Cycling The Mediterranean Pyrenees

Transcription

1 Cycling The Mediterranean Pyrenees Simply the most enjoyable cycle route of any on the Mediterranean coast, made all the better by electric bikes. Easy cycling, quiet sandy bays, typical fishing villages, wooded hills, vineyards, interesting accommodation, good food, and the haunts of artists like Picasso and Dali. 7 nights, 6 cycling days Minimum required 2 From point to point With luggage transportation Self-guided Code : FP9PUCS The plus points Electric bike included in the price Luggage transfers everyday so you only need a daysack High-quality, authentic hotels with dinner usually included 24/7 customer service Before departure, please check that you have an updated fact sheet. FP9PUCS Last update 08/02/ / 11

2 The Mediterranean without frontiers - and a landscape made for enjoyable cycling by electric bike that enables you to visit a wealth of historic, beautiful and vibrant villages with castles, harbours, lighthouses and vineyards galore. Although it is generally low altitude, there are sections with extraordinary panoramas. There are also tiny coves with sandy beaches surrounded by pine trees. No wonder this is also a region much favoured by artists. This is the authentic Costa Brava that is true to its name - the wild coast - with the mass-market resorts far to the south. PROGRAM DAY 1 Arrival at Collioure Standard option: You make your own way to Collioure (secure parking). With extra airport pick-up: We pick you up from Perpignan airport or railway station and take you to Collioure. Pick-ups also available from Toulouse, Carcassone, Montpellier, Girona or Barcelona (please consult us for prices). Collioure is an old fishing village with its castle's foundations lapped by the Mediterranean itself, but now more famous for having inspired artists like Matisse and Picasso. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to walk around the town, and/or take your electric bike for a short trip up to the Col de Mollo, with magnificent views along the coast. You stay at the excellent 3 star Hôtel Les Princes de Catalogne well located in the heart of the village just a few metres from the sea, and dine at a nearby favourite restaurant offering a range of interesting local dishes with contemporary twists. Alternatively, if you want to push the boat out, you can stay at the superb 4 star Relais des Trois Mas right on the water's edge across the bay from the castle with its Michelin starred restaurant. Transfer time : 40 minutes. Distance: 16km. DAY 2 Collioure - Llança Having been briefed about your electric bike (very simple!), the joys of cycling become immediately apparent as you happily whisk from village to port along this magnificent stretch of the Mediterranean coast with the distant 8,500 feet high Mount Canigou up to your right (snow often through into June). You will enjoy visiting the pretty little port of Port-Vendres, then Banyuls-sur-Mer, famous for its delicious aperitif and surrounded not surprisingly by vineyards, before climbing a little up onto a coastal "balcony" that takes you to Cerbere with lots of wonderful panoramas. You cross the border into Spain via the Coll dels Balistres, and then the views of the coves and creeks before you as you descend into Port Bou. The final section to Llanca offers more panoramic views, and at least 2 exceptional beaches - plenty of time for sunbathing and swimming! You stay in Llança, which is an attractive and interesting resort (lovely beach) and fishing port. The Hôtel Carbonell is situated in the centre of the village, and is without doubt the best place to stay - very comfortable and welcoming. You also dine at the best restaurant - the nearby Le Pati Blanc - offering a range of regional specialities to extend your knowledge - and enjoyment - of Catalan cuisine. FP9PUCS Last update 08/02/ / 11

