 |
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hidden Valleys of the Garrotxa
Nights: 4
Day 1: before setting out, it is worth spending some time exploring Olot, a town guarded by two volcanoes, with wide boulevards, 18th and 19th-century houses and some interesting Art Nouveau buildings. Leaving the town, you head through the Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park, joining a disused narrow-gauge railway (vía verde) which rises gently to a pass before descending equally steadily into the pretty town of Les Planes. (25km) Accommodation: Can Garay (2* rural hotel), Les Planes. A handsome Art Nouveau family home which has been lovingly converted by your host Lluis Garay, great grandson of the original owner, who was keen to preserve original features such as the stained glass windows above the stairs and has even managed to salvage many of the original furnishings. There are just six spacious bedrooms and one suite, ensuring real intimacy. Facilities include a reading room, a lounge with a fireplace and large gardens shaded by centuries-old trees and dotted with fountains. Accommodation: Can Garay, as above. Day 3: your last day offers plenty of opportunities to stop en route, including the old station town of Amer and the medieval village of Anglès. Following the vía verde along one of its prettiest legs, you descend gradually through the ancient woodland of La Selva to meet the River Ter which brings you through rich pastureland into the walled medieval city of Girona. This is a wonderful and often-overlooked city which makes a great place to finish your journey. As the route is quite short, you have time on arrival to wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden courtyards, or simply relax on the waterfront where pastel-coloured houses are reflected in the river. Girona is steeped in history – the city withstood nearly thirty attacks and sieges, earning the name 'the Immortal City'. Be sure to take a stroll along the walls and seek out the striking Gothic cathedral and the best-preserved Jewish Quarter in Western Europe. (36km)
Prices & travel 2008:
Start: any day > Any queries? Let us call you back  |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
The tranquil, wooded hills of the Garrotxa lead down towards the sea from the great peaks of the Pyrenees, and mark the transition from the mountain to the Mediterranean landscape. Around the little town of Olot rise the conical masses of ancient volcanoes, a truly surprising topography. Blessed by a truly Mediterranean climate, this is one of Catalonia’s least-known regions, where you cycle among ancient stone villages, dotted between wheat fields and pine woods, on your way to the fascinating city of Girona. 
Starting point: Hotel la Perla (3*), Olot. This is a comfortable, well-equipped
hotel where you stay in small apartments usually comprising a bedroom,
bathroom and small sitting room.
Day 2: discover the hidden valleys and waterfalls of this beautiful corner of the Garrotxa on a relaxing circuit that takes in two distinct river valleys, both of which bore witness to many battles and insurrections during the Middle Ages. (25km)
Accommodation: Hotel Peninsular (2*), Girona. Built on the site of an old convent, this family-run hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from the cathedral. The bedrooms are comfortable and modern in style, while the smart breakfast room is in the old vaulted cellar. We provide restaurant recommendations for dinner (pay locally).