Ride through the roads used to train by the pros and enjoy the city of Girona.

1. GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS
GIRONA &
SURROUNDINGS
GIRONA BIKING 2014
DURATION: 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
TYPE: ROAD BIKE
START&FINISH: GIRONA/GIRONA (SPAIN)
DATES: MARCH TO OCTOBER
LODGING: 4* HOTEL
ROUTE LEVEL: 3
KM.PER DAY: 100-125 KM
TRAVEL OPTIONS: GROUP & PRIVATE
GROUPS: 4/... MIN/MAX
PRICE: FROM 1.900€ / See prices
A very complete road bike route. Lodging in a very central hotel in Girona to be able to discover intensely the city
after every journey.
We will enjoy Girona, which possesses the charm of big cities but with a much more uncrowded environment.
Placed right between the sea and the mountains, it enjoys a privileged location and is, undoubtedly, a unique
place with thousands of years of history and stunning monuments.
For six days we will cover four circular routes, very popular among local riders and training place of some of the
best teams in the world because of the optimum conditions offered for road cycling (great roads, nice weather,
excellent gastronomy, good communications, etc)
Four exhaustive routes where we explore a different area of this wonderful region, discovering incredible places
like the Garrotxa’s Volcanic Zone Natural Park, the best example of volcanic landscape in the Iberian Peninsula
and one of the most important in Europe, with more than 40 volcanoes.
At the end of every stage we will taste the excellent local gastronomy enjoying catalan, mediterranean, market
and author’s dishes accompanied, of course, by a good wine.
We are waiting for you!
Utopic Bike Travel
www.utopicbiketravel.com info@utopicbiketravel.com

2. ITINERARY /
GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS / 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: RUTA DE LES GAVARRES 105 km / Elevation 1140m
Circular route through the Gavarres massif, with 3 mountain passes: Els
Àngels, La Ganga i Romanyà.
After breakfast we will start climbing to the Santuari dels Àngels, a very
popular pass among local riders which is, also, part of a stage in "Vuelta a
España" and "Volta a Catalunya".
Our itinerary continues crossing beautiful medieval villages like
Madremanya and Monells until we arrive to the capital of ceramics and
pottery, La Bisbal d'Empordà. We then climb again through a very nice road
that will take us to Coll de la Ganga (200m), crossing a typically
mediterranean forest of holm and cork oaks.
The descent takes us to the the sea and the fishing village of Palamós
where we can take a little break to have a coffee and visit its fishing harbor.
Next, we take a road towards Romanyà to climb the latest pass of the day
that will lead us to the farming planes of Llagostera and, effortlessly, we
will arrive again to Girona riding through a very calm secondary road from
where we will be able to sight all the Pyrenees.
Dinner and lodging in the same 4* hotel
DOLMEN OF “LA COVA D’EN DAINA”
One of the most complete and
well preserved funeral
monuments in Catalonia
(between 2700 and 2200 bc)

3. ITINERARY /
GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS / DAY 3
DAY 3: GIRONA – OLOT – GIRONA 128 km / Elevation 1240m
Today we are gonig to enjoy a very beautiful route through Pla de l'Estany
and Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa areas. This is a classic itinerary for the
local riders (professionals or cyclotourists)
The day starts pedalling through secondary roads that will take us to
L'estany de Banyoles, the biggest natural lake in Catalonia and sign of
identity of the city of banyoles.
Our ride continues with the toughest part of the route. A stepped and very
quiet road that will take us to the Zona volcànica de la Garrotxa Natural
Park. There we will visit the medieval village of Santa Pau, designated a
Site of National Artistic and Historical interest.
In the core of the Park we will find the famous Fageda d'en Jordà and
Croscat volcano. In La Vall d'en Bas, a valley with one of the most fertile
soils in Catalania, we will ride through small roads that connect all sort of
small villages and will visit two of them that are designated as Historic-
Artistic sites: El Mallol, placed on the top of a hill and Els Hostalets d'en
Bas, known as "tha catalan Switzerland"
Our jurney ends crossing la Vall del Llémena through secondary roads,
where small villages and unique country houses appear to conform a very
interesting landscape.
Dinner and lodging in the same 4* 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

