A Taste of Catalunya Cycling

from $2,355.00

Packed with variety and stunning coastal views, this relaxed cycling tour takes in the Catalan coast of Spain. Cycling through olive groves and wine vineyards, you’ll pass through charming villages untouched by time. Hotel stops include two nights in a luxury 14th century castle.

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Vacation Style Holiday Type
- Cycling
- Self Guided
Self-guided
Activity Level Easy
3/8

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All about the A Taste of Catalunya Cycling.

Catalunya, in northeastern Spain, is a region rich in culture. Its traditions and festivals date back over thousands of years. Itinerary highlights include the prosperous village of Peratallada, peach-colored Pals and chic Begur. The rocky coastline is lined with pretty fishing villages along crystal clear waters.

The cycling is easy too, occasionally off-road, through olive groves and pine forests. It’s a relaxing trip through rolling landscapes and along pretty coastal paths. Depending on the season, you’ll find white blossom in spring, sunflower yellow in summer and warm gold at grape harvest time. Fabulous coastal views, beautiful beaches and jade waters make this a spellbinding area.

You stay in a unique variety of hotels, all with pools, and hand picked for location. Your base hotel is perched on a hillside with magnificent views of the sea. Our upscale hotel in Platja de Pals has its own private gardens and is within walking distance of the beach. The Hotel Castell d’Emporda is the highlight of the tour. It is a magnificently restored C14 castle with breathtaking views over the infinity pool. You’ll be tempted to lounge here all day!

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance

What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of *** and **** hotels
All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals
Services of your local Headwater Representative
Route directions and maps
High quality hybrid bikes
GPS route navigation provided
Standard transfers from local train station at the start/end of the trip (at designated times)
Luggage transfers between hotels

What is not included in this tour?

Tandems available (inquire for supplement)
Room upgrades and extra nights at selected hotels
RidePlus road bike (inquire for supplement)
Single Supplement (available on request – inquire for supplement)

Highlights

Quiet country roads – perfect a first cycling tour
Lovely sandy beaches, secluded bays, old-fashioned fishing ports
Fabulous hotels, including a C14 luxury castle
Gentle sea breezes, ideal cycling conditions
Interesting preserved villages to explore along the way
A variation of our popular 6 night, Contrasts of Catalunya Cycling

Day 1 Day 1 Arrive in Barcelona

Arrive at The Gallery Hotel in cosmopolitan Barcelona, a bustling seaside metropolis offering a fascinating blend between old and new. Spend time discovering the modernistic masterpieces of architect Antoni Gaudi, including the awe inspiring Basilica de Sagrada Familia and the Park Guell. Visit the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla, a broad tree lined promenade, always jostling with activity. Head out to dinner where you will find cuisine for every taste. (Staying at the Gallery Hotel, Breakfast only)
Day 2 Day 2 Barcelona to Calella de Palafrugell

Transfer by train to Calella de Palafrugell and the Hotel Garbi. All Headwater guests are accommodated in rooms with a private balcony and sea view. It’s less than 5 minutes’ walk to the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from, we’ve left evening meals up to you. (Staying at the Hotel Garbi, Breakfast only)
Day 3 Day 3 Calella de Palafrugell to Platja de Pals 33km/21mi

Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading off to peach-coloured Pals, a lovely mediaeval town with Romanesque church affording stunning views. After lunch, 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. (Staying at Hotel Sa Punta, Half Board)
Day 4 Day 4 At Platja de Pals

We strongly recommend a visit to mediaeval Begur, a fashionable hilltop town with C11 castle and outstanding views over the coast. Alternatively, relax on the beach, follow the superb coastal walking path or simply chill out by the hotel’s semi-Olympic pool. (Staying at Hotel Sa Punta, Half Board)
Day 5 Day 5 Platja de Pals to La Bisbal 30km/19mi

You’ll begin today cycling past rice fields before following the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri with wonderful views of the Illes Medes. Visit this lovely mediaeval town with its Roman defensive wall before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the village of Gualta (picturesque C16 bridge) and pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica and Casavells to La Bisbal. Here you’ll stay in a uniquely converted C14 Gothic castle – once reputed to have been on Dali’s shopping list but now owned by Dutchman Albert Diks. (Staying at the Hotel Castell d’Emporda, Half Board)
Day 6 Day 6 At La Bisbal

