Best Villages in Umbria
Posted: 01/12/23
There are many ways you can describe the region of Umbria : beautiful, historic, lush, verdant, mysterious. The list goes on.
Read moreExplore the gorgeous region of Catalonia, with its historic towns and picturesque landscape. From the mountains to the sea, you’ll be treated to some of the most wonderful views in Spain. The cycle routes on this tour are well-maintained and leisurely, meaning you can easily take in all your beautiful surroundings.
On this tour, you’ll visit famous towns like Girona, which are just overflowing with history. We highly recommend you take any opportunity to explore the rich cultural sights and immerse yourself in Catalan culture. The real star of this tour is the natural scenery; fields of orchards, sunflowers, vineyards, unspoilt beaches, olive groves, and the list goes on. Not to mention the dramatic Pyrenees Mountains which frames every view.
We love
The rustic villages that lie in the volcanic region of La Vall D’En Bas. The cobbled streets lining the ancient architecture is wonderful to explore.
What’s Included
Day 1 | Arrive in Sant Miguel de Pineda
Head to La Rectoria in Sant Miguel de Pineda, a beautifully restored rectory adjacent to the Vias Verdes cycle path, where you will spend the next two nights.
Day 2 | Round Trip: La Valle d'En Bas | Distance: 44km / 27.3 miles
Today you will explore the volcanic region of La Vall D’En Bas. This is a lovely circular route. Make time to stop off at a few Pyrenees medieval villages where you’ll feel like you stepped back in time. The route offers some amazing scenery, rugged landscapes, and rivers. Head back to La Rectoria late afternoon for a second evening of fine dining.
Meals included: breakfast & dinner
Day 3 | Sant Feliu de Pallerois to Girona | Distance: 50km / 31.1 miles
This morning you pick up the railway route which descends smoothly from Sant Feliu de Pallerois to Girona. The trail is in very good condition and has been fitted with new bridges, railings and signs, crossing through magnificent scenery filled with cultural and natural sights. It continues through the Garrotxa and reaches the Ter valley and then you head on to the pasturelands of Salt and Girona. Tonight will be spent in the old town (the Jewish Quarter) of Girona near the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, and just a few minutes walk from some lively tapas bars and restaurants.
Meals included: breakfast
Day 4 | Girona to the Coast | Distance: 50km / 31.1 miles
After leaving Girona, the route crosses the Selva depression which is characterised by a patchwork of croplands and forests. On a clear day, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the eastern Pyrenees, before crossing the Ridaura valley and skirting the edge of the Gavarres. This is an area covered in beautiful, unspoilt forest. The route runs gently down to Castell d’Aro then on to the fishing town of Palamos where you will stay for the next two nights, overlooking the beach and the port.
Meals included: breakfast
Day 5 | We say adéu as you head home today.
Day 1 | Arrive in Sant Joan de Abadesses
Arrive from Girona Airport or Ripoll Station (if arriving from Barcelona) and head to the fantastic Rural retreat Les Planes Del Grau - a restored farmhouse dating back over 600 years. Relax, and enjoy the pool here or take a short walk through the valley and its hills. The local town of Sant Joan de Abadesses is just 3km away.
Meals included: dinner
Day 2 | Sant Joan de les Abadesse to Sant Miguel de Pineda | Distance: 44km / 27.3 miles
After a quick meeting in the morning where you’ll receive your bikes, you’re ready to set off on your journey. The first section follows the old carrilet railway originally used to bring ore and coal down from the mines in Ogassa. The route takes you up through the valley to the town of Sant Joan de les Abadesses where you can stop for a leisurely coffee. Onwards now to Olot which lies in the Natural Park of the Volcanic area of the Garrotxa. The route continues down the old railway south of Olot to just north of Sant Feliu de Palleros. You arrive at La Rectoria, a beautifully restored rectory adjacent to the Vias Verdes cycle path, where you will spend the next two nights.