3 Distance : 42km/26 miles DAY 3 Llança - Cadaques Today, you leave the port of Llanca (having walked around it the previous evening, we expect) and "coast" along passing beautiful beaches to the picturesque little port and marina of La Selva, protected by its horseshoe shaped bay. You can then choose to ride more or less directly through some lovely countryside to Cadaques, or, as we would recommend, ride out to the magnificently wild and unspoilt Cape Creus, with its lighthouse dominating the horizon, before following the "crumpled" coastline on a beautiful road into Cadaques. Salvador Dali lived in Cadaques for many years, and you can visit his wonderfully quirky house right by the sea on the outskirts of the village. Highly recommended, but needs advance booking - we will tell you how. Cadaques is many people's favourite along this coastline, and you stay at the excellent 4 star Hôtel Playa Sol, a modern hotel right on the waterside, but with extensive private gardens with tennis court, swimming pool and plenty of places to quietly relax after your journey. You dine a short stroll away at one of our two favourite restaurants here. Distance : 22 or 40km/14 or 25 miles DAY 4 Cadaques - Sant Pere Pescador It may be a bit of a shock to the system when you have to start the day with a climb up onto the hills above Cadaques, but you are rewarded with lovely views as you descend into Roses (a town with much history since founded by Greeks in the 5th century BC), adn renowned for the Castell de la Trinitat, phylloxera which destroyed its wine industry in the late 19th century, and, until recently, the best restaurant in the world, El Bulli. Drop into the fascinating man-made marina village on its outskirts - and similarly as you pass Empuriabrava - but you mainly follow a small, quiet (and fairly flat) road into the historic riverside village of Sant Pere Pescador, just a kilometre or two from a rather impressive 7 km sandy beach. The 2 star Hôtel El Moli is a charming and stylish family run hotel with individually decorated rooms and a lovely swimming pool, all set among pine trees that together makes for a most relaxing place to stay. We leave you free to choose your own restaurant for tonight, but have recommendations if you would like them. Distance : 35km/22 miles DAY 5 Sant Pere Pescador - Toroella de Montgri This is without doubt the most panoramic day of your journey. You follow lanes and cycling paths close to long beaches all the way to Sant Marti d'empuries. From there to L'Escala, there are almost endless panoramic views. L'Escala has avoided tourism excess, is located in one of the most beautiful bays in the world according to UNESCO no less, and has a variety of Romanesque churches and ancient houses worth visiting, but you can't leave without trying the one thing it is really famous for: anchovies! Your final stage is over the Montgri Massif (not at all massive actually) to Toroella, renowned for retaining its medieval centre from when it was a Royal Port for the Kings of Aragon (until the river silted up). FP9PUCS Last update 08/02/ / 11

4 The exceptionally stylish and contemporary 4 star Hôtel Moli del Mig, located in 7 acres of its own grounds, most definitely is. Carefully developed around a medieval mill, it offers style, tranquillity and a range of facilities (large pool, spa, tennis courts etc) as well as a superb restaurant. A real treat! Distance : 30km/19miles DAY 6 Toroella de Montgri - Begur Next is the marvellously, but sensitively, restored medieval village of Pals with many architectural features, a 4 towered castle and a Gothic revival church as well as pretty alleys and squares. If you really like such places, then also visit Peratallada, just a few kilometres further. Now, however, you turn back toward the coast and follow its many creeks and coves as it twists and turns, finally inland, to reach Begur. The 3 star third generation family run Hôtel Rosa is right in the centre of the historic village of Begur with views from its roof top terrace of the village, the castle and the Mediterranean. It has been fully modernised, now offering comfortable bedrooms, and a spa and health centre as well as a restaurant dedicated to the principles of Slow Food. Distance : 30km/19 miles DAY 7 Begur - Calella de Palafrugell This is a fairly short, but nonetheless lovely, largely coastal journey that, thankfully, begins with a gentle descent to the gorgeous coast at Fornells - reputedly it was this immediate area that inspired the name for the whole coast of Costa Brava. Lots of small coves with sandy beaches backed by pine trees, and so many opportunities for sunbathing and swimming. Decide which is your favourite along the route to Tamariu. From this - yet another largely unspoilt fishing-andholiday village - you follow lanes up to the Sant Sebastia lighthouse where you are about 600 feet above sea level - enough for wonderful views, but not too tiring getting there. Finally, you pass through Llafranc (attractive in a quiet way, and with a great beach), and the small, some tiny, rocky coves and sandy beaches en route to your final, charming destination, Calella de Palafrugell. If you have energy to spare, then do visit the botanical gardens on Cape Roig, just a few kilometres south. The 3 star Hôtel Sant Roc has a privileged position perched on its own rocky, cliff top headland overlooking Calella, and with several cove like beaches immediately below it. The rooms we choose all have sea views, and are as comfortable as you would expect from a 3 star hotel. You can eat on the terrace with stunning night time views to make it a really special - perhaps sad and celebratory - last evening. Distance : 16km/10 miles DAY 8 End of stay Standard option: After a scenic buffet breakfast on the terrace, we will take you back to Collioure (you can collect your car if you have left it here). FP9PUCS Last update 08/02/ / 11

