BARCELONA 2014 Luxury Villa 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

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1 BARCELONA 2014 Luxury Villa 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS On the shores of the Mediterranean just south of Barcelona lies Sitges, a beautiful sun-kissed village nestled between sea and vineyards in the heart of the Penedès wine region. Our exclusive villa, Almiral de la Font, is an exquisite Manor House surrounded by olive trees and orchards. This will be your luxurious, private residence for the week. Savor the essence of Spain, alive with flavors, proud traditions and vibrant culture. From tranquil vineyards to pinewood river valleys the rides reveal spectacular sea views, and glimpses into ancient history as you pass proud fortresses and deserted castles. This trip rewards visitors with a wealth of rich cultural experiences, scenic riding, and a host of optional activities that can be tailored to suit every interest. Walk the historic cobblestone streets of Sitges and relax on one of its 17 golden beaches Let our private Masterchef tantalize your tastebuds Share Bacardi family secrets in their hometown museum and muddle the perfect mojito! Indulge in pure luxury at your private villa complete with an infinity pool, hiking trails and other incredible amenities Celebrate the traditions and flavors of local viticulture in the heartland of the Cava region Adéu! Penny Gatward Barcelona Tr ip Expert TREK TRAVEL CYCLING VACATIONS OF A LIFETIME 613 Williamson St., Ste. 207 Madison, WI USA trektravel.com sales@trektravel.com TABLE OF CONTENTS: Welcome & Map v Itinerary v Trip Accommodations v Arriving & Departing v Before & After Recommendations v What s Included v Essential Travel Guide v Page 1

2 ITINERARY DAY 1: Pick up and bike fit: Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Sitges Train Station (Carrer Hort Gran,08870,Sitges, Barcelona) at 2:00 PM on the first day of the trip. After a short shuttle, you arrive at your beautiful private villa. Settle in and make yourself at home. Explore the estate s grounds including orchards, vineyards and olive groves or maybe just relax on the terrace and refresh yourself with a dip in the infinity pool. This afternoon, your guides will fit and familiarize you with your bike for the week, after which you ll enjoy evening cocktails as the guides fill you in on the details of the week to come. Meanwhile, your private chef Gillian will be busy preparing fresh local seafood for this evening s fine feast--one of many exceptional meals to come. Hotel Ca l Almiral de la Font DAY 2: Basic Option: Almiral to Castellet Loop Approximately 28 miles with 1,700 feet of climbing Avid Option: Almiral to Castellet to Torrelletes Loop Approximately 37 miles with 2,100 feet of climbing Short Option: Almiral to Castellet Approximately 14 miles with 700 feet of climbing This morning s ride takes you along country roads in the Foix river valley and to the medieval castle of Castellet. Choose to continue into the wine country for an extra loop or relax and take in views of the pristine Foix Lake while enjoying a classic Catalan lunch. The only sounds you ll hear are the wings of the elegant blue storks as they fish for their lunch. This afternoon, descend back into the valley and relax poolside at the villa before an evening shuttle into the heart of Sitges where you meet your private guide for a tour of the cobblestone streets. You ll be regaled with stories of Los Americanos - the locals who left this poor fishing village seeking fortune in the New World and returned to build the wedding cake style houses that line the streets of this unique Mediterranean beach town. Your final stop for the evening is a local bistro run by Fabio and Greg who travel the world in search of new recipes for their locally renowned restaurant. Personal Cycling Gear: On your trip Trek Travel provides a helmet, flat or caged pedals & a Bontrager saddle. Beyond what is provided on your trip, you are welcome to bring your own gear: a helmet, seat, pedals, shoes, etc. Just label and pack it in a separate, easily accessible bag. Remember also to bring spare cleats for your clipless pedals, as replacements during your trip are difficult to find. Hotel Ca l Almiral de la Font Page 2

