Catalan Villages & Coast Cycling in Catalonia
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CATALAN CYCLING VILLAGES IN CATALONIA & COAST CYCLE ACROSS ROLLING PLAINS THROUGH SLEEPY VILLAGES TO THE WILD COASTUNSPOILT OF CATALONIA COAST AND RUSTIC VILLAGES CYCLING IN CATALONIA - SELF GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAY SUMMARY Uncover the wild and beautiful landscape of Catalonia on this cycling holiday in North East Spain. Follow traffic free roads and open countryside as you cycle through idyllic villages surrounded by olive groves and orchards. Relax and unwind as you pass fields of yellow sunflowers and meander through nature reserves teeming with bird-life. Take time to savour the local cuisine at the village markets and discover local tradition and culture in this hidden area of Catalonia. After a transfer from Girona, your cycle starts in Palau Saverdera which is a charming Catalan farming village, only 5km from the sea. You will be based here for the first few nights as you explore the surrounding villages and sights on your wheels, including a wonderful circular route to Peralada (famous for its winemaking). You then head south to Sant Pere Pescador your base for the rest of the holiday. En route you pass through Aiguamolls Nature Reserve where there is an abundance of birdlife and head on down to the coast for some fantastic views across to the Pyrenees. Plenty of relaxed cycling and stunning scenery make this a wonderful holiday to unwind and recharge your batteries. The pace of life, stimulating culture and dramatic seascapes of this largely undiscovered and unspoilt part of Spain will refresh and reinvigorate you. Macs Adventure’s cycling holidays allow you to see so much more Tour: Cycling in Catalonia of the countryside away from the crowds and give you a real sense of freedom. Code: CSPSCIC1 - 2 Type: Self-Guided Cycling Holiday Price: See Website HIGHLIGHTS Single Supplement: See Website Dates: Jan—June/Sep—Dec Cycling Days: 4 or 6 Days Cycling through the tranquil Nature Reserve Nights: 5 or 7 Nights Start/Finish: Girona Airport Traffic free rural trails through olive groves, vineyards and orchards Grade: Moderate Discover and explore Medieval towns and villages Experience the freedom and wonder at the spectacular scenery Is It For Me? Clear blue sea, plenty of sunshine and WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAY WITH US? relaxed cycling make this the perfect holiday to unwind. Enjoy the charming villages and Macs Adventure specialise in self guided cycling holidays. As passionate and regular cyclists we know what wonderful local cuisine in this unspoilt area makes for an unforgettable adventure and we deliver outstanding holidays with every last detail taken care of Northern Spain. of. Great routes, breathtaking scenery and warm, welcoming accommodation can be expected. What’s Included? Each holiday can be tailor made to meet your requirements. From your first contact with Macs Adventure Accommodation: Traditional, rural family- you will deal with a local specialist who knows the region intimately. They help you to make the most of your run guest houses . time with their in-depth knowledge of the route, accommodation and must-see attractions on the way. Bike Hire: We supply you with a fully equipped hybrid bike and helmet. We supply you with comfortable hybrid bikes, extensive and clear route notes, info pack and a preloaded Meals: A hearty breakfast is included. GPS Unit to guide you every step of the way. Your baggage is collected and moved to your next Lunch and dinner are not included but al- accommodation as per your itinerary, leaving you free to enjoy each days cycling. ways In the unlikely event you should require emergency support our office and our local partner in Catalonia are available at accommodation or nearby. always more than happy to help with your queries. From the moment you decide to visit Catalonia you can Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door relax and look forward to an unforgettable self-guided cycling holiday. baggage transfer where applicable. Information Pack: Comprehensive route notes, maps and local information supplied. CATALANCYCLING VILLAGES IN CATALONIA & COAST CYCLE ACROSS ROLLING PLAINS AND FARMLAND TO THE WILD COAST OF CATALONIA UNSPOILT COAST AND RUSTIC VILLAGES You may wish to change out of your shorts and DAY 4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION tee shirt and return in the evening to visit the elegant Casino-built within the medieval castle. South through Aiguamolls Nature THE DESCRIPTION BELOW IS BASED Its a gentle cycle back to Palau through the Reserve and onto St Pere Pescador: ON THE 7 NIGHT ITINERARY: sleepy hamlets of Pedret and Marza to your hotel 28km (17.4m), approx 3 1/2 hrs for a second night. DAY 1 Leaving Palau Saverdera behind, today's route is Overnight: Niu de Sol, Rural Hotel, Palau a short one but