5 With extra airport pick-up: After a scenic buffet breakfast on the terrace, we will take you back to Perpignan airport or railway station. Transfers also available to Toulouse, Carcassonne, Montpellier, Girona or Barcelona (please consult us for prices). Transfer time : 1h30. Elements beyond our control (the weather, level of the group, logistical risks, other miscellaneous reasons...) may lead our team to modify the program. We will remain attentive to your satisfaction but your safety will systematically be our priority. USEFUL INFORMATION PROGRAM OF DEPARTURES Because of the mild Mediterranean climate, this itinerary can be enjoyed from early March right through to November, although it can only be reliably warm from mid May to early October. We do not recommend the period from early July until mid August because of heat and busyness, and do not offer the holiday during that time. MEETING POINT Standard option: You make your own way to Collioure (secure parking). With extra airport pick-up: We pick you up from Perpignan airport or railway station and take you to Collioure. Pick-ups also available from Toulouse, Carcassone, Montpellier, Girona or Barcelona (please consult us for prices). END OF STAY Standard option: After a scenic buffet breakfast on the terrace, we will take you back to Collioure (you can collect your car if you have left it here). With extra airport pick-up: After a scenic buffet breakfast on the terrace, we will take you back to Perpignan airport or railway station. Transfers also available to Toulouse, Carcassonne, Montpellier, Girona or Barcelona (please consult us for prices). TO GET TO THE MEETING POINT SNCF runs overnight sleeper trains from Paris to Perpignan and Collioure, and daytime trains go to Perpignan. There are flights to Perpignan from London and Paris, to Barcelona, Girona and Montpellier from several European cities, to Toulouse from numerous British and other European cities, and to Carcassonne from London. Some of these flights only fly (or only fly frequently) in the summer months. Or you can drive directly to Collioure. CAR SHARING To reduce your travel costs as well as carbon emissions, think about car sharing, whether you are a driver or passenger. Connect to Blablacar it's simple and practical. We recommend that you compare the cost of various different means of accessing your circuit start point by using the website Comparabus. Contrary to what the name suggests, this site proposes several different means of completing a journey, including, flights, trains, buses or car sharing. FP9PUCS Last update 08/02/ / 11

6 PARKING There is reasonably priced public parking in, and close to, Collioure. IF YOU WANT TO ARRIVE THE NIGHT BEFORE OR STAY AFTER THE TRIP You can book extra nights before, during or after the holiday. Just contact us. GUARANTEED DEPARTURE FROM (PERS) 2 LEVEL This holiday features comfortable rather than challenging cycling, and is suitable for anybody who enjoys "a good ride". The overall distance is about 200 kms, 125 miles. We would recommend May, June and September as the best months. LUGGAGE TRANSPORTATION We will transfer your luggage between each hotel, so all you need to carry is whatever you regard as essentials. SUPERVISION This is an independent, self-guided holiday. ACCOMMODATION You stay in double or twin rooms for 2 nights in four star hotels, 3 nights in three star hotels, and 2 nights in particularly good two star hotels. There is the option of a replacing the first night three star hotel with a four star hotel with a one Michelin star restaurant for a supplement. MEALS You will eat well. Dinners are based on set menus featuring regional specialities usually with 3 or 4 choices for each of three courses, but you can pay locally for upgraded choices. Dinner is not included on night 4. Breakfast is included every morning, but picnics are not included as there is a wealth of delis, cafes and restaurants. However, you can always ask the hotel the night before to make a picnic, which you can pay for locally. TRANSFERS Usually transfers are in people carriers, mini-buses, cars or taxis. Often they will be exclusively for you. LUGGAGE TRANSPORTATION We will transfer your main luggage between each hotel, so all you need to carry during your ride is what you regard as being essentials. CLIMAT While the climate is generally Mediterranean and benign, there are "microclimates", and in spring and autumn there can be showers and cool days just as there can be days that are hotter than usual. Your clothing and weather protection needs to take this into account. FP9PUCS Last update 08/02/ / 11

