Compare Between the Land and the Sea by Cycle Catalan vs 9-Day Madrid, Andalucia with Mediterranean Coast with Barcelona - English Only by Julia Travel

Day 1: Palamos

A representative of Cycle Catalan will meet you at Palamos bus station and transfer you to the Hotel Marina. Perfectly situated, 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 why not take a tapas tour in the old quarter sampling some of Carmen’s delicious tapas at Can Nicanor. Dinner is served in the hotel’s restaurant.

Day 2: Camins de Ronda

Level: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 12kms 200m ascent and 170 descent

You 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. Walk past the remains of an Iberian settlement founded in 6 BC before arriving at Cap Roig where you visit the castle and the botanical gardens created in 1927 by the aristocrat Elizabeth Webster.

After a packed lunch 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 offer a fact sheet with recommended restaurants in and around Calella.

Day 3: Begur

Level: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 13kms 170m ascent and 150m descent

You 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. We suggest a seafood lunch in Tamariu. There are many cafes and restaurants dotted along the pretty harbour.

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. We have booked you in for dinner here tonight. Please note that hotel also offers spa treatments.

Day 4: Cliffs, coves and splendid views

Level: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 10km

Today’s walk guarantees peace and privacy. 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. You then join the old Cami de Ronda which 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 recommend stopping for your packed lunch which has been prepared by the hotel 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. There are plenty of choices for dinner at local restaurants just off the square.

Day 5: Pals, Fontclara and Peratallada

Level: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 17kms 10m ascent and 100m descent

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. First stop is Pals a perfectly preserved hilltop medieval village. 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 and the mountains are spectacular. After morning coffee your route takes you to Fontclara meaning “clear spring”. where you can sample the famous spring water for yourself. The path takes you on to Peratallada through the pretty village of Palau-Sator where you should stop for lunch.

The next two nights’ will be spent at the Hotel Aatu, a relaxing oasis set in beautiful gardens with two swimming pools to choose from.. 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 .We provide a list of recommended restaurants for you to try in Peratallada.

Day 6: Can Solivera artisan olive oil producer

Level: Easy

Distance: 10kms nominal descent and ascent

This morning you set off for Can Solivera where Hans and Daida will offer you an olive oil tasting. You will have the opportunity to look round the olive groves and admire the 12th century Masia before continuing on your walk to the medieval village of Vulpellac via the village of Canapost where you can admire some Roman sarcophi in the church yard. Tonight we recommend you enjoy a farewell dinner in the next village of Palau Sator. Mas Pou is a beautifully restored farmhouse with great terraces and their Pica Pica menu enables you to experience small portions of different local specialities.

Day 7: Departure

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

1st Day (Sat.) MADRID Meet and assistance at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Accommodation at the hotel 2nd Day (Sun.) MADRID Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the beauties of the city with a guided city tour. Barrio de la Morería, the Hapsburgs District, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá. The contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. Afternoon at leisure to continue exploring the wonders that the city has to offer. Join your fellow travelers for an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel. 3rd Day (Mon.) MADRID – CORDOBA – SEVILLE Breakfast at the hotel. Bond to Andalusia, drive along La Mancha, Don Quixote’s land. Brief stop at typical site in Puerto Lapice. We will drive through the natural border of Despeñaperros to reach beautiful Andalusia, a landmark of enormous heritage from a splendorous past. Arrive in Cordoba and enjoy a tour of its impressive Mosque and its narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter. Continue to Seville. Accommodation at the hotel. 4th Day (Tue.) SEVILLE Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of the Andalusian Capital, Seville. Visit the Cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peters in Rome. Continue to Santa Cruz quarter, the natural scenario of Carmen as well as the myth of Don Juan; Continue to Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España. Afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city of light. Accommodation at the hotel. 5th Day (Wed.) SEVILLE – GRANADA After breakfast at the hotel, drive east through the Caliphate road to the heart of Andalusia. We will drive across endless olive trees fields on the way to Granada. Visit the world famous Alhambra complex and Generalife Gardens. After some time at leisure, join your fellow travelers to experience the most authentic Gypsy Flamenco show including dinner. Accommodation at the hotel 6th Day (Thu.) GRANADA – VALENCIA Bond for the Mediterranean Coast after breakfast. Via Murcia and Alicante, we will reach Valencia, one of the main capitals of the Mediterranean coast with its modern Arts and Sciences Architectural Complex integrated by six elements: Hemispheric, Umbracle, Science Museum, Oceanographic, Palau de les Arts and Ágora. Valencia is also the home of the internationally well renowned and delicious Paella. Accommodation at the hotel. 7th Day (Fri.) VALENCIA – BARCELONA Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of this bright city including the old town and the exterior of the most avant-garde complex: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Continue your journey in the early afternoon departure towards Catalunya, via Tarragona, the Roman Tarraco. Reach Barcelona, main Mediterranean Spanish city and home to world famous architect Gaudí, symbol of the Catalonian modernism. Accommodation at the hotel 8th Day (Sat.) BARCELONA Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of Barcelona. Drive along the main avenues with its impressive Gaudi modernist buildings such as La Pedrera and Casa Milá. The Montjuïc Park with spectacular views of the city and harbor, Olympic Ring, monument to Columbus and the Olympic Port. Visit the most important landmark in the city of Barcelona, Sagrada Familia. Admire Gaudi’s master work by the hand of your expert local guide. Afternoon is for you to keep on discovering this city. Accommodation at the hotel 9th Day (Sun.) BARCELONA After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport. END OF OUR SERVICE.