Mrs Henley says...
A thoroughly enjoyable 3 days cycling with my daughter on (predominantly) designated cycle paths and quiet country roads in beautiful and unspoilt ...
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Catalonia (Catalunya) is a semi-autonomous area of Spain; steeped in culture, its traditions and festivals date back over thousands of years. Rich in medieval villages, highlights include prosperous Peratallada, peach-coloured Pals and fashionable Begur. The rocky coastline is dotted with pretty fishing villages, crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches which are perfect to explore.
This holiday is full of contrasts and variety and explores one of the most beautiful corners of Catalonia. It's gentle cycling too, occasionally off-road, through olive groves, peach orchards and pine forests, and along pretty coastal paths. The landscape is gently rolling for the most part, making this an easy cycle and a relaxing holiday. The changing seasons bring white blossom in spring, sunflower yellow in summer and warm gold at harvest time. Fabulous coastal views, beautiful beaches and aquamarine waters make this an inspirational area.
You stay in a variety of hotels, all with pools, which have been hand-picked for their charm and character. The family-run Hotel Garbi in the traditional fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, is set on the hillside overlooking the sea. The stylish Hotel Sa Punta in Platja de Pals is set in attractive gardens and is within walking distance of the beach or you can cycle to nearby Begur. One night of the holiday is spent at the Hotel Castell d'Emporda, a magnificently restored 14th century castle perched proudly on its outcrop, just outside La Bisbal. The breathtaking views over the plain from its sun terrace are not to be missed.
You arrive at your hotel where all Headwater guests are accommodated in rooms with a private balcony and sea view. It's less than 5 minutes' walk to the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from, we've left evening meals up to you.
You stay at the Hotel Garbi (breakfast included)
Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading off to peach-coloured Pals, a lovely medieval town with Romanesque church affording stunning views. After lunch, head on through the pretty hamlets of Palau-Sator (where there has been a settlement since Roman times) and Fontanilles, before looping back towards the coast and a gentle downhill ride to Platja de Pals.
You stay at the Hotel Sa Punta (breakfast and evening meal)
You'll begin today cycling past rice fields before following the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri with wonderful views of the Illes Medes. Visit this lovely medieval town with its Roman defensive wall before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the village of Gualta (picturesque 16th century bridge) and pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica and Casavells to La Bisbal. Here you'll stay in a uniquely converted 14th century Gothic castle - once reputed to have been on Dali's shopping list but now owned by Dutchman Albert Diks.
You stay at the Hotel Castell d'Emporda (breakfast and evening meal)
Today offers lovely gentle cycling, stopping first at the walled village of Ullastret. The vast archaeological site here contains the remains of one of the oldest Iberian villages in Spain. Continue your journey through beautifully preserved Peratallada to the bustling market town of Palafrugell. Then back to Calella de Palafrugell for a final swim in the pool.
You stay at the Hotel Garbi (breakfast included)
Please note that cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Spain. As we cannot provide these, we strongly recommend you bring your own.
Please see our Planning your holiday page for full details.
If you'd prefer a slightly longer holiday, take a look at our 6 night Contrasts of Catalunya Cycling.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking. If you'd like to keep your bikes with you for any extra nights we can arrange this for you for just £ per adult per day and £ per child per day.
To find out more call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we open again 9am Monday) or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Duplex Superior Room.
Duplex Superior rooms offer the same facilities as a standard room with the addition of a mezzanine level with sofa
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Room upgrades: Superior Room or Suite.
Superior rooms are larger in size and have a pool view. Suites are larger still with a sitting area and large terraces and sea views.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Room upgrades: Castle Room, Garden Suite or Suite Pere Margarit.
Castle rooms: housed in the original castle building making for a romantic stay. Garden suites: larger than the standard garden rooms (53 sq. metres) and have a separate sitting area. Both the bedroom and the bathroom have balconies! Suite Pere Margarit: (80 sq. metres) was originally the master bedchamber of the medieval castle.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we open again 9am Monday) or email sales@headwater.com
Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfers
British Airways Heathrow to Barcelona 09:35/12:45 then rail Barcelona Sants to Girona 15:40/16:18 (16:20/16:58 on Saturdays) followed by rail Girona to Flaca 16:56/17:10 (17:44/17:56 Saturdays), (payable locally) then transfer to hotel 30 minutes.
Return: Transfer to station 30 minutes then rail Flaca to Girona 11:59/12:12 (payable locally) and Girona to Barcelona Sants 12:56/13:34 British Airways Barcelona to Heathrow 18:15/19:35.