Meals included: breakfast & dinner
Day 3 | Round Trip: La Valle d'En Bas | Distance: 44km / 27.3 miles
Today you will explore the volcanic region of La Vall D’En Bas. This is a lovely circular route. Make time to stop off at a few Pyrenees medieval villages where you’ll feel like you stepped back in time. The route offers some amazing scenery, rugged landscapes, and rivers. Head back to La Rectoria late afternoon for a second evening of fine dining.
Meals included: breakfast & dinner
Day 4 | Sant Feliu de Pallerois to Girona | Distance: 50km / 31.1 miles
This morning you pick up the railway route which descends smoothly from Sant Feliu de Pallerois to Girona. The trail is in very good condition and has been fitted with new bridges, railings and signs, crossing through magnificent scenery filled with cultural and natural sights. It continues through the Garrotxa and reaches the Ter valley and then you head on to the pasturelands of Salt and Girona. Tonight will be spent in the old town (the Jewish Quarter) of Girona near the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, and just a few minutes walk from some lively tapas bars and restaurants.
Meals included: breakfast
Day 5 | Girona to the Coast | Distance: 50km / 31.1 miles
After leaving Girona, the route crosses the Selva depression which is characterised by a patchwork of croplands and forests. On a clear day, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the eastern Pyrenees, before crossing the Ridaura valley and skirting the edge of the Gavarres. This is an area covered in beautiful, unspoilt forest. The route runs gently down to Castell d’Aro then on to the fishing town of Palamos where you will stay for the next two nights, overlooking the beach and the port.
Meals included: breakfast
Day 6 | Rest Day
Today is based in and around Palamos. You may want to visit the Fish Museum on the harbour or maybe wander around the fish market. You can also cycle the coastal path to Cap Roig, a botanical garden of stunning beauty in Calella de Palafrugell.
Meals included: breakfast
Day 7 | We say adéu as you head home today.
Located in the historic centre of Girona, this hotel is only a few steps away from the cathedral. It has a fascinating history dating back to Roman times. Entirely remodelled, the building has kept much of its original character whilst still modernising to prioritise comfort.
This lovely rural hotel has more than 600 years of history. A restored farmhouse, the hotel sits in the countryside surrounded by idyllic fields. Beyond, it’s sheltered by tall pine forests and the natural meadows of the Serra de la Guaira.
Family run, this hotel is rustic and charming. Dating back to the 12th century, the B&B contains a lot of history and is beautifully preserved. With comfortable rooms filled with natural, warm lighting, you’ll feel pampered when you stay here.
This seaside hotel is just a stone’s throw from the sea on the fabulous Costa Brava. Much of the interiors have nautical touches, with a strong seafaring culture in the region. With an inviting pool, this hotel is perfect for the hotter summer months.
Available | Duration | Tour Only | Package
(Flights & Transfers Included) |
Self Drive
(Eurotunnel Included) |
Board Basis |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st Mar 2024 to 30th Apr 2024 | 4 Nights | £1,135pp | B&B + 2 Dinners | ||
1st May 2024 to 30th Jun 2024 | 4 Nights | £1,275pp | B&B + 2 Dinners | ||
1st Jul 2024 to 31st Aug 2024 | 4 Nights | £1,355pp | B&B + 2 Dinners | ||
1st Sep 2024 to 30th Sep 2024 | 4 Nights | £1,275pp | B&B + 2 Dinners | ||
1st Oct 2024 to 14th Dec 2024 | 4 Nights | £1,135pp | B&B + 2 Dinners | ||
1st Mar 2024 to 30th Apr 2024 | 6 Nights | £1,465pp | B&B + 3 Dinners | ||
1st May 2024 to 30th Jun 2024 | 6 Nights | £1,615pp | B&B + 3 Dinners | ||
1st Jul 2024 to 15th Sep 2024 | 6 Nights | £1,695pp | B&B + 3 Dinners | ||
16th Sep 2024 to 30th Sep 2024 | 6 Nights | £1,615pp | B&B + 3 Dinners | ||
1st Oct 2024 to 14th Dec 2024 | 6 Nights | £1,465pp | B&B + 3 Dinners |
*Where tour pricing is displayed in your local currency, please note this is for indicative purposes and your final holiday will be confirmed and transacted at the time of booking with our team in Pound Sterling.
Posted: 01/12/23
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