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You arrive at your hotel where all Headwater guests are accommodated in rooms with a private balcony and sea view. It's less than 5 minutes' walk to the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from, we've left evening meals up to you. (Staying at Hotel Garbi, Breakfast only)
Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading off to peach-coloured Pals, a lovely medieval town with Romanesque church affording stunning views. After lunch, head on through the pretty hamlets of Palau-Sator (where there has been a settlement since Roman times) and Fontanilles, before looping back towards the coast and a gentle downhill ride to Platja de Pals. (Staying at Hotel Sa Punta, Half Board)
Distance in Km: 33
Distance in Miles: 21
You'll begin today cycling past rice fields before following the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri with wonderful views of the Illes Medes. Visit this lovely medieval town with its Roman defensive wall before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the village of Gualta (picturesque 16th century bridge) and pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica and Casavells to La Bisbal. Here you'll stay in a uniquely converted 14th century Gothic castle - once reputed to have been on Dali's shopping list but now owned by Dutchman Albert Diks. (Staying at the Hotel Castell d'Emporda, Half Board)
Distance in Km: 30
Distance in Miles: 19
Today offers lovely gentle cycling, stopping first at the walled village of Ullastret. The vast archaeological site here contains the remains of one of the oldest Iberian villages in Spain. Continue your journey through beautifully preserved Peratallada to the bustling market town of Palafrugell. Then back to Calella de Palafrugell for a final swim in the pool.(Staying at Hotel Garbi, Breakfast only)
Distance in Km: 33
Distance in Miles: 21
4 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation3 days cyclingAll breakfasts and 2
evening mealsManagement by your local Headwater-appointed agentGPS route
directions and maps RideWithGPS navigation appHigh quality hybrid
bikes Luggage transfers between hotels
All breakfasts and two evening meals included.Traditional Spanish food such
as paella, chorizo and albondigas (meatballs) can be found on just about
every menu in Catalunya, but there are plenty of tasty local specialities
too. Local cuisine features plenty of fish, including world renowned
anchovies from L'Escala, and botifarras (black pudding) from the mountains. A
delicious starter is Pan Catalan, which is lightly toasted bread, drizzled
with olive oil and topped with tomatoes and garlic. The geography of the area
has developed regional cuisine mixing 'surf and turf'; combinations such as
chicken and lobster, or rabbit with prawns. Fruits also feature strongly with
dishes combining chicken with figs, or pheasant and grapes. Dishes tend to be
rich and hearty but there are also plenty of vegetable options for
vegetarians. Catalan foods also feature sauces in many dishes, which are
usually rich in flavour.The region is also renowned for the production of
Cava, around the town of San Sadurni de Noya. There is a herby, smoky, grassy
flavour to some of these as a result of the grape varieties and climate. The
region also produces some of Spain's best wines. Though we do not cycle
through San Sadurni de Noya, try the wine from this region if you spot it on
a menu.
4 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation3 days cyclingAll breakfasts and 2
evening mealsManagement by your local Headwater-appointed agentGPS route
directions and maps RideWithGPS navigation appHigh quality hybrid
bikes Luggage transfers between hotels
Average daily distance: 32km ( 20 miles). No. of days cycling: 3 Terrain and
route: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads with a few
sections on dirt roads. The terrain is gentle throughout.Vehicle Support:
This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but
with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We
arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that
you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one
hotel to the next. The maps and route notes are provided in a link and can be
downloaded to your phone via a navigation app. A local agent will be there to
meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout
the trip should you need.It is important that you are happy reading maps and
following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are
regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to
make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to
use busier routes. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no
leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will
not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency
assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local
agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may
wish to charge for this service.FamiliesSelf-guided cycling holidays are a
perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your
holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the
cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you.
Our local partner is able to offer child seats up to 4yrs and bikes from 8,
these are all subject to availability, therefore we ask that you inquire
about these on booking. As a guide, we have suggested that 8 yrs is the
minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading
your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily
distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of
each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you
have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The
principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with
logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily
activities.This holiday is full of contrasts and variety and explores one of
the most beautiful corners of Catalunya. It's gentle cycling too,
occasionally off-road, through olive groves, peach orchards and pine forests,
and along pretty coastal paths. The landscape is gently rolling for the most
part, making this an easy cycle and a relaxing holiday. The changing seasons
bring white blossom in spring, sunflower yellow in summer and warm gold at
harvest time. Fabulous coastal views, beautiful beaches and aquamarine waters
make this an inspirational area.
