FROM PYRENEES TO COSTA BRAVA GREEN WAYS 2014
DURATION: 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS TYPE: TOURING BIKE / HYBRID START&FINISH: GIRONA/GIRONA (SPAIN) DATES: MARCH TO OCTOBER LODGING: 3* - 4* HOTELS ROUTE LEVEL: 1 / Read more KM.PER DAY: 30—50 KM TRAVEL OPTIONS: GROUP & PRIVATE GROUPS: 4/... MIN/MAX PRICE: FROM 1.650€ / See prices
A route that travels along Vies Verdes (Green Ways), former railways trasnsformed and adapted to pedestrians and cyclists. Given its smooth slope is a very reachable itinerary, suited to enjoy the ride surrounded by a very diverse landscape. it can be divided into 3 major parts: 1- La ruta del ferro i del carbó (route of coal and iron) takes its name from the forges tradition in the zone and the coal mines of Ogassa. It follows the old railway that went from Ripoll to Toralles and stands out for its high mountain landscape and for its great romanesque monuments, like Santa Maria de Ripoll monastery (XII Century). 2-Ruta del Carrilet I starts in the Volcanic Zone of la Garrotxa, the best example of volcanic landscape in Iberian Peninsula, and follows the old narrow-gauge railway that went from Olot to Girona. 3-Ruta del Carrilet II crosses the regions of Gironès and Baix Empordà following also the old narrow-gauge railway, known as the Feliuet that went from Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols between 1892 and 1969. At the end of the day we will lodge in charming little hotels, selected upon its quality and personal treatment and will enjoy the delicious catalan gastronomy.
We are waiting for you!!! Utopic Bike Travel www.utopicbiketravel.com info@utopicbiketravel.com
ITINERARY / FROM PYRENEES TO COSTA BRAVA / DAY 1 - 2 DAY 1: GIRONA Individual arrival at hotel. UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL presentation. Bicycles set up Possibility of pickup at the Train Station or at the Girona Airport. Please consult “Arrivals & Departures” in case of different arrivals or for additional logistical information. WELCOME TO CATALONIA! Once settled in the hotel, our guides will give you information regarding tour details and will complete the setup of your bike. You have spare time to visit the “Barri Vell” (Old Neighborhood), the historical center of the city where you can find unique constructions in Europe: the roman city walls, “el Call” (one of the best conserved jewish quarters in Spain) and the Gothic Cathedral, with the widest central nave in the world. We recommend too a visit to the river Onyar colored houses that, together with the numerous bridges and the Cathedral in the background, define the most emblematic image of Girona. At night we will have dinner in one of many traditional restaurants available. Lodging in a central 4* hotel.
DAY 2: RIPOLL - OLOT
33,2 km / Elevation: 580m
After breakfast, we'll travel to Ripoll, where our green ways adventure starts with the Ruta del Ferro (Irons'route). 12 km until we arrive to Sant Joan de les Abadesses following the former narrow-gauge train's railway, conditioned today for cyclists and pedestrians. We will ride surrounded by high peaks, prairies and forests.The route, completely paved, follows the course of Ter river, with a very smooth slope that represents no difficulty at all. We the leave the green way and cross Sant Joan de les Abadesses to take the road of Sentigosa, witht almost no traffic, that will take us to Olot. Fast transfer to our hotel in the medieval village of Santa Pau. A former conuntry house in a unique place. Dinner and lodging in a 3* hotel.
