Catalonia ROSES 2018
WELCOME TO Roses Roses has a superb situation on the Bay of Roses with its long white beaches. There was a Greek settlement here from 400BC and evidence of even earlier occupation in the form of megalithic monuments. Roses is ideally situated just south of the Cap de Creus Natural Park with its dramatic coastline and beautiful whitewashed villages and towns. Today, Roses provides the ideal base for a holiday. The seafront promenade links the main hotel area with the interesting port area and the light house beneath the Castle of the Trinity. As a well-established holiday resort, it has all the facilities you can would expect as well as a rich history; originally occupied by Greeks, then Romans and subsequently a major garrison for French and Spanish troops. The large Ciutadella and its museum is located behind our hotel There are also many megalithic monuments in the hills around. Over the week we will explore the Cap de Creus Natural 2 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk Park and its pretty whitewashed villages and towns El Port de la Selva, Selva de la Mar, Cadaques, and Salvador Dali s home village of Port Lligat. We will walk the dramatic Cami de Ronda the coast path and explore the wild and hilly interior. We will also explore tvhe unspoilt villages on the edge of the Emporda Plain. On one day we will venture inland to walk in the area of La Garrotxa with its green volcanoes, ancient beech forests and mediaeval stone towns. The Catalans pride themselves on their traditions of food and drink and there will be plenty of opportunities during the holiday to sample local seafood specialities accompanied by the fi ne wines of Catalonia.
ACCOMMODATION HOTEL & SPA TERRAZA Av. De Rhode 32-34 17480. Roses Girona Spain Tel: 0034 972 25 61 54 Email: info@hotelterraza.com Situated on an enviable position on the most stylish section of the Roses seafront, the 4-star Hotel and Spa Terraza was originally opened in 1935 and is still owned and operated by the founding family. Displayed around the hotel and on the restaurant placemats, are photographs of the hotel in its early days. Today it has been expanded and fully modernised as well as both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool as well as small garden area. Bedrooms: There are 88 comfortable ensuite bedrooms. All rooms have a television, telephone, hairdryer, safe-deposit box and a small refrigerator. There is free wi-fi throughout the hotel Facilities: The main areas for meeting fellow guests are the ground fl oor Bim s, Bar and the large lounge area across the access area. Both of these have lots of comfortable seating and open out onto a delightful garden terrace and swimming pool, with the hotel beach just across the promenade. Meals: Our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. If you have any special dietary requirements, or if you are a vegetarian, it is always better if we know beforehand, but you could also talk to the head waiter on arrival. Breakfast: A buffet breakfast is served each morning from 0800-1030. On offer are cereals, a selection of fresh fruit and fruit juice, yoghurt, sliced cheeses and cooked and cured meats, various breads and cakes, jams and honey. There is also a limited range of hot food. Insulated urns provide coffee and hot water to make tea. Evening Meal: Dinner is served from 2000 in the hotel s restaurant - Cuina de Norat. Food is traditional Catalan cuisine. The evening meal consists of three courses plus an amuse bouche starter. There are usually three or four choices for each course. Menus will be distributed on arrival at table and orders taken there and then. Lunch: It is possible to buy lunch ingredients from local supermarkets and specialist shops. On some days it may be possible to eat at a local café whilst out on the walk. Your leaders will advise. some opportunities to eat in local tavernas. Your leaders will advise you of the options. Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 3
Guided Walking ITINERARY A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. In Roses you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. The cost of the transport to and from your walks each day is included in the cost of your holiday Please note that the itinerary outlined below is Easier Walks: 5 to 8 miles (8 to 13km) on good paths with some rocky sections and short but steep ascents. Up to 1,500ft (460m) of ascent in a day. 4 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk provisional and could be subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk every evening about the next day s walks. Harder Walks: 7 to 10 miles (11 to 16 km)on good paths with some steep rocky sections. Up to 2,300 ft (700m)of ascent in a day.
