GIRONA MOUNTAINS GIRONA MOUNTAINS is a route designed for cyclists used to long and hard journeys. It has a high difficulty due to the numerous mountain passes, with high grade, to be climbed. Nevertheless, the pace is adapted to the group level and we make as many stops and regrouping as necessary. We will climb famous passes like “Mare de Déu del Mont” (1124m), “Vallter 2000” (2144m) or “Bellmunt” (1246m) and some other less known but as hard as them. GIRONA MOUNTAINS is a very impressive and demanding tour, with beautiful landscapes as natural space of Alta Garrotxa (a steep scenery, with narrow and deep valleys surrounded by cliffs and stone walls), El Ripollès (between valleys and mountains, splattered with little mountain villages) or Garrotxa’s Volcanic Zone (smooth and undulating, represents the best example of volcanic area in Spain with its more that 40 volcanoes). 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 unforgetta vacation. We are waiting for you! Utopic Bike Travel www.utopicbiketravel.com info@utopicbiketravel.com

DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

TYPE: ROAD BIKE

START&FINISH: GIRONA/GIRONA (SPAIN)

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

ROUTE LEVEL: 4

KM.PER DAY: 80–150 KM

TRAVEL OPTIONS: GROUP & PRIVATE

GROUPS: 4/... MIN/MAX

PRICE: FROM 2.250€ / See prices

GIRONA MOUNTAINS

GARROTXA BIKING 2014

ITINERARY / GIRONA MOUNTAINS / 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 – CAMPRODON 144 km / Elevation 2800m After a good breakfast we start riding towards our first objective, La Mare de Déu del Mont (1124m), undoubtedly one of the most challenging and attractive climbs in Girona's province. At the top we find a Sanctuary with a really impressive view.

We start then a descent to the village of Besalú, designated a Site of National Artistic and Historical interest and Castellfollit de la Roca, a village placed on the top of an spectacular 50m high basaltic rock.

We penetrate into the natural area of Alta Garrotxa riding through rural roads. Alta Garrotxa is, undoubtedly, given its diversity and uniqueness, the most important space in Oriental Pre-Pyrenees. Deep valleys surrounded by cliffs and stone walls conform an impressive landscape.

The mediaval village of Beget is to be higlighted. With its stone houses stepped on the river, cobblestone streets and with the imposing bell tower of the romanesque church of "Sant Cristòfol" (s.XII).

We continue our trip towards Camprodon, where our hotel is located.

Dinner and lodging in a 4* 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 magnifiscent

medieval environment

ITINERARY / GIRONA MOUNTAINS / DAY 3 - 4

DAY 3: CAMPRODON – OLOT 104 km / Elevation 2370m

Today's route crosses the Ripollès region, located in the Pyrenees, with an spectacular itinerary through the Camprodon valley, with high mountains, green valleys and little stone villages. Our first objective is the legendary pass of Vallter 2000 (2144m), which has been final stop of a stage in Volta Catalunya.

This 12 km pass is one of the hardest and most impressive in the Pyrenees, with a very tough initial part but with an incredible finish. We will have the chance to climb two more passes, El Pla d'en Plata (1360m and 6 km through a nice concrete and high slope forest track) and La Terma (996m and 3,5 climb through a another concrete forest track with a very changeable and high slope -12% to 22%-).

Once we leave this track behind we start one of the most popular ascents in this zone, El Coll de Canes (1120m) which connects the cities of Ripoll and Olot. After La Terma, the climb to Coll de Canes becomes much easier, with good tarmac and smoother slope (2% to 4%).

After this, only a long descent to Olot, capital of the Garrotxa's Volcanic Area, is left. Transfer to our hotel located in the medieval village of Santa Pau. (XIV century)

Dinner and lodging in a 3* hotel. DAY 4: GARROTXA’S VOLCANIC ZONE

Free day. A spot like this deserves a stop in our way.

We invite you to explore the area either walking, riding or flying. Garrotxa's volcanic zone is exceptionally beautiful, regardless of the way you choose to do it.