3 ITINERARY DAY 3: Basic Option: Parés Baltà Loop Approximately 34 miles with 2,100 feet of climbing Avid Option: Almiral to Parés Baltà Loop Approximately 61 miles with 3,500 feet of climbing Today, venture into the Penedès wine country to uncover its treasures. Your ride takes you through the heart of the region, along the path less traveled through foothills and over pine tree-lined lanes where time appears to stand still. Your first stop is the Parés Baltà vineyard, a family-owned winery dating back to 1790, where traditional principles and cutting edge viticulture combine to create fine organic wines. Enjoy a private tour of the vineyard before tasting a selection of their vintages and then delight in a Trek Travel signature picnic with Catalan dishes. This afternoon, wine lovers may linger a while to enjoy another glass, while riders are invited to jump back in the saddle for the descent back through the charming countryside. Tonight, a culinary extravaganza awaits with an introduction to the art of paella with a private cooking class with chef Gillian in the state of the art kitchen back at your villa. Hotel Ca l Almiral de la Font DAY 4: Basic Option: Sitges Coast to Garraf Return Approximately 34 miles with 2,200 feet of climbing Avid Option: Sitges Coast to Garraf to Rat Penat Return Approximately 41 miles with 3600 feet of climbing Short option: Sitges Coast Return Approximately 17 miles with 950 feet of climbing Choose to relax and enjoy the amenities at the villa, perhaps a spa treatment or a day at the beach is in order. Alternatively, ride into the stunning seaside resort of Sitges and then out over the old cliff-topped coastal road that winds above the azure Mediterranean Sea towards the foot of the famous Rat Penat Climb and the picturesque village of Garraf. Tackle this short but steep climb, a challenging 4.6km with an average 10% grade, with sections of over 20%, or stop to explore the tiny village of Garraf and the small church built here by the incomparable Antoni Gaudí. Spin back to Sitges and enjoy lunch in the sun on the outdoor terraces followed by a dip in the sea before the return ride to your private villa. Tonight, we ll muddle our own mojitos and learn the secrets of Sitges most famous export with a private tour of the Bacardi family museum. Afterwards, Sitges is yours to explore - wander the cobbled streets or stroll along the boardwalk to dine at the bistro of your choice. Rider Level: Rider Type: 3 Terrain hilly Average: Daily Distance: 35 miles Average: Daily Climbing 2,100 feet Hotel Ca l Almiral de la Font Page 3

4 ITINERARY DAY 5: Basic Option: Almiral to Begues Return Approximately 42 miles with 2,500 feet of climbing Avid Option: Almiral to Begues to Gava Return Approximately 53 miles with 3,800 feet of climbing Short Option: Almiral to Begues Approximately 22 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing After a hearty breakfast, take to the country lanes and wind through vineyards up to the red cliffs of the village of Begues, perched high atop hills overlooking Barcelona and a spectacular view of the sea. Keen riders may choose to descend to the base of Col de Begues and then climb back up the 8km of switchbacks before rejoining the rest of the group for lunch on the terrace at a bistro overlooking the bay and Barcelona. Tonight, return to your villa for a special celebration! Chef Gillian will prepare a sumptuous outdoor dinner for you to enjoy while taking in the sounds of live Cuban music! Revel in the atmosphere, sample the delicious fare and raise a glass as you dine and dance under the Spanish stars to the rhythms of Chi Chi Valdez! A night to celebrate the vacation of a lifetime. Hotel Ca l Almiral de la Font DAY 6: Basic Option: Olivella return Approximately 12 miles with 750 feet of climbing Though this morning s ride is short, it s a great last spin through the classic Penedès countryside. Or if you d rather, simply linger over a café con leche and huevos revueltos and enjoy a leisurely morning, soaking in the gorgeous views from the breakfast patio. Before you bid your farewells, enjoy a final dip in the pool, stroll through the grounds of this beautiful masia one last time and savor the picturesque, peaceful landscape of the Spanish countryside. You ll say farewell to your guides at 12:00 PM at the Ca L Almiral de la Font. You ll then shuttle 45 minutes to the Barcelona Sants Train Station, arriving at approximately 1:00 PM. Please allow adequate connection time for any further travel to accommodate possible traffic delays. Thank Your Guides, By Tipping: Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. Industry standard is 5-10% of the trip price which will be divided by your guide team. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service. Page 4

5 ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS LODGING In every region we travel, we uncover the area s best, and most delightful accommodations. On our Barcelona trip, you will stay in Almiral de la Font is an exquisite private villa situated among olive trees and citrus groves in the Penedès wine country 10 minutes from the Mediterranean coast. This traditional manor house has been lovingly renovated and lavishly refurbished to maintain the original building s historic charm, while also affording guests every possible luxury inside and out! Ca l Almiral de la Font Sant Pere de Ribes, (Barcelona) Spain Ca l Almiral de la Font is an exquisite, private villa situated among olive trees and vineyards in the Penedès wine country just 10 minutes from the Mediterranean coast. This traditional Masia (manor house) has been lovingly renovated and lavishly refurbished to maintain the original building s historic charm, while also affording guests every possible luxury inside and out! Avinguda Olesa de Bonesvalls DINING Trek Travel scopes out unique and delicious dining locations, and we usually leave at least one meal for you to explore on your own. If you have any special dietary preferences, be sure that you have informed your Trek Travel Trip Consultant before you leave for your trip. We will do our best to accommodate your dietary requests. Trip Changes: Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience. On our Barcelona trip, Enjoy your own private chef who will prepare a bounty of local specialties and give a lesson in making the traditional Spanish dish paella. You ll try Spain s famous tapas and also dine in delightful local bistros to enjoy the eclectic tastes of Catalunya! Page 5