HotelsYou stay in a variety of hotels, all with pools, which have been hand-picked
for their charm and character. The family-run Hotel Garbi in the traditional
fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, is set on the hillside overlooking
the sea. The stylish Hotel Sa Punta in Platja de Pals is set in attractive
gardens and is within walking distance of the beach or you can cycle to
nearby Begur. One night of the holiday is spent at the Hotel Castell
d'Emporda, a magnificently restored 14th century castle perched proudly on
its outcrop, just outside La Bisbal. The breathtaking views over the plain
from its sun terrace are not to be missed.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local
agent is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week
to set up your bike and go through the route notes and point out particular
places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are
provided. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone
number. In an emergency, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi
or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
All breakfasts and two evening meals included.Traditional Spanish food such
as paella, chorizo and albondigas (meatballs) can be found on just about
every menu in Catalunya, but there are plenty of tasty local specialities
too. Local cuisine features plenty of fish, including world renowned
anchovies from L'Escala, and botifarras (black pudding) from the mountains. A
delicious starter is Pan Catalan, which is lightly toasted bread, drizzled
with olive oil and topped with tomatoes and garlic. The geography of the area
has developed regional cuisine mixing 'surf and turf'; combinations such as
chicken and lobster, or rabbit with prawns. Fruits also feature strongly with
dishes combining chicken with figs, or pheasant and grapes. Dishes tend to be
rich and hearty but there are also plenty of vegetable options for
vegetarians. Catalan foods also feature sauces in many dishes, which are
usually rich in flavour.The region is also renowned for the production of
Cava, around the town of San Sadurni de Noya. There is a herby, smoky, grassy
flavour to some of these as a result of the grape varieties and climate. The
region also produces some of Spain's best wines. Though we do not cycle
through San Sadurni de Noya, try the wine from this region if you spot it on
a menu.
Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by our local agent. They
are usually able to dispatch a taxi should you need it, but may wish to
charge you for this service. You will be pedaling under your own steam but
the emergency number for our local operator is in the trip notes if you need
assistance.
Your trip normally starts at the hotel in Calella de Palafrugell on the
afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Hotel check-in times are normally from
around 4pm.Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and
station transfersBritish Airways Heathrow to Barcelona 09:35/12:45 then rail
Barcelona Sants to Girona 15:40/16:15 then transfer to hotel 50 minutes.
Return: Transfer to station 50 minutes then rail Girona to Barcelona Sants
12:56/13:34 British Airways Barcelona to Heathrow
18:15/19:35.Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
The trips runs from April through to October (except 5-23 Aug) with the early
and later part of the season experiencing cooler temperature, highs averaging
18-20 degrees celcius and lows averaging 11-15 degrees Celcius. In the height
of July temperatures will reach highs of 28-30 degrees so it is important to
be prepared for this. There is always a chance of rain throughout the year,
so it is always best to be prepared.
Helmets are compulsory in Spain and a legal requirement, you must bring one
with you as they are not provided locally.Warm top and leggings for the early
spring and autumn departuresSwimming costumeWindproof and waterproof
layerComfortable shoes and clothes for the days off the bike if you want to
explore the townsSelf-Guided Hire BikesWe use custom made Headwater hybrid
bikes. All bikes are supplied with:1 handlebar map holder2 rear panniers1
bike lock per 2 people1 puncture repair kit per 2 people, which includes a
pumpIf you are booked as a group, but intend to cycle seperately please let
us know in advance if you wish to have additional map holders or repair
kits.Seat and handlebar heights will have been set up in advance from the
heights you have given us on booking. However, when you receive your bike
there will be the opportunity to test and adjust. Our representative will be
on hand to assist you and can fit pedals and your saddle if you wish to bring
these with you.Please note helmets are not provided, please take your own on
this trip.Bike RepairsAs you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at
least how to repair an inner tube before setting off on your bike! The bikes
are serviced before being rented out so there should be no problems but there
are emergency numbers provided in the Route Notes for more complex problems.
You will only need money for two dinners, all lunches, snacks and drinks and
entry for any sites you wish to visit. Depending on your choice of restaurant
dinners will range in price, we suggest allowing approximately €15-35.
Lunches can be inexpensive if you buy produce from local markets or shops and
make up a picnic. However, if you stop at a café you can easily spend €15.
We would recommend budgeting for €5-15 for lunches and allow an additional
€10 a day for any extras.
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request - compulsory
supplement)Solo traveller supplements (where only one person is travelling on
a departure date)Visas or vaccinationsArrival & departure transfers
(available on request)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.