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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 accommodation
* 3 days cycling
* All breakfasts and 2 evening meals
* Services of your local Headwater Representative
* GPS route directions and maps
* /RideWithGPS/ navigation app
* High 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 accommodation
* 3 days cycling
* All breakfasts and 2 evening meals
* Services of your local Headwater Representative
* GPS route directions and maps
* /RideWithGPS/ navigation app
* High 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 an app, RidewithGPS. A
representative 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 representative is
normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to
charge for this service.
Families
Self-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.
Hotels
You 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
representative 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 representative 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
representative. 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 our 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
transfers*
British 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 departures
Swimming costume
Windproof and waterproof layer
Comfortable shoes and clothes for the days off the bike if you want to
explore the towns
*Self-Guided Hire Bikes*
We use custom made Headwater hybrid bikes. All bikes are supplied with:
* 1 handlebar map holder
* 2 rear panniers
* 1 bike lock per 2 people
* 1 puncture repair kit per 2 people, which includes a pump
If 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* *Repairs*
As 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 insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request - Compulsory supplement)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Arrival & 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.