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Contrasts of Catalonia (Catalunya) Cycling

Contrasts of Catalonia (Catalunya) Cycling

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5 Days From

$2180

Contrasts of Catalonia (Catalunya) Cycling

5 Days Starting and ending in Calella de Palafrugell, Spain

Visiting: Calella de Palafrugell, Pals, La Bisbal d'Empordà

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C04CN

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Trip Styles:

Luxury

Activities:

Walking

From: $2180

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Contrasts of Catalonia (Catalunya) Cycling" tour, a delightful journey through Spain's picturesque landscapes. Perfect for first-time or nervous cyclists, this tour takes you along quiet country roads, offering stunning views of wide sandy beaches, beautiful bays, and traditional fishing ports. Explore sun-drenched villages and pretty medieval towns, all while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze that ensures ideal cycling conditions. Stay in charming hotels, each with a pool, including a night in a luxurious 14th-century castle. The tour includes hybrid bike hire, luggage transfers, and a Headwater Navigation App to guide your adventure. Enjoy all breakfasts and one evening meal, with the freedom to explore local dining options. E-bikes are available for an additional supplement, and arrival and departure transfers can be arranged upon request. This cycling tour promises a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion in the heart of Catalonia.

Highlights

  • Quiet country roads ideal for first-time or nervous cyclists.

  • Explore wide sandy beaches, beautiful bays, and traditional fishing ports.

  • Discover pretty medieval villages along the route and during rest days.

  • Enjoy cycling with a lovely sea breeze, ensuring it's never too hot.

  • Visit the peach-coloured medieval town of Pals with stunning views.

  • Cycle past rice fields and follow the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri.

  • Explore the walled village of Ullastret, home to one of Spain's oldest Iberian villages.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Calella De Palafrugell

Location: Calella de Palafrugell

Accommodation Name: Hotel Garbi

Meals Included: Breakfast

You arrive at your hotel where 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 Hotel Garbi, Breakfast only)

Day 2 : Calella De Palafrugell To Platja De Pals

Location: Pals

Accommodation Name: Hotel Sa Punta

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading off to peach-coloured Pals, a lovely medieval 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 3 : Platja De Pals To La Bisbal

Location: La Bisbal d'Empordà

Accommodation Name: Hotel Castell d'Emporda

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 medieval town with its Roman defensive wall before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the village of Gualta (picturesque 16th century bridge) and pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica and Casavells to La Bisbal. Here you'll stay in a uniquely converted 14th century 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 4 : La Bisbal To Calella De Palafrugell

Location: Calella de Palafrugell

Accommodation Name: Hotel Garbi

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 Hotel Garbi, Breakfast only)

Day 5 : Leave Calella De Palafrugell

Location: Calella de Palafrugell

Meals Included: Breakfast

LEAVE CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and 1 evening meal

    The tour includes all breakfasts and one evening meal during your stay.

  • All accommodation

    Accommodation is provided for the duration of the tour, with all hotels featuring pools.

  • All luggage transfers

    Luggage transfers are included, ensuring your belongings are transported between accommodations.

  • Headwater Navigation App

    The Headwater Navigation App is provided to assist with route navigation.

  • Hybrid Bikes included

    Hybrid bikes are included for cycling through the scenic routes.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation

    Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory supplement.

  • Solo traveller supplements

    Supplements apply for solo travelers when only one person is traveling on a departure date.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged independently.

  • Arrival & departure transfers

    Transfers for arrival and departure are available on request but are not included.

  • E-bikes available at a supplement

    E-bikes are available for an additional supplement.

Food

All breakfasts and two evening meals included. Traditional Spanish food such as paella, chorizo and albondigas (meatballs) can be found on just about every menu in Catalunya, but there are plenty of tasty local specialities too. Local cuisine features plenty of fish, including world renowned anchovies from L'Escala, and botifarras (black pudding) from the mountains. A delicious starter is Pan Catalan, which is lightly toasted bread, drizzled with olive oil and topped with tomatoes and garlic. The geography of the area has developed regional cuisine mixing 'surf and turf'; combinations such as chicken and lobster, or rabbit with prawns. Fruits also feature strongly with dishes combining chicken with figs, or pheasant and grapes. Dishes tend to be rich and hearty but there are also plenty of vegetable options for vegetarians. Catalan foods also feature sauces in many dishes, which are usually rich in flavour. The region is also renowned for the production of Cava, around the town of San Sadurni de Noya. There is a herby, smoky, grassy flavour to some of these as a result of the grape varieties and climate. The region also produces some of Spain's best wines. Though we do not cycle through San Sadurni de Noya, try the wine from this region if you spot it on a menu.

Accommodation

You stay in a variety of hotels, all with pools, hand-picked for their charm and character. Highlights include the family-run Hotel Garbi in Calella de Palafrugell, the stylish Hotel Sa Punta in Platja de Pals, and the Hotel Castell d'Emporda, a magnificently restored 14th-century castle.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of bikes are included in the tour?

    The tour includes hybrid bikes for cycling through quiet country roads. E-bikes are also available at a supplement.

  • Are luggage transfers provided during the tour?

    Yes, all luggage transfers are included in the tour.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay in a variety of hotels, all with pools, chosen for their charm and character. This includes the family-run Hotel Garbi in Calella de Palafrugell, the stylish Hotel Sa Punta in Platja de Pals, and a night at the Hotel Castell d'Emporda, a restored 14th century castle.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    All breakfasts and one evening meal are included in the tour package.

  • Can I arrange arrival and departure transfers?

    Yes, arrival and departure transfers can be arranged on request.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour?

    No, travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • What is the starting and ending location of the tour?

    The tour starts and ends in Calella de Palafrugell.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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