negre the high mountain pass (2,643 metres) on the Andorran-Spanish border; Aiguestortes National Park; Boumort National Reserve; Montrebei Gorge; Tour de France Roads through Gavarnie and Lourdes – the “Route des Cols”; Ordesa National Park; Mallos de Riglos; Basque Country; Bardanes Reales desert; and Vulture watching in Alquezar.

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Details

Included

Arrival and departure transfers, fuel and road tolls, vehicle hire (Toyota Landcruiser, Mitsubishi Montero or similar), paper map, vehicle insurance (standard), two-way radio in vehicle, all hotels, meals as per itinerary (all breakfasts and dinners, lunches not included) coffee and picnic equipment, guide vehicle, local English/Spanish speaking tour guide, activities and entrance fees as listed in itinerary. First aid kit in the guide car, as is all recovery equipment.

Excluded

Airfares return to Barcelona (approx. AUD3,500), alcoholic drinks, meals other than stated in the itinerary (lunches: picnic lunches approx. EUR70 per person for the entire tour, lunch at a restaurant would cost between EUR10-20 per person per day. An average of EUR15 per day or total EUR420 per person), local tips, travel insurance, vehicle excess, activities over and above those detailed in the suggested itinerary, visas (if required), immunisations (if required) and any personal expenses. Note that accommodation or vehicle upgrades are not possible on this trip. Car excess and car rental terms and conditions will be supplied separately.

Prices

2 people sharing 4x4 and double/twin room: EUR10,695* per person

Supplement for single accommodation: EUR1,480*

*Prices assume a minimum of 3 vehicles (plus support vehicles) and 10 people (plus support staff), maximum of 7 vehicles (plus support vehicles). 2024 pricing only, 2025 pricing and will be confirmed in mid 2024. Please see terms and conditions for all booking conditions.