GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS A very complete road bike route. Lodging in a very central hotel in Girona to be able to discover intensely the city after every journey. We will enjoy Girona, which possesses the charm of big cities but with a much more uncrowded environment. Placed right between the sea and the mountains, it enjoys a privileged location and is, undoubtedly, a unique place with thousands of years of history and stunning monuments. For six days we will cover four circular routes, very popular among local riders and training place of some of the best teams in the world because of the optimum conditions offered for road cycling (great roads, nice weather, excellent gastronomy, good communications, etc) Four exhaustive routes where we explore a different area of this wonderful region, discovering incredible places like the Garrotxa’s Volcanic Zone Natural Park, the best example of volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most important in Europe, with more than 40 volcanoes. At the end of every stage we will taste the excellent local gastronomy enjoying catalan, mediterranean, market and author’s dishes accompanied, of course, by a good wine. We are waiting for you! Utopic Bike Travel

www.utopicbiketravel.com info@utopicbiketravel.com

DURATION: 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

TYPE: ROAD BIKE

START&FINISH: GIRONA/GIRONA (SPAIN)

DATES: MARCH TO OCTOBER LODGING: 4* HOTEL

ROUTE LEVEL: 3

KM.PER DAY: 100-125 KM

TRAVEL OPTIONS: GROUP & PRIVATE

GROUPS: 4/... MIN/MAX

PRICE: FROM 1.900€ / See prices

GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS

GIRONA BIKING 2014

ITINERARY / GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS / DAY 1 - 2

DAY 1: GIRONA Individual arrival at hotel. UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL presentation. Bicycles set up Possibility of pickup at the Train Station or at the Girona Airport. Please consult “Arrivals & Departures” in case of different arrivals or for additional logistical information. WELCOME TO CATALONIA! Once settled in the hotel, our guides will give you information regarding tour details and will complete the setup of your bike. You have spare time to visit the “Barri Vell” (Old Neighborhood), the historical center of the city where you can find unique constructions in Europe: the roman city walls, “el Call” (one of the best conserved jewish quarters in Spain) and the Gothic Cathedral, with the widest central nave in the world. We recommend too a visit to the river Onyar colored houses that, together with the numerous bridges and the Cathedral in the background, define the most emblematic image of Girona. At night we will have dinner in one of many traditional restaurants available. Lodging in a central 4* hotel. DAY 2: RUTA DE LES GAVARRES 105 km / Elevation 1140m Circular route through the Gavarres massif, with 3 mountain passes: Els Àngels, La Ganga i Romanyà.

After breakfast we will start climbing to the Santuari dels Àngels, a very popular pass among local riders which is, also, part of a stage in "Vuelta a España" and "Volta a Catalunya".

Our itinerary continues crossing beautiful medieval villages like Madremanya and Monells until we arrive to the capital of ceramics and pottery, La Bisbal d'Empordà. We then climb again through a very nice road that will take us to Coll de la Ganga (200m), crossing a typically mediterranean forest of holm and cork oaks.

The descent takes us to the the sea and the fishing village of Palamós where we can take a little break to have a coffee and visit its fishing harbor.

Next, we take a road towards Romanyà to climb the latest pass of the day that will lead us to the farming planes of Llagostera and, effortlessly, we will arrive again to Girona riding through a very calm secondary road from where we will be able to sight all the Pyrenees.

Dinner and lodging in the same 4* hotel

DOLMEN OF “LA COVA D’EN DAINA” One of the most complete and

well preserved funeral monuments in Catalonia

(between 2700 and 2200 bc)

ITINERARY / GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS / DAY 3

DAY 3: GIRONA – OLOT – GIRONA 128 km / Elevation 1240m Today we are gonig to enjoy a very beautiful route through Pla de l'Estany and Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa areas. This is a classic itinerary for the local riders (professionals or cyclotourists)

The day starts pedalling through secondary roads that will take us to L'estany de Banyoles, the biggest natural lake in Catalonia and sign of identity of the city of banyoles.

Our ride continues with the toughest part of the route. A stepped and very quiet road that will take us to the Zona volcànica de la Garrotxa Natural Park. There we will visit the medieval village of Santa Pau, designated a Site of National Artistic and Historical interest.

