Trek length and gradients 1500m 1250m 1000m 750m 500m 250m 0m SPAIN
Catalan Trails
B 8 DAYS CENTRE-BASED HOTEL – IN THE PYRENEAN FOOTHILLS • Hike through a hidden corner of the Pyrenees • Discover dramatic canyons, cascading falls & lush forests • Explore Rupit Village from the comfortable Hotel Estrella From/To Barcelona Pyreneeskm LES GUILLERIES RUPIT SPAIN FRANCE Barcelona WALKING Catalan Trails Ref LSB Rocallarga 1187m Tavartet Panta de Sau Tavernoles Serra de Cabrera Ter SPAIN Ermita de la Salut COLLSACABRA El Far RUPIT 1111m Sallent waterfall St Joan de Fabregues Panta de Susqueda Optional balloon safari 0 8 Waterfalls & Gorges This is an area relatively unknown to foreigners – quite unjustly as the dramatic rock formations allow spectacular views across the Pyrenean foothills and from certain vantage points even to the Mediterranean. The river running through Rupit has carved out a deep gorge over millions of years, eventually resulting in the 100m high Sallent waterfall. We will walk along this precipice high above the Sau valley with the river Ter flowing far down below. Medieval Rupit The small village of Rupit lies at 845m above sea level and has retained its medieval charm, with narrow cobblestone streets and an age old plaza. We stay in theintimate Hotel Estrella, a family-run hotel, founded in the 1940s and built in the traditional stone house style of the region. All rooms have en suite facilities, TV and telephone. Susanna and Luis are renowned in the area for their excellent home cooking, and the warm welcome makes this hotel the number one choice for visitors to this region. Free Day optional walk Hotel Estrella Canyon lands JFMAMJJA SOND JFMA Day 2 – 7km Day 3 – 15km Day 4 Day 5 – 16km Day 6 – 18km Day 7 Ref LSB Romanesque Traces We will see on our walks fine examples of the Romanesque architecture, often built in dramatic locations such as the 11th century chapel of Sant Joan de Fabregues which overlooks the entire Sau valley. The sanctuary El Far rises from the cliff tops like a light house, the canyon below reminiscent of Arizona. Follow in footsteps of pilgrims to the Ermita de la Salut, blessed with views as far as the Mediterranean. FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Join Barcelona Airport and drive to Rupit. 2 Walk through Guilleries area and Sallent waterfall. 3 Walk via Roca Larga to Tavartet. 4 Optional walk and hot air balloon in the Garrotxa volcano region. 5 Circular walk to Ermita de la Salut. 6 Walk to the Cabrera Mountain. 7 Free day or optional visit to Vic market. 8 Drive to Barcelona airport; tour ends. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts in the comfortable, family-run Hotel Estrella; 7 breakfasts included. See insert p2 & tour dossier for details. Transport: Bus/On foot. Comment & Activity Level: A great ‘get away from it all’ destination undiscovered by foreign travellers. Our hotel is an ideal base for the week and the area has excellent and varied trails. Walking is graded as moderate – alternatively just relax in the village! Tour Staff: Explore Tour Leader & driver. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
Essential information, departure dates & prices see Pricing & Information Supplement
Free Day The picturesque town of Besalu/Turespana SPAIN
Catalan Explorer
DISCOVERY Ref SB 8 DAYS HOTELS – LANDSCAPES AND ARCHITECTURE • Wander down Las Ramblas in vibrant Barcelona • Explore the Medieval backstreets of Girona • Walk along picturesque trails in ‘Volcano Parque Natural’ Llobregat Catalan Explorer Ref SB FRANCE Llanca Optional Coastal balloon walk safari Figueres GARROTXA AREA Besalu Dali Museum Ancient villages (optional) ‘Volcan’ NP Santa Pau GIRONA Old fortress town P Y R E N E E S SPAIN MEDITERRANEAN SEA BARCELONA Gaudi architecture km Ramblas 0 50 Barcelona & Las Ramblas Capital of Catalonia, Barcelona offers a, difficult to beat, range of attractions – its character epitomised by the architecture of Antoni Gaudi and the Ramblas, the link between the old town and the harbour. There is time to visit the Picasso museum or take a cable car across the bay. Girona & Salvador Dali Leaving Barcelona by train, we journey to Girona. Originally founded by the Romans, its ancient centre straddles a fortress-like hill. Take time to explore the old Jewish quarter or to walk the banks of the Rio Onyar. There is the option to visit Figueres, home Exploring on foot/Bernard Erley to the world famous museum celebrating the life and works of the surrealist Salvador Dali, or take a walk along the beautiful Mediterranean coast. Foothills of the Pyrenees Further inland is a region of low mountains, evergreen oak forests and the Volcano Parque Natural – the last eruption was a mere 11,000 years ago! Birdlife is prolific – this is a beautiful area of wooded landscapes and volcanic caldera interspersed with ancient walled villages and Romanesque churches. En route we visit the atmospheric town of Besalu, one of the most charismatic places in Catalonia. With two days in Olot, centre of the Volcano Parque Natural we have time to explore the local trails – the only way to truly appreciate this glorious countryside. FACTFILE Cathedral Torre de san Feliu, Girona/Turespana Itinerary Day 1 Join Barcelona Airport. 2 In Barcelona; orientation tour. 3 Train to Girona. 4 In Girona; optional excursion to Dali museum or coastal walks. 5 Drive to Garrotxa area. 6 & 7 In Garrotxa area; optional day walks and balloon flight. 8 Drive Barcelona Airport, tour ends. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts hotel; standard hotels throughout the tour. 7 breakfasts included. See insert p2 & tour dossier for details. Transport: Bus/Train/On foot. Comment & Activity Level: A short break offering remarkable diversity in landscapes and culture. Walks are optional. Tour Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s). Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. JFMAM JJASOND JFMA 35 EUROPE