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Popular alternative routes for this holiday include:
| From | To | Airline(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Belfast | Barcelona | Easyjet |
| Bristol | Barcelona | Easyjet |
| Cardiff | Barcelona | Vueling |
| Edinburgh | Barcelona | Ryanair |
| Glasgow | Barcelona | Jet2 |
| Glasgow Prestwick | Barcelona | Ryanair |
| Leeds Bradford | Barcelona | Jet2 |
| Liverpool | Barcelona | Ryanair, Easyjet |
| London Gatwick | Barcelona | British Airways |
| London Stansted | Barcelona | Ryanair |
| Manchester | Barcelona | Ryanair, Jet2 |
| Newcastle | Barcelona | Easyjet |
| Nottingham East Midlands | Barcelona | Ryanair |
| UK | Girona | Various airlines |
Standard transfers
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Flaca train station at 17:10 (17:56 Saturdays) and back to Flaca train station at 11:15.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges directly through their website - or call us on 01606 720199 for further details of all the services on offer. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
A thoroughly enjoyable 3 days cycling with my daughter on (predominantly) designated cycle paths and quiet country roads in beautiful and unspoilt Catalonian countryside. We had a warm welcome wherever we went and found 3-4 hours in the saddle each day suited us perfectly. Easy to reach beaches enhanced our holiday and we'd both like to repeat it all.
From our wonderful rep Greg to our amazing accommodation, great bikes and well thought out routes - it was an amazing holiday. Everything ran smoothly. Cycling through scenic countryside and ending the cycle with a dip in the clear sea followed by a jug of sangria in the sun - pure bliss. Can't wait until next year!
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 4 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All breakfasts and 2 evening meals
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS route directions and maps
RideWithGPS navigation app
High quality bikes
Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 01606 720199 (we open again 9am Monday) or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
Complete our holiday enquiry form - we'll get in touch when it's most convenient for you
Speak to our sales team on 01606 720199 - we open again 9am Monday
Use our live chat to ask us a question
| Departing | Tour only | Including flights & rail |
Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25th Apr 2021 | £999 | £1199 | Tour only: £999 Including flights: £1199 |
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| 27th Apr 2021 | £999 | £1199 | Tour only: £999 Including flights: £1199 |
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| 29th Apr 2021 | £999 | £1199 | Tour only: £999 Including flights: £1199 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Including flights & rail |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 3rd May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 5th May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 7th May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 9th May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 11th May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 13th May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 15th May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 17th May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 19th May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 21st May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 23rd May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 25th May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 27th May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 29th May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| 31st May 2021 | £1049 | £1249 | Tour only: £1049 Including flights: £1249 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Including flights & rail |
Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 4th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 6th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 8th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 10th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 12th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 14th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 16th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 18th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 20th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 22nd Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 24th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 26th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 28th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| 30th Jun 2021 | £1089 | £1289 | Tour only: £1089 Including flights: £1289 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Including flights & rail |
Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 4th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 6th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 8th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 10th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 12th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 14th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 16th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 18th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 20th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 22nd Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 24th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 26th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 28th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 30th Jul 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Including flights & rail |
Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Aug 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 3rd Aug 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 25th Aug 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 27th Aug 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 29th Aug 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| 31st Aug 2021 | £1179 | £1379 | Tour only: £1179 Including flights: £1379 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Including flights & rail |
Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 4th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 6th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 8th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 10th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 12th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 14th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 16th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 18th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 20th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 22nd Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 24th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 26th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 28th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| 30th Sep 2021 | £1139 | £1339 | Tour only: £1139 Including flights: £1339 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Including flights & rail |
Prices |
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| 2nd Oct 2021 | £999 | £1199 | Tour only: £999 Including flights: £1199 |
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Singles
Add £158 single supplement.
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided cycling Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Every two days from 25th Apr 2021 to 2nd Oct 2021, for 4 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All breakfasts and 2 evening meals
Room upgrades
From £9 per person, per night based on 2 people sharing.
Tandems
It is possible to hire tandem bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £50 per bike. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
Other details
No departures between August 5 and August 23 inclusive.
The above prices include our standard flights/transfers
British Airways Heathrow to Barcelona 09:35/12:45 then rail Barcelona Sants to Girona 15:40/16:18 (16:20/16:58 on Saturdays) followed by rail Girona to Flaca 16:56/17:10 (17:44/17:56 Saturdays), (payable locally) then transfer to hotel 30 minutes.
Return: Transfer to station 30 minutes then rail Flaca to Girona 11:59/12:12 (payable locally) and Girona to Barcelona Sants 12:56/13:34 British Airways Barcelona to Heathrow 18:15/19:35.
Alternative Air-rail
Flights can be arranged from most UK airports, with connecting transfers as required, prices and details on request.
Upgraded air travel
Business/club/first class fares on request.
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Flaca train station at 17:10 (17:56 Saturdays) and back to Flaca train station at 11:15.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 01606 720199 (we open again 9am Monday) or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
Complete our holiday enquiry form - we'll get in touch when it's most convenient for you
Speak to our sales team on 01606 720199 - we open again 9am Monday
Use our live chat to ask us a question
Please note: The prices and travel options shown are provided for customers based in, and travelling from/to, the UK. We are happy to arrange holidays for non-UK customers however, if you are travelling from USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, we recommend that you contact your local agent as they can provide appropriate transport options and advice.
Due to the tailor-made nature of our holidays, we need a little more information in order for us to check availability for Contrasts of Catalunya Cycling - Short Break. Simply complete the form below (fields marked * are mandatory) and a member of our sales team will contact you (when it's most convenient for you) to provide availability information, travel options and an accurate price. Of course there's no obligation, but if you do wish to proceed with a booking they will be on-hand to assist you throughout the process.
Alternatively, you can call our sales team on 01606 720199 to discuss your requirements in more detail (we open again 9am Monday).
