Active Journeys Spain Self-Guided Hiking Tour

Spain

Foothills of Girona The Garrotxa, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, offers some of the most delightful walking in Spain and includes one of the most interesting dormant volcanic areas in Europe. It is a land of high open plateaus, wooded hills and fertile valleys. There are also small, extinct Tour descriptions volcanoes whose craters you explore.

Observe the pleasantly preserved picturesque villages with cherished churches. Start in Day 1 Rupit, situated high upon a hill, with its cobble‐stoned streets. Arrive Rupit Day 2 4 mi The walking route is well defined and easy to follow and the terrain is mostly gentle, com‐ Free day in Rupit plete with flowers and luxuriant vegetation in the early summer. The Garrotxa has rich flora and fauna derived from the wide range of ecosystems, which characterize the route. We Day 3 7 mi leave the hills and descend to the plains and the medieval town of Besalu with its striking To La Salut monuments including and 11th century fortified bridge.

Day 4 9 mi On an independent holiday you explore the region at liberty. Hike long distance paths To Joanates through changing scenery. These holidays offer all the pleasure of hiking point to point. Arrive at a new destination each day without the hassle of carrying a large backpack. We Day 5 12 mi To Santa Pau transfer the luggage for you every day. Hiking distances are moderate which allows you to travel at your own pace and enjoy the countryside. Our detailed route notes, up‐to‐date Day 6 7 mi maps and our own sketches combined with the official marker posts ensure you enjoy your Free Day in Santa Pau hike without the worry of finding the routes.

Day 7 13 mi To Besalu

Day 8

Tour Details 2010: Dates: Daily Apr to Jun Sept & Oct Length: 8 days/ 7 nights Fast Facts

Cost: $1575 per person • Walk from the crag‐top village of Rupit to • Enjoy the charming accommodations en route the medieval town of Besalu Single Room Upgrade: $300 • Enjoy the unique regional cuisine of robust • Outstanding rural scenery, truly only ap‐ Moderate Grade: preciated on foot flavours and the wines from the Penedes and

Starts: Rupit • Discover the foothills of the Pyrenees Emporda regions Ends: Besalu • Explore the wonderfully preserved villages

Active Journeys Contact: 1-800-597-5594 or 416-236-5011 Email : [email protected]

ITINERARY

Day 1: Rupit Arrive in Rupit, and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Free day in Rupit (4.3 miles, 2 hours) Today, you have the option of a circular walk around Rupit, visiting the Sallent waterfall and Sant Joan de Fàbregues. Or, you can relax and explore the town on your own.

Day 3: Rupit‐La Salut (2.5 miles, 2 hours or 7.4 miles, 4 hours) From Rupit, we pass the Salt de Sallent, then follow paths along the edge of the Collsacabra ridge. We hike through grass pastures and woodlands to the spectacular sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Salut.

Day 4: La Salut‐Joanetes (8.8 miles, 5 hours) Today we enter the heart of the Collsacabra, a high isolated plateau with views across all of Garrotxa. After visiting the castle of St Miquel de Falgars, we descend into the valley below to spend the night.

Day 5: Joanetes‐Santa Pau (11.8 miles, 6 hours) Follow easy paths into the Natural Park of Garrotxa, and pass Romanesque churches in gorgeous woodland settings. Con‐ tinue walking through a beautiful beech forest situated be‐ tween two dormant volcanoes, and the medieval village of Santa Pau will appear on the horizon.

Day 6: Free day in Santa Pau (Optional hike: 7.4 miles, 3 ½ hours) There is an optional hike to the dormant volcano of Santa Margarita, with its tiny chapel situated inside the crater, and then along the fertile valley of San Martí back to Santa Pau. If you prefer, you can spend the day enjoying the excellent mu‐ seums in Olot.

Day 7: Santa Pau to Besalú (12.5 miles, 6 hours) Follow the footpaths past craggy peaks and rushing mountain rivers, and stop to enjoy a swim in a natural pools. After‐ wards, we climb up to a high ridge with spectacular views, and then we trek through oak and pine forests to the medie‐ val town of Besalú. Its 11th century fortified bridge is a strik‐ ing reminder of Besalú’s former grandeur.

Day 8 Tour ends after breakfast, and you can transfer back to the airport, or continue your adventure in Spain.

Note: 5 Day Option: Rupit to Santa Pau

What to Expect Getting There

What will the weather be like? The daytime temperature will be warm and sunny. You can expect high 70’s (high 20’s C), The main airport closest to the and cooler evenings. Sunscreen is a must during the day, as is a sweater for the cooler starting point is Girona or Barce‐ nights. Traditionally it does not rain, but it is recommended to bring some rain gear in case. lona. The train to Vic takes 1.5

hrs, then a local bus to Rupit. How many hours of walking a day? Be prepared to walk between 3‐6 hours daily, on rolling hills with no steep ascents or de‐ You can also prebook a private scents. The Spanish countryside is all hills. You are either going up or down almost all the transfer. time; however, these are shorter rolling hills.

How fit do I need to be? On the return again you can The fitter the better, and some hiking experience is recommended but not required. Set‐ take a bus to either Barcelona or tling into different locations, this allows you the option of taking a day off, not walking, or Girona. only doing half the route if you want, if you take public transport to your next accommoda‐ tion.

What are the hotels like? We use lovely accommodations, with twin‐bedded rooms, all with private facilities. Two dinners are included in cost.

Who will help? Our route managers look after the luggage transfers. They meet you before you set out on your trip, either on the first day or the morning of the second one. The Route Manager is always on hand to help out in emergencies or difficulties, and is available by cell phone.

How to book your holiday

• Contact our office to make sure there is space available. One of our travel planners will walk you through the en- tire booking process.

• Download the reservation form from our website and send in completed form by fax or email. Once this is done, your space is confirmed and a pre-departure packet will be sent immediately.

Extra Services • Deposit is required immediately, and final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Terms & conditions are out- 5‐Day options available $995 Transfers: lined on the back of our Reservation Form. Barcelona Airport to hotel: 175€ Girona Airport to hotel: 135 € • Plan your air travel as soon as possible. Vic Trains station to hotel: 55€ • We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either Extension hotel available. through us or directly a travel insurance provider.

We can organize rail passes for Spain only, or • Ensure that you are in proper health for the trip chosen. for multiple country rail passes. If you require only 2 segements (to/from) then it is less Contact us for more information on vaccinations, inocula- expensive to purchase locally. tions, and fitness requirements.