Country Walkers
United States 800.464.9255
Australia
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BrazilUnited States 800.464.9255
RETURN TO TOUR SEARCHDeparture
May 23, 2012
Trip Length
7 Days / 6 Nights
Price (per person)
$2,648
Single Supplement
$605
Internal Airfare
Pricing Notes
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Spain: Contrasts of Catalonia
Why imagine yourself biking in delightful Mediterranean breezes, past turquoise seas, and through the glow of Spain’s famous Pyrenées-framed countryside when you can actually do it! Set out from the ancient Roman tower in medieval Pals for deserted beaches whose waters offer cooling respites, then enter the pine forests of Begur, where you’ll discover an 11th-century castle and superb coastal views. At Torroella de Montgri, explore age-old Roman defenses, then wander the feudal hamlet of Fonolleres and the carved stone alleyways of historic Peratallada.
In La Bisbal, you’ll find markets famous for antiques and pottery, and an 8th-century castle you’ll call home. Pedal to the walled village of Ullastret, the site of one of Spain’s original Iberian settlements, and stop for a tasty lunch in Sant Feliu de Boada. Take your time, because there’s lots to see—the thousand-year-old cathedral at Castello d’Empuries, the 12th-century church in sun-dappled Fonteta, the Moorish tower houses of Ermedas, and much more. From tapas in lively towns to the views from the lighthouse at Llafranc, it’s the cycling dream of a lifetime.
Activity Level
GUEST COMMENT
Well organized, good hotels, routes are well researched, excellent bikes, reps friendly and knowledgeable.
”Activity Level
This tour is one of our Self-Guided Biking Adventures, rated easy to moderate, with an average of 15–25 miles per day, spending between 2 to 5 hours per day on the bike. The terrain is gently rolling with a few short steep ascents. The loop route through Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region takes in Mediterranean scenery along coastal paths, riverside trails, and traverses orchards and olive groves, and leads to untouched medieval villages.
Tour Includes
- Continental breakfast daily and 4 dinners—nights 2-5 (lunches, 2 dinners, and beverages are not included)
- All accommodations (with private baths) while on tour
- Arrival and departure transfers (valid only for established transfer times)
- Luggage transfers between the hotels
- Detailed route notes and maps
- High-quality bicycle with 21-speed Shimano gears (helmet not provided), tire repair kit, lock, map/route note holder, and panniers
- Basic travel insurance coverage (see Travel Insurance section that follows)
- The exclusive ease of a mobile phone rental with our Cellhire partnership. Receive preferred calling rates, free phone rental, and complimentary shipping of mobile phones
- 24-hour emergency service
- The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the Country Walkers staff
Meeting Point
Flaçà train station (5:05 pm), Flaçà, Spain
Departure Point
Flaçà train station (1:05 pm), Flaçà, Spain
Travel Insurance
Reading List
DAY 1Arrival to Calella de Palafrugell We meet you at the Flaçà railway station and transfer you (30 minutes) to your hotel, where all guests are accommodated in sea-view rooms with private balcony. After settling in, you might wish to stroll into the charming town (a 5-minute walk), where you have a wide array of restaurants from which to choose. DAY 2Calella de Palafrugell to Platja de Pals; 24km/15mi or 33km/20mi Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading to Pals—located in a marshy area where the River Ter meets the sea. The old quarter within the medieval walls, known as El Pedro, is preserved as a Historic Artistic Site and is worthy of exploration. After lunch you continue 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 along a gentle downhill ride to Platja de Pals. DAY 3Layover day at Platja de Pals We strongly recommend the great circular ride option for today through the pine forests to Begur, a fashionable hilltop town with an 11th-century castle, impressive villas, and outstanding views over the coast. Alternatively, you may choose to relax on the beach, follow a superb coastal walking path or take a dip in the hotel’s semi-Olympic salt-water pool. DAY 4Platja de Pals to Castell d'Empordà; 34km/20mi You begin the day cycling past rice fields before following the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri, with stunning views of the Illes Medes serving as a backdrop. Visit this lovely medieval town with its Roman defensive wall before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the village of Gualta (with a picturesque 16th-century bridge) and pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica, and Casavells, to Castell d’Empordà. A uniquely converted 14th-century Gothic castle (once reputed to have been coveted by Salvador Dali and now family owned) is your home for the next two nights. DAY 5Layover day at Castell d'Empordà You may laze by the pool or follow our suggested cycling circuit linking the pretty medieval villages of Corca, Monells (lovely square and great choices for lunch) and La Bisbal—a lively market town famous for antiques and pottery. Take time to explore the old quarter including the Carrer de Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto, whose intricate arches are still intact today. DAY 6Castell d'Emporda to Calella de Palafrugell; 35km/17mi Today features lovely gentle cycling, stopping first in the walled village of Ullastret. The vast archaeological site here contains the remains of one of the oldest Iberian villages in Spain. You then continue on to beautifully preserved Peretallada, and the bustling market town of Palafrugell, a super spot for lunch. DAY 7Departure from Calella de Palafrugell You are transferred back to Flaçà train station after breakfast to make train connections to Barcelona or your next destination. |
Itinerary Changes Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience. |
 | Nights 1 & 6Hotel Garbi |
 | Nights 2 & 3Hotel Sa Punta |
 | Nights 4 & 5Hotel Castell d'Empordà |
Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours. |
Please note that these guides lead the majority of tours in this region, however, the guides for your tour may vary. When you reserve a tour, a guest list and guide biographies will be sent to you approximately one month prior to tour departure; the names and biographies of your tour guides will be included with this mailing. |
SINGLE SHARE (guided walking and small ship cruising)
If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender.
