The Ride of a Lifetime

Transcription

1 Activity Level: Enthusiast Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights The Ride of a Lifetime Experience Catalonia It is in many ways a nation unto itself proud, independent and rich with heritage. Catalonia is the land of Picasso, Dalí and Gaudí, who clearly drew inspiration from the stunning surroundings that define this landscape: from the towering Pyrénées to volcanic flats, and rolling pastoral hills to rugged Costa Brava and its azure waters. These scapes and roads combined create an explorational feast for both the casual and more avid cyclist. What a delight it is to experience this region s diversity of flavours in tapas-sized servings or grilled over an open flame, accompanied by a refreshing blend from the region or a reserva; a treasure from Catalonian harvests of years gone by, all while contemplating the prospect of what tomorrow s ride will bring. THE B&R DIFFERENCE Travelling with B&R is an over-thetop experience. It seems that every moment from biking in the breathtaking countryside to the luxury hotels, the food, the wine, the other travellers, and the excellent guides all are the most memorable. The hardest part of the trip is the return to reality! Betsy Sampliner, Costa Brava Biking WHY TRAVEL WITH B&R? This is a trip that makes its way through the best of the Empordà, Spain s answer to Tuscany. Rugged volcanic landscapes, villages with pristinely preserved medieval architecture, the sublime Mediterranean coast of Girona province - it s no wonder this land has been the birthplace of so many artists. We work our way through the diverse Catalan terrain in the best possible way: by bicycle. Call us at the journey p.2 view > / notes from the road p.7 view > / the details p.8 view > / next steps p.9 view >

2 The Journey Catalonia, with seven million inhabitants, is the biggest semi-autonomous region of Europe. 2 the journey Days 1 & 2 The Garrotxa and Figueres AFTER OUR RENDEZVOUS IN BARCELONA, WE LL DRIVE just over an hour and a half away into the heart of the Garrotxa Natural Park, an ever-changing landscape of dormant volcanoes and rich soils extending from the foothills of the Pyrénées. It is criss-crossed by alluring roads which lead into the Empordá, many of which you ll become intimately familiar with. Pedalling from the village of Santa Pau, a medieval settlement dating back to the 13thC, we ll soar on a ribbon of road through the Garroxta to Banyoles where we ll lunch in the main plaza among the local families and regional travellers who come on weekends to enjoy the shade, serenity and sport offered by the town s lake. This afternoon, we ll enjoy more glorious scenery and quiet roads before reaching our hotel near Figueres in the Alt Empordá. You may want to explore Xim and Ana s charming property or take a dip in the pool before learning how to make the alioli in David s kitchen so good, you won t believe what s NOT in it! This Catalan specialty will add a fourth dimension to tonight s fideua (a Catalan dish made for times of celebration, similar to paella). city folk from when they are ready to escape to the countryside. From time to time during your ride, you ll see the stark and scarred landscape left by a forest fire in The fire ravaged hundreds of hectares starting at the border with France 30 km away and its southern limit was quite literally at the back door of our hotel. It s quite incredible to see how nature begins to redeem itself after such trauma. This morning feel free to stop as much as you please for a café con leche, photo ops, or even to try speaking Catalan with the locals (remember, Spanish is the second language here). Or if you want to ride, ride, ride we ve got that covered as well. No matter which option you choose, come lunch time you ll arrive to the quaint and unassuming village of Terrades where we ll look forward to seeing you in an even more unassuming establishment for a casual lunch full of fresh ingredients. Afterwards, it s a 14 kilometer pedal back to the hotel to enjoy a much deserved siesta. During that lunch, we ll be joined by one of our long time experts on the life and works of Salvador Dalì. Both Manel and Isa were the first official guides permitted to accompany people through the Dalì Museum in his nearby hometown of Figueres after his death. For many years, Dalì lived in the museum and it was his wish to pass his time observing the bewilderment of his unaccompanied guests. Our guide will prepare our surrealist palate for tomorrow s visit to the labyrinth of surrealist art though bewilderment you will surely still The next morning s ride is a foray into the Alt Empordà, a region with borders of both geographical and political significance, nestled between the Pyrénées and the Mediterranean. The tranquility of the rolling fields punctuated by the occasional masia (the traditional Catalan farmhouse) and its proximity to the coast attract

