Compare Between the Land and the Sea by Cycle Catalan vs Barcelona & San Sebastian: Culinary Capitals by Bravo Luxury Travel
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 1,006 | $ 11,600 |
| Price Per Day | $ 144 | $ 967 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
If you are looking for varied landscapes, medieval village architecture, secluded sandy coves and an opportunity to sample excellent locally produced food and wine then a walking tour in the Baix Emporda area of Catalonia is hard to beat. Cool Forests of fragrant pine lead to tiny coves of sparkling sand and sun bleached rocks, mainly only accessible on foot. The terrain will vary: wide forest tracks, coastal paths and beaches. The coastal path is undulating and can be rough and steep with some short sections of rock hopping. There are three coastal walks so pack your swim suit for a quick swim to cool off. You will have plenty of time to admire the scenery and enjoy the wild flowers, butterflies and wildlife as well as some things of historical interest. We supply a wild flower fact sheet to help you identify the various species. |
“I realized very early the power of food to evoke memory, to bring people together, to transport you to other places” -- Jose Andres Start this tour of the Culinary Capitals of Spain in beautiful Barcelona. Here you’ll lose yourself in the passion of Catalonian art, architecture, and a distinct culinary tradition. We’ll take you down intimate side streets for hidden culinary experiences that only locals know about. We’ll taste sweet langoustines, delicious tapas, and world-class local wines. Known for its fierce Catalonian identity, Barcelona is also home to unique and quirky designs chiefly promoted by the works of Antonio Gaudí. Enjoy a private tour to the world-famous Sagrada Familia and climb the spiral staircase to towering heights for a stunning view of Barcelona. Other Gaudí highlights include: Casa Batlló, Casa Mila, and Park Güell. From Barcelona, we’ll disembark at our next culinary capital, the renowned Michelin star destination of Europe, San Sebastián. Here you’ll experience chefs who are at once pushing the boundaries of gastronomic innovation and also deeply rooted in the traditional “slow-food” methodology with food sourced from local origins. Your final stop on this culinary adventure is the La Rioja wine region where we’ll indulge in some of the best wines Spain has to offer. |
Day 1: Palamos
A representative of Cycle Catalan will meet you at Palamos bus station and transfer you to the Hotel Marina. Perfectly situated, the hotel has a comfortable colonial interior and is a two minute walk from the old quarter and the port. Palamos is the most important fishing port in Girona province with a history going back many centuries. The harbour makes a very interesting visit with the Museu de la Pesca and the fish market. A welcome glass of Cava awaits you in the bar where we will introduce the walking itinerary. Early evening why not take a tapas tour in the old quarter sampling some of Carmen’s delicious tapas at Can Nicanor. Dinner is served in the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 2: Camins de Ronda
Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 12kms 200m ascent and 170 descent
You leave Palamos and follow the old smugglers coastal path “Camins de Ronda” to Calella de Palafrugell via Castells, one of the last totally undeveloped beaches on the Costa Brava. Walk past the remains of an Iberian settlement founded in 6 BC before arriving at Cap Roig where you visit the castle and the botanical gardens created in 1927 by the aristocrat Elizabeth Webster.
After a packed lunch check into the Hotel Garbi which is perched on a hill with great views to the sea. The hotel is only 5 minutes from the centre of town. Explore this delightful whitewashed village where the narrow cobbled streets meander down to the sandy beach. Tonight we offer a fact sheet with recommended restaurants in and around Calella.
Day 3: Begur
Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 13kms 170m ascent and 150m descent
You pick up the Camins de Ronda path and head towards Begur passing through the picturesque former fishing villages of Llafranc and Tamariu. First stop is Sant Sabastian lighthouse “ El Far”. The views are spectacular and worthy of a photograph. Explore the beautiful chapel, the old watchtower and the remains of another Iberian settlement. We suggest a seafood lunch in Tamariu. There are many cafes and restaurants dotted along the pretty harbour.
Time for a quick swim before continuing the path over to the lively hill top medieval town of Begur.
The narrow streets are packed with restaurants, cafes, boutiques and jewellery shops. Arrive at the Hotel Rosa, a traditional Catalan hotel in the centre of town run by Maria and Narcis Rosa. The hotel owns the restaurant across the street, Fonda Caner which has an excellent reputation. We have booked you in for dinner here tonight. Please note that hotel also offers spa treatments.
Day 4: Cliffs, coves and splendid views
Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 10km
Today’s walk guarantees peace and privacy. Explore some of the unspoilt coves which can only be reached by foot or by boat. The path takes you to Mirador de la Creu. From the viewing point there is a wonderful view over the plain of Emporda and the coast. You then join the old Cami de Ronda which takes us to Marine Reserve of Ses Negres which is a protected area rich in aquatic species. Next we come to Aigufreda, a pretty cove with its own beach. Here we recommend stopping for your packed lunch which has been prepared by the hotel and a swim in the sea before heading back to Begur via Mas d’en Pine a beautiful fortified house with a 16th century tower. There are plenty of choices for dinner at local restaurants just off the square.
Day 5: Pals, Fontclara and Peratallada
Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 17kms 10m ascent and 100m descent
Today’s walk is a little longer, but the good news is that it is a gentle descent to Pals then fairly flat to Peratallada. First stop is Pals a perfectly preserved hilltop medieval village. The old quarter known as El Pedro within the medieval walls contains many historic buildings.
There is a Gothic church at the centre surrounded by beautiful cobbled streets leading to the old Castle. The views from the ancient wall to the sea and the mountains are spectacular. After morning coffee your route takes you to Fontclara meaning “clear spring”. where you can sample the famous spring water for yourself. The path takes you on to Peratallada through the pretty village of Palau-Sator where you should stop for lunch.
The next two nights’ will be spent at the Hotel Aatu, a relaxing oasis set in beautiful gardens with two swimming pools to choose from.. Peratallada means “cut stone” and you will see evidence of the way some of the houses have been carved into the rock. This village has many artisan shops, cafes and restaurants making it quite lively but at the same time retaining its charming character .We provide a list of recommended restaurants for you to try in Peratallada.
Day 6: Can Solivera artisan olive oil producer
Level: Easy
Distance: 10kms nominal descent and ascent
This morning you set off for Can Solivera where Hans and Daida will offer you an olive oil tasting. You will have the opportunity to look round the olive groves and admire the 12th century Masia before continuing on your walk to the medieval village of Vulpellac via the village of Canapost where you can admire some Roman sarcophi in the church yard. Tonight we recommend you enjoy a farewell dinner in the next village of Palau Sator. Mas Pou is a beautifully restored farmhouse with great terraces and their Pica Pica menu enables you to experience small portions of different local specialities.
Day 7: Departure
In the morning stock up with some last minute gifts before transferring to Girona/Barcelona airport for your flight home.
Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona
Day 2: Barcelona
Day 3: Barcelona
Day 4: Barcelona
Day 5: San Sebastian
Day 6: San Sebastian
Day 7: Hondarribia & Biarritz
Day 8: Pamplona
Day 9: La Rioja
Day 10: Bilbao
Day 11: Bilbao
Day 12: Depart From Bilbao
