GARROTXA EXPERIENCES
In La Garrotxa the culture and nature come together. You will find everything you are looking for without looking for anything.
INCOMING
Our experience packs are marketed by Trescàlia, the first agencies of the state to be credited with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. Thanks to their experience, the high knowledge of the territory and the personalized service they offer, it will organize the package that best suits your client’s needs. All the packages in this catalog are certified with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, guaranteeing travelers the contribution to local development and the conservation of the biodiversity of protected areas. Experience packs included in the Catálogo de Escapadas of the Ecotourism Club in Spain. Ecotourism experiences linked to conservation projects in La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park developed on Destimed+ project. Trescàlia is a travel agency specialized in hiking and nature tours in La Garrotxa, Ripollès and Alt Empordà, organizing tourist packages that combine accommodation, gastronomy and activities. License CG-3437 – M +34 657 861 805 - info@trescalia.com
CATALUNYA
ESPANYA
PERPINYÀ
OLOT
A26
VIC C37
LLEIDA
C25
A2
C17
EUROPA
C66
0 N26
FIGUERES
GIRONA
AP7
BARCELONA
Airport TARRAGONA
Train station Bus station
GARROTXA
HOW TO ARRIVE Distance between Olot OLOT
GIRONA 48 KM
OLOT
Alta Garrotxa Area of Natural Interest La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park Other protected areas Volcano
GIRONA COSTA BRAVA 65 KM
VIC 40 KM
and airports and train stations:
FIGUERES 39 KM
BARCELONA EL PRAT 137 KM
OLDTODAY’S TRAILSLANDSCAPES Where nature and culture come together. The best way to discover a territory is through its history and its landscapes by walking the old trails. We’ll follow the Annia trail, the best preserved roman road in all the Iberian Peninsula, and the medieval trails that still link villages. These historic paths will guide us to dreamed places.
DAY 1. Arrival at Ribes de Freser. Accommodation and dinner at a contemporary charming hotel. DAY 2. Walk up from Ribes de Freser to Vall de Núria on the ‘rack and pinion’ railway. Once in Núria, at 2000m altitude, we’ll go on an excursion to Puigmal: the most emblematic summit of the region. A shorter alternative would be to walk to: Núria Sanctuary, Pic de l’Àliga view point… and enjoy the audiovisuals of the complex.
DAY 3. Transfer to Sant Pau de Segúries village. From here, we’ll follow the best preserved part of the Annia trail. Our accommodation will be in a small hotel in a rural area, with all the amenities, in the wonderful Bianya Valley, with local products for dinner. DAY 4. Following the old trail that linked the Bianya region with the Besalú county we’ll get to the town of Olot. We’ll climb up Montsacopa volcano. The accommodation is in a small charming hotel, in a Natural Conservation Area and near the town center. Dinner is based on Volcanic cuisine.
DAY 5. Walking from our hotel, we’ll follow a stone made trail that brings us to the heart of La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park: amazing volcanoes, unique sites like The Jordà beech forest and modern landscapes like the Moixina wetlands. Volcanic cuisine will be served for dinner in the town of Olot.
DAY 7. Transfer to Coll d’Úria. We’ll walk through amazing beech forests until we get to Mare de Deú de la Salut Sanctuary, where we’ll enjoy wonderful views of the landscape. Later on we’ll walk down to Sant Feliu de Pallerols village, where we can visit a medieval village and following the Green way we’ll get to our accommodation. We’ll stay and have dinner in a charming cottage that offers exquisite local cuisine with hints of other regions.
DAY 6. Transfer to Hostalets d’en Bas village. We’ll walk the royal trail that for many centuries linked the towns of Olot and Vic. We’ll stay in a charming cottage at la Vall d’en Bas. Homemade dinner with local products.
DAY 8. Transfer to Barcelona. Leisure day. DAY 9. Leisure day in Barcelona. DAY 10. Transfer to Barcelona airport.
Vall de Núria Sant Pau de Segúries
VALL DE BIANYA
BREATH
E
Vic
OLOT
PARC NATURAL DE LA ZONA VOLÀNICA DE LA GARROTXA
VALL D’EN BAS
MORE INFO. TRESCÀLIA M. +34 657 861 805 info@trescalia.com www.trescalia.com
1.195€/person Minimum 2 people. Double room.
7 nights in small hotels and cottages. 2 nights in Barcelona at 4* hotel. 9 breakfasts.
SELF-GUIDED. 10 days / 9 nights
on foot
6 packed lunch. 4 dinners. Transfers from/to airport.
All transfers required. Guide. Roadbook.
THE OF GIRONA’S SECRETS GREENWAYS The Girona greenways have 125km of reclaimed railway tracks, that go from the Pyrenees to la Costa Brava. We’ll discover the hidden secrets on a bike: volcanic landscapes, old mines, waterfalls, Romanesque churches… A rich natural and cultural heritage is waiting for us!
DAY 1. Arrival at the county town of Ripoll. Accommodation and dinner in a family-run hotel. DAY 2. 15 KM Cycling route: ‘Iron and coal’ route. We’ll follow the old train route down to Olot. Accommodation in a small charming hotel. Local gastronomy served for dinner: Volcanic cuisine.
DAY 4. 15 KM Cycling route: Vall d’en Bas. We cycle through this great valley: farms and fields follow the old railway track down to Girona. We’ll stay and have dinner in a charming cottage, which will offer exquisite local cuisine with hints of other regions.