3 The Journey The two official languages of Catalonia are Catalan and Castilian (aka Spanish). 3 HOTEL Mas Falgarona, Avinyonet de Puigventós This serene, 13-room hotel, located just outside of Figueres, was originally a fortified farmhouse, with some of its structure dating to the 11 th C. Today it is a stylish, contemporary hotel with all the modern fixings, yet it still retains its undeniable country charm. Mas Falgarona is a labour of love for owners Xim and Ana, natives from Girona and very passionate and proud of their origins. Their property is a reflection of that passion. THE BIKING Day 1: A gorgeous 43 or 72 km (26 or 45 mi.) ride through the lush landscapes of the Garrotxa National Park, then into the Empordá with plenty of downs and ups along the way. Elevation gain: 405 m (1,328 feet) Day 2: A choice of 25, 50 or 74 km (15, 31 or 46) today on rolling loops through the Alt Empordà farm country means there s something for everyone. Elevation gain: 638 m (2,093 feet) experience! This enchanted evening, a twenty minute drive brings us to the gorgeous medieval town of Besalú where we will visit a Mikvah, or Jewish Purification Bath. Then we enjoy a memorable culinary experience in a former medieval chapel. Our chef Jaume will join us for an evening of playing with our palates and experimenting with our senses! Day 3 Baix Empordà This morning we ll enter into the largest surrealist object of the world, the Teatro-Museo de Salvador Dalì. According to Dalì (the creator of the museum as well as the artist who filled it), the structure is a work of art in itself which is merely accentuated by the hundreds of pieces found inside its doors. Of course we ll have our knowledgeable Dalì guide join us and lead us through. Afterwards, we ll return to our bikes at Garrigás, ten minutes away from Figueras, and cycle south towards our next hotel in the Baix Empordà, a timeless landscape parallel to the Mediterranean coast that has witnessed the habitation of indigenous Iberian peoples, followed by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans, all of whom created a network of trading along the coast. Here, forests and fields intermingle under azure skies. We ll follow our route notes to a small-scale, organic wine producer called Pago Diana for a picnic in the vines. The owner and oenologist Ricardo is a well known catalan surgeon who decided six years ago with his wife Mayte to develop their passion for the world of wine. His wines are blends of grapes native to both Cataluña and Lanquedoc just across the border in southern France, referencing the fact that for centuries,

4 The Journey Catalonia stretches from the Pyrénées at the French border southward along the Mediterranean Sea. 4 these plants knew no political boundaries. The route rolls on through a constellation of compact medieval towns on quiet roads. As every day during our Costa Brava adventure you can have the opportunity to add some extra km before arriving at our new hotel, Mas de Torrent, a Relais & Chateaux property located in the heart of the Baix Ampordá. This evening you ll be dining on your own wherever you wish! So it s time to enjoy the property and its amazing spa and gardens before you head out for dinner. Should you not decide to have a lovely dinner on the hotel s terrace, your guides will have some great restaurants to recommend in one of the many picturesque towns nearby. Be sure to let them know what you are looking for. HOTEL Mas de Torrent, Torrent Hotel Mas de Torrent, located in the heart of Empordà, is one of Catalonia s most beautiful and luxurious hotels, and a very welcome sight at the end of a long day on the trail. It was once an old Catalan masia, a typical farmhouse, dating from the 18th century. Fully restored and the pride of the locals, it now boasts a swimming pool, tennis courts and massage service. and merceneries, and prompted the locals to turn their medieval towns into fortifications. The walk is followed by more spectacular riding through the quiet countryside of the Baix (Low) Empordá and a succession of enchanting villages including: the ceramic shopping town of La Bisbal, the plaza perfect for stopping for a drink in Peratallada, the rice dishes and rice production in Pals and last but not least, the beach and coves of the coastal beauty Calella del Mar with a few great seaside restaurants you might just want to throw your swimsuit in your bike bag today! As you will see there s lots to stop and do along the way. Lunch is on your own today, meaning you ll have lots of time if you wish to explore any one of these towns and other curious aspects of your surroundings. Keen riders can also challenge themselves with a coastal option, passing through another couple of lovely seaside villages or accept the challenge of the Costa Brava Century ride! This evening a short transfer will bring us to Bell-Lloc Winery where a lovely dinner and wine pairing await. THE BIKING Day 3: A glorious 48 km (30 mi.) moderate bike ride with rolling hills from the Alt to the Baix Empordà. Optional 10 km (6mi.) after lunch. Elevation gain: 532 m (1,745 feet) Days 4 & 5 The Mediterranean Coast The following day we ll enjoy a late start. Sandra, a native to nearby Begur, will join those interested in a walk around the village of Pals to learn about the Empordá region s history. The latter was rich in pirates

