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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 - the incredible views make your efforts worthwhile. Gaze in awe at the limestone massif of Cadí-Moixeró Nature Reserve, standing above the idyllic Cerdanya Valley
• 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. Bike alongside deep valleys and rugged rock walls in La Garrotxa, a remote volcanic area rarely visited by tourists.
• 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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Day 4
Salvador Dalí's artistic genius shines at the medieval Gala Dalí Castle he restored for his wife. Ride past fields of sunflowers and wheat to the beautiful Baix Emporda, the "region of coves," stopping to explore hamlets with cobbled town squares, Baroque-style churches and ancient fortresses. Penchant for pottery? You'll be in heaven in La Bisbal, Catalonia's ceramics capital Cap off your day with a tasting of Catalan wines.
• 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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Days 5 - 6
Bike along the Costa Brava, where the Mediterranean laps against white-sand beaches and villages cling to forested hills above hidden bays. The Gavarres Nature Reserve offers up a pass to climb. Lounge by the surf Fruit orchards, olive groves and rice paddies line a peaceful ride through the countryside.
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Dates: Sep 9-14, 2011, Sep 13-18, 2011, Sep 16-21, 2011, Sep 20-25, 2011, Sep 23-28, 2011, Sep 25-30, 2011, Sep 27-Oct 2, 2011, Oct 4-9, 2011, Oct 11-16, 2011, Oct 15-20, 2011, Oct 18-23, 2011, May 13-18, May 20-25, May 25-30, Jun 3-8, Jun 10-15, Jun 24-29, Jul 1-6, Jul 8-13, Jul 15-20, Jul 22-27, Jul 29-Aug 3, Aug 5-10, Aug 12-17, Aug 19-24, Aug 26-31, Sep 2-7, Sep 7-12, Sep 8-13, Sep 11-16, Sep 14-19, Sep 15-20, Sep 18-23, Sep 21-26, Sep 23-28, Sep 28-Oct 3, Oct 2-7, Oct 5-10, Oct 7-12, Oct 9-14, Oct 12-17, Oct 14-19
Length: 6 days/5 nights
Level: 2 to 4
Cost: $3,998 - $4,398
Single Supplement: $1,200 to $1,500
(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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