AMONG VOLCANOES / GIRONA & GARROTXA La Garrotxa is one of the best zones to practice cyclotourism in Catalonia. It possesses a magnificent natural environment, picturesque landscapes and multiple routes and altitudes. Girona province has become training location for a lot of professional cyclists and for some of the world's best teams because of the unbeatable conditions it offers: excellent roads, nice weather, superb gastronomy, inviting cities and optimum communications. AMONG VOLCANOES is a very complete route running through Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa (Garrotxa's Volcanic Zone unforgettablerk), the best example of volcanic landscape in Iberian Peninsula and one of the most important in Europe, with more than 40 volcanoes, what makes it specially unique. We will ride surrounded by fields, pastures, forests and, of course, volcanoes, which define a quiet and tidy scenery. In the heart of the Natural Park we will discover the Croscat Volcano (with the biggest cone in the Iberian Peninsula -160m-) and the incredible Fageda d'en Jordà, an exceptional beech forest placed in a very low altitude plain and established over the flow of Croscat's past eruptions. Throughout all the route we will enjoy a very rich cultural patrimony as well. In this area we can find exceptional medieval samples, like the village of Besalú, designated a site of national artistic and historical interest, which conforms one of the most important and well preserved medieval sites in Catalonia and where a majestic romanesque XI century bridge stands out. Or the XIV century medieval village of Santa Pau, located inside the natural park. Designated a site of national artistic and historical interest too, we can single out its XIII century castle and its arcaded square, one of the most beautiful in Catalonia. The city of Girona is to be discovered as well. A place with the charm of big cities but with no crowds. Located in a privileged site between the sea and the mountains it offers us a great display of unique and spectacular monuments, testimony of its millenary history. At the end of every stage we will taste a unique and rich gastronomy, based in local, native and traditional products. Volcanic features of the soil in la Garrotxa make it very rich and fertile. This has a clear effect in its cuisine and we can definitely affirm that culture and nature can be found in local dishes. We will lodge in charming hotels, where we can relax, rest and forget about the daily routine to turn these days into an unforgettable vacation. We are waiting for you! Utopic Bike Travel www.utopicbiketravel.com info@utopicbiketravel.com

DURATION: 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

TYPE: ROAD BIKE

START&FINISH: GIRONA/GIRONA (SPAIN)

DATES: MARCH TO OCTOBER LODGING: 3*, 4* HOTELS

ROUTE LEVEL: 3

KM.PER DAY: 80–100K M

TRAVEL OPTIONS: GROUP & PRIVATE

GROUPS: 4/... MIN/MAX

PRICE: FROM 2.050 € / See prices

AMONG VOLCANOES GARROTXA BIKING 2014

ITINERARY / AMONG VOLCANOES / DAY 1 - 2

DAY 1: GIRONA Individual arrival at hotel. UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL presentation. Bicycles set up Possibility of pickup at the Train Station or at the Girona Airport. Please consult “Arrivals & Departures” in case of different arrivals or for additional logistical information. WELCOME TO CATALONIA! Once settled in the hotel, our guides will give you information regarding tour details and will complete the setup of your bike. You have spare time to visit the “Barri Vell” (Old Neighborhood), the historical center of the city where you can find unique constructions in Europe: the roman city walls, “el Call” (one of the best conserved jewish quarters in Spain) and the Gothic Cathedral, with the widest central nave in the world. We recommend too a visit to the river Onyar colored houses that, together with the numerous bridges and the Cathedral in the background, define the most emblematic image of Girona. At night we will have dinner in one of many traditional restaurants available. Lodging in a central 4* hotel. DAY 2: GIRONA – OLOT - 102 km / Elevation 1210m After breakfast we start our tour towards the land of volcanoes. Along our way we will find and visit the Estany de Banyoles (lake of Banyoles), an enigmatic, misterious and charming spot surrounded by gardens and trees. Is the biggest natural lake of Catalonia and in 1992 hosted the rowing competition during the summer Olympic Games.

We leave behind this beautiful scenery and enter the volcanic area of La Garrotxa, finding the village of Besalú, designated a Site of National Artistic and Historical interest and one of the most important and well preserved medieval sites in Catalonia and Castellfollit de la Roca, a village placed on the top of an spectacular 50m high basaltic rock. Some of its houses actually hang at the edge of the cliff.

A short stop and we ride to Olot, capital of La Garrotxa. From here we keep pedalling to la Vall d'en Bas, a delicious valley with one of the most fertile soils in Catalonia and crossed by numerous streams that flow into river Fluvià.

Our route ends today in Hostalets d'en Bas, designated Site of Historical and Artisitic Interest.

Short transfer to our hotel in the medieval village of Santa Pau. An old country house located in a privileged spot.

Dinner and lodging in 3* hotel.