Day 1: Arrival day You should arrive at the hotel with time to settle into your room. If flight times permit there should be time for a familiarization stroll around town. On the first evening your leaders will explain more about the organisation of the week and the walks and there will be plenty of time to meet with your fellow guests. Day 2: The Cami de Ronda The Cami de Ronda is the name given to the coastal path in the area. Its name means patrol walk and it is made up of old coastguards fishermens and farmers trails. It is gradually being restored by the Catalan Government with the aim of completing a route from the French border to the Costs Brava resort of Blanes. Both groups walk a stretch of this coastal trail, but in opposite directions. Both groups walk back to the hotel with time to sample its facilities or for independent exploration of the town. Easier Walk: We start our walk with a short coach ride out east from Roses to a spot above the sheltered cove of Cala Rostella. The walk then heads back to Roses along the GR92 long distance trail. This takes us up and down past secluded coves, around craggy headlands and old military installations with spectacular views out to sea and ahead to Roses. We walk past two of Roses best beaches, past the lighthouse, castle and port to return to our hotel along the promenade. 6.1miles (9.8km) with 360ft (121m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder walkers travel to l Almadrava one of the most popular beaches of Roses. We head out along the GR92 Cami de Ronda (walking this stretch in the opposite direction to the easier walkers but with the same spectacular views until we reach the delightful cove of Platja de Montjoi. Here we turn inland and head up and over the Coll d en Fragam descending with beautiful views ahead to Roses past a number of megalithic dolmen and menhirs. 8.3 miles (13.2km) with 1410ft (430m) of ascent. Day 3: Cap de Creus & Cadaques Today we travel across the Natural Park to the Cap de Creus headland the most westerly point of the Iberian peninsula where the Pyrenees sweep down to the sea. Both walks include a substantial stretch of the dramatic coastal path and explore Port Lligat, for many years the home of the Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Both walks finish in Cadaques with its characterful blue and white buildings cascading down the cliffs to the sea. Easier Walk: The easier walkers have time to explore the Visitor Centre at Cap de Creus before following the coastal path south with dramatic views all the way. We reach Port Lligat then head up and over the headland to Cadaques where there will be time to explore and take refreshments before our journey back to Roses. 5 miles (7.9km) with 590ft (180m) of ascent Harder Walk: The harder walk starts by heading west towards La Tudela, an area with dramatic rock formations which provided the inspiration for some of Salvador Dali s surrealist landscapes. We then walk a short stretch of the GR11 long distance trail to join the route of the easier walk which we follow to Cadaques. 8.6miles (13.7km) with 1180ft (360m) of ascent. Day 4: Sant Pere de Rodes Our walks today focus on the dramatically situated monastery of San Pere de Rodes which sits at a height of 500m above sea level with stunning views down over the North Coast. In the 10th century the monastery was massively wealthy owning lands for many miles away from Barcelona to the French border. The easier walk is designed to give guests time to enter and look round the monastery should they wish. Both routes finish in delightful unspoiled villages on the edge of the Emporda Plain. Easier Walk: The easier walk starts from close to Sant Pere de Rodes and heads up to the monastery and round the hill to the rear for excellent views. After time to look round the monastery the walk continues via the church of Santa Helena and the remains of the village of Santa Creu for more spectacular views. The walk then follows one of the routes of the Camino de Santiago down to the charming village of Pau. Here there will be time to look around and have refreshments before the coach back to Roses. 4.4 miles (7km) with 490ft (150m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder walk starts from the delightful inland village of Selva de Mar. From there we ascend steeply up the Muntanya de Sant Pere to reach the car park where the easier walk starts. The harder walk then follows the route of the easier walk but takes a different route in descent past a number of megalithic monuments and through vineyards to the town of Vilajuiga. There will be time to look round and have refreshments before taking the coach back to Roses Day 5: Free day Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest Three obvious options are: Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 5
Figueres Figueres is the nearest large town. It is easily accessible by regular public buses. Figueres was the birthplace of Salvador Dali and the highlight of a trip here would be a visit to the Teatro-Museo Dali, the museum Dali personally designed to display his works after his death. It has more of his works than any other gallery in the world. Figueres is also home to the Museu de l Emporda devoted to the history of the local region, the Museo del Joquet, a toy museum, and the Castell de Sant Ferran a huge 18th century fortress. Cadaques Pay a return visit to Cadaques for further sightseeing and perhaps a visit to the Casa Museo Dali in Port Lligat which we walked past on the Tuesday walks. This is the house which Dali had constructed from old fi shermen s cottages and where he lived and worked from 1930 to 1982. Entry is in limited numbers via timed tickets and advance booking is essential. Roses: A day could be spent relaxing in Roses taking advantage of the facilities of the hotel or undertaking further sightseeing, perhaps visiting the Ciutadella and its museum across the road from our hotel. Other options include could include taking a trip on the land train from its base near our hotel or trip on a sightseeing boat from the harbor around the bay. There are a number of possible destinations for both forms of transport. Day 6: Olot, Besalu & La Garrotxa Today s walks off er s something completely diff erent. We have a coach ride west from Alt Emporda to the neighbouring county of La Garrotxa and another of Catalonia s Natural Parks the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone. The volcanoes last erupted about 11,000 years ago and are now covered with vegetation and are known as green volcanoes Both walks will explore several of these volcanoes and also walk through the distinctive beech forests of the region. On our return journey to Roses we stop and look around Besalu a beautiful mediaeval town with cobbled streets, fantastic architecture and a superb old bridge. Easier Walk: The easier walk starts from Can Serra and heads for the Croscat Volcano. This was the site of one of the most recent eruptions in the volcanic area some 11,500 years ago. After exploring the volcano, we walk through the Fageda d en Jorda the famous beech forest of this area. We then head to the Museu dels Volcans located in the Parc Nou, an old country estate with gardens and woodlands. There will be time to visit the museum before our return journey to Roses with a stop in Besalu. 