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Pyrenees To The Mediterranean |
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A Self-guided cycling: Mountains, mediaeval villages, cities and the coast of Catalunya |
Ref: EX-DSY
8 days
from £655 (minimum 1 passengers)
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Destination:
Spain
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Self-guided cycling: Mountains, mediaeval villages, cities and the coast of Catalunya
In the north-eastern reaches of Spain, between the wide horizons of the Mediterranean and the heights of the Pyrenees, lies Catalunya, home to Gaudi, Dali and the fine cities of Girona and Barcelona. It is a region as distinct in its landscapes as in culture and boasts some of the finest traditional cuisine on the Iberian Peninsula. Almost every valley has its own special dishes and sauces, recipes for which have been guarded secrets for centuries. Starting from the small town of Ripoll, surrounded by mountains up to 2100m., our route leads through Pyrenean foothills and lush forests and takes us into beautiful, atmospheric mediaeval villages and towns. Catalunya has the highest density of well-preserved Romanesque architecture in the world; the monasteries in Ripoll and Sant Joan de les Abadesses are two fine examples. Part of the route is along a former railway line, the Bici Carril, which is now a graded cycling route taking us all the way to the sea at San Feliu de Guixols. The route follows many valleys, and goes through some mountainous landscapes and tunnels. Most of the time there is a strong downhill bias, but there are a few climbs. A couple of days are set aside to swim in the Mediterranean, explore Girona and, of course, Barcelona, a cosmopolitan city with something for everyone, whether they are looking for architecture, history, plenty of shopping or just good food.
Extend your stay: Additional accommodation can be booked in Barcelona at the beginning or end of the trip if you wish to spend more time in this wonderful city. Normally this will be in the Hotel Santa Pau: prices per night are £54 per single room, £84 per double/twin room, plus a £5 booking fee. Please request extra accommodation when you book.
Further Information
Special equipment required Cycle gloves and shorts, shoes suitable for cycling and walking, Small day pack and waterproofs. Helmets are compulsory when riding on roads in Spain.
Extra Expenses:
Entrance fees in Barcelona and Girona will amount to approx €40 if you see all the main sights. For meals not included allow about €10 For lunch and between €12 and €25 for a restaurant meal. You will need extra if you intend to buy wine at the table each evening.
Transport:
Transport costs not included in the holiday price; bus from airport to train station €2.20; train to Ripoll €5; bus San Feliu to Barcelona €10; bus to the airport €4.
Meals Included:
7 breakfasts and 3 dinners.
Children:
are accepted but must be able to cover the daily cycling distances. As a guide we suggest aged 10 and over.
Group & Staff:
Min 1, Self Guided. Luggage is transported up to San Feliu de Guixols, and telephone contact numbers are supplied.
Accommodation:
Six nights are in comfortable one and two star hotels and hostals which are conveniently situated along our route. Twin and single rooms all with en-suite facilities are available. In San Feliu de Guixols we stay in an authentic Modernist hostal giving a taste of this architectural style (until late September only).
Food:
7 breakfasts are included at the hotels. Some breakfasts are continental, others are buffet style. Three dinners are also included. Catalunian cuisine is based on meat and fish dishes - vegetarians can be catered for but choice will be limited. For lunches and the 4 dinners not included you can choose restaurants, tapas, or a packed lunch. Tapas are served in many bars and can be a fun way to try many dishes. Restaurants vary in standard and price, and usually provide meals of three courses.
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Day 1 | Fly from London to Barcelona and make your way to Ripoll. This is easy, taking a bus to the railway station and then a direct train from Barcelona Sants station (approx. 2 hours). After arrival an Exodus representative will deliver bikes and provide a briefing for the trip. Those with land-only arrangements meet at the hotel in Ripoll. Briefing and meeting time is usually 7:30pm. | Day 2 | There is time to visit the monastery before joining the Bici Carril to cycle to Olot, a distance of 36 km. | Day 3 | A circular route of 26 km into the extinct, wooded volcanoes of Garrotxa to see the Croscat volcano and Santa Pau, one of the best Catalunyan mediaeval villages. If you want to ride a little further you can venture into the Bas valley, a particularly serene area with picturesque medieaval villages, and then return to Olot.
| Day 4 | Cycle along the Bici Carril to Girona. This is 63 kms on the well-graded former railway track with very gentle inclines and is mostly downhill. If you wish to ride a little more you can go to Rupit, another of the most picturesque mediaeval villages in Catalunya, and then return to Girona.
| Day 5 | Free day for visiting Girona or perhaps combine with the ride to Rupit if not yet done. The ancient walled town of Girona is perched on a hill above the river. The narrow streets are fascinating, the magnificent Cathedral is a must and the Arabic baths, Jewish quarter and museums can easily fill the day.
| Day 6 | The last day of riding again on the Bici Carril to San Feliu de Guixols, bringing us to the edge of the Mediterranean. There should be time for a swim or walk along the beach.
| Day 7 | Catch the bus to Barcelona and drop your bags at the hotel before heading for the sights of the city. Some of the city’s highlights are Antonio Gaudi’s unique buildings, the Ramblas, the Bocería market, the Barrio Gotico with the Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter and the Picasso Museum.
| Day 8 | Return to the airport for the flight to London. Those with land-only arrangements end the trip at the hotel in Barcelona. |
Departures Between | Price from | All dates
Departs every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 29 Aug 04 to 07 Nov 04 | *£655 | | *Prices subject to confirmation |
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FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PRICE
Transport costs not included in the above price;
bus from airport to train station €2.20;
train to Ripoll €5;
bus San Feliu to Barcelona €10;
bus to the airport €4.
Bike hire £55, paid on booking.
Single room supplement £80 (£140, compulsory if travelling alone)
Insurance £25
This holiday is operated by Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582.
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Pyrenees To The Mediterranean
A Self-guided cycling: Mountains, mediaeval villages, cities and the coast of Catalunya
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