7 THE PRICE INCLUDES 6 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, plus one night bed and breakfast; people transfers; luggage transfers; detailed route instructions; 1:25,000 IGN map; 24/7 customer phone service. The price includes the hire of non-electric bikes. THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE The journey to the start point, and from the finish point, except as specified; lunches; drinks with meals; non-standard menu items; entry fees; personal and travel insurance. If you want to hire a GPS device, please tell us at the time of booking. FORMALITIES You need to keep your passport with you at all times, and ideally insurance information. You need to make your own arrangements to claim local healthcare. There are requirements in France and Spain for all vehicles to carry safety equipment. CONTENT OF YOU TRAVEL FOLDER When we have received your balance of payment for your holiday, and in the month before departure, we send you all the documentation you need: detailed itinerary showing dates, times, contact details etc; a detailed guide to your route (with options) and lots of cultural, historical and nature background information; formal documents (invoices, contracts etc); luggage labels etc. If you book at the last minute, we can send this information to your first night hotel. EQUIPMENT MORE INFORMATION THE AREA The cycling takes place at the Mediterranean end of the Pyrenees. The final mountains tumble down directly into the sea, but they are no longer anything like the high alpine pastures of the Central Pyrenees. Here, there are cacti and Mediterranean scrub and the weather is much more reliable. The wonderful smells of lavander, thyme and rosemary are never far away. The most significant weather feature would be the strong "Tramontana" wind, which can sometimes be quite relentless. Politically, this part of the Mediterranean is divided between France (department of the Pyrénées Orientales) and Spain (province of Girona). However, both parts form part of Catalonia and recently (2017) the part that is south of the border claimed independence from Spain. This independence has not been officially recognised by any other European nation, but many people will insist that they are now independent. The situation is likely to develop significantly over the coming years, but the subject can be quite a thorny one, so you should be aware that the opinions of local people should be respected whether you happen to agree with them or not. FP9PUCS Last update 08/02/ / 11

8 French is the main language north of the border (with some Cataln spoken), but south of the border you are likely to hear more Catalan spoken than Spanish. Most place names are in Catalan, and both "northerners" and "southerners" are united by a common Catalan culture. On the French side of the border, the towns of Banyuls and Collioure cannot be missed - Banyuls is famous for its terraced vineyards overlooking the Med (feel free to taste the local wine!), and Collioure for its picturesque harbour and lighthouse, inspiration to great artists from the fauvism movement such as Matisse or Derain. From the coast, you will notice one mountain standing out from the rest as you look inland - the mighty Canigou (2784m). Purely Pyrenees also runs trips to climb this mountain! The easternmost point of the Pyrenean range can be found in this region: Cap de Creus, in Spanish Catalonia (a headland that also happens to be the most easterly point of the whole of the Iberian Peninsula). This is a wonderful place to explore on foot to observe some of the incredible rock formations and bizarre landscapes that inspired Salvador Dali in some of his most famous surrealist paintings. For fans of Dali, it is also possible to visit a museum dedicated to him in Port Lligat near Cadaqués. There are some gorgeous landscapes in this part of the world, which can also change several times in the same day. The transition between the seaside and the mountains is immediate - you just have to climb up a little and contemplate this tortured coastline with the plains of Roussillon to the North and the Empordà to the South. Not to mention the fantastic sunrises over the Med! Architecturely speaking, the castle in Collioure (with the sea lapping at its outer walls) and the magnificent Romanesque mountain monestery of Sant Père de Rodes are not to be missed. If eating is your thing, then there is paella, grilled sardines, fresh anchovies, Catalan sausages or crema catalana just to name a few specialities. They also love to eat toasted bread with tomato and olive oil for breakfast. You can also try Cava (the Catalan answer to Champagne) or Cremat, a drink based on burnt rhum and coffee. The Costa Brava is the name given to the part of the Catalonian coast which runs along the Mediterrannean Sea in the North-East of the province of Gerona. It starts at the French border (at Portbou) and continues for 160km of coastline (85 nautical miles), or 255km when following all the ins and outs of its rugged bays and creeks. To the North it becomes the Côte Vermeille (its geomorphological continuation) and to the South it becomes the Costa del Maresme. Further south, one might expect to find a lot of ugly coastal infrastructure. There are a few places with large hotels and appartment blocks, but in general it has been very well managed and there are still lots of wild places to be found...it's not for nothing that "costa brava" literally means "the wild coast"! FP9PUCS Last update 08/02/ / 11

