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Spain Biking
From Barcelona to the Pyrenees & Costa Brava
Barcelona lures you with its irrepressible éclat. This city deserves its own adventure, but for you it's the start of an unforgettable trip through the heart of Catalonia. Soon you're swept into the Pyrénées. You'll straddle the border to France and ride roads the pro cyclists use to train for that famous French race. You'll wonder how they just speed pass these views. Descend and the air warms, the sun strengthens and the aroma of the coast fills the air. You'll wind up in Costa Brava at Salvador Dalí's castle - a fitting end to this journey through one of Europe's most enticing regions.
Request an itinerary here or reserve this trip now.
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• Kick off the journey in vibrant Barcelona
• Ride scenic routes in the Pyrénées foothills
• Costa Brava bike paths, where the Mediterranean laps against miles of white-sand beaches
• Highly acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood
• Admire the artistic genius of Salvador Dalí
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Days 1-2
Kick things off in Barcelona, Catalonia's effervescent capital. Head north to the mountains and pedal past alpine villages, herds of cows and farmers tending their crops. Sample cava, Spain's beloved version of bubbly. Scenic routes in the Pyrénées foothills lead into France and onto the famed Saint James Trail, a pilgrimage route used since the Middle Ages. Gaze in awe at mighty granite peaks above rugged valleys. Cap off your day with a tasting of Catalan wines.
• Two nights at the Torre del Remei.Set amid acres of lush manicured gardens, this 19th-century palace has been transformed into a 21st-century Relais & Chateaux-member hotel, complete with a swimming pool, day spa and ultra-chic amenities.
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Day 3
Acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood. Pine and chestnut trees give way to oaks and olive groves en route to the coast. Stretch your legs in St-Laurent-de-Cerdans, a village renowned for its ebullient Catalan textiles.
• One night at the Mas Falgarona. Owners Brigitta and Severino warmly welcome us into their renovated stone farmhouse, tucked into the countryside between the Pyrenees and Costa Brava.
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Days 4-6
Salvador Dalí's artistic genius shines at the medieval Gala Dalí Castle he restored for his wife. Spin to the beautiful Baix Emporda, the "region of coves," stopping to explore hamlets with cobbled town squares, Baroque-style churches and ancient fortresses. Bike along the coves of the Costa Brava, where the Mediterranean laps against white-sand beaches, and villages cling to forested hills above hidden bays. Lounge by the surf An explosion of color and fragrance awaits at the Cap Roig Botanical Gardens, perched on a promontory and offering glorious sea views.
• Two nights at Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa. A beautifully restored 18th-century manor house in the Emporda region, where Salvador Dali was born. A Relais & Chateaux member. (pool, spa)
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Dates: Aug 8-13, Aug 15-20, Sep 5-10, Sep 11-16, Sep 17-22, Sep 21-26, Sep 24-29, Oct 5-10, Oct 10-15, Oct 12-17, Oct 17-22, May 15-20, 2011, Jun 5-10, 2011, Sep 25-30, 2011, Oct 9-14, 2011
Length: 6 days/5 nights
Level: 2 to 4
Cost: $3,998 - $4,398
Single Supplement: $770 to $1,200
(Please note: Prices are subject to change. Please view current pricing here.)
Meals: All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner.
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