In the core of the Park we will find the famous Fageda d'en Jordà and Croscat volcano. In La Vall d'en Bas, a valley with one of the most fertile soils in Catalania, we will ride through small roads that connect all sort of small villages and will visit two of them that are designated as Historic-Artistic sites: El Mallol, placed on the top of a hill and Els Hostalets d'en Bas, known as "tha catalan Switzerland"

Our jurney ends crossing la Vall del Llémena through secondary roads, where small villages and unique country houses appear to conform a very interesting landscape.

Dinner and lodging in the same 4* hotel.

FAGEDA D’EN JORDÀ (JORDAN’S BEECH)

Do you know where the Jordan's beech is? If you go around Olot up the plan, find a place deep green and never found overturned in the world: as a green water inside, deep and clear; the green of the beech in Jordan. The walk on entering the site, it begins to walk slowly; has his steps in the great stillness stops and does not feel anything, and is lost. It takes a sweet oblivion of the world in the silence of that deep, and not thinking out there and think about it: is made of beech wood in the Jordan prisoner of silence and greenery. Company Oh! Oh freeing prisoners

Joan Maragall (1860 - 1911) Catalan Poet

ITINERARY / GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS / DAY 4

DAY 4: RUTA DE LES GUILLERIES 118 km / Elevation 1360m Circular route through the route of water and bandits, climbing to Santuari del Coll (875m and 7,3 km).

Les Guilleries area used to be the hiding place of the peasant Joan Sala, who saw himself transformed into a bandit by necessity and later became a legend under the nickname of "Serrallonga".

Today's route crosses spots and places that were testimony of his life as a fugitive, in these mountains full of leafy forests where all sort of different trees seem to fight for a place to grow.

We will stop in the village of Osor, surrounded by a wonderful natural environment and will climb to Santuari del Coll through a nice and winding road. This is tough ascent, but at the top a magnificent view is to be found.

Coming back, descent to the Susqueda reservoir and from there to Girona through small secondary roads.

Dinner and lodging in the same 4* hotel.

The famous bandit Joan Ferrer Sala, alias Serrallonga, was born in Viladrau in 1594 and was executed in Barcelona in 1634, after living outside the law for most of his life. This famous bandit trespassed in several ways: robberies, kidnappings for ransom, beatings, burning crops, killing livestock and even several murders that, throughout his life, became almost fifty. A whole lot of stories about him are told, what created a myth around his figure, like thinking that he stole from the rich to give it to the poor. This does not seem to be true, but his fight against Viceroy of Cardona, who controlled the territory with an iron hand, made him gain the sympathy of the lower classes, such as farmers, shepherds and charcoals. These were those who, in the last years of the life of the bandit, welcomed and protected him in their humble homes.

ITINERARY / GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS / DAY 5-6

DAY 5: GIRONA - TOSSA DE MAR - GIRONA 105 km / Elev. 1070m In today's route we will discover the former fishing village of Tossa de Mar, one of the nicest spots in Costa Brava with its emblematic walls that surround the Vila Vella (old village), designed Historic-Artistic National Monument. We will climb too the spectacular Coll de Sant Grau (472m).

After breakfast we will leave the hotel to Llagostera until we arrive to Tossa de mar. In the middle we will find Coll de Terra Negra, an easy mountain pass that will help us warming up our legs.

Once in Tossa de Mar, we will take the amazing road that follows the sea line, with continuous ups and downs and a great view of the Mediterranean until we arrive to our first objective, La pujada a Sant Grau 472m). The beginning is not too hard (max. slope is 8% and we have several places to rest) but when we leave sant Grau's chappel behind we find the toughest section. 200m up to 14% and a final km over 7%. At the top, a very nice view of Costa Brava and descent to Llagostera and to Girona.

Tonight, farewell dinner in one of the most emblematic restaurants of the city.

Dinner and lodging in the same 4* hotel. DAY 6: DEPARTURE After breakfast, farewell and end of our services. NOTE: Possibility of extra days in Costa Brava, Girona or Barcelona. Consult us.

ONE ROUTE, SEVERAL OPTIONS

Routes designed to enjoy them at your own rate.

Take your time to take a good picture

or to have a tasty coffee.

The most important places and visits have been taken into account. Mileage has been calculated

thoroughly as well to keep you feet till the end of the day.

Additional mileage offered for our

most exigent clients.