7miles (11km) with 700ft (210m) of ascent and descent. Harder Walk: The walk begins outskirts of Olot towards the Croscat volcano as visited by the easier walk. Visiting the Santa Margarita volcano, noteworthy because in the middle of the crater is a Romanesque hermitage of Santa Margarita, the walk returns via the beach forest and joins the easier group. There is time to look around the museum before travelling back via Besalu. 10 miles (16km) with 1,300 ft (400m) of ascent and descent Day 7: Cadaques to Port de la Selva Today s walks explore the wild interior of the Cap de Creus Natural Park. We return to Cadaques to start the walks which both follow a substantial stretch of the GR92 long distance trail. We will walk through areas now returned to nature but where we will see old dry stone wall terracing evidence of the intensive cultivation of vines in this area brought to an end in the late 19th century with the phylloxera plague which killed vines across Europe. Both walks finish by descending to Port de la Selva an attractive fishing port and seaside resort. Easier Walk: Our walk starts from Cadaques by quickly and easily gaining height on the GR92 long distance trail past the Puig de San Vicenc. There follows a delightful stretch of good path, contouring around dry valleys, passing isolated dry stone shepherd s huts to reach els Bufadors. We descend via a dry valley, the Costa dels Terrellons, to reach the ourtskirts of el Port de la Selva. We will have time for a look around the town and have a drink before our return bus journey to Roses. 7.5 miles (12Km) with 1050ft (320m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder walk initially follows the same route as the easier walk to els Buffadors. The harder walk then follows a loop to the north. We join the GR 11 long distance trail and walk around the Punto de la Creu to reach el Port de la Selva from the north. 9.3miles (14.9km) with 1050 ft (320m) of ascent. Day 8: Departure day In the evenings The friendly atmosphere of our Guided Walking holidays continues into the evening. Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer whilst listening to your leaders informing you of the choice of the next day's walks. After a leisurely evening meal, you may also like to join your group for an evening stroll along the beach, 6 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
WALKING INFORMATION Your walking leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest en route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions for things that they might do differently are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied with any element of your holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we may employ the services of a local interest guide who will accompany you on a walk to enrich and enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local interest guides have not been included in the price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. The best map for the area is the Editorial Alpine 1:25,000 Cap de Creus. Maps can be obtained by mail order from The Map Shop, Tel: 0800 0854080 or visit www.themapshop.co.uk Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 7
WALKING SAFETY We are committed to running our Guided Walking holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity can be 100% risk free; however, if you take sensible precautions and adhere to your leaders instructions, your holiday will be both safe and enjoyable. On the first evening of your holiday (dependent on arrival time), the leaders will give a short talk about safety on the walks we would ask everyone to attend. Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and will show more caution over potential risks (such as bad or exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or couple might make on a private outing. Walks may be modified or cancelled following the leaders assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your leaders will refuse to accept any guest whose clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking ability is considered unsuitable, and where it could affect the safety and enjoyment of other guests on the proposed walk. It is your responsibility to follow the leader s guidelines, for the benefit and safety of the group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party size of two guests in addition to the leader. First aid: In line with current practice, each leader carries a group first aid kit but is not able to supply any medication, including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry a minimum of two litres of water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a two litre hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from additional water sources as required. Your leader will inform you of the possibilities for replenishing your water during the walks. Your health: It is essential that you describe on your guest registration form any health condition or disability you may have. The leaders will treat this confidentially and may be able to take it into account on the walks; for example, by not delaying lunch if they know they have someone with diabetes in their party. EU citizens should ensure they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday. There can be problems with medical authorities and 8 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk insurance companies if you cannot produce this when you require treatment details are available at dh.gov. uk/travellers EHIC cards have an expiry date please check yours is valid before you travel. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for pre-existing illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on 020 8732 1220 or email holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. In Montenegro, there are reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK that allow free emergency treatment. In non urgent cases payment (normally in cash) may be required. Further details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Turkey has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, and doctors generally expect payment in cash. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. Money: Access to emergency money, preferably via a credit card, is very important as you never know when an emergency may arise. HOLIDAY TIPS Language: Catalan & Spanish Currency: Euro Changing money: There are several ATM machines in Roses where you can obtain money. Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK. Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. To dial a UK number 0044 To dial a Italian number 0039
