COSTA BRAVA, FROM SOUTH TO NORTH A very complete route. We ride through the beautiful Costa Brava (Brave Coast), enjoying charming crystal water coves, steep cliffs and picturesque fishing villages. We are going to discover the most rural and unknown part of the Empordà region. A tile of vineyards, cereal, fruit, all kind of vegetables and even rice fields, sorrounded by an endless number of medieval villages, romanesque churches and old castles that will set us out on a time travel in this historical land inhabited in past centuries by iberian, greek, roman and modern pirates. 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. Moreover, Girona has become headquarters and training place of some professional cycling teams, like Garmin-Sharp. The whole province provides us, throughout all year, with the best conditions for the practice of cycling. Good roads and communications, nice weather, excellent gastronomy and great tourist infrastructure. For 6 days we can ride calmly through little rural roads with excellent tarmac and undulating surface that will let us enjoy a landscape with an intense 100% mediterranean flavour. We will lodge in small and charming hotels. Selected upon their quality, exclusivity and personalized care. We will also enjoy the catalan gastronomy, starting our day with a typical breakfast like the world famous "pa amb tomàquet" (a slice of bread with tomato rubbed over it and seasoned with salt and olive oil) and "embutit" (different kinds of cold meats and cold cuts), ending our journey with a good mediterranean or typical "Empordà" dishes, accompanied of course by a good "Empordà" DO (Denomination of Origin) wine. A one of a kind tour for an unforgettable vacation!!! We are waiting for you!!! Utopic Bike Travel

www.utopicbiketravel.com info@utopicbiketravel.com

DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

TYPE: ROAD BIKE / GUIDED

START&FINISH: GIRONA/GIRONA (SPAIN)

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

ROUTE LEVEL: 2

KM.PER DAY: 60–100 KM

TRAVEL OPTIONS: GROUP & PRIVATE

GROUPS: 4/... MIN/MAX

PRICE: FROM 2.400€ / See prices

COSTA BRAVA, SOUTH TO NORTH COSTA BRAVA BIKING 2014

ITINERARY / COSTA BRAVA FROM SOUTH TO NORTH: DAY 1/2

DAY 1: GIRONA 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 - CALELLA - 69 km / Elevation 790m After breakfast we start our tour climbing at “Santuari dels Àngels”, a very popular mountain pass that is part of the itinerary of "Vuelta a España"" and "Volta a Catalunya" and where you can find a lot of local cyclists.

The route continues crossing medieval villages like Madremanya and Monells until we arrive to the Capital of ceramics and pottery, La Bisbal d'Empordà. We then take a very beautiful road that ascends to the "Coll de la ganga" (200m) and crosses a tipically mediterranean forest of holm and cork oaks.

Once at the top, a nice descent will take us to the sea. We will follow the coast line finding the fishing village of Palamós. Riding through the seafront promenade we arrive to the harbor, with a lot of all kind of fishing boats that bring in fresh fish every day. After a visit to the fish market we will have a fish and seafood snack in one of the many terraces available. Palamós is gastronomically known for the exquisite red prawn. Its firm texture, freshness, red body and taste make it a unique delicacy.Once we leave Palamós, the picturesque and inviting former fishermen village of Calella de Palafrugell is waiting for us. The Hotel is located there and in the evening we can take a walk and admire its white façades and passageways, which remind us of old times.

The day finishes with a degustation of an authentic sea food "paella" (typical rice dish) by the sea.

A THRILLING ROUTE

One of the most attractive regions in

Europe

Gorgeous crystal water coves in “Costa Brava”

Picturesque fishing villages

Rural roads through fields and

gardens

The most genuine medieval villages of the “Baix Empordà” region

Tasting of catalan “Cava” in a

magnifiscent medieval environment

The exquisite catalan cuisine, a wonderful experience together with warm hospitality of catalan people

ITINERARY / COSTA BRAVA FROM SOUTH TO NORTH: DAY 3/4

DAY 3: CALELLA - L’ESCALA - 73 km / Elevation 350m Time to leave the beautiful Costa Brava behind and head into Baix Empordà. We ride through all sort of produce fields (rice, fruit trees, wheat, sunflowers...) and numerous medieval villages, always following secondary roads without significant slope, which will help us enjoy this wonderful landscape in its pure state, where time seems to have stopped.

In the village of Pals we will be able to admire the mediaveal area, one of the best conserved and most visited of the Girona province and we will enjoy a magnifiscent panoramic view of all Empordà, with Medes islands, from its overlook. Our guides will serve a delicious picnic with local products at lunchtime.

The route continues and we meet Mediterranean sea again. This time the fishing village of L'Escala, where we end today's stage, centres our attention. Our hotel is located in an extremely beautiful and historical place.

Once settled in we will visit the ancient Greco-Roman city of Empúries, located just besides our hotel. It is the only archaelogical site in iberian peninsula where greek and roman archaelogical remains can be found together. We can actually see very clearly how the city was arranged, and admire its homes, temples, streets, markets and stores. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 4: L’ESCALA Free day. A place like this deserves it. The hotel, placed in front of the sea, rests in a millenary spot which is considered one of the best of Costa Brava.

If you want more activity we invite you to make a further exploration of the zone, either riding, sailing or flying. Exploring Costa Brava is exceptionally attractive regardless of the way you do it. Should you prefer a more relaxed experience, the pine sorrounded spa and Portitxol beach, in front of the hotel could well be your option.

In the afternoon we will visit Salvador Dali's Museum in Figueres. The biggest surrealistic object of the world. We will have dinner at l'Escala in one of its best mediterranean and seafood restaurants.

Lodging at the same hotel.