A THRILLING ROUTE La Garrotxa, one of the best places to

practice cyclotourism in Catalonia

Garrotxa’s Volcanic Natural Park, the best example of volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most important in Europe. Almost 40

volcanic cones and 20 basaltic lava streams

The most charming medieval villages

in Catalonia

Natural Area of Alta Garrotxa, the most important in Oriental Pre-

Pyrenees. Deep valleys surrounded by cliffs and stone walls

Catalan cava tasting in a magnificent

medieval environment

ITINERARY / AMONG VOLCANOES / DAY 3

DAY 3: VALLEY OF CAMPRODON - 86 km / Elevation 1400m Route throughout Ripollès and Garrotxa regions, discovering beautiful landscapes among pasture fields and beech and oak forests. A very attractive itinerary with impressive views of Canigó mountains and Alta Garrotxa area.

After breakfast we will ride towards Vall de Bianya where our first climb starts. A nice narrow and winding road will take us to the top of Capsacosta (870m), entering the region of Ripollès. This is a very popular pass because it's part of the itinerary of two of the most important cyclotourist events in the country. We will visit as well the beautiful village of Camprodon, located in the valley of its name and in the heart of Oriental Pyrenees, with an spectacular romanesque XII century bridge. We'll use the moment to taste the most typical products of this zone: Cold meats of Ripollès, mushrooms, honey and traditonal pastries.

Our route continues heading to Vall del Bac shaded valley), a very extreme spot located in the Natural Interest Space of Alta Garrotxa. It can be considered the most important space of Oriental Pre-Pyrenees because of its diversity and singularity. Along the valley we will find restored traditional country houses and a stream with sections where you can take a bath.

In the afternoon we will visit the "Saints Museum", a quite singular experience that will allow us to discover the traditional techniques used to produce religious imagery and ancient trades related to this locally highly rooted activity.

After this, a visit to the old town and dinner in a central traditional catalan restaurant.

Lodging in the same 3* hotel.

ITINERARY / AMONG VOLCANOES / DAY 4 - 5

DAY 4: GARROTXA’S VOLCANIC NATURAL PARK After breakfast we will start our journey riding through the Volcanic Natural Park and the Mieres valley. A wide, green and sunny place in one of the most quiet and rural areas of Garrotxa.

We will visit two of the most interesting places in the Park, the Croscat (the youngest of all the volcanoes in the area with the biggest cone -160m- in the Iberian Peninsula) and La Fageda d'en Jordà, an exceptional beech forest that grows at a very low altitude (550m) plain spot. It is also stablished over the flow of Croscat's past eruptions. Santa Pau is a place we must see. This XIV century village has been designated Site of National Artistic and Historical Interest and deserves an extense visit.

Back to the hotel, spare time to rest in the garden, the reading room or to relax with a massage (this service is not included in the tour price and must be reserved previously)

For our most active guests trips to Santa Margarida and Roca Negra volcanoes or to a gorgeous waterfalls hidden in the middle of nature can be arranged. We have endless possibilities since we are sorrounded by nature.

At night, dinner in one of the most emblematic restaurants of the area. We will discover there why "pa amb tomàquet" (bread and spread tomato) is the gastronomic symbol of Catalonia.

Lodging in the same 3* hotel. DAY 5: NATURAL AREA OF COLLSACABRA - 104 km / Elev. 1840m An spectacular route is waiting for us today. We'll have the chance to discover one of the most beautiful and inhospitable spots in Catalonia. The unmistakable landscape of Sau Collsacabra is characterized by the relief of its plateaus, precipices that descend abruptly and green and deep valleys where streams flow. Romanesque churches and hermitages appear everywhere, as well as traditional country houses, waterfalls, natural springs, prehistoric caves, more than 40 km of cliffs with an average height of 1100m, leafy forests, small medieval villages and even a reservoir.

We will keep our tour until we find, hidden in the middle of this huge territory of natural richness, the village of Rupit. Rupit maintains almost intact its architectural patrimony. Rustic XVI and XVII century houses, cobblestone streets, a medieval bridge and its peculiar hanging wooden bridge. Designated Site of National Artistic and Historical Interest, is considered one of the most beautiful villages of Catalonia.

We keep riding on a concrete road to Tavertet. Designed as a Place of Cultural Interest as well, rests on an enormous 200m high cliff. Such rugged land and remote place has helped the preservation of 48 rural houses build during XVII and XVIII centuries.

Dinner and lodging in the same 3* hotel.

FAGEDA D’EN JORDÀ (JORDAN’S BEECH)

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

Joan Maragall (1860 - 1911) Catalan Poet

ITINERARY / AMONG VOLCANOES / DAY 6 - 7

DAY 6: LLÉMENA’S VALLEY ROUTE 89 km / Elevatron 810m In our last stage will enjoy, pretty effortlessly, a route through the rural valleys of Hostoles and Llémena, a very popular itinerary in this area. LLémena's valley is one of the best preserved natural spots in Girona.

We will ride through small secondary roads where small villages and unique appear, conforming a great landscape value setting.

Spare evening to visit the city of Girona, to rest or to enjoy the sun and the memories of this amazing tour throughout the province with the most cycling flavour in Spain.

At night farewell dinner at one of the most emblematic restaurants of Girona.