6 ARRIVING & DEPARTING HOW TO GET THERE Flights We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Barcelona (BCN) and then take a train to Sitges. Outside Terminal 1, buses depart every 20 minutes for the center of Barcelona and the Barcelona Sants train station. Alternatively, taxis are plentiful and operate 24 hours a day. The trip to the city center takes minutes and costs around 25 euros. Trains depart for Sitges every 20 minutes from the Barcelona Sants or Estació de França stations. For more information, consult MEETING TIME AND LOCATION Sitges Train Station Sitges, (Barcelona) Spain Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Sitges Train Station (Carrer Hort Gran,08870,Sitges, Barcelona) at 2:00 PM on the first day of the trip. You ll then shuttle 15 minutes to Almiral de la Font, your private villa retreat for the week. Your guides will spend the rest of the afternoon making sure you have the perfect fit to your bike. If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. DEPARTING TIME AND LOCATION Enjoy our Travel Agent Services! For a nominal fee, our dedicated Travel Agent can reserve air travel, hotels, rental cars, train tickets and additional tours and sightseeing before or after your trip. Call Trek Travel at and choose option #2 to speak with our in house Travel Agent. Barcelona Sants Train Station Barcelona, Spain You will say farewell to your guides at 12:00 PM at the Almiral de la Font. You ll then shuttle 45 minutes to the Barcelona Sants Train Station, arriving at approximately 1:00 PM. Please allow adequate connection time for any further travel to accommodate possible traffic delays. Page 6

7 BEFORE & AFTER SITGES On the Mediterranean coast just south of Barcelona lies the charming and beautifully preserved former fishing village of Sitges - long a favorite destination for sun worshippers looking for a peaceful relaxing hideaway. Boasting 17 golden sandy beaches, a wealth of cosmopolitan bars, restaurants and clubs, great shopping, museums, and the idyllic myriad white walled cobblestone streets of the old town Sitges is a destination with something for everybody. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel: San Sebastian Playa Hotel c/ Port Alegre, 53 ~$200 This 4 star hotel has a great location in a beautiful little bay on the San Sebastián beach. It enjoys stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, while being only 100 yards from the historical city center. All rooms have a private balcony on which you can enjoy your breakfast or a glass of cava under a starlit sky. Davallada Carrer de la Davallada ~$250 Built in 1878 this boutique hotel has only 4 luxury suites, but each one has been lovingly restored and redecorated keeping all the original features. The hotel is located in the heart of the old town of Sitges and enjoys absolutely stunning views of Sitges and the Mediterranean from its terraces Alenti Hotel Calle Primero de mayo de 1838, ~$200 Last minute question? Your guides will be available 24 hours before the start of your trip. You ll receive their mobile numbers in an one week before the trip start date. In the event you don t receive this , please contact our sales team: sales@trektravel.com or A brand new 4 star, 9 room boutique hotel located in the center of downtown. Designed by world renowned architect Carlos Ferrater Lambarri and Lucía Ferrater, the Alenti Hotel is truly unique. Page 7