INCLUDED VISITS

TEATRO-MUSEO DALÍ Biggest surrealistic object of the

world

ARCHAELOGICAL SITE OF EMPÚRIES The only one in Iberian Peninsula

where greek and roman remains can be found together.

MUSEO CASTILLO PERALADA

Placed in a XIV century Carmelite Convent.

TRADITIONAL WINERY

Visit and taste of wines in a reference Winery D.O. Empordà

ITINERARY / COSTA BRAVA FROM SOUTH TO NORTH: DAY 5/6

DAY 5: L’ESCALA - GARRIGUELLA - 94 km / Elevation 1380m Today's stage goes over Alt Empordà. We will start crossing Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park (wetland). Declared spot of natural interest, enjoys a great variety of ornithological migratory fauna. From here we will head to the first climb of the day, Alt de Perafita (260m), with a very nice view of the Roses Bay.

Already at the Cap de Creus Natural Park, we will ride sorrounded by olive trees and vineyards in its characteristic stone terraces till we arrive to the iconic village of Cadaqués. From this point we have the possibility to ride trough an impressive and wild road that will take us to the Cap de Creus (Creus Cape), the most oriental spot of the Iberian Peninsula, and to El Port de la Selva, located in an exceptional environment, with white painted houses that contrast the blue of the sea and the green of the olive trees. The second climb of the day (520 m), starts here. A fairly hard one that takes us to the impressive Benedictine Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, build in 878 AD, that stands majestically in the middle of the mountains and dominates all of the Cap de Creus penisula.

After enjoying an impressive view, a comfortable descent to the Alt Emporda plain, wehre the journey ends.

Dinner at a typical restaurant and lodging in a Hotel Spa DAY 6: GARRIGUELLA - COLLIURE - GARRIGUELLA - 94 km / 1980m Today we will meet the french part of Catalonia. The day starts riding through a quiet but undulating road, between olive trees and vineyards. We cross the french border and we reach Banyuls-Sur-Mer. From there we can already see our next climb, Tour de Madeloc (656m) and, right after the beginning of the climb, we start enkoying a spectacular view.

We arrive to Collioure, a former fishing and wine-growing village, famous for its anchovies and for being destiny of several artists who, for decades, have been looking in its paving streets and coloured façades a perfect place to find inspiration. Our comeback, much more relaxed, will take us through the Costa vermella (Red Coast) to Portbou and Llançà, climbing Coll dels Belitres (135m) and Coll del Frare (205m).

From here we will ride to Garriguella, were we find our hotel.

In the evening we will visit the Castell de Peralada Museum, placed in a former XIV Century Carmelites Convent. The library, with some 80.000 volumes, the wine museum (with a wide range of historical objects related to wine history, some of them nearly 700 years old) or the possibility to see the old parts of the convent: the cloisters and the gothic church.

Dinner at a local restaurant and lodging at the same Hotel Spa 3*.

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.

ITINERARY / COSTA BRAVA FROM SOUTH TO NORTH: DAY 7/8

DIA 7: GARRIGUELLA - GIRONA - 111km / Elevation 980m We start our journey still pedalling through Alt Empordà plains. This zone is called "The route of wine and oil" since here is where "DO Empordà" wine and olive oil "Empordà" (protected Designation of Origin) are produced. We will visit a real Empordà Winery and will taste a sample of its finest wines and oils.

Pedalling through open fields, surrounded by the omnipresent olive trees and vineyards, we will cross holm and cork oak little forests and, without even notice, we will leave Empordà behind. We will arrive to 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. In its shore we can find the "pesqueres", small XIX Century buildings used for fishing purposes. They would become later a place to keep boats or even as lodging. After enjoying all of of the lakes views and spots, we keep our way to Girona, our final destination.

At night goodbye dinner at one of the most emblematic restaurants of Girona. Lodging in 4* Hotel, the same of the first night. DIA 8: DEPARTURE After breakfast, farewell and end of our services. NOTE: Possibility of extra days in Costa Brava, Girona or Barcelona. Consult us.

WHAT’S INCLUDED? / COSTA BRAVA, FROM SOUTH TO NORTH

PRICES 2014 Minimum Group : 4 people* Tours available from: March 1st to October 30st Price per person (double occupancy) ……...………..………..….. 2.400 € Supplements: Single Occupancy supplement .............................................. 350 € *Minimum group supplement (per person):

2 people group (per person)…..……....…..……………...….... 600 € 3 people group (per person).……………..….………….…..…. 300 €

Other options Bike rental …………..…………….......…….………………………...….. 140 € 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 7 nights at selected 3* and 4* hotels and charming rural houses. Breakfast every day, 5 lunches or picnics, snacks and drinks throughout all the route. All dinners with wine included. 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 / COSTA BRAVA, FROM SOUTH TO NORTH

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 COSTA BRAVA, FROM SOUTH TO NORTH 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 trip we will taste this country’s traditional dishes and we will discover the authentic Emporda’s cuisine, which masterfully combines fish and seafood, local fruits and vegetables and meat and cheeses from this zone. 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… Supper time in UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL is intended to enjoy the authentic local gastronomy. Every night we will taste the most traditional and popular local dishes, either at the hotel’s restaurant or at some popular one around the place. And of course, a good meal must be accompanied by a good wine. A good DO (denomination of origin) or a good house wine will surely complete the event. 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 PRDUCTS Like sweet catalan sausage, “requit de drap” (local cottage cheese), rice

of Pals, prawn of Palamós…

TYPICAL DISHES Like “escalivada”, “platillos”, grilled meat, cuttlefish with green peas, all kind of fish “suquets” and all sort of

rice dishes…

ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES / COSTA BRAVA, FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

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 / COSTA BRAVA, FROM SOUTH TO NORTH

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.