Cycling for food & wine lovers guided tour in Catalonia

Dates available on request

This guided gastronomic cycling tour is a fantastic way to explore this varied landscape; the perfectly preserved medieval villages, secluded sandy coves, orchards,olive trees,rice fields and vineyards. We will meet many local producers on the way and introduce you to the fantastic produce from the land and the sea. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a cookery class and learn some of the secrets to preparing a traditional Catalan meal.
This tour is suitable for small groups or travel companies promoting cycling or walking tours in Catalonia for solo travellers.

Minimum group 8
Maximum 18

Day 1: Meet at Girona airport or Flaca station (if arriving from Barcelona). A representative from Cycle Catalan will be there to greet you and direct you to your transport .Our destination is the Hotel Emporda near La Gola beach and the rice fields of Arroz Moli De Pals. You will spend the first night in this fabulous contemporary spa hotel with amazing views to the mountains and the plains of Baix Emporda.
We meet outside reception around 3pm for your bike fitting, then head off for a short 5km cycle via the River Ter, following the path to the sea. A beautiful unspoilt beach awaits you and a glass of Cava welcomes you to Catalonia. We enjoy a light afternoon picnic and sample some delicious local produce, manchego cheese, Serrano jamon, olives and our home made tortilla espanol. Bring your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear water before cycling back to the hotel. Dinner has been booked at the hotel’s excellent restaurant, famous for its use of local produce. A three course dinner including wines from Emporda will be served.

Level: Easy
Distance: 8kms

Day 2: Artisan olive oil producer
After a leisurely breakfast we set off from the coast via the rice fields of Arroz Moli de Pals on our bikes exploring some of the beautiful countryside and the perfectly preserved medieval villages, including the ruins of Ullastret dating back to 6BC. After a coffee in the square we head towards Canapost and Vulpellac. Next stop is a visit to Can Solivera an artisan olive oil producer. Hans will provide an interesting tour of the estate followed by a tasting.
A picnic lunch will served in the olive groves. We then meander through the country lanes and paths to our next destination the hotel Aatu on the outskirts of Peratallada, a delightful country house set in beautiful gardens with two swimming pools.

Day 3: Mas Oller wine tasting
We leave Peratallada behind and visit Mas Oller a highly respected wine producer. The definitive wine guide Penin has just awarded the white 2008 vintage 92 out of a 100 which is the highest ever score for a wine in Emporda. After a guided tour of the vineyards and production methods enjoy a wine tasting Next we visit the Museu de la Confitura which produces around 120 varieties of jams and chutneys Georgina Regas the owner will show us some of her jam making secrets.Lunch will be at Can Joan a friendly family run restaurant in St Felieu de Boarda. Joan the owner will talk through the menu del dia and describe some of the typical dishes of the region. Next stop Calella de Palafrugell, a spectacular little fishing village with whitewashed houses and cobbled streets that wind their way down to the sea. The next two nights you will stay at the Hotel Garbi, a comfortable hotel with great views towards the sea and only a five minute walk to the centre. This evening we have arranged dinner at the family run beach restaurant Fuego where Josep’s mother will prepare her signature dish “seafood paella”.

Day 4: Cookery school
This morning we head inland through ancient pine forests to Xidors a famous patisserie founded over 30 years ago. It’s renowned for its wonderful cakes and vast collection of wines. Sergi the owner will share his knowledge of fine wines and produce of the area. Time for a quick coffee and cake before the short cycle to Aula Gastronomica de L’Emporda. Today we have the opportunity to participate in a 4 hour cookery class where you will learn about the produce of the region and prepare a typical catalan 3 course meal using locally sourced produce. Orial the chef will take you through each process and afterwards we will enjoy the lunch we have prepared accompanied by wines of the Emporda region. Late afternoon we cycle back to the Hotel Garbi, time to relax by the pool before enjoying a light meal in the hotel’s restaurant.

Level: Easy
Distance: 11 kms

Day 6: Market day and wine tour Calonge
and Fish Market Palamos. This morning we visit a traditional weekly market in the medieval village of Calonge. Sit in the square and enjoy a coffee before heading back to the covered fish market and the Museu de Pescador in Palamos.
This afternoon is free for you to explore the old quarter, walk round the headland, or simply lie on the beach. Tonight we have organised a tapas tour starting at Can Nicanor where you can sample Carmen’s delicious goat’s cheese and fried aubergine tapa.


Level: Easy/ Moderate
Distance: 14kms

Day 7: Friday - Half day cycle tour of Barcelona
We leave Palamos at 11am so you have time to visit the covered market where you can purchase some organic honey or maybe some azafran(saffron) introduced by the Arabs during the 8th century. No visit to Catalonia would be complete without a night in Barcelona. Your accommodation is at the Hotel Market, round the corner from the famous San Antoni market and lunch will be served in their colonial style restaurant. A great way to see some of Barcelona away from the main tourist trail is by bike and we have organised a late afternoon leisurely12 kms tour which will take approximately 3/ 4 hours. In the evening we have arranged a lovely farewell dinner at the restaurant Flamant.

Level: Easy
Distance: 12kms

Day 8: Market San Antoni
Before your transfer walk round to the market for some last minute purchases. Transfer to Girona airport by shuttle bus or by train or taxi to Barcelona airport.


Prices on Request
*Please do not book flights for this tour until we confirm numbers.

Included in your tour
1 night’s accommodation Hotel Emporda – La Gola
1 night’s accommodation Hotel Aatu – Peratellada
2 night’s accommodation Hotel Garbi – Calella de Parafrugell
2 night’s accommodation Hotel Trias – Palamos
1 night’s accommodation Hotel Market – Barcelona

Food/Wine
7 Breakfasts
7 Dinners including wine and water
3 Menu del Dia lunches
1 Lunch at Cookery School
1 Picnic lunch
All lunches include wine and water

Excursions/tours
Visit to Museu de la Confitura and jam making demonstration.
Visit to Can Solivera artisan olive oil producer.
Visit to Mas Oller wine producer.
10km cycle tour of Can Sais plus wine tasting.
Visit to Calonge Market
4 Hour cookery lesson at Aula Gastronomica de L’Emporda.
Visit to Xidors patisserie and wine merchant.
Half day cycle tour of Barcelona
Bikes
Lightweight 21 speed touring bikes with full suspension. Water bottle, helmet and a lock will be provided. (some people may wish to bring there own helmet). Information pack supplied to each cyclist which included cycle route map, itinerary and visitor guide for producers and places of interest.
Guide and support service.
Services of 2 Cycle Catalan guides. Emergency back up and assistance from support vehicle equipped with bikes, bike spares, water and first aid kit.
Transfers.
Transfer from Girona airport or Flaca station to Hotel Emporda.
Transfer of baggage from hotel to hotel.
Luxury coach transfer from Palamos to Barcelona.

What is not included:
Flights
Holiday insurance.
Drinks ,incidentals, coffee breaks.
Transfer from Barcelona to either Girona airport (shuttle bus)
or Barcelona airport (train).

GASTRONOMIC TOUR - Empordà 2011

SEA AND MOUNTAIN (TRADITIONAL DISHES)

Escalivada amb anxoves (Grilled vegetables with anchovy) * * * Chicken with crayfish * * * Catalan cream with sugar crystals

Emporda’s wines and sprarklingwines

CLASS INCLUDES:
Cooking class directed by teacher qualified and credited knowledge
Exclusive Use of the facilities: kitchen, bar, WC.
Class material for the elaboration of all the recipes
Complete recipes
Dinner (includes drinks)

DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Waiter (see budget detail)
Transfers (waiting the budget)
Other services not includes in this proposal