Cycling for food and wine lovers Self guided tour

Dates 1st April – 31st October 2012

Introduction
This self guided 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. You have the opportunity to meet many local producers on the way and sample some fantastic produce from the land and the sea. This area of Catalonia is a gastronomic delight and we have chosen some great restaurants for you try. Accommodation has been chosen for its character, location, comfort and friendliness of staff.

Day 1: Arrive in Figueres
We meet you at Girona airport or Figueres station (if arriving from Barcelona) and take you to the Hotel Restaurant Duran located in the centre and only a few metres away from the Teatro Museo Dali. This hotel has been family run by the Durans since 1855 and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. Welcome glass of Cava, tour orientation, maps, bike fitting and dinner.

The restaurant is famous for its cuisine and its customers; Salvador Dali was a regular visitor. Ramon Duran’s grandfather was a good friend of Dali’s and there is a unique collection of his sketches, menu designs, photographs on the restaurant wall. You will sample a traditional Catalan meal, using locally sourced produce.

Try the pa amb tomaquet (tomato bread) with jamon iberico, mar i montanya suquet, a classic catalan stew, or a seafood paella using arroz bomba (rice from the local paddy fields), flavoured with azafran (saffron) introduced to Spain by the Arabs during the 8th century. Dessert may be Recuit de drap covered in a little organic honey or Crème Catalan. Wines will be from Emporda.

Day 2: Peralada Cycling Wine Route
This is a circular route taking in several vineyards and olive groves on the way. You leave Figueres and follow the route to Peralada, a beautiful medieval town in the heart of the wine area. Make time to visit the castle and convent Carmen before visiting Castillo Perelada’s degustation centre.17 of their wines scored over 90 in the Penin guide 2011. Last year Cava became the number one exported sparkling wine in the world surpassing Champagne for the first time ever. We highly recommend the excellent value Castillo Perelada Cava. Surrounded by vineyards the road goes to Mollet de Peralada past olive groves towards Masarac.

Next there is a gentle climb to Serra d’Altrera where you can enjoy magnificent views over the plain and the Albera mountains before heading back to Peralada via Vilarnadal and Cabanes. We will provide a list of the vineyards and olive groves that you might want to visit on this tour. We suggest you make time to visit the Dali museum later this afternoon. It opens until 7pm and it is an ideal time to go when it is less busy. Tonight we recommend that you eat at Cervenecia a quirky Tapas bar in the old quarter of Figueres.

Level Easy/ Moderate
Distance: 32kms

Day 3: Aiguamolls Natural Park
You leave Figueres behind and travel south through Alt Emporda to Baix Emporda past the river Fluvia and the Ter before arriving at Torroella de Montgri. On your journey we suggest you stop at the Aiguamolls Natural Park, the second most important refuge for wetland birds with some 300 species including herons, white storks, gulls and spoonbills. Your accommodation is at Palau Lo Mirador a beautifully restored palace with an abundance of charm, atmosphere and an excellent restaurant where you will dine tonight.

Level: Easy
Distance: 42kms

Day 4: Visit to Producers
Today will be an opportunity to cycle to some of the suppliers whose produce you may have just sampled. In the morning you cycle past the rice fields of Arroz Moli de Pals. We provide panniers for your bike and suggest you book luggage for the hold so that you can take all your produce home with you. Next stop is Ullastret to see how Recuit is made in this tiny little artisan shop( similar to panna cotta served with honey as a dessert.)

Next on to the Museu de la Confitura in Torrent where you can watch the jams and chutneys being made. The selection is staggering with over 100 varieties to choose from. The smell of freshly made jam permeates throughout the shop and it is difficult to resist a purchase.

Next you cycle to a highly respected wine producer, Mas Oller and a guided tour of the vineyards can be made available on request. Carlos Esteva started in the Penedes Caus estate before replanting the vines at Mas Oller. They were awarded 92 out of a 100 for the 2008 white wine in the Penin Wine Guide and it looks like their 2009 vintage is also going to be outstanding. Explore Torroella this evening and enjoy dinner at one our recommended restaurants.

Level: Easy
Distance: 28kms

Day 5 Medieval Villages and Wine Shops
Set off for Palamos and explore the perfectly preserved hilltop medieval town of Pals. The old quarter known as El Pedro within the medieval walls contains many historic buildings. There is a gothic church at the centre surrounded by beautiful cobbled streets leading to the old castle. The views from the ancient wall to the sea are spectacular. Next cycle over to Palafrugell and stop at Grau a beautifully laid out wine emporium run by Jordi and Sergi Grau. It stocks over 8,000 different wines and over 60 Spanish regions are represented. Another shop worthy of a visit is Casa Serra, run by 4th generation Enric Serra .

