Gastronomic guided walking tour of Catalonia

Dates available on request
Minimum 8, maximum 22 persons

Introduction
If you are looking for varied landscapes, medieval village architecture, secluded sandy coves and an opportunity to sample excellent locally produced food and wine then a walking tour in the Baix Emporda province of Catalonia is hard to beat.

Highlights include:
Tapas tour of Palamos
Cap Roig Botanical Gardens
Seafood Paella on the beach
4 hour Cookery class with lunch at Aula Gastronomica de L'Emporda
Visit to Museu de la Confitura
Visit to Can Solivera an artisan olive oil estate
Wine tour and tasting at Mas Oller

Saturday: Palamos
A representative of Transfer Costa Brava will meet you at Barcelona Airport and transfer you by luxury coach to the Hotel Trias in Palamos. Perfectly situated overlooking the sea, the hotel has a comfortable colonial interior and is a two minute walk from the old quarter and the port. Palamos is the most important fishing port in Girona Province with a history going back many centuries. The harbour makes a very interesting visit with the Museu de la Pesca and the fish market. A welcome glass of Cava awaits you in the bar where we will introduce the walking itinerary. Early evening we take you on a Tapas tour in the old quarter sampling some of Carmens delicious tapas at Can Nicanor. Dinner is served in the Hotel's restaurant.

Sunday: Casmins de Ronda
We leave Palamos and follow the old smugglers coastal path "Camins de Ronda" to Calella de Palafrugell via Castells, one of the last totally undeveloped beaches on the Costa Brava. We walk past the remains of an Iberian settlement founded in 6 BC before arriving at Cap Roig where we visit the Castle and the Botanical gardens created in 1927 by the aristocrat Elizabeth Webster. After a packed lunch we check into the Hotel Garbi which is perched on a hill with great views to the sea. The hotel is only 5 minutes from the centre of town. Explore this delightful whitewashed village where the narrow cobbled streets meander down to the sandy beach. Tonight we dine at Fuego, a delightful family run restaurant actually on the beach where Josep's mother will prepare her legendary signature dish "seafood paella".

Level: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 11 Km

Monday: Cookery School
This morning we head inland through the ancient pine forests to Val Llobraga where we will visit Xidors a famous Patisseria established some 30 years ago and renowned for its wonderful cakes and vast collection of wines. Sergi will talk to you about the produce of the area. We will have time for coffee and cake before a short walk to Aula Gastonomica de L'Emporda. Today you have the opportunity to participate in a cookery class where you will learn about the produce of the region and prepare a typical Catalan 3 course meal under the supervision of Chef. Afterwards enjoy the lunch you have just prepared accompanied by wines of the Emporda. Around 2pm we will walk back to Calella de Palafrugell. Tonight we walk down to the little harbour where we enjoy a light pica pica menu.

Level: Easy
Distance: 10 Km

Tuesday: Begur
We pick up the Camins de Ronda path and head towards Begur passing through the picturesque former fishing villages of Llafranc and Tamariu. First stop is Sant Sabastian lighthouse "El Far". The views are spectacular and worthy of a photograph. Explore the beautiful chapel, the old watchtower and the remains of another Iberian settlement. Lunch is in Tamariu at the pretty little Es Dofi restaurant that serves an amazing variety of freshly caught fish. Time for a quick swim before continuing the path over to the lively hill top medieval town of Begur.
The narrow streets are packed with restaurants, cafes, boutiques and jewellery shops. Arrive at the Hotel Rosa, a traditional Catalan hotel in the centre of town run by Maria and Narcis Rosa. The hotel owns the restaurant across the street, Fonda Caner which has an excellent reputation. You will dine here on the first night of your stay in Begur.

