Contrasts of Catalonia (Catalunya) Cycling

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5 Days from

USD 1,779

Cycling

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays, Short Breaks

Activity :

Cycling

Activity Levels :

1 out of 7 - Leisurely

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

C04CN

Packed with contrast and variety, this easy, 4-night cycling short break takes in the unspoilt Catalan coast, passing through olive groves, peach orchards and stunningly beautiful, pretty coloured villages. All the hotels have pools and one night is spent in a luxury 14th century castle.

Catalonia (Catalunya) is a semi-autonomous area of Spain; steeped in culture, its traditions and festivals date back over thousands of years. Rich in medieval villages, highlights include prosperous Peratallada, peach-coloured Pals and fashionable Begur. The rocky coastline is dotted with pretty fishing villages, crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches which are perfect to explore.

This holiday is full of contrasts and variety and explores one of the most beautiful corners of Catalonia. 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.

Highlights

Quiet country roads - perfect for first-timers or nervous cyclists
Wide sandy beaches, beautiful bays, traditional fishing ports, sun-drenched villages off the tourist trail
Excellent hotels, all with pools, including 14th century luxury castle
Lovely sea breeze, perfect cycling conditions - never too hot, even in high season
Pretty medieval villages to explore en route and on your rest days
Based on our popular 6 night, Contrasts of Catalunya Cycling

Key Information

4 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
3 days cycling
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS route directions and maps
RideWithGPS navigation app
Luggage transfers between hotels

Countries visited: Spain

What's Included

All breakfasts and 2 evening meals
All accommodation
All luggage transfers
Route directions and maps
Hybrid Bikes included

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplements (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Visas or vaccinations
Arrival & departure transfers (available on request)
E-bikes available at a supplement

3 Days of Cycling

Terrain:

Low altitude; 70% tarmac, 30% dirt tracks

Day 2

33 km / 20.5 miles

Day 3

30 km / 18.6 miles

Day 4

33 km / 20.5 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

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)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Vaccination

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

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.

Weather

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.

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

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.

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.

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

Contrasts of Catalonia (Catalunya) Cycling

Packed with contrast and variety, this easy, 4-night cycling short break takes in the unspoilt Catalan coast, passing through olive groves, peach orchards and stunningly beautiful, pretty coloured villages. All the hotels have pools and one night is spent in a luxury 14th century castle.

3 Days of Cycling

Responsible Travel

Itinerary

Essential Info

Visa

Spain

Vaccination

Spain

Eating and Drinking

Weather

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Hotels