Admire the kitsch window display of cakes and pop downstairs to the old kitchens now a wine cellar with over 1,000 wines to choose from. The speciality is the selection of sweet wines which complement the amazing cakes and home made ice cream. Next stop is the lively town of Palamos where you will spend the next two nights staying in the Hotel Trias, a fabulous location overlooking the port and the beach. Palamos is famous for its great selection of Tapas bars in the old quarter. We provide a map and a list of recommendations. Try Carmen’s delicious Goats cheese stuffed aubergine at Can Nicanor.

Level Easy/ Moderate
Distance: 37kms

Day 6: Local market/lazy day
Visit the local market in Palamos and the covered fish market. Pick up some saffron and paella mix and maybe some organic honey. Cycle along to the port, visit the maritime museum and watch the fisherman bring in their catch of the day. Take the bike along the paseo that links Palamos to Torre Valentino and watch the wind and kite surfers ride the waves. For lunch we suggest you try the famous Palamos prawns at La Gamba or restaurant Fish overlooking the harbour and this evening we have booked you the restaurant in the hotel. Distance/Level your choice.

Day 7
After a leisurely breakfast transfer back to Girona airport or take the Express bus from Palamos bus station ( 2 mins from hotel) to Barcelona.

Prices from €795

Your 6 night/ 7 day holiday price includes:
Bed and breakfast for 6 nights
3 evening meals
2 night’s en suite accommodation in the Duran Hotel in Figueres. www.hotelduran.com
2 night’s en suite accommodation in Palau Lo Mirador in Torroella de Montgri. www.palaulomirador.com or Hotel Emporda www.hotelempordagolf.com
2 night’s en suite sea view in Hotel Trias Palamos. www.hoteltrias.com
Transfer from Girona airport or Figueres station on arrival, transport to Girona airport or transfer by Express bus from Palamos to Barcelona.
Light weight 21 speed touring bikes
Information pack, maps, cycle routes recommended restaurants producers etc
Transfer of luggage to Hotel Palau and Trias
Emergency back up and assistance.

What’s not included:
Flights.
Travel Insurance.
Entrance fees/ incidentals.

If you would like to extend your tour we suggest 2 options:

Option 1
Day 1 - Transfer to Barcelona where you will spend the next 2 nights at the hotel Market or Goya .Evening in Barcelona. Start your stay with a visit to La Vinya de Senjor a wine bar with over 300 wines to choose from. We provide a map and some recommendations for dinner including Paco Meralyo where you can sample a Barcelona speciality ‘bombas’ – a round croquette with a fiery sauce.

Day 2 - Half day bike tour – a great way to see Barcelona and work up an appetite for a late lunch. In the afternoon visit one of Barcelona’s gourmet shops the Formatgeria La Seu, which is hidden away down a lane in the old Gothic quarter. Housed in an old dairy La Seu specialises in artisan cheeses from small producers. No food and wine tour would be complete without a visit to a chocolate shop. Xocoa is a unique Barcelona enterprise and produces over 30 varieties of filled chocolates and chocolate bars all made to their own recipe. Willy Wonka eat your heart out!
If you have given up trying to get a booking at El Bulli ( regarded as one of best restaurants in the world) try Tapac 24 run by an Adria disciple, Michelin starred Carles Abellan.

Option 2
Day 1 - Transfer to Girona where you will spend the next 2 nights at the Hotel Historic in the heart of the old Jewish quarter, next to the magnificent Gothic cathedral.
Evening. Dinner at El Cellar de Can Roca- a 2 star Michelin restaurant ranked no.4 in the world. There are 3 brothers, Joan Roca is the head chef, Jordi creates the exquisite desserts, and Josep handles front of house and the extensive wine collection. A tour of and wine cellar can normally be arranged. The signature menu costs around €100 including tax.* Please note that due to the popularity of this restaurant bookings need to be made around two months in advance.

Day 2 - Walking tour of Girona. Dinner at restaurant Draps.

Prices on request.

We can offer a first class personal service and competitive prices. Contact Vivian at Cycle Catalan to discuss your holiday plans. Click to see our cycling photogallery.