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| Guided and self-guided vacations in | ||||
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Self-guided cycling tour: Start any day March through October. Minimum number of riders: 2 Daily mileage: From 37 to 70 km (from 23 to 44 miles). Tour departs from and ends in Girona. Girona airport is serviced by low-cost airlines such as Ryan Air From 905 euros per person in double occupancy 1 guesthouse and 2- and 3- star hotels Level: 3 (Moderate) |
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Catalonia's Bike and Beach - 7 nights/8 days |
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| Itinerary | ||||||
| Day 1: Arrival in Girona Located in Spain’s northeast corner just an hour north of Barcelona and just about 30 km (19 miles) from the coast, Girona is easily accessible by train, plane or car. Besides its accessibility, Girona makes an ideal city to start your tour because it typifies the diversity of region like no other city in the region. Walking along the Roman ramparts, exploring the narrow cobblestone streets of the old Jewish Quarter, shopping the modern stores of the commercial strees, and marvelling at 12th century Moorish architecture you can get a feel for the true mixture of influences that Catalonia has inherited throughout the ages. Your hotel is conveniently located in the incredibly well-preserved downtown, near all major attractions including the Arab Baths, the Rambla de la Llibertat and the Cathedral. At night you’ll dine in a nearby downtown restaurant, one of the many that Girona has to offer. |
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| Day 2: Gerona – Calella de Palafrugell (55 km/34 miles; 749 m/2,460 ft. of climbing)) Following breakfast, after your set up meeting, you will head southwest out of Girona to start your journey to the Mediterranean. The beginning of today’s route takes you over the Las Gavarres Mountains via the Els Angels pass with the mountain top monastery where Dali was married. As you see from the elevation profile below, it never gets very steep and it can be managed slowly and steadily at a low gear. Your effort will be rewarded ten-fold with a beautiful panorama at the top and a smattering of pretty villages as you coast toward the sea. After coasting down the mountains, you make your way through many typical medieval villages of Catalonia, like Ullastret and Palau Sator. You can take as little or as much time as you want to discover unique histories’ and sites’ in any of these villages. The route then winds through the Emporda area finishing into the exclusive fishing village of Calella de Palafugell. Here, you can relax and enjoy a stroll between the Mediterranean Sea and the white washed fisherman’s houses. |
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| Day 3: Calella de Palafrugell – Bordils (56 km/35 miles; 486 m/1,595 ft. of climbing) After enjoying breakfast at your hotel near the sea, you will begin today’s ride that takes you north then cuts inland through one of the most unique landscapes in Europe. You will ride through incredible landscapes littered with ancient stone houses and castles, one of which was bought by Dalí for his beloved wife Gala and is now maintained now as a museum, in the tiny village of Púbol. You will also ride through the village of Torrent home to one of the most unique sweetest museums, Museu de la Confitura (Jam) where you can send some time here learning about its rich history or tasting some of the local recipes. After Torrent you will continue along secluded roads through local fields, groves, orchards, and many other charming Catalonian villages until you reach Bordils. Here you will stay in a cosy family run farmhouse just a few kilometres from the Dali-Gala castle museum and enjoy a properly home-cooked Catalan meal. |
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| Day 4: Bordils – Sant Marti d'Empuries (37 km/22 miles; 298 m/975 ft. of climbing) On today’s ride you will travel north again through the Emporda and cross into the northern part of the county called Alt Emporda, a region famous for its wine production. Along the way you will pass through several quaint villages like Sant Jordi Desvalls, Colomers, and Camallera. You will cross El Fluviá River into the town of Sant Miquel de Fluviá that is dominated by an 11th century tower and is rich in history. After crossing the Emporda plain you will reach your destination: the hotel and Spa right next to the beach. From here you are in a perfect location to check out the unique Greek and Roman archaeological site of Empúries, to explore the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà natural park, or just relax on the beach. |
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| Optional Additional Day : Rest day or loop to El Port de la Selva (approx. 100 km/ 62 miles; 1,135 m/ 3,723 feet of climbing) With so many options available for your today, it is a prime example of the benefits of self-guided where you have the means to enjoy your vacation on YOUR terms! You have the freedom to enjoy the incredible archaeological site of Empúries at your leisure where in the early 20th century a major excavation project began which continues today uncovering immense information from this site that dates back to the ancient Grecian times of 575 BC. Or if you feel like hitting the road you can take the loop from Sant Marti d'Empuries (via Port de la Selva) that we can provide. As you leave the coast, you’ll cycle north and start your hilly yet incredibly scenic route of Spain’s northeast peninsula, nearly reaching the French border. You will pass the Pau and Llançà as you cycle around the Cap de Creus national park. On your journey you’ll be able to view the Pyrenees mountain landscape and rocky coves leading into the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean, so be sure to bring your camera! As always you also have the option to take your time and if you want just spend the day relaxing at the spa, enjoying a walk on the beachfront promenade or parking yourself in the sun at one of the many restaurant terraces. Of course the beach is always a great way to spend a lazy afternoon as well. |
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| Day 5: Sant Marti d'Empuries – Figueres (55 km/34 miles; 274 m/890 ft. of climbing) On this day you’ll say goodbye to the Mediterranean and head inland to Figueres. The beginning of the route follows the same as the optional loop from Sant Marti so you will pass through Pau again, if you chose to do the loop. You will spend the ride in an idyllic surrounding traveling through many small towns like Garriguella, Vilamaniscle, Rabos and Espolla. Most of your ride today is in the Spanish Denominación de Origen of Empordà (this is a destination of origin used to identify specific regions where wine is grown), and we recommend that you stop at the Estate Terra Remota (www.terraremota.com) for a very interesting visit and wine tasting. Once you reach Espolla at the foot of the great Pyrenees the rest of your journey is downhill and you’ll have to work your breaks as you coast down to Figueres. This historic town is the birthplace of the king of surrealism, the one and only Salvador Dali. The Dali Theatre-Museum, designed by Dali himself is a must see for anyone with a taste for art. Although it is centuries older the quirky and unique personality of Figueres mirrors that of its most imaginative resident. |
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| Day 6: Figueres to Girona (70 km/44 miles; 845 m/2,770 ft. of climbing) Today you will make the long journey south to return to the capital city of the region, Girona. This route will be just as stunning as the rest of your trip. It will lead you through the rolling hills, vineyards and numerous quintessential towns of Catalonia. Throughout the day you have the opportunity to stop learn about the rich history, enjoy a tasting of local flavours and wines, and marvel at the splendour of the mountains and plans of the region. Along the ride you will see the wide variety of different vistas that Catalonia has to offer. Today’s route provides the perfect recap for your vacation. You will conclude back in the medieval old town of Girona for your last night in Catalunya. |
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| Day 7: Departure After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Girona. |
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| Booking & Pricing | ||||||
From 905 euros per person based on double occupancy.
These prices include:
These prices do not include:
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| For further information or reservations: Please book online or contact us at your earliest convenience as this trip is subject to hotel availability. |
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| Our e-mail address: info@cyclomundo.com | ||||||
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