This week's bicycle tour of Spain, near to Girona, covers the Empordà interior and coast. It begins and ends at the foot of the Gavarres mountains, a very nice area with its rolling relief and its picturesque medieval settlements as Monells, Cruïlles, Madremanya, La Pera, Púbol, Foixà, Corçà and Rupià. The route combines a rocky coastline, a soft countryside and a rural atmosphere. You reach the coast in the lovely village of Calella de Palafrugell, an antique fisherman's village that still conserves its original charm with houses by the beach. This tour is outstanding for the quality, the charm and the high gastronomy of the selected lodgings which are all very charming in their typical stone/tile style decor. A tour with this quality would be twice the price in Provence or Tuscany!
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Girona
Arrival in Girona train station or airport and transfer to your lodging in the old town on your own. Free night to explore Girona and its fantistic Old City. Dinner on your own.
Day 2 | Transfer and bike - 47 km
After breakfast we will meet you for an orientation of the tour, size bikes, and then take you by van to start your ride. (be ready to roll!) The ride starts in Madramanya and goes to the coast bypassing medieval towns such as Cruilles, Peratallada, Ullastret, and then La Bisbal d'Emporda where you find a number of ceramic artisans. Overnight in Llafranc in very charming seaside hotel with Sea View room (subject to availability). Dinner included. (B,D)
Day 3 | loop ride Palamos and coast- 34 km
A nice circular route today through the coast of Calella. Leave towards the south, and round the wooded area of Cap Roig and visit the Castell cove; an Iberian settlement and the Vosca Beach. At Palamos, you will find a fishing port and good food for a nice lunch option! Return to your hotel, dinner on your own. (B)
Day 4 | Llafranc to Torroella de Montgri - 37 km
Route to Torroella along the 'Empordanet' which offers a great variety of landscapes and culture. Visit the magnificent medieval historic monument of Pals and continue on through the Pals rice fields to reach Torroella, 7km from the beach and a nice deluxe hotel and country setting. Dinner included. (B,D)
Day 5 | Circular ride to Empuries - 44 km
First starting at the medieval village of Torroella de Montgri you go around the Montgri massif until you arrive at the village of L'Escala. Along the seaside you come to the medieval site of Sant Marti d'Empuries. O the return, visit the important Greek and Roman site of Castello d'Empuries and the village of Bellcaire d'Emporda and its castle palace. Return to same hotel, dinner on your own. (B)
Day 6 | Circular ride - Medieval Village Theme - 50 km
This could be a rest day by the pool, or stroll to the beach. But a nice ride is also available to follow the Daro River back to La Bisbal. There you can do some ceramics shopping and visit the museum. A number of small but very charming medieval villages make up the itinerary. Return back to the same hotel, dinner on your own. (B)
Day 7 | Ride to Madremanya - 46km
A nice ride through the interior coastal regions where it becomes slightly more hilly. Visit the medieval villages of Verges, Foixa, Pubol, La Pera, and tiny Madramanya. Charming hotel with pool and dinner included. (B,D)
Day 8 | Return transfer to Girona included; depart at 9:30 am. (B)
Details
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights; supplemental nights in Girona possible.
Dates: Any date On request from 15 February to 29 November
Accommodation: [Virtual Hotel Tour] 7 nights in deluxe 3 and 4 star hotels.
Bike 105 euros: [Click
for image] Trek 7200FX hybrids, 24 speed, shimano groupo,
suspension saddle, aluminum frame, rapid fire shift, 700x35
presta, 15kg loaded with rear rack and panniers, 2 bottle
cages and bottles (male frame only); flat pedals unless clips
requested in advance. Travelers can bring own clipless pedals
to be installed. SPD possible for 10 euros supplement.
Trip includes: 7 nights deluxe lodging, breakfast daily, 3 dinners, luggage transfers, local emergency support, orientation and bike set up, arrival and departure transfers, riding routes with maps and cue sheets, suggestions for visitation and dining. Additional services and stays can be arranged separately.
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Tour Details - At a Glance
Gastronomic Catalonia Tour, Self Guided Cycling Spain
Enjoy very charming to deluxe accomodations while discovering the treasures of this sunny region.
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Dates 2008
Any date On request from 15 February to 29 November. No minimums.
Price
1225 Euros per person based upon double occupancy. Single Supplement: 350 Euros when traveling with others; but if alone then 456 Euros. For triple or quad rooms, or for child rates, please inquire. During June 15-Sept 15 and March 19-24; , supplement of 75 Euros/person applies.
(convert)
Level
Level 2
Moderate - flat to rolling countryside
Bike Rental Info
Trek hybrids available, see specs and rates below.
Options
Bike Ride options
Hotel Upgrade - very deluxe, Add dinners for open nights
Girona stop overs
Tours
Images from this Tour
Local Coordinators
 Empar, Saskia, and Dave are all available to help; they all live in Catalonia and will meet you for orientation and provide emergency assistance throughout your trip.
Customer Comments
"The trip was the most relaxing time I've spent in 20 years. I learned how to slow down. There were no TVs, radios, phones, internet or clocks. Just listening to the birds chatting outside the window was the music for the evening. We spent a lot of time speaking Spanish (and Catlan) while getting to know the hosts and other B & B world travelers. Thanks for a memorable vacation!"
- Mark M.
"The tour was GREAT, every day was like a treasure hunt, great new places to discover! the food, of course was unbelievable, and the best meals we had were at little places we discovered along the way for lunch, mostly three star cafes. the scenery was also unbelievable, the coast is great and the foothills were also fun and beautiful."
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Dan. G
"We had a great experinence. Terrific support and info from Maggie, Saskia and Dave."
- Al B.
"Your itinerary was really excellent and we all felt we got a true feeling for Northern Spain--the interior with the medieval villages and then the costa brava was wonderful."
- Jan T.
"We had a fantastic time and absolutely loved our trip. It will be a long time until we could ever go again, but we are already recommending the trip to our friends and family.!"
- Nancy A.
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