WHAT’S INCLUDED / GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS

PRICES 2014 Minimum Group : 4 people* Tours available from: March 1st to October 30st Price per person (double occupancy) ……...……………….….….. 1.900 € Supplements: Single Occupancy supplement ............................................... 225 € *Minimum group supplement (per person):

2 people group ……………………..……....…..………………..…... 475 € 3 people group ………………………………..….……...……………. 240 €

Other options Bike rental …………..…………….......…….……………………………….. 120 € Transfers to Barcelona /hotel /Barcelona Airport ................. 50 € Extra night in Girona, Barcelona, Costa Brava …………….....…. Consult us Optional Travel Insurance (2.500€ cancellation costs) 75 € INCLUDED

Arrivals & Departures Transfers to and from Girona Train Station or Girona Airport to Hotel Lodging & meals 5 nights at central 4* hotel. Breakfast every day, lunches or picnics, snacks and drinks throughout all the route. 6 dinners and local wines included in every meal. Support Minimum of one guide + one support vehicle. (depending on group size) Road book with maps and tour documentation in spanish, english or german. 24h personalized care. Clothes clean and ready every day. Luggage transportation during the tour. Client transportation in our support vehicle if necessary. Insurances Travel and cancellation Insurance (consult policy) NOT INCLUDED

Plane ticket, air taxes and airport taxes. Bike rental. Optional travel or cancellation insurance. Guide tips Personal items purchased during the tour. Optional activities not programmed by Utopic Bike Travel Any aspect not specified in the above section.

MAIN REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL:

We design our own trips

* Our team is formed by a group of

young nature and cycling lovers who have decided that their passion would

become their way of life *

Our guides have spent their lifes on their bikes and have covered

thousands of miles on each zone *

We want to share our experiences with our clients

* For us, every client is unique, every

need is different and every trip is unrepeatable!

ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS / GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS

LODGING In UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL we have made a selection of what we think are special lodgings, regardless of their price or category. They are usually located in unique surroundings and placed at historical or ancient buildings with a great architectural value. Charming and inviting places which are family-runned and join quality, peacefulness and personalized care. In this route GIRONA AND SURROUNDINGS we will stay in little 3* and 4* hotels (spanish qualification) and in rural houses. Given their characteristics, we cannot allocate accomodation until we receive confirmation of availability by the hotel. MEALS & GASTRONOMY To taste Catalonia can become a great experience! It possesses an extraordinary lanscape and patrimonial richness, but it is undoubtedly one of the main gastronomic destinations in the world. Catalan gastronomy dates from classic roman age. A complex, assorted and rich cuisine, plenty of mediterranean influences and based on all kind of products (seafood, vegetables, and all kind of meat). It is adapted to every season and all sort of traditions, as well. We cannot talk about gastronomy without including wine. Catalonia is the number one producer of high quality wine in Spain and one of the most important wine producing areas in Europe, holding a great history. Ancient Greek and Roman introduced the wine-making process and, by middle-age, catalan monasteries conitnued with this practice. Nowadays, Catalonia has eleven protected denominations of origin, spreaded throughout all our territor, with a great variety of white, rosé and red wines. In our Tour GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS we will taste the traditional gastronomy of this country and will discover the authentic cuisine of Girona, one of the most varied and complete in catalonia. Its privileged location allows the availability of excellent fish and seafood, all kind of vegetables and delicious meats. Every morning abundant breakfasts containing dairy products, cereals, bread, fruit and natural juices are waiting for us. Besides, in most of our selected lodgings we will find typical cold meats (all sort of sausages and ham), home made bakery and jam, and more… Lunches are adapted depending on the route we are making and, therefore, can be more varied. A picnic on the top of a hill, some snack in a bar by the sea, energy bars right after surmounting a mountain pass… Supper time in UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL is intended to enjoy the authentic local gastronomy. Every night we will taste the most traditional and popular local dishes, either at the hotel’s restaurant or at some popular one around the place. And of course, a good meal must be accompanied by a good wine. A good DO (denomination of origin) or a good house wine will surely complete the event. In some of our trips we give the opportunity to our guests to explore by themselves and do it their way to discover places or restaurants the might find interesting. These meals are not included in the price of the tour. Nevertheless, our guides will be delighted to suggest you any of our favourite restaurants if you want.