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Please note that some of our Atlantic island and Mediterranean destinations are also in mountainous areas and at high (up to 4,000ft) the temperatures can be as low as 0 C. You will need: comfortable outdoor clothing ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses small rucksack The following are also recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: camera personal first aid kit walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents FOOTWEAR We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern approach shoes offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. TRANSFER INFORMATION If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Barcelona Airport. From the UK we offer flights from London Heathrow and Manchester which will arrive at different times. Please note that meals are not usually provided on European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. NB: Guests arriving from Manchester will arrive in Terminal 2 and may need to take a shuttle bus to meet up with guests arriving into Terminal 1 from Heathrow. Full details will be provided. Where possible you will be met as you enter the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays leader. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may arrive on another flight. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign. Please note that where possible we combine our airport transfers and you may have a short wait at the airport for the rest of your group who will be arriving on a different flight. You will be notified of this in your final confirmation letter. The onward journey to Roses by coach takes approximately 2 hours. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach from Barcelona Airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional HF Holidays flight times can be found on www.hfholidays.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)20 8732 1220). Cost per single journey is 35. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance. Transfers must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0)20 8732 1220. Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 9
linger a little LONGER If you enjoyed your holiday in our new destination of Roses in Catalonia, we recommend our other holiday at nearby Argeles sur Mer, just over the French border or Bonassola on the Ligurian Coast of Italy. Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday either two weeks of walking at some of our resorts or by combining complementary holidays, such as our two Algarve holidays; Eastern and Western Algarve; Tavira and Luz. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so that you don t have to. See our brochure or website for more information. See our brochure or website for more information Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, on our Self-guided Walking holidays, in selected European destinations, you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Guided Trail holidays Discover a great sense of achievement on a Guided Trail holiday. We have a great collection of trails on famous routes and outstanding locations across Britain and Europe. SAVE ON OUTDOOR CLOTHING From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests. Visit hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers. 10 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
RECOMMEND A FRIEND AND SAVE 50 Do you know someone who would enjoy our holidays as much as you do? Invite them to book a holiday and you ll receive 50! If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend who subsequently makes their first ever booking with us, we will give you 50 off your next holiday for each person recommended. Plus, as a welcome, we will also give your recommended friend or friends 50 per person off their holiday, meaning savings for everyone! Claim your 50 in three easy steps When your friend books a holiday, ask them to mention at time of booking your name and address. If they have never travelled with us before, we will give them a discount of 50 per person. We will send you a 50 voucher off a future HF Holidays break for each friend you have recommended. Terms & conditions apply, visit hfholidays.co.uk/raf for details. PATHWAYS FUND Last year guests donated 19,500 to our Pathways Fund and we spent 25,000 on projects. For more information on the projects the Pathways Fund has supported, plus how to donate, please visit hfholidays.co.uk/pathways HF Holidays continues to work in partnership with the Family Holiday Association to provide Feel Good Breaks designed to reward families who could not otherwise afford it with the gift of a break in the outdoors and the chance to spend quality time together. Help us continue this work by donating to the Pathways Fund. JOIN US TODAY AND BENEFIT TOMORROW HF Holidays is the only UK holiday provider that s a co-operative. We re owned by our members who help shape our business for future generations. Join our award-winning and sociably responsible society that s passionate about helping others to enjoy holidays in beautiful countryside. For a minimum purchase of 100 1 shares you can benefit from: Members loyalty scheme earn points on your holidays and use as a discount on your next holiday Member-only events and holidays Members come first with advance registration for the holiday you want 10% discount at our country house bars 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor 15% discount at Rohan 25% discount at Hi-Tec Annual interest on your shares ALREADY A MEMBER? There are many ways for you to further your support: Help choose our Board Attend member events Encourage others to join us Increase your shares at any time Top up to 1,000 shares to become an investment member with enhanced benefits Give membership as a gift To join or increase your investment call our Membership team on 0208 732 1290, email membership@hfholidays.co.uk or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 11
Contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY hfholidays.co.uk For any questions before your holiday, we re here to help, so please contact us on: 0345 470 7558 (local rate) +44 (0)20 8732 1250 (from outside the UK) Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm. Email: info@hfholidays.co.uk Emergency contact details: In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as above or between the hours of Friday 7pm to Monday 9am are: +44 (0)7918 737777 or emergency@hfholidays.co.uk