5 The Journey, the historic capital of Catalonia, contains more than a third of the region s residents 5 The following morning we zip through the green hills of the Baix Empordà on four wheels to find our bikes awaiting us just above the seaside town of Tossa de Mar. Also awaiting us: a stunning ride that hugs the Mediterranean shore with views around every corner. The climbs are plentiful but short and sweet the exhilaration of the vistas and descents renders them well worth it. By midday we roll into Sant Feliu de Guixols and park our bikes port-side to join our skipper Pepa herself and her captain/husband Sergio on the sailboat, appropriately named, Pepa Bandera II. This schooner was built in 1985 in Bilbao, Spain and has taken our hosts on Carribean explorations, across the Atlantic and the Pacific, Alaska, etc. Imagine the tales they have to tell! We ll cruise along the coast, with panoramas of the rugged Catalan topography and find the right cove to drop anchor in the azure sea. Weather and water permitting we ll be sailing all the way to our hotel and have a refreshing swim and enjoy lunch aboard before returning to shore. We disembark and continue to the hotel on a short walk to enjoy some downtime and rest up for our final evening together. Tonight we ll raise a glass to our week s journey in our hotel where we will experience some of the innovative culinary style that has become trademark to Spanish gourmet cuisine. Later a couple of friends will join us to serenade us back to dreams of our journey with their Habaneras music, songs brought home by seafaring Catalan fisherman and merchants after seeking their fortunes in Cuba during the late 19 th C. Day 6 Homeward Bound After one final scrumptious breakfast together, our private coach takes you to the airport for an 11:00am arrival, followed by a drive to the Mandarin Oriental for those choosing to stay on in dynamic. Adios! HOTEL La Malcontenta, Palamós A name invented by the hotel owner that even leaves the Spanish themelves with a puzzled look. It rougly translates to The Insatiable One, this beautiful property was named in reference the mother of the owner whose perfectionism was a relentless force during the creation of the hotel. Its spacious environment extends outdoors to a great garden and pool, complementing a classic Mediterranean décor. The sea is just a mere 15 minute stroll away. By trail, you ll end up at one of the most tranquil beaches along the Costa Brava. THE BIKING Day 4: A 48 km (29 mi.) ride connecting the towns of the Baix Empordà; a challenging extra section along the coast adds 24 km (15 mi.) to today s ride or 98 km (61 mi.) with a combination of the two other options plus an amazing ride into Palamós, the main Port in Costa Brava area. Elevation gain: 566 m (1,856 feet) Day 5: A gorgeous 31 km (19 mi.) ride along the breathtaking Costa Brava, one of the most beautiful rides in the B&R world. A 10 km (6 mi) option awaits you en route for those who are interested in an extra 5 km ascent! Elevation gain: 497 m (1,630 feet)