DAY 3. 21 KM Cycling route: La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. We’ll visit the heart of the Natural Park: amazing volcanoes, The Jordà beech forest and nature reserves like la Moixina wetlands. Volcanic cuisine for dinner in the town of Olot.
DAY 5. 38 KM Cycling route: greenway to Girona. We start the route at the accommodation, we follow the Brugent river. Our arrival to Girona will be following the river Ter. Accommodation in a hotel in the center: we can visit Girona’s old town centre and have a taste of regional gastronomy for dinner. DAY 6. Transfer to Girona airport.
Ripoll
Vic
CYCLING
OLOT
VALL D’EN BAS
PARC NATURAL DE LA ZONA VOLÀNICA DE LA GARROTXA
Girona
MORE INFO. TRESCÀLIA M. +34 657 861 805 info@trescalia.com www.trescalia.com
775€/person Double room. 2 people minimum.
5 nights in small hotels and cottages. 5 breakfasts.
SELF-GUIDED. 6 days / 5 nights
by bike
4 packed lunches. 2 dinners. Daily cycling, route on GPS.
Transfers from/to airport. All transfers required. Guide and roadbook.
THE FLORAOF THE AND FAUNANATURAL PARKS From the Pyrenees to the sea. One of the most enriching experiences you can have is to discover the natural heritage of a region with an expert guide. Orchids, rare plants, birds, amphibians, butterflies, dragonflies, traces of animals, volcanoes, lava flows and some unique geological phenomenon are some examples of what we’ll see during five intensive days of real wild nature. Our itinerary will take us to visit 6 Natural Parks from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean sea.
DAY 1. Arrival and accommodation at a cottage. Homemade dinner with local products. The meals are based on Catalan traditional gastronomy. Lunch will be at local restaurants or ecological packed lunches on activity days. DAY 2. We’ll walk around La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. There are forty volcanic cones and more than 20 basaltic lava flows. Not only volcanoes and lava flows, but we’ll enjoy the extraordinary biodiversity of a small territory that hides unique fauna and flora species: two-tailed pasha butterflies, stag beetles, autochthonous crayfish, white-throated dippers, forest birds, pedunculate oak, orchids, amongst many more species.
DAY 4. The characteristics of Puigsacalm and Bellmunt mountains Natural Conservation Area is that it’s a natural environment in the middle of the mountain with humid climate of Atlantic influences. These attributes result in luxuriant vegetation and amazing landscapes. There are a mosaic of meadows and deciduous forest that lend us the opportunity to see many species of orchids, butterflies and different kind of birds.
DAY 5. Transfer to Cap de Creus Natural Park. A place where the sea and the rocks meet, making a unique landscape home to special flora and fauna: cork oaks, cistus, Tree Spurges, blue brooms, Hermann’s tortoises, Audouin’s gulls, Bonelli’s eagles, beetles, endemic mollusks, … Later on we’ll go to Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park: one of the most important wetlands of Catalonia, a site characterized by today’s fluvial courses and old rivers’ mouth. We’ll stop to watch the big ornithological diversity of wetlands: white storks, great crested grebes, shorebirds, little egrets, purple swamphens, etc.
DAY 6. Walk in the Bac valley, in the Alta Garrotxa Natural Interest Area: it’s a territory of remarkable extension and unique biodiversity. The etymology of the word ‘garrotxa’ describes this region perfectly: rough and broken ground. It’s a rugged landscape with many cliffs and narrow valleys, the ideal place to watch birds of prey and different species of limestone flora. It’s easy to see the Egyptian vulture, lammergeiers, griffon vultures, yews, polygala vayredaes, daffodils, bees and orchids, amongst others. DAY 7. Check out from accommodation.
DAY 3. Transfer to Queralbs village to get the ‘rack and pinion’ railway (the only one in the Pyrenees) that will take us to Núria valley, at 2.000m altitude. Walk at The Headwaters of Ter and Freser Natural Park, between 1.280 and 3.000m altitude. This will be a perfect day to enjoy alpine flora and fauna: Mountain Pines, rhododendrons, gentians, arnicas, Apollo butterflies, chamois, marmots, vultures, lammergeiers, are just a few of what we can find.
ALTA GARROTXA Vall de Núria
OLOT
PUIGSACALM
OBSERV
E
MORE INFO. TRESCÀLIA M. +34 657 861 805 info@trescalia.com www.trescalia.com
1.160€
Per person. Minimum 8 people.
6 nights in cottage. 6 breakfasts. 2 packed lunches.
3 lunches in restaurants. 6 dinners. Transfers from/to airport.
PARC NATURAL Cap DE LA ZONA de Creus VOLÀNICA DE LA GARROTXA
GUIDED. 7 days / 6 nights
on foot
All transfers required. Professional expert guide in flora and fauna. Access to 6 Natural Parks with official guide.
TASTINGLA GARROTXA The pleasure of the senses: discover small villages that welcome you with their delicious gastronomy of local product. Do you want to be a farmer for a day? Want to try the best artisan yogurt in the world? Learn about the artisanal manufacturers themselves how they make their products Participate in an experience with a strong link to their natural environment and social commitment La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone, between the Costa Brava and the mountains of the Pyrenees, represents the best example of volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula. The human relationship with the landscape has forged a specific agriculture and livestock, as well as exquisite artisanal products that lead to excellent cuisine. Discover unique products and how they are made.