4. ITINERARY /
GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS / DAY 4
DAY 4: RUTA DE LES GUILLERIES 118 km / Elevation 1360m
Circular route through the route of water and bandits, climbing to Santuari
del Coll (875m and 7,3 km).
Les Guilleries area used to be the hiding place of the peasant Joan Sala,
who saw himself transformed into a bandit by necessity and later became a
legend under the nickname of "Serrallonga".
Today's route crosses spots and places that were testimony of his life as a
fugitive, in these mountains full of leafy forests where all sort of different
trees seem to fight for a place to grow.
We will stop in the village of Osor, surrounded by a wonderful natural
environment and will climb to Santuari del Coll through a nice and winding
road. This is tough ascent, but at the top a magnificent view is to be found.
Coming back, descent to the Susqueda reservoir and from there to Girona
through small secondary roads.
Dinner and lodging in the same 4* hotel.
The famous bandit Joan Ferrer Sala, alias
Serrallonga, was born in Viladrau in 1594
and was executed in Barcelona in 1634,
after living outside the law for most of his
life. This famous bandit trespassed in
several ways: robberies, kidnappings for
ransom, beatings, burning crops, killing
livestock and even several murders that,
throughout his life, became almost fifty. A
whole lot of stories about him are told,
what created a myth around his figure,
like thinking that he stole from the rich to
give it to the poor. This does not seem to
be true, but his fight against Viceroy of
Cardona, who controlled the territory with
an iron hand, made him gain the sympathy
of the lower classes, such as farmers,
shepherds and charcoals. These were
those who, in the last years of the life of
the bandit, welcomed and protected him in
their humble homes.

5. ITINERARY /
GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS / DAY 5-6
DAY 5: GIRONA - TOSSA DE MAR - GIRONA 105 km / Elev. 1070m
In today's route we will discover the former fishing village of Tossa de Mar,
one of the nicest spots in Costa Brava with its emblematic walls that
surround the Vila Vella (old village), designed Historic-Artistic National
Monument. We will climb too the spectacular Coll de Sant Grau (472m).
After breakfast we will leave the hotel to Llagostera until we arrive to
Tossa de mar. In the middle we will find Coll de Terra Negra, an easy
mountain pass that will help us warming up our legs.
Once in Tossa de Mar, we will take the amazing road that follows the sea
line, with continuous ups and downs and a great view of the Mediterranean
until we arrive to our first objective, La pujada a Sant Grau 472m). The
beginning is not too hard (max. slope is 8% and we have several places to
rest) but when we leave sant Grau's chappel behind we find the toughest
section. 200m up to 14% and a final km over 7%. At the top, a very nice view
of Costa Brava and descent to Llagostera and to Girona.
Tonight, farewell dinner in one of the most emblematic restaurants of the
city.
Dinner and lodging in the same 4* hotel.
DAY 6: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, farewell and end of our services.
NOTE: Possibility of extra days in Costa Brava, Girona or Barcelona. Consult
us.
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.

6. WHAT’S INCLUDED /
GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS
PRICES 2014
Minimum Group : 4 people*
Tours available from: March 1st to October 30st
Price per person (double occupancy) ……...……………….….….. 1.900 €
Supplements:
Single Occupancy supplement ............................................... 225 €
*Minimum group supplement (per person):
2 people group ……………………..……....…..………………..…... 475 €
3 people group ………………………………..….……...……………. 240 €
Other options
Bike rental …………..…………….......…….……………………………….. 120 €
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
5 nights at central 4* hotel.
Breakfast every day, lunches or picnics, snacks and drinks throughout all
the route. 6 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!

7. ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS /
GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS
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 AND SURROUNDINGS 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 our Tour GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS we will taste the traditional
gastronomy of this country and will discover the authentic cuisine of Girona,
one of the most varied and complete in catalonia. Its privileged location
allows the availability of excellent fish and seafood, all kind of vegetables
and delicious meats. 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…
Supper time in UTOPIC BIKE TRAVEL is intended to enjoy the authentic local
gastronomy. Every night we will taste the most traditional and popular local
dishes, either at the hotel’s restaurant or at some popular one around the
place.
And of course, a good meal must be accompanied by a good wine. A good
DO (denomination of origin) or a good house wine will surely complete the
event.
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”…

8. ARRIVING & DEPARTING /
GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS
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.

9. ADITIONAL INFORMATION /
GIRONA & SURROUNDINGS
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.