A THRILLING ROUTE One of the most attractive regions in Europe Route crossing the “Green Ways” Amazing Pyrenees high mountain landscape, with one of the highest concentration of romanesque art in Europe. Picturesque medieval villages Garrotxa’s Volcanic Natural Park, the best example of volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most important in Europe. Almost 40 volcanic cones and 20 basaltic lava streams Catalan cava tasting in a magnificent medieval environment Exquisite catalan cuisine. A unique experience. Catalan hospitality
ITINERARY / FROM PYRENEES TO COSTA BRAVA / DAY 3 - 4 DAY 3: OLOT - OLOT
47 km / Elevation: 810m
This is one of those places that deserves to be calmly admired. After breakfast we will start our route through the core of Volcanic Area of La Garrotxa Natural Park and Mieres valley (a wide, green and sunny spot placed in one of the most peaceful and rural places in la Garrotxa. We will visit two of the most notorious places in the Park: Croscat volcano (the youngest of the zone) and the amazing Fageda d'en Jordà, a beech forest which is exceptional for growing at a very low altitude (550m) and for laying over Croscat volcano's flow. We'll take the chance to admire the medieval village of Santa Pau. From the XIV century, has been designated Historic-Artistic National Site. In the evening we'll visit Museu dels Sants (Saints Museum), which will allow us to know the production of local religous imagery. After that, visit to the old town and dinner in one of the most emblematic restaurants of the zone, where we will discover why pa amb tomàquet (bread and spread tomato) is the gastronomic symbol of Catalonia. Lodging in the same 3* hotel.
DAY 4: OLOT – GIRONA
58 km / Elevation: 367m
La Ruta del Carrilet I. This 58 km route crosses 3 regions and 12 villages through the valleys of Fluvià, Brugent and Ter rivers. A very well preserved itinerary, valid for pedestrians and cyclists. This route takes us trough areas of great landscape, cultural and ecologic value. It starts in the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa and, always following the former narrowgauge railway, arrives to the river ter valley and the prairies of Girona. In the evening free time to visit the Barri Vell (Old Neighborhood), the historical center of the city where you can find unique constructions in Europe: the roman city walls, el Call (one of the best conserved jewish quarters in Spain) and the Gothic Cathedral, with the widest central nave in the world. We recommend too a visit to the river Onyar colored houses that, together with the numerous bridges and the Cathedral in the background, define the most emblematic image of Girona. At night dinner in one of the numerous traditional restaurants of Girona. Lodging in central 4* hotel.
FAGEDA D’EN JORDÀ (JORDAN’S BEECH) Do you know where the Jordan's beech is? If you go around Olot up the plan, find a place deep green and never found overturned in the world: as a green water inside, deep and clear; the green of the beech in Jordan. The walk on entering the site, it begins to walk slowly; has his steps in the great stillness stops and does not feel anything, and is lost. It takes a sweet oblivion of the world in the silence of that deep, and not thinking out there and think about it: is made of beech wood in the Jordan prisoner of silence and greenery. Company Oh! Oh freeing prisoners
Joan Maragall (1860 - 1911) Catalan Poet
ITINERARY / FROM PYRENEES TO COSTA BRAVA / DAY 5 - 6 DAY 5: GIRONA – SANT FELIU DE GUIXOLS
42 km / Elev.: 190m
La Ruta del Carrilet II. We keep following the former narrow-gauge railway that goes from Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols through the regions of Gironès and Baix Empordà. Smooth slopes and curves define this area. The first part of the route, right after we leave Girona, shows us a mixture of crops and forests. The second part flows through the valley of Ridaura river until we get to sea in Sant feliu de Guíxols. We will enjoy a magnifiscent to the mediterranean Sea. Our hotel, an old country house placed in a beautiful mediterranean environment. At night, dinner in one of the little halls of the hotel to taste typical and traditional catalan dishes. Lodging in rural 4* hotel.
DAY 6: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, farewell and end of our services. NOTE: Possibility of extra days in Costa Brava, Girona or Barcelona. Consult us.
ONE ROUTE, SEVERAL OPTIONS Routes designed to enjoy them at your own rate. Take your time to take a good picture or to have a tasty coffee. The most important places and visits have been taken into account. Mileage has been calculated thoroughly as well to keep you feet till the end of the day. Additional mileage offered for our most exigent clients.
WHAT’S INCLUDED / FROM PYRENEES TO COSTA BRAVA PRICES 2014 Minimum Group : 4 people* Tours available from: March 1st to October 30st Price per person (double occupancy) ……...…………………..…..
1.650 €
Supplements: Single Occupancy supplement ............................................... *Minimum group supplement (per person): 2 people group ……………………..……....…..………………..…... 3 people group ………………………………..….……...…………….