DAY 1. Arrival at the charming rural hotel in Olot. Meeting session to introduce the written guide that leads you to the products and places (shops, manufacturers, restaurants of volcanic cuisine) that we will discover during the stay. DAY 2. In the morning we will goto the Vall d’en Bas where we will make a simple route to discover the landscape and get to know the different products that are made in the region. A mid-morning stop at the valley cooperative will show us the wide variety of local produce - sausages, cheeses, cereals - and allow us to try them. In the afternoon you will take action: you will discover, with the shepherd of Riudaura, what the life of a goat herder consists of, what it has to do with the environment and how he makes this unique cheese. Of course, the experience ends with the tasting of a cheese that has different uses in gastronomy.
DAY 3. This morning we will travel to the heart of the Natural Park to visit the La Fageda Yogurt Cooperative. We will discover the great social project behind the production of the best yogurt in the world. From now on, you can never buy another yoghurt without remembering the delicious yoghurts from La Fageda and who is behind them. In the afternoon you will have free time to discover a volcano in the center of Olot, a self-guided game. DAY 4. Today is Monday, market day in Olot. You will discover here some of the many proposals for organic farming in the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to make some purchases of local product that you have tasted at the best restaurants in the area.
TASTE
RIUDAURA LA VALL D’EN BAS
Vic Barcelona
OLOT
SANTA PAU Banyoles PARC NATURAL DE LA ZONA VOLÀNICA DE LA GARROTXA Girona
MORE INFO. TRESCÀLIA M. +34 657 861 805 info@trescalia.com www.trescalia.com
255€/person
Minimum 2 people. Double room.
4 nights bed in rural area. 4 breakfasts. Guided tours of local products.
GUIDED. 4 days / 3 nights
on foot
Guided tour of Vall d’en Bas. Guided tour of weekly market in Olot. Written guide for local tasting products.
SUMMEROF ADVENTURES Enjoy the most fertile valley in the region by bike. Learn to orient yourself in a protected natural park Discover emerald green rivers in a canyoning activity. Perform nordic walking initiation activity, following waterfalls. Let’s swim in the best waterfalls in the region La Garrotxa Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa, between the Costa Brava and the mountains of the Pyrenees, represents the best example of volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula. Want to discover waterfalls between lava rivers? You will find endless green valleys and winding paths to be discovered at a leisurely pace. The pleasure of the senses: discover small villages that welcome you with their delicious gastronomy of local product. Discover the secrets of the landscape.
DAY 1. Arrival at the accommodation in Bas Valley. Welcome meeting about the tour and discovering visit of Montsacopa volcano playing a game. DAY 2. After breakfast, a guided bike route awaits us to discover the Bas Valley, the most fertile in the region. Between cornfields, we will discover a cooperative where we can taste the magnificent local products. A stop in the village of Mallol, an idyllic photo that hides many stories. In the afternoon we will go to Hostalets d’en Bas, where we will start the orientation circuit: map, compass and a lot of teamwork will be our allies.
DAY 3. This morning the Gurn river awaits us for a canyoning activity. Our specialist guides will give us the necessary equipment and will take us through emerald green waters, where we will start in the abseiling technique and even do some jumps. Not only we’ll swim, but we will go down some natural slide. Relaxing afternoon: The hotel’s swimming pool awaits you to regain your strength.
JUMP
DAY 4. A new activity this morning: introduction to nordic walking with a specialized guide. The route will connect different natural pools and waterfalls formed by lava rivers. We will discover the interesting history of the valley through its landscapes. A very special natural pool awaits us at the end of the road. Take your time and discover on your own: proposals for swimming in the best waterfalls in the region
DAY 5. On the last morning of the trip, you will discover the medieval landscape of Sant Joan les Fonts through a set of tracks: the medieval castle, monasteries and waterfalls on lava rivers. The volcanic rocks will show us a unique landscape, where we can cool off on the banks of the Fluvià river. Return back home.
SANT JOAN LES FONTS OLOT
LA VALL D’EN BAS
Vic Barcelona
MORE INFO. TRESCÀLIA M. +34 657 861 805 info@trescalia.com www.trescalia.com
470€ /person Minimum 2 people. Double room.
4 nights in hotel at rural area. 4 breakfasts. Discovery game in a volcano.
SANTA PAU
Girona
PARC NATURAL DE LA ZONA VOLÀNICA DE LA GARROTXA SANT FELIU DE PALLEROLS Girona
GUIDED. 5 days / 4 nights
by bike on foot
Bicycle route. Guided orientation activity. Canyoning with specialized guide.
Nordic walking with specialized guide. All equipment needed.
LA REAL GARROTXA NATURE Discover the secrets of the landscape. Admire up to 10 volcanoes on a morning hiking trail. Enjoy the medieval villages by your own Learn about the diversity of butterflies, birds and wildlife in a natural park with a guide. La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, between the Costa Brava and the mountains of the Pyrenees, represents the best example of volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula. Do you want to discover waterfalls between lava rivers? You will find endless green valleys and winding paths to be discovered at a leisurely pace. The pleasure of the senses: discover small villages that welcome you with their delicious gastronomy of local product. Discover the secrets of the landscape.
DAY 1. Arrival at the rural hotel in Olot: small charming rural hotel. Meeting with informative material about the area and interactive visit to the Museum of the Volcanoes of Olot. DAY 2. In the morning, circular hiking route to discover the heart of the Natural Park with official guide: 10 volcanoes in a fantastic landscape. We enter a crater and walk on rivers of lava, in the shade of a mysterious beech forest. In the afternoon, self-guided route to discover the medieval town of Santa Pau and taste the famous Santa Pau beans.