Guided Walking: Based on availability, if you reserve a tour at least 91 days prior to the tour start date and wish to share a room, you will not be required to pay the single supplement fee (except where designated), even if we cannot find you a roommate.
Small Ship Cruising: A single supplement will be charged until we are able to confirm a roommate for you. If we are able to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be refunded.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (guided walking, small ship cruising, and safaris)
You may choose a private room, as a limited number of single rooms are available for an additional fee.
Solo Traveler Supplement (safaris only)
On our CW Safaris, a solo traveler surcharge (above and beyond the single supplement fee) applies to select destinations. Please call for details.
Child Pricing
Child pricing is available on request. Minimum ages apply to select departures including Uganda: Gorillas & Chimps (minimum age 16).
Scheduled Tours
Choose a Scheduled Tour date, and rest assured that your active adventure will coincide with the very best travel conditions.
On Scheduled Walking tours, know that you'll walk with like-minded travelers in a small-group (average 6 to 7 guests per guide—never more than 18 per group) environment. Best of all, your departure is guaranteed to go—no date changes, no cancellations. With over 65 worldwide adventures, we're sure there's one just right for you!
Our Small Ship voyages use vessels from the best fleets in the world, carefully matching each ship with specific regions and destinations. Expedition ships provide unrivaled access to destinations not easily reached by larger vessels. Each ship is equipped with Zodiacs for shore transfers; these jaunts are explored with expert, local guides.
CW Safaris are expertly crafted to create unique, individual travel experiences. Our safaris are offered as independent adventures... journeys you will take with local expert guides, on your choice of select departures dates.
Reserve Your Safari
CW Safaris are expertly crafted to create unique, individual travel experiences. Our safaris are offered as independent adventures... journeys you will take with local expert guides, on your choice of select departures dates. Independent journeys mean you choose the time and place and we bring it all together for you — the destinations, the travel arrangements, the lodgings, the activities. Please allow 24-48 hours to confirm your requested dates.
Private & Custom
Looking for a one-of-a-kind travel experience? Celebrating a special occasion? Planning a family adventure? A Private Departure offers you privacy priced right! You simply select your destination, a tour date, and the number of travelers—the tour price calculates automatically. Our expert tour planners will work closely with you to assure an unforgettable vacation!
Self-guided Tours
Self-Guided Walking and Biking Adventures give you maximum flexibility as you travel at your own pace—setting off whenever you're ready, choosing when and where to stop for lunch, and planning the day around your own personal schedule. We provide comprehensive and up-to-date materials as well as maps, detailed route notes, and great accommodations. All tours are rated for activity level; Self-Guided Biking Adventures are ideal for either beginner or experienced cyclists. We supply quality bikes and panniers on all biking tours. On every Self-Guided Adventure your luggage is transported for you. Take your spirit of adventure even further on a Self-Guided trip.
Single Supplement
On our Self-Guided Adventures, a single supplement applies to all solo travelers for single occupancy of a room.
Solo Traveler Supplement
On our Self-Guided Adventures, a solo traveler surcharge (above and beyond the single supplement fee) applies to select destinations. Please call for details.
Single Supplement
On our Private Adventures, a single supplement applies when two (or more) friends traveling together with to reserve private rooms.
Self-Guided Biking
Whether a beginner or experienced cyclist, Self-Guided Biking Adventures take you farther afield while experiencing a locale up close...at your own pace. Choose from 11 European trips: we provide quality bikes, detailed maps and route notes, great accommodations, luggage transfers, and the support of local staff. Well-crafted itineraries assure maximum flexibility. All tours are rated by Activity Level to help you choose a trip that best matches your ability and interests.
View all Self-Guided Biking Adventures.
Your Departure is Guaranteed
When you reserve a trip, the last thing you need is to have it cancelled due to low enrollment. With our Guaranteed Departures, you can relax! Every Guided, Self-Guided, and Safari trip is guaranteed to go. No date changes, no cancellations, no disappointments. We do receive inquiries from guests whose tours have been cancelled by other tour operators. This is an important guarantee, alleviating a common worry for many travelers.
Please Choose a Departure Date in the future
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©2012 Country Walkers. All Rights Reserved. 02
Well organized, good hotels, routes are well researched, excellent bikes, reps friendly and knowledgeable.
- Mr Wann, Cleveland, UK