Summer incentive in the Pyrenees- offroad, rafting and vineyards

After arriving in Barcelona our group parted for the final destination of the trip – the picturesque Principality of Andorra, surrounded by stunning scenery of the Pyrenees Mountains.

 

On the way we visited one of the most important wine regions in Europe, providing both exquisite wines and views: Penedés. We had a unique chance to get to know the ancient history of the site, and to smell and taste these excellent Catalan wines - produced in the marvellous, modernist, wine cellars. Our group was astonished to see the mysterious galleries of the cellar, where the wine is aged before being delivered to houses all over the world. The visit was concluded by a gourmet tasting of delightful cava.

 

Just after checking in at the stylish 4-star hotel in Andorra we were welcomed with fresh Spanish sangria. After a relaxing break in the hotel spa, we ended up having dinner and trying local drinks in the evening.

 

The following day after breakfast we were excited by the sight of the 4x4 vehicles parked outside of the hotel, announcing the forthcoming adventure. The trip consisted of an off-road ride through the mountains, following the paths formerly used by smugglers. Our scenic itinerary took us from green mountain pastures to the water sports centre down at the valley. It is from the valley bottom that we were set to enjoy the next highlight of the day: riding the rough waves and rapids of the local river on… rafts! Thankfully we were guided by very professional instructors, whose valuable advice helped us to manoeuvre between wild water and whirlpools.  

 

The wet and tired (but happy!) group had a chance to have a rest from our adrenaline rush – while our jeeps took us to a mid-forest glade, where we found a small stone building. The building was a rustic, cosy restaurant, where we could eat our well-earned meal (consisting of tasty meat dishes and wine), and finally enjoy dryness - thanks to a lovely fireplace.

 

However, what our group did not know was that the day was not over! After reaching the dizzying altitude of 2300 m, we returned to our hotel. During the evening we again enjoyed Andorran delights: a very peculiar tobacco liqueur (it´s a typical beverage there) and a variety of regional dishes in a traditional mountain restaurant. During the dinner we were treated to an open bar with a wide range of drinks and spirits.

 

The next day was full of attractions. The itinerary combined scenic mountain roads with the luscious green landscape of Andorra. The group chose to visit two interesting museums: antic automobile filled Museum of Motorization, and the interactive Museum of Tobacco. At the Tabacco Museum we took photos with lovely historic vehicles and got to know more about tobacco production and smuggling. After learning a lot about the history of the Principality and some of the curiosities of living there nowadays, we again swapped the bus for 4x4 jeeps! A winding track was the only way to reach one of the highest wine cellars of Europe.

 

Discovering the secrets of wine production wouldn’t be complete without a wine tasting and a lunch set in the mountain vineyards. In the afternoon we visited a local brewery, tasting Andorran beer, and afterwards we shopped on the main boulevard of the capital – which is full of duty free shops and boutiques. After supper we raised a glass of Catalan cava to say farewell to our Andorran adventure.

 

On the last day we left Andorra and visited the metropolitan city of Barcelona. We went on a panoramic walking tour through the city, and ate our last lunch in a fancy restaurant right in the centre. After being given original local souvenirs our trip ended and we had to leave for the airport, thinking only about our next forthcoming visit to Andorra and Spain.

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