230 € 410 € 205 €
Other options Bike rental Bianchi Camaleonte..….……………………………..….. 60 € Transfers to Barcelona /hotel /Barcelona Airport ............... 50 € Extra night in Girona, Barcelona, Costa Brava …………..….…. Consult us Optional Travel Insurance (2.500€ cancellation costs) 75 €
INCLUDED Arrivals & Departures Transfers to and from Girona Train Station or Girona Airport to Hotel Lodging & meals 5 nights at 3* and 4* hotels. Breakfast every day, 4 lunches, picnics, snacks and drinks throughout all the route. All dinners and local wines included in every meal. Support Minimum of one guide + one support vehicle. (depending on group size) Road book with maps and tour documentation in spanish, english or german. 24h personalized care. Clothes clean and ready every day. Luggage transportation during the tour. Client transportation in our support vehicle if necessary. Insurances Travel and cancellation Insurance (consult policy)
NOT INCLUDED Plane ticket, air taxes and airport taxes. Bike rental. Optional travel or cancellation insurance. Guide tips Personal items purchased during the tour. Optional activities not programmed by Utopic Bike Travel Any aspect not specified in the above section.
MAIN REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL: We design our own trips * Our team is formed by a group of young nature and cycling lovers who have decided that their passion would become their way of life * Our guides have spent their lifes on their bikes and have covered thousands of miles on each zone * We want to share our experiences with our clients * For us, every client is unique, every need is different and every trip is unrepeatable!
ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS / FROM PYRENEES TO COSTA BRAVA LODGING In UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL we have made a selection of what we think are special lodgings, regardless of their price or category. They are usually located in unique surroundings and placed at historical or ancient buildings with a great architectural value. Charming and inviting places which are family-runned and join quality, peacefulness and personalized care. In this route GIRONA AND SURROUNDINGS we will stay in little 3* and 4* hotels (spanish qualification) and in rural houses. Given their characteristics, we cannot allocate accomodation until we receive confirmation of availability by the hotel. GENUINE CATALAN GASTRONOMY
MEALS & GASTRONOMY To taste Catalonia can become a great experience! It possesses an extraordinary lanscape and patrimonial richness, but it is undoubtedly one of the main gastronomic destinations in the world. Catalan gastronomy dates from classic roman age. A complex, assorted and rich cuisine, plenty of mediterranean influences and based on all kind of products (seafood, vegetables, and all kind of meat). It is adapted to every season and all sort of traditions, as well. We cannot talk about gastronomy without including wine. Catalonia is the number one producer of high quality wine in Spain and one of the most important wine producing areas in Europe, holding a great history. Ancient Greek and Roman introduced the wine-making process and, by middle-age, catalan monasteries conitnued with this practice. Nowadays, Catalonia has eleven protected denominations of origin, spreaded throughout all our territor, with a great variety of white, rosé and red wines. In this trip we will taste this country’s traditional dishes and we will discover the authentic Emporda’s cuisine, which masterfully combines fish and seafood, local fruits and vegetables and meat and cheeses from this zone. Every morning abundant breakfasts containing dairy products, cereals, bread, fruit and natural juices are waiting for us. Besides, in most of our selected lodgings we will find typical cold meats (all sort of sausages and ham), home made bakery and jam, and more… Lunches are adapted depending on the route we are making and, therefore, can be more varied. A picnic on the top of a hill, some snack in a bar by the sea, energy bars right after surmounting a mountain pass… Supper time in UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL is intended to enjoy the authentic local gastronomy. Every night we will taste the most traditional and popular local dishes, either at the hotel’s restaurant or at some popular one around the place. In some of our trips we give the opportunity to our guests to explore by themselves and do it their way to discover places or restaurants the might find interesting. These meals are not included in the price of the tour. Nevertheless, our guides will be delighted to suggest you any of our favourite restaurants if you want. If you have any dietary preference, requirement or food intolerance please inform us prior to the trip. We will make our best to satisfy your necessities.
