Cycling Catalonia

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Pyrenees to the Med..

Cycling Catalonia,see the land of greatly contrasting landscapes. Nestling between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, the area offers a huge range of scenery and culture despite its relatively small area, it hosts such an array of attractions that other
regions five times its size would be envious of.

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Prices from £933 8 days including flights from UK.

Places Available from May 2009 - Sept 2009

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Barcelona & the Ramblas
Capital of Catalonia, Barcelona offers a range of unbeatable attractions with its character epitomised by the architecture of Antoni Gaudi and the Ramblas - the link between the old town and the harbour. Leaving Barcelona by bus, we journey towards the Pyrenees to Ripoll, the start of our trail to the coast. In association with the Spanish railway company, hundreds of kilometres of disused track has been converted into cycle routes known as ?Greenways?. Gradients are mild and offer the chance to avoid motor traffic.

Foothills of the Pyrenees & the Volcan Parque Natural
We follow our ?greenway? south east into a region of low mountains, evergreen oak forests and the Garrotxa Parque Natural - the last eruption here was a mere 11,000 years ago! Birdlife is prolific - this is a beautiful area of wooded landscapes and volcanic caldera interspersed with ancient walled villages and Romanesque churches. We have time in Olot to explore the local trails - the only way to truly appreciate the glorious countryside. We continue to Girona, criss-crossing streams over a series of bridges. Girona was originally founded by the Romans, its ancient centre straddles a fortress-like hill. Taking a break from our bikes we climb the city walls at dusk for views over the old quarter.

To the Mediterranean
The last leg of our journey takes us to the old port town of Sant Feliu de Guixos, crossing through oak and cork forests before bringing us to the sea. We have a day to relax here, swim or indulge in excellent Catalan cuisine and wine. For the dedicated cyclists there is one more opportunity to explore this beautiful region and go for a final ride along the scenic coast prior to our return to Barcelona.

The Trip

Grade A/B, easy to moderate - 164km/4 days (average of 41km/cycling day). 1 day is left free with optional rides available. This trip mainly follows the undemanding former railway line (which is traffic free) or on quiet small country roads, with a strong emphasis on gradually cycling downhill from the Pyrenees foothills to the sea. There are 2 days with some ascent (140m - 220m) and 1 day with a 390m ascent. 85% converted railway line or paths, 15% tarmac roads.

You will have: 7nts hotels - standard hotels in Barcelona and Olot, a converted convent in Girona and a turn-of-the-century art-Nouveau hotel in Saint Feliu; all hotels have ensuite rooms on this tour

Meals included- 7 breakfasts

Transport

Your transport will include: 24 or 27-gear hybrid bikes with front suspension, bag-rack & pannier bag for day things.

Tour Leader/driver to assist, advise and co-ordinate. All luggage is transported by our leader in a van that serves as support vehicle. No vehicle back up on days 4 and 7. Detailed maps of every day's ride will be provided so you can ride ind

Your Itinerary

Day 1 -Fly London/Barcelona; orientation tour.

Day 2 - Bus to Ripoll, cycle to Olot.

Day 3 - In Olot - cycle circuit through the “Volcan” Parque Natural.

Day 4 -Cycle to Girona, evening orientation tour along ramparts.

Day 5 - Cycle to Sant Feliu.

Day 6 - In Sant Feliu, optional cycle along coast.

Day 7 - Drive to Barcelona via Park Güell, free afternoon.

Day 8 - Fly London.

BARCELONA Orientation tour of
Catalonia’s capital city.
GIRONA Exploring medieval backstreets.
FOOTHILLS OF THE PYRENEES Beautiful
cycling along tranquil 'greenways'.
VOLCANO NATURAL PARK Calderas,
forests and rivers.
ST FELIU DE GUIXOLS Relaxing on the
Mediterranean Coast