8 BEFORE & AFTER BARCELONA The Catalonian capital of Barcelona boasts a beautiful coastline, a great diversity of culture, leisure and shopping, creative, innovative gastronomy, and an avant-garde spirit. Be sure to check out some of the fantastic architecture and art of Antonio Gaudi, such as Sagrada Familia or Parc Guell. The Gothic quarter is the heart of Barcelona s old town, with narrow cobblestone streets on which Picasso and Miró lived long ago. Las Ramblas is a long tree-lined shoppers paradise that leads to the sea. Be sure not to miss the fascinating Boqueria market as well. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel: Hotel Arts Marina ~$525 Opened in 1994, Hotel Arts Barcelona has a unique location on the seafront in the city s Olympic Village area. It s the tallest building in Barcelona, with contemporary interiors and a showcase of a 20th century collection of specially commissioned works of Catalan and Spanish artists. Casa Camper Carrer Elisabets ~$350 A 19th century building converted into a cozy 25-room hotel. In the multicultural neighborhood of El Raval, just a few steps from the famous La Boqueria market, Casa Camper is the perfect location to indulge in Barcelona s vibrant nightlife. You can do this actively by using one of the Casa Camper s bicycles, or by enjoying the spectacular view across the city from the rooftop terrace. B Hotel Gran Via ~$210 Thank To call Your the Guides, trip anything By Tipping: short of amazing is an Gratuities understatement. for your Trek Everything Travel guides was as are promised not included and in the your surprises trip price. that Industry were standard thrown in is 5-10% along of the the way trip put price it right which will over be divided the top. by your guide Jim team. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service. An innovative minimalist hotel fusing modern design with state of the art technology. Roof terrace has magnificent panoramic views of the city. Close to many major tourist attractions and enjoys excellent connections with the airport and metro system. Page 8

9 WHAT S INCLUDED INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE Dining & Lodging Unique accommodations during the Barcelona trip Daily breakfast, 4 lunches, social hour on some evenings, 4 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day s ride Support Dedicated Trip Consultants to answer all of your questions and aid you in choosing a vacation that suits you sent to you one week prior to your trip with guide contact details, meet time & location and any final information The knowledge, support and camaraderie of experienced guides Daily route support, detailed route guide, highlighted map, van support All transportation and luggage transfers during the trip Gear The use of a Trek Domane 5.9 carbon road bike, or Trek Domane 5.9 Women s Specific Design carbon road bike (limited selection), or Trek 7.6 FX hybrid bike (visit com/ridethebest.php for more details) Complimentary Trek Travel merchandise Bike computer, a map case, and stocked seat pack for use during your trip Two Trek Travel water bottles for you to keep Choice of multiple stem lengths, seat posts and saddles for a custom fit The Best Bikes, Period: Bike vacations are more fun when bikes ride and fit well. With the best in the industry and our knowledgeable and well trained guides our bikes always fit and ride smoothly. Enjoy $300 off a select Trek bike after you travel with us. Activities Gratuities for all scheduled restaurants, hotels, local guides and transportation during your trip. Your own Private Chef Private Guided Wine Tour & Tasting Private Guided Walking Tour of Sitges NOT INCLUDED Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations Lodging before and after the trip Personal items purchased during the trip Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure. Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership.industry standard is for each individual guest to tip the guide team 5-10% of the trip price. Page 9

10 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL GUIDE WHAT S NEXT? If you are ready to book call at or fill out on our online booking form. If you already booked, there is a lot of great information below regarding getting ready for your trip and things like upgrade bikes, trip insurance and housekeeping items that you ll want to ensure are completed on time. THE ESSENTIAL LINKS UPGRADES Upgrade to the Trek Madone 6.5 road bike, electric assist bikes and carbon wheels. TRIP INSURANCE Protecting your trip investment from unforeseen circumstances that might affect your trip. IN HOUSE TRAVEL AGENT Allow us to arrange your pre and post trip hotels, air travel, trains and other activities for a nominal fee. TRAINING Our partner, Vision Quest Training, offers custom training programs to prepare any rider for their trip. RIDER LEVEL We have trips for every type of rider. Find the best fit with our rider type explained section. TT CLUB Our TT Club rewards repeat guests with trip discounts, complimentary upgrades and more! CYCLING GEAR TO PACK Use this comprehensive packing list to make sure you bring just what you need for on and off the bike. OFF THE BIKE APPAREL With your bike fashion covered, here are suggestions for off the bike apparel for your trip. FAQS Read a lot of great information about your bike tour in our easy to navigate FAQ section. REFERRAL REWARDS Bring a friend on your Trek Travel cycling vacation and earn a $200 referral bonus each time! CANCELLATION POLICY Be informed rather than surprised. Trip cancellation policies differ so take a moment to look yours over. Cancellation Policy: If you must cancel your trip more than 90 days prior to departure, there is a cancellation fee of $100; between days prior to departure there is a cancellation fee of 25% of the original trip price; between days prior to departure there is a cancellation fee of 50% of the original trip price; there is no refund for cancelling a trip less than 30 days prior to departure. If you choose to change your trip more than 90 days prior to departure, you may do so with no fee. From days, there will be a $1,000 administrative fee. If you choose to change your trip within 60 days of the original trip start, the cancellation policy outlined above will apply. Please be aware that it is only possible to move to another trip within one year of the original trip departure date. Page 10