Trip Notes ACTIVE PYRENEES. Day 1 Start Toulouse

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1 Trip Notes ACTIVE PYRENEES Trip Code: FPS Countries: France, Andorra, Spain Amended: September 2012 Edition No: JC Valid from: 01 Jan Dec 2013 HIGHLIGHTS Spectacular mountain scenery of the Pyrenees Thrilling whitewater rafting near Sort 4WD excursion over an old smuggler's route into Spain Siscaro Lakes and the stunning Incles Valley Enjoy exciting mountain biking through Cortals Valley SUMMARY The Pyrenees mountain range forms a natural divide between Spain and France, and nestled in between, and amidst these rugged peaks lies tiny Andorra. Renowned as a well-respected activity destination, Andorra is the ideal base for a fun-filled summer holiday. Offering plenty of fresh mountain air, this tour is perfect for active families with a lust for the great outdoors, an interest in wildlife, and above all, a sense of adventure! Footpaths traverse the slopes and find their way to mountain summits blessed with spectacular vistas over (arguably) some of the finest scenery found in Europe. For those who like something of a challenge, we'll have the opportunity to scale some local peaks, and we also travel along an old smuggler's route by 4WD over the border into neighbouring Spain. Here the topography also promotes some mighty river torrents; water funnelled down from the mountains gathers force and provides us with the perfect opportunity for an invigorating whitewater rafting excursion near Sort. The surrounding countryside boasts hidden lakes, and the forested valleys and lower slopes harbour abundant wildlife including marmots and mountain ponies. We visit the beautiful Siscaro Lakes and the stunning Incles Valley, and head out on bikes through the Cortals Valley, stopping to visit farming hamlets along the way. For those with a head for heights, there's also a chance to whizz through the air on zip wires, a highlight for most. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? This tour is operated in partnership with our sister company The Adventure Company (TAC), as such the group may be a mixture of Exodus and TAC clients. This trip is booked through Exodus and you will receive the same award winning customer service that you are used to. TAC operate with the same core principles used by Exodus and champion the benefits of small group travel. This is an active trip that does not need previous experience, although kids must be able to cycle and swim. Ideal for active families with a passion for the great outdoors, an interest in wildlife and a sense of adventure! This is a centre-based trip, spending a week at the same hotel so there's minimal lugging baggage about. Minimum age: 7 years old. LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 Start Toulouse Those on the group flights will be met at Toulouse Airport. There will be a meeting point in Toulouse for those not on the group flights to join the group transfer by minibus to our hotel in Soldeu, Andorra (approx. 3-4 hours). You will receive full details of exactly where to meet your leader on the Joining Instructions which will be sent to you 2-3 weeks before your trip starts. Situated on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, squashed between France and Spain, the principality of Andorra measures a mere 25km by 30km. Andorra's independence can be traced back to Charlemagne, who captured the region from the Muslims in 803 AD but it was only in 1993 that the Andorran people voted to establish the country as an independent and democratic state. Although small, Andorra is Exodus Travels Ltd Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: (44) Fax: (44) sales@exodus.co.uk

2 or go canyoning. If you have a head for heights you can try your hand at Via Ferrata climbing. There are also plenty more opportunities for walking and mountain biking, or alternatively you may simply decide to relax or potter around the shops. (B,D) Day 5 The Old Smuggler's Route & rafting There has been a long tradition of trade in Andorra due to its unique location between France and Spain. However the most profits have always been available to those willing to smuggle contraband goods. The mountainous nature of Andorra and the border meant that the smugglers had numerous routes they could take. The Spanish Civil War gave the smugglers the chance to make large profits as French goods were taken into Spain where they were not readily available. blessed with some of the finest scenery in the Pyrenees and is a great place for an active week in the mountains. Please note that dinner tonight is dependant upon the arrival time of the group, and will be included as long as the group arrive in good time. (B) Day 2 Siscaro Reserve This morning you will take your first excursion out into the impressive mountains of this tiny country. The drive to Port Envalira takes approximately 30 minutes and at 2,408 metres is boasted as being the highest road pass in Europe, helping to connect El Pas de la Casa to the rest of the country. Starting at 2,500m you have a short 100m climb to the summit of Pic Maia. At this height there are spectacular views across the Andorran mountains. We spend the rest of the day walking along a ridge. Being mostly flat or downhill, this is a great introduction to the Pyrenees, and a chance to stretch your legs and acclimatize to the altitude. The scenery is stunning and the walk will hopefully give you the chance to see some of Andorra's flora and fauna. It is always worth keeping an eye out for the Griffon vultures which are