DAY 3. Activity to get to know the butterflies of the natural park with a specialist guide. In La Garrotxa we have more than 150 different species. We will learn to identify some of them, and move through the most diverse habitats to find them. In the afternoon, a self-guided route to discover the Vall d’Hostoles, with some of the best places to take a dip in a natural swimming pool.
DAY 4. Morning activity to get to know the birds of the natural park. Our guide will take us through different types of singing in a particularly charming wetland environment. Feathers and nests will give us clues to the birds of the area. In the afternoon, self-guided route to discover the city of Olot. There are four volcanoes in Olot, and one of them allows us to climb the crater and have a 360º view of the area.
DAY 5. Today a walking guided itineray. With this activity we will investigate the traces and signals left to us by the animals of La Garrotxa. We will find out who they are, where they have gone, what they have done, what they have eaten, where they live or what they are looking for.
OLOT
PARC NATURAL DE LA ZONA VOLÀNICA DE LA GARROTXA SANTA PAU
WILDLIFE
SANTA PAU
MORE INFO. TRESCÀLIA M. +34 657 861 805 info@trescalia.com www.trescalia.com
345€/person Minimum 2 people. Double room.
4 nights in a rural hotel. 4 breakfasts.
Dinners. Guided activites in natural park.
LES PLANES D’HOSTOLES
GUIDED. 5 days / 4 nights
on foot
Information for self-guided routes. All equipment necessary for the activities.
VOLCANOESIN THE SHADE Walk and be amazed by a landscape of volcanoes from the best viewpoints in the area. Visit medieval villages and secluded hermitages, move to another era. We optionally offer you a unique experience: flying over the volcanic area in a hot air balloon. La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, between the Costa Brava and the mountains of the Pyrenees, represents the best example of volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula. This natural park is a privileged place for the great variety of ecosystems: beech, oak and holm oak forests, agricultural valleys and well-preserved meadows. All this in a volcanic landscape of more than 40 volcanoes that make it a paradise for nature lovers.
DAY 1. Arrival at the accommodation: rural house in Sant Feliu de Pallerols. Meeting session for informative material about the area and welcome. Local products dinner at the accommodation. DAY 2. Circular hiking route with accredited guide to reach one of the best viewpoints over the Vall d’Hostoles: the Sanctuary of La Salut. The route will take us to discover photogenic corners and vital meadows. Quiet descent through a beech forest to reach the medieval town of Sant Feliu de Pallerols. A quiet visit will make us discover the history of this town with its surroundings. Local product dinner at the accommodation.
DAY 3. Hiking route with accredited guide from the small village of Sant Iscle de Colltort, to reach the Castle where we will have the best views over the heart of the Natural Park. Between magical beeches and volcanic trails, we will reach the Santa Pau valley. Between medieval walls, we can rest and taste the famous Santa Pau beans. Travel to the accommodation. Local products dinner at the accommodation. DAY 4. Circular hiking route with accredited guide from the Moixina wetlands nature reserve to the magnificent Corb valley. Already in the valley, we will discover some hidden Romanesque hermitages, from where we will not be able to leave without a photograph trying to capture this magical corner. Back at the starting point, our path enters The Jordà beech forest, the most famous forest in the region.
WALK
OLOT
PARC NATURAL DE LA ZONA VOLÀNICA DE LA GARROTXA SANTA PAU
SANT FELIU DE PALLEROLS Girona
MORE INFO. TRESCÀLIA M. +34 657 861 805 info@trescalia.com www.trescalia.com
425€/person Minimum 2 people. Double room.
3 nights. Half board accommodation. 3 hiking itineraries with official guide.
GUIDED. 4 days / 3 nights
on foot
Optional: hot air balloon flight
WAL-ON THE KINGLANDSCAPES What is the landscape of an area? Forget about only walking to a viewpoint. This is only what you can see, from above. But, what about the historic landscape or even the gastronomy landscape? You need to walk the area, discover all these amazing places with a local guide, and feel like a local tasting the authentic gastronomy. At La Garrotxa, in Catalonia, we can enjoy different natural landscapes everyday: from Mediterranean to Pyrenees, from the rich fields to volcanoes. All these in a protected area with several inhabitants: charming medieval villages and ancient trails will be our human landscape. A mosaic landscape, preserved by the locals, now under the protection of a Natural Park. Walking with us these days, we’ll discover la Garrotxa way of living: worked by the landscapes.
DAY 1. Arrival to La Garrotxa and get to the accommodation in a family run rural house surrounded by fields: this will be our home for the first three nights. Before dinner, we’ll have a welcome meeting with all members of the group: a short presentation of the daily planning and tour leader, and the highlights of every day’s program, as well as an introduction of the area. This will be home’s landscape for us these days. We’ll share a good time meeting the other components of the group with a local cocktail before dinner at accommodation with local products and cuisine. DAY 2. Today we’ll follow the best well preserved roman road of the area. The amazing Via Annia roman road links the Pyrenees mountains with the Mediterranean Sea. We’ll enjoy our ecological packed lunch at one of the ancient villages, on the same roman road. Today we will walk through the historic landscape. After the walk, a manager from Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park we’ll welcome us to the Park: brief presentation of the NP and the Conservation projects. Today’s dinner will be in a local restaurant: let’s discover the volcanic cuisine association.
DAY 3. Olot is the county town of La Garrotxa. Our first discovery of the volcanic land: we’ll walk on the four volcanoes of the town. The amazing views from the top of the craters will easily make you understand why this region is known as “Catalonia little Switzerland”. We’ll enjoy our ecological packed lunch at a relaxing area near the Fluvia river. A relaxing area with architectural and design surprise. After lunch, relax at the centre of Olot or let yourself go through the ancient streets with the audio guide visit and taste the best local products of the area. Centennial shops, tradition and good local service await you Today we will walk through the gastronomy landscape. Dinner at accommodation with local products and cuisine.