At lunchtime we will go to one the most traditional restaurants of the area to taste typical "volcanic" dishes.

In the afternoon we will visit the "Saints Museum", a patrimonial center that allows us to discover the production of religious imagery in Olot, a very important activity in the city with more than 100 years of history. We are going to find a workshop at full activity and we will be able to follow the whole manufacturing process. An interesting collection of images of Saints, manger figures, Holy Week processions, decorative figures and emblematic pieces of old workshops.

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

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 / GIRONA MOUNTAINS / DAY 5 –6

DAY 5: OLOT - BELLMUNT - OLOT 136 km / Elevation 2660m After breakfast, we will move 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. We ride through a network of rural roads that communicate all its populated areas to arrive to Hostalets d'en Bas, designated site of historical and artisitic interest.

We then initiate the nice climb to Coll de Condreu (1017m), through a narrow and winding road surrounded by a leafy forest. 12 km of smooth ascent (5%). At the top we take a diversion to narrower road that will take us to El Far Sanctuary, where we will enjoy a great view.

After another climb to Coll del Bac 1002m) a long descent to the city of Manlleu and to the village of St. Pere de Torelló and we can already descry our next destiny, Bellmunt Sanctuary (1246m and a final 400m very hard section, with average grade of 14% and ramps up to 23%).

At the top, amazing views of several peaks of different mountain chains.

Dinner and lodging at the same 3* hotel. DIA 6: OLOT - BANYOLES - OLOT 80 km / Desnivel: 1090m We will enjoy today a gorgeous and not too hard route through the areas of Garrotxa and Pla de l'Estany with a very popular trip in this zone. A typical tour around Banyoles (Pla de l'Estany's Region Capital). To make it even more attractive and a little more challenging, we've introduced changes to the standard itinerary.

We will ride through Garrotxa's Volcanic Zone and will discover the famous Fageda d'en Jordà and Croscat volcano. We will be going around Estany de Banyoles (lake of Banyoles), the biggest natural lake of Catalonia that hosted the rowing competition during the 1.992 summer Olympic Games, and will ride to the medieval village of Santa Pau.

Free afternoon to enjoy hotel's facilities or to make some additional visits.

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.

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 / GIRONA MOUNTAINS / DAY 7-8

DAY 7: OLOT - SAU - OLOT 153 km / Elevation 2640m A tough but unforgettable ride today through Collsacabra Natural space, one of the most beautiful and inhospitable spots in Catalonia. Its unmistakable landscape 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.

The Sau reservoir, surrounded by forests and extremely steep cliffs is considered one of the most peculiar in Catalonia. It's 17 km long and has a maximum width of 3 km. Submerged under its waters we can find the village of Sant Romà de Sau. Only the bell tower of its romanesque church stands above the water level and can be seen from outside.

The visits to the medieval villages of Tavertet, with 48 extremely well preserved rural houses build during XVII and XVIII centuries, and Rupit, that maintain almost intact its architectural patrimony. Rustic XVI and XVII century houses, cobbled streets, 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.

At night, farewell dinner and lodging in the same 3* hotel DAY 8: DEPARTURE After breakfast, transfer to Girona and end of our services. NOTE: Possibility of extra days in Costa Brava, Girona or Barcelona. Consult us.

WHAT’S INCLUDED? / GIRONA MOUNTAINS

PRICES 2014 Minimum Group : 4 people* Tours available from: March 1st to October 31st Price per person (double occupancy) ……...………….…..…….. 2.250€ Supplements: Single Occupancy supplement ............................................. 285 € *Minimum group supplement (per person):

2 people group ……………………..……....…..…………………... 550 € 3 people group ………………………………..….……………...…. 275 €

Other options Bike rental Bianchi Intenso......…….………………………...…….. 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, all lunches or picnics, snacks and drinks throughout the route, dinners and local wines 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 / GIRONA MOUNTAINS

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 GIRONA MOUNTAINS 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 / GIRONA MOUNTAINS

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 / GIRONA MOUNTAINS

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.