often seen circling high overhead. On the way you will pass the Siscaro Lakes which, on hotter days, are a pleasant place to have a swim. From here the descent is more rapid and the path brings you out right opposite the hotel. You will arrive back at the hotel between 3pm and 4pm giving you a chance to either relax in the sun, take the bikes out for a ride, or visit one of the neighbouring hotel's spa centres. (B,D) Day 3 Cortals Valley; cycling & walking Today's full day of activities takes place in the stunning Cortals Valley, about a 30 minute drive away. Half way up the valley you jump on the bikes for a ride along a flat track to Engolasters Lake, the perfect opportunity to take in some fresh air and enjoy the scenery. Around the lake there are plenty of tracks to choose from and you normally have the choice between an easy flat track or an exhilerating path through the woods. For the slightly less energetic there is also a lakeside bar. Retracing your route you return to the vehicles. You have the option to ride the demanding 3km tarmac road ascent to the barbeque area - a climb that follows part of the Tour of Spain route. However, the support vehicles are available for anyone who doesn't fancy this. For lunch you will stop in a Pyrenean meadow where there is time for a picnic. As the war drew to a close and the market seemed to be drying up, the Second World War started and the trade reversed as Spanish goods were now needed in France. Heading off road in your 4WD vehicle gives you the chance to get away from the developed valleys and see some of the lesser visited places in and around Andorra. You drive out of Andorra to the Port de Cabus on the Spanish border; where the tarmac ends so does Andorra. En route there are some spectacular views along valleys to distant peaks, the odd shallow stream to go through and the chance to stop in a typical mountain hamlet. The end of the smuggler's route finds you at the start point for your exhilarating white water rafting (minimum age 8 years to participate, and 8-12 year olds will only be able to raft on grade I & II). Here you kit up with paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids and wetsuits before joining your rafts and guides. (B,D) Day 6 The Iron Route Setting off in the vehicles and with the bikes, you head off to the picturesque Ordino Valley. Starting at the top end of the valley at 2000m you get fitted with a bike and helmet and then follow with a guide the old iron route of Andorra. Iron was Andorra's first industry which brought the first real settlements to the area. Easy-going offroad tracks take you along the valley past the old iron mines, mills and forges, finishing in the village of Ordino. The tracks are mostly wide 4x4 dirt surfaces, no cars take these routes, and though the ground might be a bit rough in places, no technical mountain biking skills are needed, just a good knowledge of normal bike-riding. After a rest and refreshment in the village you drive up to the Col de Beixalls at 1800m where you once again take to two wheels for a thrilling 8km off-road descent into Encamp. Throughout the day there will be full vehicle support so that if people prefer not to bike it is possible to walk and/or ride in the 4x4. From Encamp it is just a short 15 min drive back to the hote, where we shouldl arrive between 5pm and 6pm. (B,D) Day 7 Incles Valley A short drive takes you into the Incles Valley, where you start today's walk along the forested mountain slopes. This part of the walk is along a single track through the woods where there are many examples of pine forest plants, lots of beautiful flowers (rhododendrons in June), wild fruit in the midsummer, and wild mushrooms in September. Arriving on a plateau just above the tree-line at 2000m, the gradient lessens as you reach the beautiful Querol and Salamander Lakes. After lunch you mount your bikes once more, and we head for the top of the valley. From here you cross a rope-suspended bridge and take an off-road descent followed by an on-road exhilarating switch-back descent to Encamp - a total descent of over 800m. For anyone not wishing to cycle the routes they can be done on foot, or there is the possibility of taking the longest gondola (ski lift) ride in Europe. At the end of the day you return by vehicle to Soldeu. (B,D) Day 4 Soldeu - Free Day Today has been left free for you to choose from the many activities that are on offer in Andorra. You may decide to go horse riding or visit the thermal baths of La Caldea, take to the trees for zip-lining, 2

3 FOOD & TRANSPORT Food Breakfast is included throughout. Six dinners are also included, although as long as the group arrives in good time, an additional 'welcome' meal will also be included on the first night. If you have any special dietary requirements these can usually be catered for, but you must inform us of this a minimum of three weeks in advance. Transport Road transport is by private minibus, and we will also travel over the border into Italy along an old smuggler's trail by 4WD jeep. Activities include mountain biking and whitewater river rafting as well. WEATHER AND SEASONALITY It is common to see groups of thickset mountain horses grazing on these high slopes. The horses are allowed to roam freely and normally have large bells strapped around their necks to allow the owners to find them. Contouring along the valley you come to the Cabana Sorda Lake, which sits below an impressive semi-circular amphitheatre of rock - an ideal spot to stop for lunch. From the lake, eager walkers can continue the hike