Lodging in 4* Hotel, the same of the first night. DAY 7: DEPARTURE After breakfast, farewell and end of our services. NOTE: Possibility of extra days in Costa Brava, Girona or Barcelona. Consult us.

ONE ROUTE, SEVERAL OPTIONS

Routes designed to enjoy them at your own rate.

Take your time to take a good picture

or to have a tasty coffee.

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

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

Additional mileage offered for our

most exigent clients.

WHAT’S INCLUDED? / AMONG VOLCANOES

PRICES 2014 Minimum Group : 4 people* Tours available from: March 1st to October 30st Price per person (double occupancy) ……...……………...…….. 2.050 € Supplements: Single Occupancy supplement ............................................. 245 € *Minimum group supplement (per person):

2 people group ……………………..……....…..…………………... 500 € 3 people group ………………………………..….……...…………. 250 €

Other options Bike rental (Bianchi Intenso)........…….…………………….….….. 130 € Transfers to Barcelona /hotel /Barcelona Airport ............. 50 € Extra night in Girona, Barcelona, Costa Brava …………....…. Consult us Optional Travel Insurance (2.500€ cancellation costs) 75 € INCLUDED

Arrivals & Departures Transfers to and from Girona Train Station or Girona Airport to Hotel Lodging & meals 6 nights at selected 3* and 4* hotels and charming rural houses. Breakfast every day, lunches or picnics, snacks and drinks throughout all the route, all dinners and local wine included in every meal. Support Minimum of one guide + one support vehicle. (depending on group size) Road book with maps and tour documentation in spanish, english or german. 24h personalized care. Clothes clean and ready every day. Luggage transportation during the tour. Client transportation in our support vehicle if necessary. Insurances Travel and cancellation Insurance (consult policy) NOT INCLUDED

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

MAIN REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL:

We design our own trips

* Our team is formed by a group of

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

become their way of life *

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

thousands of miles on each zone *

We want to share our experiences with our clients

* For us, every client is unique, every

need is different and every trip is unrepeatable!

LODGING & MEALS / AMONG VOLCANOES

LODGING In UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL we have made a selection of what we think are special lodgings, regardless of their price or category. They are usually located in unique surroundings and placed at historical or ancient buildings with a great architectural value. Charming and inviting places which are family-runned and join quality, peacefulness and personalized care. In this route AMONG VOLCANOES we will stay in little 3* and 4* hotels (spanish qualification) and in rural houses. Given their characteristics, we cannot allocate accomodation until we receive confirmation of availability by the hotel. MEALS & GASTRONOMY To taste Catalonia can become a great experience! It possesses an extraordinary lanscape and patrimonial richness, but it is undoubtedly one of the main gastronomic destinations in the world. Catalan gastronomy dates from classic roman age. A complex, assorted and rich cuisine, plenty of mediterranean influences and based on all kind of products (seafood, vegetables, and all kind of meat). It is adapted to every season and all sort of traditions, as well. We cannot talk about gastronomy without including wine. Catalonia is the number one producer of high quality wine in Spain and one of the most important wine producing areas in Europe, holding a great history. Ancient Greek and Roman introduced the wine-making process and, by middle-age, catalan monasteries conitnued with this practice. Nowadays, Catalonia has eleven protected denominations of origin, spreaded throughout all our territor, with a great variety of white, rosé and red wines. In this tour we will discover the unique "volcanic" cuisine, based upon the local products and traditions deeply rooted in the zone. The rich volcanic soil gives great quality products like "farro" (special type of corn flour), buckwheat, beans of "Santa Pau", potatoes, turnips, onions, all kind of mushrooms, truffles, snails and excellent meats like pork and wild boar. Every morning abundant breakfasts containing dairy products, cereals, bread, fruit and natural juices are waiting for us. Besides, in most of our selected lodgings we will find typical cold meats (all sort of sausages and ham), home made bakery and jam, and more… Lunches are adapted depending on the route we are making and, therefore, can be more varied. A picnic on the top of a hill, some snack in a bar by the sea, energy bars right after surmounting a mountain pass… In some of our trips we give the opportunity to our guests to explore by themselves and do it their way to discover places or restaurants the might find interesting. These meals are not included in the price of the tour. Nevertheless, our guides will be delighted to suggest you any of our favourite restaurants if you want.

GENUINE CATALAN GASTRONOMY

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

TYPICAL PRODUCTS Santa Pau’s beans, black turnips,

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

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

TYPICAL DISHES

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

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

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

“escudella i carn d’olla”…

ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES / AMONG VOLCANOES

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

BOOK NOW If you are ready just fill our

reservation form.

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

duration, lodging category, or budget...

BESPOKE TRAVEL

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

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

your ideas a we can make it together.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ AMONG VOLCANOES

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

ROADBOOK, MAPS AND BROCHURES You don’t have to worry about

anything in our guided tours, but we will hand you a roadbook containing detailed information (maps, profiles

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

SUPPORT VEHICLE At your disposal throughout the day.

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

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

of schedule.