“Cuisine is landscape put into a cooking pot” Josep Pla
TYPICAL PRODUCTS Santa Pau’s beans, black turnips, mushrooms, traditional cold meats and cheese, “farro” (typical corn flour), buckwheat, “Vall d’en Bas” potatoes, “Ratafía” (traditional liquor made of nuts and aromatic herbes)… TYPICAL DISHES Catalan sausage with Santa Pau’s beans, traditional snails “ a l’adoba”, roasted beef with mushrooms, “patates dela Dèu” (meat stuffed potatoes), duck with pears, pato con peras, pig’s trotters with turnips, “escudella i carn d’olla”…
ARRIVING & DEPARTING / FROM PYRENEES TO COSTA BRAVA HOW TO GET HERE Flights. We recommend you toarrive at least one day prior to the start of our tour. It will allow you to adapt to a different time zone and will minimize risks of missing the start of the trip because of flight delay. There are two airports close to Girona: Barcelona Airport – El Prat, is the biggest and most important airport in Catalonia. 100 km from Girona. It receives flights from companies operating all over the world.. Girona Airport – Costa Brava, much smaller. Is the closest one. There are a few companies operating in it, most of them low cost like Ryanair. If you come from a EU country this is the cheapest and best option. There are several option to transfer from Barcelona Airport to Girona (besides taxi). Bus. There is a direct bus from the airport to Girona three times a day. It takes 1 hour and 50 minutes from T2 terminal and 1 hour and 35 minutes from T1 terminal.Further information in www.alsa.es Train. If your flight’s arrival does not let you take the bus, train is available too. You must go to Sants Station in Barcelona and then change trains to go to Girona. Further information in www.renfe.es Utopic Bike Travel offers an optional transfer service from Barcelona Airport to Girona and vice versa. (consult optional supplements in the price list).
DEPARTURE If you want to fly the same day the tour ends, please schedule your flight to leave after 16:00 PM to avoid delays due to traffic problems.
HOUR & MEETING PLACE Girona / Catalonia. Our guides will be waiting for you in one of theses places: Our Girona hotel, Train/Bus station, Girona - Costa Brava airport or Barcelona - El Prat airport (with supplement) One week prior to the start of the tour we will arrange our meeting place and time. You will receive an email with our guides names and their contact details. If you cannot get on time to the scheduled meeting please contact our guides and, should they not be availabe either, please inform the hotel of your expected arrival time. You will find all hotels contact details in the mail once we have confirmed all reservations.
BOOK NOW If you are ready just fill our reservation form. If you think this tour does no adapt to your needs either because of its duration, lodging category, or budget... BESPOKE TRAVEL We are specialists designing taylormade trips. We can modify any of our available tours or arrange a completely new one for you. Tell us your ideas a we can make it together.
ADITIONAL INFORMATION / FROM PYRENEES TO COSTA BRAVA WEATHER Catalonia is famous for its warm days and fresh nights. Days are sunny and hot in summer and mild in spring and autumn. You can expect lower temperatures in the mountains zone, specially at night. But weather is definitely privileged in Costa Brava: mild temperatures throughout the year, with moderate oscillations and mostly sunny. This is the result of Pyrenees protection in the North and Mediterranean Sea in the East. Cold weather in winter is regulated by a warm stream, whereas higher summer temperatures are alleviated by the fresh breeze coming from the sea. Hottest months are July and August, november is the rainiest and January and February are the coldest ones.
BIKE RENTAL Check the specs of our bikes.
ACTIVITY LEVELS We have tours for eveyone. You can find the one that suits you best.
FAQS
ROADBOOK, MAPS AND BROCHURES You don’t have to worry about anything in our guided tours, but we will hand you a roadbook containing detailed information (maps, profiles and suggestions to know what to expect ahead of us).
In our “FAQ” section you will find answers to all your questions.
INSURANCES Every Utopic Bike Travel tour includes its Travel Insurance. Consult our policy.
CONTRACT GENERAL CONDITIONS Consult our contract general conditions.
IMPORTANT This document is a generic travel offer that must be considered as provisional since it is published beforehand the actual tour. The final travel contract (handed once the payment of the tour is done) contains all the services contracted definitely. In Utopic Bike Travel we try our best to offer the perfect trip to all of ous clients. This is why our guides reserve the right to modify the itinerary of our routes either by weather or logistic causes.
SUPPORT VEHICLE At your disposal throughout the day. Food, drinks, clean clothes, bike spare parts or simply to keep any of the shopping you made during the day or to take you back to the hotel ahead of schedule.