DAY 5. The ancient trails are waiting for us today. A small village in Bas valley, with nice balconies with flowers will be our starting point. We’ll go back in time: old trails from medieval times. The rocky pavement of the trail helps to walk up the mountain, where we’ll have the best view over the area. Today we will walk through the viewpoint landscape. We’ll enjoy our ecological packed lunch at the best view point. Today’s afternoon: relax at accommodation or let’s cycle the greenway at your own rhythm with the audio guide. Today’s dinner will be in a local restaurant: let’s discover the volcanic cuisine association.
DAY 4. La Garrotxa is the best example of a volcanic landscape on the Iberian Peninsula, with 40 volcanoes and more than 20 basalt lava flows. The best hiking itinerary: trails that get inside volcanoes and walking on lava flows. Today we will walk through the volcanic landscape. At the NP house, we’ll take part in the Cultivation Plant Conservation Centre; maybe we can taste an apple variety you ate when you were a child and haven’t seen any more in markets. We’ll enjoy our ecological packed lunch with wonderfuls views over the small lakes natural reservation. We’ll continue our walk to Santa Pau, a charming medieval village surrounded by volcanoes. Once in Santa Pau, relax in a terrace bar in the middle of the old square or let’s discover the history with an audio guide visit. Dinner at accommodation. A wonderful couple runs this charming house.
VIEWS
DAY 6. Churches, castles and fields: the human landscape in the countryside. We’ll walk to a privileged view point over the volcanic area, to understand the relation between humans and use of the land in the area since the medieval times. Today we will walk through the humanised landscape. We’ll enjoy our ecological packed lunch in a surprising natural spring. Today’s dinner, time for sharing our emotions these days: a gala dinner at accommodation with local gastronomy specialities of the rural house. DAY 7. Departure from Garrotxa. You can’t leave the Garrotxa with our authentic taste! Before departing the airport, a good stop at the local products cooperative: your tasty “souvenir” not made in China! Let’s take a piece of the Garrotxa landscape with you!
Ripoll
LA VALL DE BIANYA
OLOT
VALL D’EN BAS
PARC NATURAL DE LA ZONA VOLÀNICA DE LA GARROTXA SANTA PAU
SANT FELIU DE PALLEROLS Vic Barcelona Girona
MORE INFO. TRESCÀLIA M. +34 657 861 805 info@trescalia.com www.trescalia.com
850€/person Minimum 6 people. Double room.
6 nights in rural house. Full board.
All transfers required. Official guide of the Natural Park.
GUIDED. 7 days / 6 nights
on foot
WALKING ALONGANCIENT TRAILS Following in the footsteps of our ancestors. The Via Annia, the best preserved Roman road in the Iberian Peninsula. The main road between Olot and Vic. The roads that are now preserved used to be the main link between the territories. The ancient roads aimed to unite people, bring people closer to religious places of worship or become access to natural resources. Some of the oldest preserved paths in Catalonia can be found in the Garrotxa region. These historic paths cross unique natural environments, such as the Bianya valley, the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park or the Bas valley. A territory with a Central European climate and transformed by human action has ended up becoming a friendly landscape represented by a mosaic of forests of holm oaks, oaks and beeches, meadows and crops. The routes of the two proposed excursions pass through the Itinerànnia network of trails, a network of paths of more than 2,500 km that connects the territories of La Garrotxa, Alt Empordà and Ripollès.
DAY 1. Arrival in Olot and installation at the accommodation. Free time for dinner. DAY 2. Departure from the accommodation to Sant Pau de Segúries. The main objective of the day is to follow the best-preserved section of the Via Annia, a Roman road that began on the Via Augusta, near Figueres, and which after crossing the Empordà plain and the lands of La Garrotxa, crossed the Pyrenees by the Ares pass, to reconnect with the main road on the outskirts of Perpignan. Once in the Bianya valley, the path winds along the river until it reaches the Hostalnou de Bianya. From here, following the old road that connected the lands of Bianya with the domains of the county of Besalú, we will reach Olot. Distance: 18,5 km | Climb: +450 m / -910 m
DAY 3. Departure from Olot to the Hostalets d’en Bas. We will go to find the route of the main road that once connected Olot with Vic. The path gains height as it winds through the holm oak grove and the higher up, the better preserved is the cobblestones of the path. After the spring of the Marrades, you reach the top of the cliffs of Falgars. The route continues along the cliffs, passing through lush meadows and meadows and crossing torrents and streams that, when it rains, rush to the Bas valley, forming an intermittent curtain of waterfalls. The next goal is immediately visible: Sant Miquel de Castelló. It is a building of medieval origin, related to the castle of the Viscounts of Bas. The panorama from the viewpoint of the hermitage is spectacular. The path we have left to reach the starting point is a descent along the old path that connected the village of Hostalets d’en Bas with the construction of Sant Miquel. Distance: 12,4 km | Climb: +540 m / -540 m
The roadbook: The roadbook for the participants, includes all the information necessary for the proper functioning of the hiking days in the Natural Park of La Garrotxa. General information about the area with services and telephone numbers of interest, careful description of the route of the two days with specific directions to follow the routes and not get lost, additional information about the volcanic area in general and additional information about flora, fauna, geology, history and culture of the places of interest through which the described paths pass.