GENUINE CATALAN GASTRONOMY

“Cuisine is landscape put into a cooking pot” Josep Pla

TYPICAL PRODUCTS Santa Pau’s beans, black turnips,

mushrooms, traditional cold meats and cheese, “farro” (typical corn

flour), buckwheat, “Vall d’en Bas” potatoes, “Ratafía” (traditional liquor made of nuts and aromatic herbes)…

TYPICAL DISHES

Catalan sausage with Santa Pau’s beans, traditional snails “ a l’adoba”,

roasted beef with mushrooms, “patates dela Dèu” (meat stuffed

potatoes), duck with pears, pato con peras, pig’s trotters with turnips,

“escudella i carn d’olla”…

ARRIVING & DEPARTING / GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS

HOW TO GET HERE Flights. We recommend you toarrive at least one day prior to the start of our tour. It will allow you to adapt to a different time zone and will minimize risks of missing the start of the trip because of flight delay. There are two airports close to Girona: Barcelona Airport – El Prat, is the biggest and most important airport in Catalonia. 100 km from Girona. It receives flights from companies operating all over the world.. Girona Airport – Costa Brava, much smaller. Is the closest one. There are a few companies operating in it, most of them low cost like Ryanair. If you come from a EU country this is the cheapest and best option. There are several option to transfer from Barcelona Airport to Girona (besides taxi). Bus. There is a direct bus from the airport to Girona three times a day. It takes 1 hour and 50 minutes from T2 terminal and 1 hour and 35 minutes from T1 terminal.Further information in www.alsa.es Train. If your flight’s arrival does not let you take the bus, train is available too. You must go to Sants Station in Barcelona and then change trains to go to Girona. Further information in www.renfe.es Utopic Bike Travel offers an optional transfer service from Barcelona Airport to Girona and vice versa. (consult optional supplements in the price list). DEPARTURE If you want to fly the same day the tour ends, please schedule your flight to leave after 16:00 PM to avoid delays due to traffic problems. HOUR & MEETING PLACE Girona / Catalonia. Our guides will be waiting for you in one of theses places: Our Girona hotel, Train/Bus station, Girona - Costa Brava airport or Barcelona - El Prat airport (with supplement) One week prior to the start of the tour we will arrange our meeting place and time. You will receive an email with our guides names and their contact details. If you cannot get on time to the scheduled meeting please contact our guides and, should they not be availabe either, please inform the hotel of your expected arrival time. You will find all hotels contact details in the mail once we have confirmed all reservations.

BOOK NOW If you are ready just fill our

reservation form.

If you think this tour does no adapt to your needs either because of its

duration, lodging category, or budget...

BESPOKE TRAVEL

We are specialists designing taylor-made trips. We can modify any of our

available tours or arrange a completely new one for you. Tell us

your ideas a we can make it together.

ADITIONAL INFORMATION / GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS

WEATHER Catalonia is famous for its warm days and fresh nights. Days are sunny and hot in summer and mild in spring and autumn. You can expect lower temperatures in the mountains zone, specially at night. But weather is definitely privileged in Costa Brava: mild temperatures throughout the year, with moderate oscillations and mostly sunny. This is the result of Pyrenees protection in the North and Mediterranean Sea in the East. Cold weather in winter is regulated by a warm stream, whereas higher summer temperatures are alleviated by the fresh breeze coming from the sea. Hottest months are July and August, november is the rainiest and January and February are the coldest ones. BIKE RENTAL Check the specs of our bikes. ACTIVITY LEVELS We have tours for eveyone. You can find the one that suits you best. FAQS In our “FAQ” section you will find answers to all your questions. INSURANCES Every Utopic Bike Travel tour includes its Travel Insurance. Consult our policy. CONTRACT GENERAL CONDITIONS Consult our contract general conditions. IMPORTANT This document is a generic travel offer that must be considered as provisional since it is published beforehand the actual tour. The final travel contract (handed once the payment of the tour is done) contains all the services contracted definitely. In Utopic Bike Travel we try our best to offer the perfect trip to all of ous clients. This is why our guides reserve the right to modify the itinerary of our routes either by weather or logistic causes.

ROADBOOK, MAPS AND BROCHURES

You don’t have to worry about anything in our guided tours, but we will hand you a roadbook containing detailed information (maps, profiles

and suggestions to know what to expect ahead of us).

SUPPORT VEHICLE At your disposal throughout the day.

Food, drinks, clean clothes, bike spare parts or simply to keep any of

the shopping you made during the day or to take you back to the hotel ahead

of schedule.