Laze by the pool (there’s a fabulous sun terrace and bar area) or follow our suggested cycling circuit linking the pretty mediaeval villages of Corca, Monells (pretty square and lovely 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 del Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto, whose intricate arches are still intact today. (Staying at the Hotel Castell d’Emporda, Half Board)
Day 7 Day 7 La Bisbal to Calella de Palafrugell 33km/21mi

Today offers lovely gentle cycling, 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. Continue your journey through beautifully preserved Peratallada to the bustling market town of Palafrugell. Then back to Calella de Palafrugell for a final swim in the pool. (Staying at the Hotel Garbi, Breakfast only)
Day 8 Day 8 Leave Calella de Palafrugell

Please note that cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Spain. As we cannot provide these, we strongly recommend you bring your own. Please see our Planning your holiday page for full details.

Where you stay

Gallery Hotel

Located in the centre of Barcelona, the Gallery Hotel has 25 years of experience to take care of you during your stay. The rooms are bright and have lots of home comforts included. The hotel also boasts a roof top pool and garden terrace.

Hotel Garbi

The Hotel Garbi is located on the hillside overlooking the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell with its own extensive gardens, shaded by pines. The Hotel is family-run and has a warm welcoming atmosphere where its friendly staff will do their utmost to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. The hotel also has a car park-for anyone who would like to drive to this hotel.

Hotel Sa Punta

The Hotel Sa Punta, just a five minute walk to the beach is set in beautiful grounds with a lovely terrace area for afternoon drinks. There is also a semi-olympic size swimming pool with spa pool. Rooms are spacious and modern with balcony or terrace. Evening meals are taken either in the hotel restaurant or on the terrace.

Hotel Castell d’Emporda

The Castell d’Emporda could not be in a better location, perched on a rocky outcrop with breathtaking views from its sun terrace. The building is a superbly restored 700-year-old castle, that is now owned by Albert and Margo, who are both very friendly and speak excellent English. Each of the hotel rooms has been individually decorated by furniture collected by the owners while they were on their travels around China, India and Morocco. All of the rooms have spectacular hill-top views, featuring air conditioning and heating, fully equipped bathroom, flat-screen TV, in-room CD/DVD player, telephone and mini bar.

Is this trip for you?

Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Average daily distance: 31km (19 miles).
No. of days cycling: 5 (including 2 optional rides)
Terrain and route: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads with a few sections on dirt roads. The terrain is gentle throughout.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. The maps and route notes are provided in a link and can be downloaded to your phone via an app, RidewithGPS. A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your cycling tour at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. Our local partner is able to offer child seats up to 4yrs and bikes from 8, these are all subject to availability, therefore we ask that you inquire about these on booking. As a guide, we have suggested that 8 yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.

Package Confirmed Dates	Trip Status Trip Status	Price (PP) Excluding Flights	Price (PP) Including Flights
May 20, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
May 22, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
May 24, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
May 26, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
May 28, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
May 30, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
June 1, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
June 3, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
June 5, 2019	Available	$2,465.00	N/A	Book Now
June 7, 2019	Available	$2,465.00	N/A	Book Now
June 9, 2019	Available	$2,465.00	N/A	Book Now
June 11, 2019	Available	$2,465.00	N/A	Book Now
June 13, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
June 15, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
June 17, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
June 19, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
June 21, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
June 23, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
June 25, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
June 27, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
June 29, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 1, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 3, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 5, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 7, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 9, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 11, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 13, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 15, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 17, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 19, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 21, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 23, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 25, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 27, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 29, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
July 31, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
August 2, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
August 26, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
August 28, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
August 30, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
September 1, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
September 3, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
September 5, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
September 7, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
September 9, 2019	Available	$2,525.00	N/A	Book Now
September 11, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
September 13, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
September 15, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
September 17, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
September 19, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
September 21, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
September 23, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
September 25, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
September 27, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
September 29, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
October 1, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
October 3, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
October 5, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
October 7, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
October 9, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
October 11, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
October 27, 2019	Available	$2,355.00	N/A	Book Now
September 22, 2019	Available	$2,395.00	N/A	Book Now