Contrasts of Catalonia (Catalunya) Cycling

If you have arranged to join the transfer we will meet you at Flaca railway
station and take you to your hotel (35mins) where you are accommodated in
rooms with a private balcony and sea view. It is less than 5 minutes walk to
the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from that we
have left the choice up to you. Calella is a lovely seaside resort, popular
with Spanish visitors, which boasts three little sandy coves, all popular for
sunbathing and swimming.
*Premium Hotel*

Day 2

*/Option: 1/*

Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before
heading off to Pals. The village was abandoned following the civil war, but
has since been lovingly restored and has won many architectural awards. The
narrow lanes lead to Gothic houses, a Romanesque clock tower and medieval
walls. There are plenty of cafes, so it makes for a very pleasant coffee or
lunch stop. You will then 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.
Here there is a stretch of beautiful golden beach, more than two miles long
and our hotel is only 5 minutes walk away, so absolutely ideal for an
afternoon dip or evening stroll. Here we stay in a gastronomic hotel where
your evening meal can be taken in the hotel restaurant or on the terrace.

*/Option: 2/*

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Today you ride inland from the coast to La Bisbal d'Emporda before returning
to the coast and your hotel in Platja de Pals. The first climb of the day
follows a series of classic switchback bends alongside the Riera de la Ganga
before descending alongside the Riera del Vilar towards the plains and the
second climb via Castell de Begur and down onto rolling terrain and finally
the Hotel Sa Punta.

Day 3

Today is a free day, so if you wish you can take full advantage of the
fantastic location by the sea. You can relax on the beach, follow the superb
coastal path for a lovely walk or simply chill out by the hotel's pool. If
you are feeling more energetic we strongly recommend a great circular ride
through the pine forests to mediaeval Begur. It is a fashionable hilltop town
with an 11th Century castle and outstanding views over the coast.

Optional ride approx. 20km.
*Premium Hotel*

Day 4

*/Option: 1/*

Today's ride will begin by cycling past rice fields before following the
River Ter to Torroella de Montgri with wonderful views of the Illes Medes.
The town was originally the Royal Port for the Kings of Aragon before the
river started silting up, however, the town still retains its medieval core
and walls. The Placa de la Vila, a porticoed square designed as a meeting
point on the model of the Greek Agora and Roman Forum boasts the 15th Century
Ajuntament and a lovely sundial dating from 1725. It is a great place to stop
for lunch before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the
village of Gualta, with its picturesque 16th Century bridge, and the pretty
hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica and Casavells to Castell d'Emporda. Here
you will stay in a uniquely converted 14th Century Gothic castle - once
reputed to have been on Dali's shopping list.

*/Option: 2/*

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25km of gentle warm up on the plains above Pals gives ample chance to view
the majestic Gavarres massif, training ground for most of Europe's pro
cyclists. The start of the first 500m climb out of Madremanya has signs
warning of cyclists along all the road, indicating its popularity. Don't feel
too bad if you are overtaken by someone in team lycra on one of the 15%
switchbacks, they might be a world champion! After descending towards Girona
you return via a more gradual climb over the Gavarres to your hotel in La
Bisbal.

 

Day 5

Castell d'Emporda was lovingly renovated by its owners and turned into an
amazing place to stay in a fabulous location. The restaurant is renowned and
full of character and you will enjoy food grown locally and prepared with
flair. There is a lovely patio area so you can dine outside if it is warm
enough. If you just fancy a lazy day at the hotel then the restaurant offers
a lovely 3 course lunch or tapas at the bar and then you can just enjoy the
pool. In the centre of the castle there is also Europe's largest scale model
of the Battle of Waterloo, the 18 square meter representation is well worth a
look. There is also plenty to explore in the local area and we recommend
taking a trip out on the bikes. Our suggested cycling circuit takes you
through the pretty medieval villages of Corca, Monells, which has a pretty
square and lots of options for lunch, and La Bisbal - a lively market town
famous for antiques and pottery. It is worth taking the time to explore the
old quarter including the Carrer de Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto - its
intricate arches are still intact today.
*Premium Hotel*

Day 6

*/Option: 1/*

Today we follow a gentle route, 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. Founded in the 6th Century BC the
settlement was protected by magnificent walls, part of which can still be
seen. Within the walls you will find ruins of dwellings, temples, cisterns,
silos, public squares and other remains of a bustling community. Your journey
will then continue via the beautifully preserved walled village of
Peratallada and onto the bustling market town of Palafrugell, a super spot
for lunch. The route will then guide you back to the coastal town of Calella
de Palafrugell for your final evening. Once again we have left the restaurant
choice up to you as there are many options.

*/Option: 2/*

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Today's ride begins by retracing the end of the descent into La Bisbal. A
prolonged climb is capped by a series of rooftop level switchbacks at 17%.
The reward is 10km of sweeping roads down through the shade of the trees off
the West side of Les Gavarres Massif. The cork producing town of Cassa de La
Selva offers opportunities for refreshment, and maybe give brakes a chance to
cool down after the 4km straight-line downhill section. A second shorter
climb, followed by a further 12km of downhill, takes you to the coast and
your hotel at the seaside town of Paloma.

Day 7

If you have arranged for a transfer it will take you back to Girona station
at midday to catch your train back to Barcelona.