up to the peak at around 2600m giving you an amazing bird's eye view of the valley. For the people staying at the lake there's time for swimming, a refreshing dip in a waterfall, or watch the fishermen - there are plenty of mountain trout. After lunch you'll descend off the grassy higher slopes through thick woodland to reach the top of the valley. Here, you can either take transport back to the hotel or, for those with more energy, you can continue back on foot. (B,D) The central Pyrenees get some rain throughout the summer, although mostly as afternoon thunderstorms. On average, over a week-long stay you should expect 1 or maybe 2 wet days and some days of low cloud. Average maximum temperatures in the summer are up to 30ºC but this varies with altitude. Expect more changeable weather in early and late season departures. July and August departures may have more stable weather. Snow is a possibility throughout the year, but early departures will have more residual snow and you should be happy walking over snow if booking early trips. If you are travelling early or late season, you may wish to adapt clothing requirements accordingly - especially as the nights can be quite cold. Day 8 End Toulouse The group will be transferred to Toulouse Airport by minibus where those on the group flights will catch their flight back to London. The tour ends here for those not on the group flights. (B) ACCOMMODATION This is a centre-based trip so you will stay in the same hotel for the week (7 nights hotel). Set in the village of Soldeu, the hotel is basic but has friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Facilities include a restaurant and bar and all rooms are en suite. Rooming in hotels Family of two or four - All family groupings of two and four will be put into either one or two twin rooms. How you decide to share is up to the discretion of the adults. Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room. Family of five or more - For larger families, we will provide twin rooms as standard, with a triple room if there is an odd number. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can't guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this. Single Accommodation: Single rooms may be available on request, for a supplement of 84 (approx. US$150). Please enquire at the time of booking for up to date prices and availability. Extra Accommodation: Extra nights pre and post tour hotel nights may be available on request. Please enquire at the time of booking for up to date prices and availability. 3 JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 8 days, normally depart London Sun, return Sun Itinerary Start The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of EasyJet (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus have booked it. Those arriving from London on non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for

4 information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office. JOINING THE TRIP IN TOULOUSE 8 days, normally start Toulouse Sun, end Toulouse Sun Itinerary Start Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Toulouse in the morning of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Airport Transfers If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. If you would like us to organise a private transfer, please ask your sales consultant for a quote. Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. We stay in locally owned hotels and pensions, use resident leaders and guides and use locally owned transport; this helps distribute amongst a wide number of people the money we spend. Because our groups are small, it is easier to monitor and control the impact on the environment through the areas we travel. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. France No visa required for British passport holders. Andorra No visa required for British passport holders. Spain No visa required for British passport holders. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Insurance - are you adequately covered? Please ask for details of the Exodus insurance policy that has been tailored to provide specific cover for our Families trips. It provides comprehensive cover for Family travel, including lower premiums for single parent families. The Family Annual Multi-Trip policy includes cover for up to four children and covers everyone on the policy for independent travel, such as school trips. It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). If taking an alternative policy you must be sure that you are covered for any activities that are part of this trip or optional activities that you intend to take part in. For further information please see the insurance section of the Exodus Travel Advice guide or visit Local Time GMT +1hr (or+2hrs during daylight saving) Electricity 2 pin 230 volt European plug. Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 3 and 22 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 7 years. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of the countries visited on this itinerary is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate of 1.26 to the UK and 0.8 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. You should take sufficient cash to get you through at least the first few days. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques Owners of bankcards with the Cirrus logo can get cash from ATMs (cash point machines). Credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) can be used in some places. Extra Expenses and Spending Money You should allow enough spending money to cover meals that are not included in the price of the tour, as well as snacks, drinks, souvenirs and extra 'optional' excursions as detailed below. Approximate costs in the local currency are given for guidance only, and may vary widely according to location and type of establishment. Coffee/tea 1.50 Soft drink 1.50 Medium beer 1.80 Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no specific health risks on this trip. Ensure that general vaccinations recommended for life in the UK are up to date. Please note that EHIC's (European Health Insurance Certificates) are not valid in Andorra. For detailed information and advice concerning vaccinations go to: 4