PATHS
Ripoll
LA VALL DE BIANYA
Sant Pau de Segúries
OLOT
VALL D’EN BAS
PARC NATURAL DE LA ZONA VOLÀNICA DE LA GARROTXA
Vic Barcelona
MORE INFO. TRESCÀLIA M. +34 657 861 805 info@trescalia.com www.trescalia.com
190€/person Minimum 2 people. Double room.
2 nights bed. 2 breakfasts.
1 packed lunch. Roadbook.
SELF-GUIDED 3 days / 2 nights
on foot
ROMANESQUE CHURCHESOF LA GARROTXA 8 Romanesque churches in a magnificent natural setting. The Garrotxa region, straddling the mountains of the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava, is one of the territories in Catalonia with the most Romanesque buildings. Many of these buildings are small chapels scattered throughout the territory and located in strategic places: mountain peaks, valley bottoms, volcanic cones, cliffs and ridges. Access to many hermitages is via historical paths that once connected them with the nearby villages or with the most important farmhouses in the region. Some of these paths are still well preserved and hide small pontoons and fresh water springs that accompanied them. The corners of the Bianya valley are home to up to 16 Romanesque hermitages. A valley floor with crops and meadows, accompanied by patches of pine oak forests, with many farmhouses scattered, shapes the current landscape, the result of an intense history. On the other hand, the hermitages of the Corb valley, next to The Jordà beech forest and the old lava flows, have been writing the history of the territory for centuries.
DAY 1. Arrival in Olot and get to the accommodation. DAY 2. In the heart of Garrotxa, but connected to Ripollès by the Roman road of Capsacosta (Via Annia), we find the valley of Bianya. Only within the valley itself we find up to seven ancient churches that in times past were one of the social and cultural engines of the people of the valley. The route connects four of these hermitages and then climbs the Serra de Sant Miquel del Mont to reach the highest point of the day’s excursion, which is the hermitage that gives its name to the whole mountain range. The views from this point are magnificent. The last part of the route will be a pleasant descent to the city of Olot. Apart from the hermitages visited, we will be able to enjoy an itinerary in the middle of nature that passes through holm oak and oak forests and crosses torrents and streams fed by various sources of good and fresh water.
DAY 3. We will leave on foot from the same accommodation and passing by the wetlands of La Moixina, we will approach the Serra del Corb. This mountain range, which separates the waters of the Fluvià and Ter basins, hides corners of great beauty. After a first determined but short climb, we will reach the Racó volcano which offers us good views of much of the Bas valley and the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa. A pleasant path will take us to the hermitages of El Corb: Sant Miquel and Sant Martí, true pictures of the Garrotxa landscape. Then, and on the way back to Olot, we can get lost for a while in The Jordà beech forest, a unique forest in the world that corresponds to one of the nature reserves of the Park.
CHAPELS
Ripoll
LA VALL DE BIANYA
OLOT
VALL D’EN BAS
PARC NATURAL DE LA ZONA VOLÀNICA DE LA GARROTXA SANTA PAU
LES PRESES
Vic Barcelona
MORE INFO. TRESCÀLIA M. +34 657 861 805 info@trescalia.com www.trescalia.com
190€ /person
Minimum 2 people. Double room.
2 nights. 2 breakfasts.
1 packed lunch. Roadbook.
SELF-GUIDED. 3 days / 2 nights
on foot
VOLCANOES AND LAVA FLOWS The most spectacular volcanoes in the Natural Park. Following ancient lava flows along medieval paths Up to 14 volcanoes: Croscat, Santa Margarida, Montsacopa, Montolivet, etc. The Jordà beech forest: a unique forest where you have to get lost, at least once in your life. Ancient paths, great cultural landscapes, rivers and wetlands, forests of all kinds and many volcanoes and lava flows are the main attractions of a weekend in the volcanic area of La Garrotxa.
DAY 1. Arrival to Olot and get to the accommodation. Free time for dinner. DAY 2. Following the old medieval path that connected the town of Olot with the town of Santa Pau, we will gain height until we reach the highest part of the basaltic plateau of Batet de la Serra. Cobbled paths and a mosaic of crops with meadows surrounded by dry stone walls, will accompany us in this first section of the route. We will soon see the Croscat and Santa Margarida volcanoes. From the Croscat we will observe its interior on the side where there used to be some volcanic rock extractions, and in Santa Margarida, we will go up to the top and we will be able to enter its crater where in the middle there is a hermitage of Romanesque origin. Back in Olot, we will enter The Jordà beech forest where we will enjoy the silence and greenery of a unique place in the world. Following the path of the lava from the Croscat volcano, we will be approaching the end of the route. The panoramic views over the city of Olot with the three volcanoes that watch over it, and the Pyrenees in the background, will be a good postcard to end a pleasant day of hiking. Distance: 18,0 km | Climb: +480 m
DAY 3. Nowadays, the railway line has become a greenway suitable for hiking and cycling. We will follow it for a long time enjoying a bucolic landscape that transports us to the past. Then, we will cross the river Fluvià and climb to one of the viewpoints closest to Olot, but at the same time more unknown. The crater of the Montolivet volcano, we will have to look for it in the middle of the oak and chestnut forest with a lot of holly, which we will cross to reach the streets of the city of Olot. The next goal will be the summit of the Montsacopa volcano. The 360º panorama that we will see following the lip of the crater will allow us to see a very large territory: the Canigó massif, Alta Garrotxa, the Volcanic Zone and the city of Olot at our feet. We will end up missing the route through the most central streets of the town of Olot. Distance: 9,0 km | Climb: +200 m
OLOT
SANTA PAU
The roadbook: The roadbook for the participants, includes all the information necessary for the proper functioning of the hiking days in the Natural Park of La Garrotxa. General information about the area with services and telephone numbers of interest, careful description of the route of the two days with specific directions to follow the routes and not get lost, additional information about the volcanic area in general and additional information about flora, fauna, geology, history and culture of the places of interest through which the described paths pass.