9 INSURANCE According to the regulation of our profession, Purely Pyrenees is covered by a Civil Professional Liability. However, each client must hold an individual civil liability as well as an individual multi risk guarantee in order to protect themselves from incidents or accidents that may occur before or during their hiking trip. We remind you that a credit card covers, in general, only assistance in repatriation and not the cancellation of your trip, and this only provided you use the card to pay for the total of the trip. We offer a choice of three insurance options which you can purchase at the time of booking. Package 1: simple cancellation insurance at 2.5% This insurance provides reimbursement of the amount incurred (excluding fees and the cost of insurance) in case of cancellation due to one of the following causes: serious accident, illness or death of insured, spouse or person accompanying them, and certain family members. Package 2: simple cancellation insurance and assistance / repatriation at 3.7% This inurance allows, in addition to the benefits described in the plan No. 1; - To benefit from assistance in case of illness or injury during the trip and covers your return home if necessary. - A reimbursement paid on a pro rata basis (excluding transportation costs and with a waiting period) in the case of an interruption of your trip following an accident, the death of a loved one or other specified accidents. Package 3: Package "super multi-risk": 4.8% This insurance offers, in addition to the benefits described in the packages No. 1 and No. 2, - A wider cancellation insurance with the repayment of amounts incurred (net of deductible) in case of cancellation for any justifiable reason including an exceptional and unexpected event. - The management of some of the costs incurred at the time in case of return not linked to an exceptional and unexpected event. - Compensation (capped) for loss, theft or destruction of baggage. - Payment of compensation for delayed baggage delivery of more than 48 hours. The rapatriation is not valid for all countries, please check with us before subscribing the insurance. FP9PUCS Last update 08/02/ / 11

10 You will receive with the confirmation of your booking an extract of the general conditions of contract chosen (in french). Take this document with you on your journey. The validity of all guarantees corresponds with the travel dates indicated on the invoice and applies only to services sold. For departures and returns postponed, please contact us. Warning: If you buy only the contract No. 1 (simple cancellation insurance), this means that you need to have your own insurance, repatriation assistance (related notably to certain credit cards). We advise you to check your contract and cover guaranteed. In this case, we ask you to tell us when you book the name of your insurance company and your policy number. You will assume, therefore, the responsibility of certain risks, especially in the advance payments of certain costs. Important: If you must use the assistance during the trip, you must obtain the prior consent of Europe Assistance before taking any action or incur any expenditure by telephoning: and quoting the number of contract: ACTING FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Purely Pyrenees is a founding member of Action for Responsible Tourism. The label "Action for Responsible Tourism" was awarded Purely Pyrenees in It is controled, every year, bys ECOCERT. Based on common values of respect, solidarity and quality, ATR aims to harmonize professional practices of its members. To win the confidence of customers, it focuses on four key commitments, which arise from many activities in the field and at home. Clear information and awareness of responsible tourism given to the traveller. Selection of providers in the spirit of responsible tourism. Setting up of a transfer of competencies to the providers. Commitment in relation to the tour operator's own structure. More information on the label ATR on / CONTACT US Purely Pyrenees 48 Route d'azun F ARRENS-MARSOUS FRANCE Tel: (0) Fax: (0) contact@purelypyrenees.com Purely Pyrenees is a brand created by La Balaguere SAS. La Balaguere SAS with a capital of euros - Registration number: IM Siret: RCP. Allianz contrat n No NAF Z - Financial Guarantee: Groupama - Head Office at the address listed above. FP9PUCS Last update 08/02/ / 11

11 FP9PUCS Last update 08/02/ / 11