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Heart of Catalonia
Nights: 6
Starting point: Can Xiquet (4*), Cantallops. Stylishly converted from an old farmstead, Can Xiquet is an idyllic hotel offering an outstanding restaurant and excellent facilities that include an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, solarium and small gym. In clear weather, the views stretch across the plain to the coast beyond. Day 1: for your first ride we suggest a short introductory route that takes in the mysterious Comunera hills, coated with cork oaks, pine woods and olive groves, and the vineyards that surround the medieval village of Capmany. There are several interesting dolmens and other megalithic stones which you could visit along the way, or you could call in at wine producers for tastings. (12km) Accommodation: Can Xiquet, as above. Day 2: from Cantallops you have a very varied ride as you leave the foothills of the Pyrenees behind and descend onto the rolling Empordà Plain, a fertile agricultural area with lush green fields, olive groves and the vineyards which produce the delicious Peralada wines. (19km) Accommodation: Hostal de la Font (3*), Peralada. Situated on a quiet side street in the centre of Peralada, the inn offers twelve simply furnished but comfortable bedrooms. Breakfast only is included, leaving you free to take your pick of the town's many restaurants. Day 3: you may wish to spend your day exploring walled Peralada, especially the magnificent castle which houses a huge library, an important glass collection and a wine museum. If you prefer to cycle, a pleasant circular route (24km) leads through beautifully rugged countryside as it heads north towards the wooded slopes of the Albera Sierra for inspirational views of the Pyrenees. Another alternative is to visit nearby Figueres either by taxi or by bike (13km) to visit the famous Dalí museum (pay locally; closed Mondays until May), which houses many of his works. If you choose to cycle there, you can also visit the monastery at Vilbertran. Accommodation: Hostal de la Font, as above. Day 4: today you wind eastwards across the plain past orchards and several sleepy villages. You reach the ancient village of Castelló d'Empúries with its beautifully sculpted church and, after taking time to visit, continue via the Aiguamolls Natural Park, a large wetland that shelters thousands of waders and other aquatic birds such as ibis, herons, tufted duck, pochard, snipe, redshank and sandpipers. (23km) Accommodation: Hotel Can Ceret (3*), Sant Pere Pescador. There are just nine spacious, well-equipped rooms at this delightful hotel, ensuring a very personal service. The wonderful restaurant opens out on to the patio, where you savour excellent dishes that use the local rice as a main ingredient, and there are plenty of sitting areas (including a roof terrace) in which to relax. Day 5: this easy route across open farmland and orchards and through hamlets starts by heading westwards, parallel to the River Fluvià, before crossing the river and looping southwards to arrive back at San Pere Pescador. Throughout the first section there are superb views across to the Pyrenees on a clear day. If you prefer to do very little cycling, you could simply head to the nearby beach and spend the day by the sea. (25km) Accommodation: Hotel Can Ceret, as above. Extend your stay: You may choose to cycle on to Torroella. This additional route passes the extensive Greek and Roman ruins at
Empúries as well as several enchanting villages of honey-coloured stone. If you are feeling energetic, you can extend your route by continuing beyond your destination to the coast. (24 or 42km). You stay at the stylish Molí del Mig (4*) in Torroella. Converted from a mill on the outskirts of the village, this is a high-quality hotel with a restaurant to match. Though the building is old, the décor is modern, creating an interesting (and stylish) contrast. There is an outdoor pool in which to relax. For your day here, cycle tracks leave from the hotel grounds down to the sea, where you can enjoy a dip. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Similar holidays: Catalan Coast & Villages (grade 1-2), A Meander along the Ebro (grade 1-2), Southern Beaches to Central Plain (grade 1-2) Prices & travel 2008:
Recommended destination airports: Barcelona & Girona
Extra night prices 2008 (extra nights can be booked at any hotel):
> Notes on prices > Any queries? Let us call you back  |
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This vibrant, varied region offers so much in terms of landscape, and our incredibly varied route leads you south from the foothills of the Pyrenees to the Empordà Plain and the great arc of the Bay of Roses. Ride through vineyards and past bird-rich marshland, ancient villages and pretty beaches, allowing time to marvel at the Dalí museum in Figueres. Extend your holiday and finish at one of Catalonia’s most distinctive and delightful hotels.
Can Xiquet, Cantallops 