packed with sights and Arrive Girona/Transfer to Palau Saverdera experiences. You’ll meander through a Saverdera patchwork of fields to Castello d'Empuries; a DAY 3 Our local partner will meet you at Girona Airport beautiful medieval town, steeped in history. for the transfer to Palau Saverdera, alternatively Westerly cycle to Vilabertran: 39km Once you’ve satisfied yourself with the architecture, shops and cafes in the old town it’s we can arrange a transfer from Figueres Train (24.3m), approx 3 1/2 hrs Station. After your welcome briefing and bike back in the saddle for a ride through the fitting then you are free to set off on your Today you cycle through rolling farmland Aiguamolls Nature Reserve. The Reserve adventure. cultivated with fruit orchards, olive groves and covers nearly 2000 hectares and the area is vineyards. Farm tracks, rural trails and tourist dotted with hides, ideal for spotting the Palau Saverdera is a charming little farming cycle routes wind their way to Vilabertran where abundance of birdlife. From the Reserve you community nestled at the bottom of the Sant you cannot help but be impressed by the continue onwards to the village of St Pere Salvador Saverdera mountain in the Cap de Romanesque Monastery and Church. Pescador. The village is about a mile from the Creus National Park. The village is just 5 kms coast, and a beautiful 4 miles long sandy beach. from the sea. Depending on your arrival time The working town of Figueres is a short distance you may wish to begin your exploration of the away and the 5 mile diversion will allow you to Overnight: Mas del Joncar, Rural House, Sant area by cycling some of the off road trails visit the Teatre-Museu Dali—a museum created Pere Pescador. by Dali and his final resting place in the crypt minutes from your front door. The house, constructed in the 19th century has within. been completely restored and modernised by Overnight: Niu de Sol, Rural Hotel, Palau owners Anna and Miguel. One of Miguel's Saverdera The return journey passes the village of Vilanova de la Muga and 11th Century church of St Eulalia passions is cooking and he and Anna offer DAY 2 and takes you for your final night in Palau traditional Catalan fayre, using local produce. Saverdera. Westerly circuit to Peralada: 36km DAY 5 (22.4m), approx 3 1/2 hrs Overnight: Niu de Sol, Rural Hotel, Palau Saverdera Free/Rest Day Today you will travel due west on a circular route The options are numerous for your free/rest day that introduces you to the beautiful Catalan with a host of local attractions, some slightly countryside in the foothills of the Pyrenees. You’ll farther afield and of course there's always the pass fields lined with vines producing the wine beach should you want to kick back and relax. that you will no doubt sample at some stage of your holiday. After a while you’ll arrive at the Whether you decide to use the bikes or leave historic town of Peralada—a town now known for them at home you could visit the vibrant and its winemaking. The impressive ‘Museo del bustling seaside town of Cadaques, famous for Castillo de Peralada’ hosts one of the best its association with Dali who spent his summers collections of Catalonian art. here. The village of St Pere is a short walk from your Casa Rural and you should take time to wander around its attractive lanes . CYCLING IN CATALONIA UNSPOILT COAST AND RUSTIC VILLAGES The nearby Bay of Roses can be reached on foot DAY 8 CSPSCVC2 or two wheels in a matter of minutes. The sand and sea are great for relaxing, getting some rays Departure Day Description: This itinerary is perfect for a and cooling off in the Mediterranean and the After a leisurely breakfast a transfer to Girona shorter cycling holiday, possibly combined with a day or two of sightseeing in Girona or Barcelona. expansive beach ensures space and tranquillity. Airport sees you on your way home. Overnight: Mas del Joncar, Rural House, Sant Days: 4 Cycling Days Pere Pescador. CSPSCVC1 Nights: 5 Average daily cycling time: 3-4 Hours DAY 6 Grade: Moderate Description: Our 7 Day cycle follows the Circular route through Catalan itinerary detailed previously. Perfect for regular Day Route Miles Countryside: 37km (23m), approx 3 cyclists looking for a relaxed but active holiday. 1 Arrive Girona/transfer to 1/2 hrs Days: 5/6 Cycling Days Palau Saverdera Nights: 7 Today’s cycle is a wonderful circular route 2 Circuit to Peralada 22 Average daily cycling time: 3-4 Hours 3 Cycle to Sant Pere 18 through open countryside. On the first section of Grade: Moderate Pescador the cycle you get great views across to the high 4 Sant Pere Pescador circuit 23 Pyrenees and you pass many apple orchards 5 Empuries circuit 24 and small hamlets before crossing the river and Day Route Miles 6 Onward travel looping southwards back to Sant Pere Pescador Overnight: Mas del Joncar, Rural House, Sant 1 Arrive Girona/transfer to Total Distance 87 Pere Pescador.