8 Day - Catalonia & Costa Brava

21-28 June 2009 Guided Tour

Catalonia is a region of Spain with its own unique identity. It is home to some of the country's most varied scenery, ranging from the spectacular Pyrenees on the border with France, down through beautiful farmland and forests, to the rugged beauty of the Costa Brava. Here the pretty coastline contrasts with the clear waters and sheltered coves.

We will visit fine medieval towns and villages such as Girona and Pals, along with picturesque coastal villages such as Cadaqués, home to one of the most famous Spanish artists, Salvador Dalí, whose museum and gallery we will have the opportunity to visit in Figueres.

Two of our rides take advantage of the Vías Verdes programme - cycling along disused railway lines, now converted into cycle paths

A great introduction to a beautiful and interesting part of Spain; and don't miss the opportunity to take a few extra days and visit one of the world's most cosmopolitan capitals, Barcelona.

Trip Code - SAT7CAT

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Day 2 Girona - Olot

Today's ride takes us along one of Spain's Vias Verdes (Green Ways). These are off-road cycling tracks, usually along disused railway lines.

After enjoying the beautiful countryside, we finally arrive in the town of Olot, which lies within the protected area of the Natural Park of the Volcanic Area of the Garrotxa. The urban area includes two volcanic craters.





Distance 57 km - 36 miles

Day 3Olot - Figueres

Today's ride takes us through the volcanic area of La Garrotxa. Our route takes us past the dormant volcanoes.

We pass charming medieval villages such as Santa Pau. In Banyoles, we can stop for a swim in the lake before continuing to the town of Figueres, birthplace of the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. Here we can visit the superb Dalí Museum.




Distance short 45 km - 28 miles
long 76 km - 48 miles

Day 4 Figueres - Cadaqués

We continue east towards the Mediterranean and the Costa Brava - the Rugged Coast. We cycle through the magnificent scenery of the Cap de Creus before reaching Cadaqués, one of the most picturesque villages on the Costa Brava in a beautiful setting.



The Dalí trail continues here; the painter used to spend his summers here and later kept a home in the adjacent village of Port Lligat. Distances - 48 km - 30 miles

Day 5Cadaqués - L'Estartit

From Cadaqués, we turn southwards along the Mediterranean. Leaving the Cap de Creus, we cycle through the flat plain and the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, a protected area of marshland. We later pass the ancient Greek / Roman city of Empúries, the ruins lying right by the fine beaches of the coastline.

We finally arrive at the harbour of L'Estartit, looking across to the Illes Medes, one of the most important marine reserves in the Mediterranean.



Distance Short 40 km - 25 miles
Long 68 km - 42 miles

Day 6L'Estartit - Sant Feliu de Guíxols

Our first stop today is in Pals, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in the area. We continue inland past Peratallada, another fine village. Finally, after passing through the beautiful forests of Les Gavarres, we descend towards the coast and the town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols.



Distance Short 45 km - 28 miles
Long 60 km - 37 miles

Day 7Sant Feliu de Guíxols - Girona

On our final day, we take advantage of another Vía Verde to take us back to our starting point in Girona. The route is relatively short, so we can take advantage to visit the nearby village of Tossa, do some last-minute shopping, enjoy the beach etc. Or alternatively, head back to Girona to spend more time in this fine city.





Distance 50 km – 31 miles

Holiday extensions

Possibility of spending extra days in Barcelona or Costa Brava.