VOLCANO
PARC NATURAL DE LA ZONA VOLÀNICA DE LA GARROTXA
MORE INFO. TRESCÀLIA M. +34 657 861 805 info@trescalia.com www.trescalia.com
190€/person Minimum 2 people. Double room.
2 nights bed. 1 breakfast.
1 packed lunch. Roadbook.
SELF-GUIDED. 3 days / 2 nights
on foot
SUPPLIERSEXPEOF OURRIENCES ACTIVITIES CENTRE LOGÍSTIC DE BICICLETES Rental and transfer of bicycles for tours, such as the ‘Carrilet’ Greenway. Group organizational services. Route books of signposted itineraries. Agreed-upon and contracted services.
CORRIOL SERVEIS EDUCATIUS Tour guide enterprise accredited with the European Charter of Sustainable Tourism. Specialized in personalized routes for families, groups, couples or individuals throughout the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone, natural and cultural heritage area of La Garrotxa.
EDUCART Educational visits and activities to discover the cultural heritage of La Garrotxa, for groups, schools, families and individuals. Wide range of different activities.
EN RUTA GIRONA Active tourism enterprise that organizes excursions and guides in interpretive hiking tours, and cooking workshops with local products. Combining slow travel and responsible.tourism. Their outings allow you to discover the most popular places of the region in depth, whilst also exploring and discovering hidden and authentic locations.
TOSCA, SERVEIS AMBIENTALS D’EDUCACIÓ I TURISME Environmental education and services company accredited with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. The company desings, programmes and executes awareness campaigns, environmental education programs and activities, and offers routes for all types of groups.
EUROPEAN CHARTER FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
VOL DE COLOMS Balloon flights over La Garrotxa’s Natural Park. Offers flights for families, couples, friends, exclusive flights, accessible flights, for businesses and groups. During the flight we’ll toast with cava whilst contemplating the landscape at 1,500m above sea level. After the flight, brunch is provided offering a range of local.
LA FAGEDA FUNDACIÓ Guided visits to La Fageda’s property, located in the heart of the Natural Park, to see the Frisian dairy farm, discover the yogurt and jam production process, and taste their products. They also offer an experience for children called ‘Little farmers”.
MAS LA COROMINA Mas la Coromina is not only a farm visit, it’s a day #undiaapagès (a real farmers day!). Come and walk on the earth, smell the field and discover where our food comes from!
RUCS I SOMERES Catalan donkey rides through Tosca Park, in La Garrotxa’s Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone, between dry stone walls and fields. Individual and group bookings.
GUIES DE MUNTANYA I BARRANCS AMA DABLAM Adventure sports company that offers activities such as canyoning, orienteering, trekking, snowshoeing, safety courses in the mountains, Navigation Circuits. Activities for individuals or in small groups. Team Building activities and schools.
CLARA PALLARÈS CIURANA Chef, advisor and disseminator of a gastronomy committed to the environment and to health. Design of gastronomic and sensory experiences with the aim of integrating concepts of sustainability, territory and inclusive and creative cuisine. Culinary coaching for individuals, companies and professionals.
ACCOMMODATION
HOTELS
RURAL TOURISM
MAS LA FERRERIA 4* HOTEL Small hotel in La Vall de Bianya, fully equiped for modern day living, whilst preserving the charm of the past. 9 unique and comfortable rooms are surrounded by gardens that blend in with the natural environment.
MAS GARGANTA RURAL TOURISM Traditional style farmhouse with panoramic views of ‘D’en Bas’ Valley. A cosy and family-orientated atmosphere. Outdoor swimming pool. Offers half board, a glamping area and a wooden hut in the middle of nature for group activities.
RIU FLUVIÀ 4* HOTEL Hotel located between Olot city and the centre of the park La Garrotxa’s Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone is very accessible from here. It has 32 rooms, restaurant and lounge meetings and panoramic views.
MAS RUBIÓ RURAL TOURISM Located in LaVall d’en Bas, near the greenway and numerous pathways. 1 hour from Barcelona. Family and group-friendly environment. Homemade cooking and local products. It has a garden, natural pool, BBQ, Wi-Fi and a hut for group activities. Able to organize small events.
VALL D’EN BAS 4* HOTEL Located in the middle of La Vall d’en Bas, well-communicated and a few metres from the ‘Carrilet’ greenway. It has 36 rooms, swimming-pool, restaurant, private rooms, garden for celebrations and meeting rooms.
MAS PINEDA RURAL TOURISM 13th century agrotourism farmhouse completely restored in the heart of Alta Garrotxa. 4 bedrooms and apartment for couples and families. Farm animals, garden and living room. Ideal for nature and wellness activities, for individuals and companies
CAN BLANC 3* HOTEL Small hotel with 12 double rooms located within the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone de la Garrotxa, in a quiet place in the middle of nature.
MAS EL BARBER- SLOW B&B RURAL TOURISM Rural accommodation with 7 rooms only for adults in the middle of the Vall d’en Bas. We are committed to sustainable, quality and local tourism. Km0 Breakfasts where you can taste the cheeses we make in our own cheese factory “La Xiquella”
LA PERLA 3* HOTEL Family hotel conveniently located within the city of Olot and a step away from the La Garrotxa’s Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone. It has a restaurant attached,26 rooms and 36 rooms-apartments and a meeting room.