Level: Moderate
Distance: 12 Km

Wednesday: Cliffs, coves and splendid views
Today's walk guarantees peace and privacy. We explore some of the unspoilt coves which can only be reached by foot or by boat. The path takes you to Mirador de la Creu. From the viewing point there is a wonderful view over the plain of Emporda and the coast. We then join the old Cami de Ronda whch takes us to Marine Reserve of Ses Negres which is a protected area rich in aquatic species. Next we come to Aigufreda, a pretty cove with its own beach. Here we stop for a packed lunch and a swim in the sea before heading back to Begur via Mas d'en Pine a beautiful fortified house with a 16th century tower. Dinner has been organised at a local restaurant just off the square.

Level: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 10 Km

Thursday: Pals, Fontclara and Peratallada
Today's walk is a little longer, but the good news is that it is a gentle descent to Pals then fairly flat to Peratallada. For those that do not wish to do 15 Km, transport has been arranged at Fontclara (10.5Km) to take you on to Peratallada. First stop is Pals a perfectly preserved hilltop medieval village. The old quarter known as El Pedro within 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 and mountains are spectacular. After morning coffee our route takes us to Fontclara meaning "clear spring" where you can sample the famous spring water for yourself before lunch at the restaurant Can Pepo. Our path takes us on to Peratallada past the pretty village of Palau-Sator. The next two nights will be spent at the Hotel Aatu, a relaxing oasis set in beautiful gardens with two luxurious swimming pools. Peratallada means "cut stone" and you will see evidence of the way some of the houses have been carved into the rock. This village has many artisan shops, cafes and restaurants making it quite lively but at the same time retaining its charming character. Dinner is served in the Aatu hotel's fine restaurant.

Level: Moderate
Distance: 15 km

Friday: Artisan Olive oil producer
This morning we set off for Torrent to visit the Museu de la Confitura where we have a jam making demonstration. Georgina Regas, the owner, will give us a short history of the museum. There will be an opportunity to browse through the 107 varieties and make some purchases. Next we visit Mas Oller in the same village, a highly respected wine producer. The definitive Spanish wine guide Penin has just been awarded the 2008 vintage 93/100 which is the highest ever score for a wine from Emporda. Jordi will take us on a guided tour followed by tasting. Our route now heads us towards Forallac. We will visit Can Solivera, an artisan olive oil producer. In 2008 it was awarded its DOP (similar to an AC for wine in France). Hans de Roos the owner of the estate will provide a knowledgable tour and tasting after which a picnic lunch will be served amonst the olive groves before walking back to Peratallada. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner in this beautiful gem of a village.

Level: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 13 Km

Saturday:
In the morning stock up with some last minute gifts before transferring to Barcelona airport for your flight home.


Prices on Request

Included in your tour:
All Accommodation is personally inspected by ourselves and is chosen for its location, character and comfort.
Friendliness of staff is also a big consideration.

1 night - Hotel Trias, Palamos
2 nights - Hotel Garbi, Calella de Palafrigell
2 nights - Hotel Rosa, Begur
2 nights - Hotel Aatu, Peratallada

Food/Wine:
Welcome glass of Cava
7 breakfasts
2 Menu del dia lunches
1 Lunch at cookery school
1 Picnic lunch
2 Packed lunches
7 Dinners

Wine and water is included with all lunches and dinners excluding packed lunches.
Tapas tour includes one glass of wine and 1 tapas. Additional wine and tapas is at the expense of the pax.

Guides and back up:
Services of 2 Cycle Catalan guides. Emergency back up and assistance from support vehicle equipped with water and first aid kit.

Transfers:
Airport transfers to and from Barcelona.
Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel

Excursions/Courses:
Museu de la pesca
Tapas tour of Palamos
Cap Roig Botanical Gardens
4 hour cookery course
Visit to Xidors
Visit to Museu de la Confitura
Visit to Can Solivera
Visit to Mas Oller

What is not included:
Flights
Holiday insurance
Drinks (out with lunch and dinner and additional drink on tapas tour)
Coffee breaks. Most mornings we stop in one of the villages for a coffee/tea/refreshments (coffee and cake not included in visit to Xidors)