This is our newest bike tour, and it is perfect for the casual cyclist who wants to visit one of Europe’s most beautiful locations, the Costa Brava in the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain.
Our cycling route is mostly flat with some gently rolling hills, and it is the perfect way to discover Catalonia’s fascinating history, culture and excellent cuisine. With its gorgeous beaches, rugged coastline, charming stone villages and pine covered hills, the Costa Brava is an unforgettable cycling destination.
Highlights on the Costa Brava Cycling Tour include visiting the Salvador Dali Museum, touring vineyards and olive oil mills, picturesque towns with medieval castles and a stop in La Bisbal, Spain’s “pottery capital.” One of our rides traverses the spectacular Aiguamolls de l’Emporda Natural Park, one of Spain’s most important wetland bird reserves.
We will be staying in a variety of accommodations that reflect the hospitality of the region and feature a splendid assortment of European style hotels, charming country inns and a restored 17th century farmhouse situated in a lovely pastoral setting. The scrumptious meals served on the tour are made with the freshest local ingredients and seasoned with tasty local olive oil and herbs. We will also be sampling some of Spain's best cheeses and most famous wines from the renowned regional vineyards.
Chuck and Judy Nichols will personally accompany this tour along with a bilingual guide. There will be a support vehicle for luggage and to assist riders if needed. Our daily riding distances average 25–45 km per day (15 – 27 miles/day), and this is the perfect time of year to see wildflowers. We hope you will join us on this fun NEW TOUR and see Spain the easy way!
ITINERARY
PLEASE NOTE: Exact distances may vary from those stated due to local road conditions or decisions made by tour leaders. Additional mileage can be arranged for those who want more riding. A support vehicle will accompany the tour for rider assistance.
Day 1: Arrival at Torroella de Montgrí
The group meets in the quiet little town of Torroella de Montgrí in the late afternoon for a tour orientation and welcome dinner. Hotel lodging in Torroella de Montgrí.
Day 2: Torroella de Montgrí - Sant Pere Pescador (43 km)
After fitting the bikes we start cycling north along a lovely coastal path to the famous ruins of Empúries and the historical medieval complex of St. Martí d'Empúries. Our evening lodging is a beautiful restored rural farmhouse in Sant Pere Pescador where we spend 2 nights.
Day 3: Loop ride returning to Sant Pere Pescador (35 km)
Today we visit the villages of Pau and Palau-Saverdera where we can taste local wine in a traditional wine cellar and visit an olive oil mill. In the afternoon our route takes us through the remarkable wetlands of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Nature Reserve, a birders paradise! We r eturn to the farmhouse in Sant Pere Pescador for the evening.
Day 4: Sant Pere Pescador - Figueres (45 km)
Our route takes us through a magnificent panorama of vineyards and olive orchards along the foot of the Alberes Massive. Highlights are the scenic village of Espolla, the village of Cabanes with the oldest olive oil mill of the region, and the village of Vilabertrán with its interesting Romanesque monastery. Lodging is in the city center of Figueres, and we can visit the famous Salvador Dali Museum.
Day 5: Figueres - Madremanya (42km)
We will spend the day cycling through the interior of the region from the Alt (upper) Empordà to the Baix (lower) Empordà. Our route passes through rural villages, such as Sant Miquel de Fluvià, with its Romanesque monastery, and Verges, a medieval village that has preserved portions of its ancient walls. In Foixà we can photograph the magnificent panorama of the Baix Empordà plain. The ride ends in Madremanya, a very interesting medieval village, where we spend the night.
Day 6: Madremanya - Torroella de Montgrí (25 km)
Today’s ride takes us through the well preserved historic villages of Cruïlles and Ullastret. In La Bisbal d’ Empordà, an important ceramic center, there are number of ceramic stores and a Ceramic Museum to visit. Overnight lodging is in Torroella de Montgrí.
Day 7: Loop ride to Pals and returning to Torroella (40 km) 
Our final ride is next to the coast where we will see rice fields and visit a rice mill. Later we visit the splendid medieval village of Pals, where you can see one of the most beautiful landscapes, and stop at a wine cellar and the marmalade museum of Torrent. We return to our lodging in Torroella, and our farewell dinner is this evening.
Day 8: Depart for home or other locations in Spain or Europe.
Let us know if you plan to stay in Spain and we can assist you with lodging.
While we strive to create the most accurate itinerary possible, the nature of international travel demands that participants remain flexible to any changes. We will do our best to substitute activities and services of equal quality for those listed.
TOUR BEGINS AND ENDS: Torroella de Montgri, Spain
TOUR
DATE: 8 days, May 18- 25, 2008
TOUR
PRICE: €1,800 Euros/pp double occupancy, €300 Euros/pp single
supplement
TOUR
PRICE INCLUDES: 7 nights' hotel, 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners, picnic lunches, support
vehicle
TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Bike rentals (you may choose to bring
your own bike or rent one for €80 Euros), restaurant lunches, beverages, gratuities
for local guide.
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