5 Elbow & Knee Pads - For Children A penknife may be useful Small litre day bag or rucksack Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. Bottle of wine 9.00 Local snack lunch course dinner* *reasonable mid-range tourist class restaurant. Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes) Some or all of the excursions detailed below may be available. Approximate costs are given for guidance only and may depend on the number of participants. Your leader should be able to assist you in arranging them. Horse riding 20 Caldea Thermal Bath 20 Climbing 35 Canyoning 35 (Minimum age 10) Zip Wire 15 Tipping (leader and local staff) Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and - although it is always at your discretion - you will be expected to tip to reward service. Your Group Leader will be able to give you an indication of when and how much is appropriate. This can vary widely, but calculate on the basis of 20 (UUS$30) per person (including children) for the trip. Also, if you wish to tip your Group Leader (in recognition of their contribution towards your overall enjoyment of the holiday) a suggested guideline would be approximately 1-2 (US$2-3) per person, per day. WHAT TO TAKE Essential Equipment and Clothing Below is a suggestion of what you might find useful to take on this trip. It is not an exhaustive packing list and it is important to remember that due to the mountainous location of this tour, weather can change for the worse quickly. You must bring appropriate clothing and footwear to prepare for these changes. If you need further advice, please call us or consult your nearest specialist outdoor clothing and equipment store. Lightweight cotton clothing Warm mid-layer i.e. fleece for evenings/mornings Wind/waterproof jacket Lightweight trail/walking boots or shoes. Sandals are not suitable for the activities. Sun-hat Cycle shorts (we supply cycle helmets) - you may also find cycling gloves useful. Swimming costume Water bottle Towel Sunglasses (especially useful when biking), sunscreen and lipsalve Insect repellent Personal First Aid kit In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. On all trips the staff are there to help ensure the holiday runs as smoothly as possible and, in the unlikely event that it does not, to sort out the best possible alternatives. What they cannot do is act as child minders or babysitters; they will treat your children as 'young adults', but it is your responsibility to look after your young ones. During free time or if you decide to opt out of part of the itinerary, you are responsible for your family and any arrangements that need to be made. Under no circumstances should this responsibility fall on our staff or any of your fellow travellers outside of your immediate family. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith, and covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. Where differences exist in the information between these Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes are the correct version and supersede the brochure. Abnormal conditions or other events beyond our control can prevail at any time, particularly in remote or off the beaten track destinations, therefore all holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate and airlines closely manage their rates and availability to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our PUBLISHED Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive prices can often become out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your travel agent, who will 5

6 be able to consider all options to meet your travel requirements. We remain committed to providing the best holiday experiences at a fair price. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO WIN AN IPAD! Family Adventures Photo Competition With an Exodus Family Adventure, you re getting more than just a holiday. You re taking your family to discover new places, meet new people and create lasting memories and stories to share when you return. Almost certainly you will be taking lots of photographs to capture those precious moments. Share them with us, and you ll be in the running to win an Apple ipad! You could also see your photo in our e-newsletter or even in our next Family Adventures brochure. For your chance to win, simply log in to your MyExodus account and upload your photos as many as you like to the relevant Family Adventure trip page. Alternatively you can your photo as a high resolution jpeg or tiff file attachment (minimum 1MB) to familyphotos@exodus.co.uk. Make sure you put Family Photograph Competition in the subject line and don t forget to include your name and address so we can send you your prize if you win. Good luck! For full details, terms & conditions visit competitions HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay by cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 6