LA RECTORIA DE SANT MIQUEL DE PINEDA RURAL TOURISM Catalan farmhouse located at the foot of ‘Carrilet’ greenway, in La Garrotxa’s Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone regented by a local couple with Scottish roots. Offers half board, and cosy, comfortable and multi functional indoor rooms.
CABANYES ENTRE VALLS Treehouse Cabins located in a wonderful beech and oak forest. They have all the comforts of a luxury hotel such as a private jacuzzi on the terrace to enjoy a unique experience, always respecting the environment and nature. Ideal to relax and unwind as a couple or family.
CAN BUCH ECOTURISME RURAL TOURISM Ecological farmhouse restored by artisans and natural materials. Located in the beautiful Vall de Llémena offers a professional and close treatment for couples and families. The house has 7 rooms, restaurant, plant biopool, SPA Hammam, and chillout and a farm with animals.
APARTMENTS
CAMPINGS
L’ARCADA DE FARES APARTMENTS Small charming tourist complex near Besalú. 18 eco-apartments ideal for families as well as for groups. Gardens with pool, organic vegetable garden and multipurpose room. There is a restaurant attached.
L’ALGUER CAMPING A camping site located in the middle of nature in the municipality of Les Planes of Hostoles. It has accessible tree cabins, a camping area and multipurpose spaces designed to please the whole family.
EL JARDINET DE SANT ESTEVE APARTMENTS 9 charming apartments in the center of Olot and just 15 minutes away. walking the Montsacopa volcano... All apartments have a balcony or terrace with views in the mountains, in the garden or in the church of Sant Esteve. Heated indoor pool open all year round and a cozy garden where you can relax.
NATURA CAMPING Family camping located in the municipality of Les Preses, inside La Garrotxa’s Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone. It offers bungalows, mobile homes, caravans and a camping area. Specialized in Bed & Bike; near the ‘Carrilet’ greenway.
L’HOSTALET Restaurant located in the charming village Hostalets d’en Bas, in a traditional village house. Volcanic, seasonal and creative cuisine. Gluten-free and vegetarian options. Available for banquets.
RESTAURANTS BCREK Bcrek Solfa, brasa I cuina is a gastronomic concept that offers a simple and global cuisine with contemporary touches, made with local and quality products. It Offers vegan, vegetarian and picnic options. Accessible restaurant with parking, large terrace and a private space for celebrations.
CAN MORERA Family restaurant located in Les Preses, well connected, with own parking, homemade and local cuisine with local products, personalized attention and living rooms for family or business meetings.
LA BRASERA Restaurant and cafeteria located in the old town of Olot. A natural and healthy selection of food available made with fresh and local products.
HOSTAL DELS OSSOS Restaurant located in the heart of La Garrotxa’s Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone. Volcanic and homemade cooking. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. Available for banquets. Terrace and playing area for children.
CAFÈ EUROPA Elegant restaurant-terrace located in the middle of Olot. Market and Catalan cuisine with an extensive menu of natural wines.
FERRER XOCOLATA Ferrer Chocolate is a cake shop, located in an old building in the old town centre of Olot. It’s a space where, in addition to buying sweet products and tasting chocolate, you can also take part in workshops.
EL FORTÍ A gastronomic space located at the top of the Montsacopa volcano, fully integrated in the landsacpe, and from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Olot. Offers bar service throughout the day, as well as restaurant service based on a set menu elaborated with local products. Defined as “gastrovolcanic” cuisine.
ARCADA DE FARES Traditional Catalan cuisine restaurant, surrounded by large gardens, spacious parking space and a large play area for children. Space suitable for celebrations and for business groups.
LA DEU Volcanic cuisine restaurant and family management since 1885. It is located in La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. It has a large terrace and different spaces reserved for companies and events.
LA QUINTA JUSTA Five large and bright spaces form this restaurant. Located in a modernist house in the centre of Olot. Following the restaurant’s design, its cuisine combines tradition and modernity to offer customers a kitchen that surprises even the finest foodie.
LES COLS Olot restaurant with 2 Michelin stars, located in a farmhouse reformed by the wellknown RCR Architects, Pritzker Prize for Architecture 2017. Avant-garde cuisine with local products. Space for banquets which features a studio designed by the same architects.
SERVICES
FONT MOIXINA Restaurant located in the Moixina marshes, an remarkable area of Natural Interest. Volcanic, market and traditional cuisine. Spaces for events, an outside terrace and private rooms for business groups. LA CARABA HOTEL LA PERLA Traditional cuisine restaurant, friendly service located in Olot, very near La Garrotxa’s Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone. Set menus available for individuals, groups, companies and celebrations. Both a hostel local menu and a gastronomic menu available.
TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR ALL TYPES OF EVENTS. Simultaneous translations,
sound systems, illuminations as realizations audiovisuals. Face-toface online format. An extensive professional career developing custom projects according to the needs of each client.
LEEKSONFILMS PRODUCCIONS Audiovisual services: recording and production multi-camera event and congresses, as well as live broadcast and streaming. Photography, video events and drone service. Duties of communication and press.
ZEBA
AUDIVISUAL AND PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES.
Live and streaming of congresses or events, promotional videos for companies or event photos.
facebook.com/garrotxa
facebook.com/garrotxa
@turismegarrotxa
trade.turismegarrotxa.com