6 Notes From the Road 6 The Art of Getting Lost By Nancy Towns During my first route research years ago in Catalunya, dusk was approaching as I realized I d taken a wrong turn. I stopped at a tavern during the typical hour of tapas to ask for directions. Although I had spent six years acclimatizing myself to Spanish, one elbow on the bar, I found myself floundering like a beginner while the locals debated my predicament in Catalan, the first language of the Catalan People. Similar to Spanish, it also dabbles in French and Italian with a toe dipped in Portuguese. Despite civil war, dictatorship and globalization, this ancient Latin-rooted tongue remains reflective of the culture in this semi-autonomous region of Spain: unwavering and vibrant. Catalonia s ever-changing scapes are also both enduring and endearing. The scattered peaks of the Pyrénées guard lush valleys that curl down to the Costa Brava, a coastline of sea-smashed cliffs. In the villages, enchantment spills into the streets from doors and windows. Flower pots proudly occupy windowsills, fighting the fresh linen for the attention of a Mediterranean sun, and in the taverns and cafés, you re never short for company and conversation if you can understand it. But back to my predicament in the pub. I was searching for the village of Santa Pau, nestled in the lush hills of the Garrotxa region. I had been told that there, existed a place called Cal Sastre, the perfect place to start our first bike ride in the region, not to mention the perfect spot in which to store our bicycles before the start of a trip! Thanking the crowd for their help and for switching languages to do so, I continued on with a clearer image of where I was headed. As I navigated a tiny road, the sun dipped behind the shadowed hills, exiting a crimson sky. The sight was unlike anything I could have imagined. Had I not gotten lost, I would probably have been back at my hotel by then, eyes glued to my laptop instead of that incredible sunset. Perhaps you too will take a detour in search of a midride ice cream or cerveza. You may find yourself in a labyrinth of cobblestone corridors, your index finger pointing to route note # and asking the locals (in your very best spanglish), Donde esta...here? Just remember that getting lost is an art: it requires grace and creativity to find your way out of such moments, but it s all worth it when you get to where you never realized you were going. B&R TRIP PLANNER Nancy Towns Nancy, who plans trips and guides in Spain, France and South America, advocates occasionally stepping out of one s comfort zone and getting lost especially by means of foot, bicycle or linguistics. She pays painstaking attention to detail. Like all guides and trip planners, it s in her DNA. Her co-guides love Nancy for baking incredible alfajores, (even by Argentinian standards) and her great singing voice!

7 The Details 7 ITALY FRANCE FRANCE CATALONIA PYRÉNÉES Figueres Madremanya Palamós PORTUGAL SPAIN Mediterranean Sea 2016 Price: From $4,995 ($600/$800 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights Please see our website for list of departures. Start Hotel Mandarin Oriental 8:30am Finish Airport or Mandarin Oriental 11:00am or 11:30am the details HOTEL TYPE Signature Hotels Hotels on our Signature trips are unique expressions of the region. Oftentimes that means they ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case it means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we re friends with our hoteliers. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Enthusiast The riding is varied with the majority of terrain being rolling hills and on the quiet ribbons of country roads of the Empordá as well as the playful curves and whims of the coastline road on our Century option and final day of biking. We will have some amazing and varied vistas en route. The days base distances average 42 km per day, with options for more every day, including some longer routes for more avid cyclists. The daily elevation gain ranges between m. HOTEL MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BARCELONA The top hotel in, the Mandarin Oriental enfolds you in peaceful, contemporary luxury. Located near the chic shopping street and in the heart of the culturally vibrant city, the Mandarin Oriental is built around a courtyard, offering a delicious haven with exquisite, personalized service and a superb spa. WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation (5 nights) All breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners, including wine chosen with the combined experience of our chefs, sommeliers and guides Services of B&R guide(s) and support van All special events and private tours Use of a customized hybrid or a racing bike with drop bars, equipped with handlebar bag and helmet Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All baggage transportation All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD Butterfield & Robinson Inc.

8 Your Next Steps 8 your next steps At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. FIND US ON FACEBOOK Like B&R on Facebook and get the latest news and photos from the road, updates from guides and more. YOUR BIKE We pride ourselves on having the very best equipment for each activity and locale, maintained by expert staff and custom tweaked just for you. To learn about our biking equipment and see pictures of what you ll be riding, visit us at butterfield.com/ about/equipment/bikes. And don t forget that we will modify your bike to accommodate most special gear requests. Just ask. Weather: month high low Jan/Feb Mar/Apr May/Jun Jul/Aug Sep/Oct Nov/Dec READY TO BOOK? Call or a Travel Advisor (or your travel agent) with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space / Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your hotel accommodation for the night before your B&R trip. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a Confirmation that contains tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. EXTENDING YOUR TRIP is a magnificent city, and we highly recommend spending time there either before or after your B&R trip. is easy to get around on foot, and almost all of its most celebrated monuments are within walking distance from one another. There are several recommendations for where to stay and what to do and where to eat while in included in the Confirmation you will receive upon booking. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD Butterfield & Robinson Inc.