7
16 873
If you have arranged to join the transfer we will meet you at Flaca railway station and take you to your hotel (35mins) where you are accommodated in rooms with a private balcony and sea view. It is less than 5 minutes walk to the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from that we have left the choice up to you. Calella is a lovely seaside resort, popular with Spanish visitors, which boasts three little sandy coves, all popular for sunbathing and swimming.Premium Hotel
Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading off to Pals. The village was abandoned following the civil war, but has since been lovingly restored and has won many architectural awards. The narrow lanes lead to Gothic houses, a Romanesque clock tower and medieval walls. There are plenty of cafes, so it makes for a very pleasant coffee or lunch stop. You will then 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. Here there is a stretch of beautiful golden beach, more than two miles long and our hotel is only 5 minutes walk away, so absolutely ideal for an afternoon dip or evening stroll. Here we stay in a gastronomic hotel where your evening meal can be taken in the hotel restaurant or on the terrace.
Distance in Km: 33
Distance in Miles: 20
Today is a free day, so if you wish you can take full advantage of the fantastic location by the sea. You can relax on the beach, follow the superb coastal path for a lovely walk or simply chill out by the hotel's pool. If you are feeling more energetic we strongly recommend a great circular ride through the pine forests to medieval Begur. It is a fashionable hilltop town with an 11th century castle and outstanding views over the coast.Optional ride approx. 20km.Premium Hotel
Distance in Km: 20
Distance in Miles: 12
Today's ride will begin by cycling past rice fields before following the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri with wonderful views of the Illes Medes. The town was originally the Royal Port for the Kings of Aragon before the river started silting up, however, the town still retains its medieval core and walls. The Placa de la Vila, a porticoed square designed as a meeting point on the model of the Greek Agora and Roman Forum boasts the 15th Century Ajuntament and a lovely sundial dating from 1725. It is a great place to stop for lunch before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the village of Gualta, with its picturesque 16th Century bridge, and the pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica and Casavells to Castell d'Emporda. Here you will stay in a uniquely converted 14th Century Gothic castle - once reputed to have been on Dali's shopping list.
Distance in Km: 30
Distance in Miles: 19
Castell d'Emporda was lovingly renovated by its owners and turned into an amazing place to stay in a fabulous location. The restaurant is renowned and full of character and you will enjoy food grown locally and prepared with flair. There is a lovely patio area so you can dine outside if it is warm enough. If you just fancy a lazy day at the hotel then the restaurant offers a lovely 3 course lunch or tapas at the bar and then you can just enjoy the pool. In the centre of the castle there is also Europe's largest scale model of the Battle of Waterloo, the 18 square meter representation is well worth a look. There is also plenty to explore in the local area and we recommend taking a trip out on the bikes. Our suggested cycling circuit takes you through the pretty medieval villages of Corca, Monells, which has a pretty square and lots of options for lunch, and La Bisbal - a lively market town famous for antiques and pottery. It is worth taking the time to explore the old quarter including the Carrer de Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto - its intricate arches are still intact today.
Distance in Km: 25
Distance in Miles: 16
Today we follow a gentle route, 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. Founded in the 6th Century BC the settlement was protected by magnificent walls, part of which can still be seen. Within the walls you will find ruins of dwellings, temples, cisterns, silos, public squares and other remains of a bustling community. Your journey will then continue via the beautifully preserved walled village of Peratallada and onto the bustling market town of Palafrugell, a super spot for lunch. The route will then guide you back to the coastal town of Calella de Palafrugell for your final evening. Once again we have left the restaurant choice up to you as there are many options.
Distance in Km: 33
Distance in Miles: 21
6 nights hotels, all rooms en suite5 days cycling (including 2 optional
rides) with luggage transfers70% tarmac, 30% dirt tracks and coastal
pathsGentle terrain throughoutGPS route directions and navigation app
All breakfasts and 4 evening meals inlcuded.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.
6 nights hotels, all rooms en suite5 days cycling (including 2 optional
rides) with luggage transfers70% tarmac, 30% dirt tracks and coastal
pathsGentle terrain throughoutGPS route directions and navigation app
Average daily distance: 31km (19 miles). No. of days cycling: 5 (including 2
optional rides)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 GPS 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 agent is able to offer child seats up to
4yrs and bikes from 8, these are all subject to availability, therefore we
ask that you enquire 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.
HotelsAll hotels have been specially selected for their warm welcome, location and
regional cuisine. On this trip we use 3 and 4-star hotels, all with en suite
facilities and swimming pools. A real highlight of this trip is the Castell
d'Emporda, a restored castle with individually decorated rooms and wonderful
food. Your included evening meals will all be taken in the hotels, which
pride themselves on their regional cuisine.All prices are based on 2 persons
sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or
you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room
supplement (please see dates and prices on the website).
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 4 evening meals inlcuded.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 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.