The Crusader Trail - Cathar Castles Walk

What's Included

• Accommodation
  5 nights in a combination of 2-3 star hotels, B&Bs, gites/guesthouses

• 6 breakfasts, 5 dinners

  Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 to 3 courses which include regional specialties.

• 6 nights accommodation

  5 nights on a twin share basis in a combination of small family run hotels, B&Bs and gites/guesthouses, some nights with private facilities and some with shared facilities, and 1 night in a gite-hostel in a small dormitory.

• Digital information pack

  Includes GPX tracks.

• Luggage transfer

  Limited to one bag weighing a maximum of 20kg per person. Any excess luggage should be stored at your pre-tour hotel, or we can arrange for its transfer from Perpignan to Foix - supplement applies.

• All internal transfers described in the program

  All internal transfers as described in the program are included.

• Emergency hotline

  Access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the trip.

What's Not Included

• Travel to Perpignan and from Foix

  Travel to the starting point in Perpignan and from the endpoint in Foix is not included.
  
  

• Meals not listed as included, drinks

  Any meals and drinks not specifically listed as included are excluded.
  
  

• Travel insurance

  Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
  
  

• Guide

  This is a self-guided walking holiday, so no guide is included.
  
  

• A supplement for solo travelers or single rooms

  A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
  
  

• Entrance fees not listed as included

  Entrance fees to attractions not specifically listed as included are excluded.
  
  

• Optional transfer Foix to Perpignan

  Optional transfer from Foix to Perpignan is available at an additional cost.
  
  

• Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage

  Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
  
  

• Excess luggage

  Fees for excess luggage are not included.
  
  

• Hotel taxes if applicable

  Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
  
  

• Items of a personal nature

  Items of a personal nature are not included.
  
  

• Lunch and drinks

  Lunch and drinks are not included.
  
  

• Dinner in Foix

  Dinner in Foix is not included.
  
  

Accommodation

5 nights in a combination of 2-3 star hotels, B&Bs, gites/guesthouses. During the trip you will be accommodated in a combination of small family run hotels, B&Bs and gites/guesthouses. The hotels and some guesthouses have private facilities, at times there are share facilities. At Roquefixade it is a gite-hostel and you will stay in a small dormitory with shared facilities. Sheet and sleeping bag provided. Single rooms are available on two nights only (days 1 and 6), other nights are in small dormitories. The accommodation has been specially chosen for the location, character and fabulous cuisine typical of the region.

Grading

GRADE 3 - This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of around 5-6 hours (not including rests or visits to the castles enroute). The trip is graded moderate as the paths are well defined and generally clearly marked. There are many ups and downs as you would expect in a mountainous region, and walking poles are definitely a good idea. A good level of fitness is required and the trip is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. Map reading skills are essential. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.

Mode of Transport

All internal transfers described in the program are included. Travel to Perpignan and from Foix is also covered. Optional transfer from Foix to Perpignan is available at an additional cost. Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage.