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CATALONIA, SPAIN 6-Day Cycling Tour

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Page 1: CATALONIA, SPAIN · Besalú to Olot. On the . Intermediate. ride you leave Besalú on a quiet, ... Castellfollit de la Roca is a stunning place to have lunch. As the name suggests,

CATALONIA, SPAIN6-Day Cycling Tour

Page 2: CATALONIA, SPAIN · Besalú to Olot. On the . Intermediate. ride you leave Besalú on a quiet, ... Castellfollit de la Roca is a stunning place to have lunch. As the name suggests,

2 415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

TOUR SUMMARY

TOUR LENGTH

PRICE BY ACCOMMODATION

SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS Private transfer from your hotel with bike set up

and full route briefing at the start of your ride

Accommodation and breakfasts

On-call roadside assistance

Optional transfers along the routes

GPS units, maps, directions and a comprehensive guidebook

Expert guides delivering superior service

RIDE OPTIONSLeisure* Intermediate Challenge Epic * Due to the hilly terrain,

we recommend eBikes for Leisure Riders.

BIKES AVAILABLEHybrid Road Premium Road Hybrid eBike

Road eBike

DAY-BY-DAY FLOWDay 1 Besalu to Olot

Day 2 Olot Loop Day

Day 3 Olot to Girona

Day 4 Girona Loop Day

Day 5 Girona to Llafranc

Day 6 Llafranc Loop Day

With its sunny climate and stunning landscapes, Catalonia offers some of the best bike-riding in the world. The quiet, bike-friendly roads meander past medieval villages, through forests and along the coast. The backdrops include rugged mountains, rolling farmland, and the sparkling Mediterranean.

Catalan cooking is rightly celebrated; Catalonia boasts 54 restaurants with one or more Michelin stars. Catalan culture is also rich; Catalonia is the birthplace of Dalí, Gaudí and Miró. Our tours start just an hour north of Barcelona – a great destination in its own right.

CATALONIA, SPAINSpectacular Climate, Scenery and Culture

Budget: from $1,710 pp

Classic: from $2,160 pp

Luxury: from $2,690 pp

6 Days / 5 Nights

START & ENDFigueres

BEST TIMES TO VISITApril to NovemberThe area has a sunny, Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.

OPTIONAL EXTRASAlternative start/end location in

Girona, Barcelona or Barcelona Airport

Cooking classes

Wine tours

Customize your route

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3 415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

WHY LIFECYCLE ADVENTURES

ABOUT US

OUR SELF-GUIDED TOURSAt the start of your tour, your guide transfers you from your hotel, sets up your bike, and gives you a full route briefing. They then take care of all the behind-the-scenes logistics while you guide yourself along the routes; riding at your own pace and choosing the route difficulty that best suits you. Our support vans are nearby should you require assistance.

Your detailed guidebook tells you about the towns you will visit, sights along your route, and suggests places to eat – and we are happy to help with reservations. This support and insight helps make our self-guided tours some of the most personalized and well-supported in the industry.

Feature LifeCycle Adventures

Typical Group Tours

Dates & Duration Fully flexible Fixed

Accommodation A range Set

Group Size Just your group 12 to 24+

Routes Up to four levels Some choice

Ride Briefings Day 1 in personDaily by phone Daily in person

Ride Support Van on call Van(s) trailing and guide on bike

Lunches & Dinners Not included(Help with reservations)

Some included(No choice)

OUR COMPANYSince 2004, our unique blend of custom itineraries and personal service has been creating perfect cycling vacations for those who want to explore on their own terms. From the moment you contact us until the end of your trip, you will find us responsive, attentive and totally focused on ensuring you have the perfect cycling vacation.

Our expert guides live in the areas in which they operate. They have the passion and dedication to deliver superior service and exceptional insight. As a company, we donate 10% of our profits to bicycling advocacy and other community causes.

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4 415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1

DAY 2

Besalú to OlotOn the Intermediate ride you leave Besalú on a quiet, rolling road that tracks alongside the El Fluvià River through a beautiful forest. After this pleasant warm up, you begin a gradual climb to the Catalan village of Tortellà – a great pace for a coffee stop. After Tortellà, you begin to get glimpses of the volcanic hills surrounding Olot and, to your right, the ridges of the distant Pyrenees. Castellfollit de la Roca is a stunning place to have lunch. As the name suggests, the town clings to the rock face and some of the restaurants have terraces with views down to the valley. After lunch you skirt around a string of small villages before entering the town of Olot.

The Challenge route begins with a stunning climb up the famous Mare de Déu del Mont; nearly 14 miles of climbing. The monastery at the top of the climb offers incredible 360° views of the Catalonian landscape. After completing this warm-up loop, you join the Intermediate route described above for the ride to Olot.

Leisure riders will take a van transfer along the Intermediate route to Tortellà.

Lunch at Castellfollit de la Roca where the restaurants cling to

the rock face and have terraces with views down to the valley

RIDE OPTIONSLeisure 10 miles with 1,000 feet of climbing

Intermediate 20 miles with 1,900 feet of climbing

Challenge 55 miles with 6,400 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNOlotOlot is known for its natural beauty; it is surrounded by four volcanoes (now dormant) with the Pyrenees providing a stunning backdrop. Its many attractions include a beautiful old town, several museums, and fine mansions. The town is typically quiet and the residents are very welcoming.

Olot LoopsThe Leisure ride today heads east into the Volcànica de la Garrotxa Natural Park. The reserve has more than 40 volcanoes and pristine beech forests. The ride loops through the park – visiting a number of volcanic sites – to the well-preserved medieval town of Santa Pau. The route then loops back to Olot. The Intermediate route follows the Leisure ride but adds an additional loop to the west of Olot ending with a cycle path through the beautiful Parc de Pedra Tosca.

The Challenge route heads north out of Olot and into the quiet Riera de Castellar valley. Here you climb on near-deserted roads through woodland up to the ancient village of Sant Pau de Segúries. The route then continues across a plateau to Sant Joan de les Abadesses: a beautiful monastery. The final climb of the day takes you to Coll de Santigosa, the highest point of your ride at 3,477 feet, followed by a thrilling descent to Olot.

The Epic route follows the Challenge route out of town but pushes further north – into the foothills of the Pyrenees. You get within a mile of the French border before heading south to rejoin the Challenge route in Sant Pau de Segúries.

The Volcànica de la Garrotxa Natural Park

has more than 40 volcanoes and pristine

beech forests

RIDE OPTIONSLeisure 15 miles with 1,700 feet of climbing

Intermediate 30 miles with 2,500 feet of climbing

Challenge 45 miles with 4,000 feet of climbingEpic 60 miles with 5,700 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNOlotOlot is known for its natural beauty; it is surrounded by four volcanoes (now dormant) with the Pyrenees providing a stunning backdrop. Its many attractions include a beautiful old town, several museums, and fine mansions. The town is typically quiet and the residents are very welcoming.

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5 415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 3

DAY 4

Olot to GironaToday you head southeast from Olot to the vibrant city of Girona that is so popular with cyclists.

The Intermediate ride starts with a climb through the forests to Santa Pau. Gaps in the forest provide fine views of the surrounding volcanoes. After Santa Pau it is a fast descent followed by a rolling cruise through a string of tiny hamlets to Banyoles. Banyoles is set on a stunningly beautiful lake that was used as the rowing location for the Barcelona Olympics. From Banyoles, the routes rolls through villages and on to Girona.

The Leisure route begins with a transfer to Banyoles where it joins the Intermediate route described above.

The Challenge route follows the Intermediate route to Banyoles where it detours up a Category 1 climb to Rocacorba. This out and back climb has become famous in the area because the local professionals use it as a yardstick to measure their fitness. It is 9 miles at an average gradient of 6.5% but it is significantly harder towards the top and has a maximum gradient of 15%.

Banyoles is set on a stunningly beautiful lake and is the perfect place

for lunch

RIDE OPTIONSLeisure 20 miles with 800 feet of climbing

Intermediate 40 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing

Challenge 55 miles with 4,500 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNGironaA city of two halves. The ancient walled city, east of the river, is a maze of cobbled streets with a cathedral and well-preserved Jewish quarter. West of the river lies the “new” town with museums, upscale stores and leafy squares. Girona is also known for its cuisine; it has both Michelin-starred restaurants and outstanding local eateries.

Girona Loops (A)Today’s routes head into the hills west of Girona with riding through dense woodland and across open farmland. In places, the views are framed by steep limestone cliffs.

The Intermediate ride starts with an easy cruise to Sant Gregori after which it climbs over a pass to Bonmatí on the river Rui Ter. Another pretty climb on quiet roads brings you to a stunning descent back to Girona.

The Leisure ride follows the Intermediate route to Sant Gregori where it heads south to cross the river at the medieval town of Bescanó. After a short, sharp climb it is a lovely long descent back to Girona.

The Challenge route follows the Intermediate route up the first pass but then continues north to create a wider loop on beautifully rural country lanes. After a short stretch on the valley road, you rejoin the Intermediate route near Bonmatí.

The Epic route adds on a further loop to the Challenge route: a climb up to the picturesque dam of Sant Martí Sacalm. You then descend down the adjacent valley to meet the Challenge route near Bonmatí.

Ride through a mix of dense woodland and open farmland where

the views are framed by steep limestone cliffs

RIDE OPTIONSLeisure 20 miles with 850 feet of climbing

Intermediate 35 miles with 1,600 feet of climbing

Challenge 45 miles with 2,100 feet of climbingEpic 65 miles with 3,700 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNGironaA city of two halves. The ancient walled city, east of the river, is a maze of cobbled streets with a cathedral and well-preserved Jewish quarter. West of the river lies the “new” town with museums, upscale stores and leafy squares. Girona is also known for its cuisine; it has both Michelin-starred restaurants and outstanding local eateries.

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6 415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 5

DAY 6

Girona to LlafrancThe Intermediate ride begins with a famous climb up to Santuari dels Àngels complete with expansive views of Girona, the mountains and the coast. You then descend to La Bisbal D’Empordà – a vibrant medieval town with markets, museums, restaurants and beautiful pottery. It is also a great place for lunch. From here, you meander on quiet lanes through medieval villages and orchards to Llafranc.

The Challenge route follows the Intermediate route to La Bisbal D’Empordà where it turns south and climbs the Coll de la Ganga: a smooth, winding forest road. A thrilling descent takes you to the popular beach town of Palamos from where you ride up the coast to Llafranc.

The Epic route follows the Intermediate route to Santuari dels Àngels after which it heads south to tackle two extended climbs. The first climb is up to Santa Pellaia and includes an 8% kicker at the end. The second climb is up to Romanyà de la Selva from where you descend to the beach town of Palamos and then up the coast to Llafranc.

The Leisure route begins with a transfer to Madremanya (shortly before Bisbal D’Empordà) from where you join the Intermediate route.

Descend to La Bisbal D’Empordà – a vibrant

medieval town with markets, museums,

restaurants and beautiful pottery

RIDE OPTIONSLeisure 25 miles with 900 feet of climbing

Intermediate 35 miles with 2,600 feet of climbing

Challenge 40 miles with 2,800 feet of climbingEpic 65 miles with 4,300 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNLlafrancUpmarket Llafranc is one of the most attractive coastal towns on the Costa Brava. This is a traditional Catalonian town that hasn’t succumbed to any major development. Think sandy beaches, crystalline waters, and small coves fringed with low-rise whitewashed buildings and a handful of restaurants and hotels.

Llafranc Loops - Last DayToday’s Leisure loop heads inland to Palafrugell followed by Aigua Blava on the coast. You then ride a twisting road that parallels the stunning coast to the old fishing village of Tamariu. This is also a great place for lunch with several beach-front restaurants clustered around a small cove. After lunch, you continue down the coast back into Llfranc.

The Intermediate route heads further inland before exploring the coast south of Llfranc. This route takes in the pleasant town of La Bisbal D’Empordà before striking out east across stunning countryside and over the Coll de la Ganga before descending to the seaside town of Palamós. From Palamós, you take an inland ride, on country lanes, back to Llfranc.

The Challenge ride is similar to the Intermediate ride but adds on a northern loop up to the ancient villlages of Bellcaire and La Tallada complete with churches, castles, and ancient towers.

Whichever option you choose, your guide will meet you back in Llafranc for your end-of-tour transfer.

Have lunch at one of several beach-front

restaurants clustered around a small cove in

Tamariu

RIDE OPTIONSLeisure 15 miles with 1,300 feet of climbing

Intermediate 40 miles with 1,700 feet of climbing

Challenge 60 miles with 2,300 feet of climbingEpic 90 miles with 3,800 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWNNoneAs this is the last day of your tour, there is no overnight accommodation unless explicitly requested on booking.

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7 415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

ACCOMMODATION

LUXURY

ACCOMMODATION NOTESProperties in our Luxury category are some of the nicest full-service hotels in the area. They typically include spa facilities and a good restaurant.

See page 2 for prices.

Mix & MatchYou can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices.

Tips & Notes

OlotLes Cols PavellonsThis historic country house is set on the edge of town. The vibe is ultramodern with glass floors and walls and rooms with zen décor. Despite the modern vibe, the design blends well with its setting using an array of colors and materials. The site also has a traditional Catalan country house that has restaurant with two Michelin stars.

GironaNord 1901This lovely hotel has been family-run since 1901 and is set on a quaint, cobbled street just off the Plaça de la Independència: a vibrant city square surrounded by restaurants. The rooms are elegant and understated with thoughtful amenities. The hotel is one of the few in Girona to have a pool.

LlafrancEl Far HotelThis small, boutique hotel is perched on a steep cliff above the sea next to the majestic lighthouse of Sant Sebastià. The rooms are elegantly decorated in a nautical style. The atmosphere is peaceful and the views exceptional. The restaurant is also excellent specializing in Mediterranean cuisine.

Girona - Upgrade (see notes)Hotel Sants MetgesSet in leafy grounds atop Sants Metges Mountain, this beautiful five-star hotel has fabulous gardens and an excellent restaurant. The spacious, chic rooms have balconies with mountain views. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a museum, an art center and a spa. Simply the best hotel in the area.

A hotel upgrade is available in Girona to the Hotel Sants Metges for $270 per room per night. See description opposite.

Note that the Hotel Sants Metges is 6 miles from the center of Girona but it has an excellent restaurant and taxis (not included) are available for transfers into town.

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8 415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

ACCOMMODATION

CLASSIC

ACCOMMODATION NOTESProperties in the Classic category are typically smaller hotels or luxurious B&Bs with very personal service sometimes including wine tasting or evening hors d’oeuvres.

See page 2 for prices.

Mix & MatchYou can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices.

Tips & Notes

OlotCan BlancSet within the Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park, this modest rural hotel has clean, simple rooms that are colorfully decorated. The restaurant is pleasant with conservatory seating. There is a bar with a fireplace and a garden with an outdoor pool. The property is 1½ miles from the center of Olot but there are two very good restaurants nearby.

GironaHotel Ciutat de Girona This hotel is set on a quaint, cobbled street just off the Plaça de la Independència: a vibrant city square surrounded by restaurants. The rooms are large and comfortable but views are limited. There is an indoor pool. NOTE: Breakfast can be a little too simple for cyclists but there are other good options nearby.

LlafrancHotel MediterraniThis hotel is situated in a whitewashed building on a hill overlooking a lively beach; a great location at the heart of town. The hotel is family-run and the service is exceptional. The relaxed rooms are contemporary and air-conditioned. Breakfast is fresh with a good selection. The breakfast room also has stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

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9 415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

ACCOMMODATION

BUDGET

ACCOMMODATION NOTESProperties in our Budget category are typically simpler B&Bs and more modest inns or hotels. However, all the properties are well-kept with en suite facilities.

See page 2 for prices.

Mix & MatchYou can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices.

Tips & Notes

OlotHotel Riu FluviàThis modern, ivy-covered hotel is functional rather than characterful. The rooms are warmly decorated, some with balconies. There is a well-kept garden with a nice pool and views across the countryside to the hills. The restaurant is popular and serves good local food. NOTE: The property is a 10-minute walk from the center of Olot.

GironaHotel UltoniaThis pleasant and simple hotel is located just a short walk from the heart of the city. The rooms lack character but are spacious, comfortable and clean. The breakfast are simple but there are other great options nearby. On weekends, from May to October, guests can access the roof terrace with impressive views of Girona Cathedral.

LlafrancHotel GarbiThis hotel is beautifully situated in the middle of a wooded area atop a hill. Rooms are simple, clean and comfortable with views either across town to the sea or of the gardens. Some rooms have balconies or terraces. There is a large, heated outdoor pool. The hotel staff is typically seasonal and is friendly if a little casual.

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10 415.366.3806 lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]

BIKES

BIKE CHOICES

BIKE RENTAL RATESBike Per Day Per WeekHybrid $30 $180

Road $45 $270

Premium $70 $420

Hybrid eBike $55 $330

Road eBike $75 $450

OPTIONAL EXTRASReceiving & Assembly $100per bike charge to receive bike from shipper, assemble the bike and repack it and deliver it to a shipper at the end of the tour.

Bike Boxes $100a per box charge for the extra logistics needed to handle bike boxes during a tour. Note: this fee can be avoided if you leave your box with your start/end hotel.

Tandem Bike $100a per bike fee for the extra logistics to handle a tandem bike that is brought by a guest.

HYBRID BIKEHybrid bikes are a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. They have a relaxed riding position and are great for beginners and intermediate riders. In Catalonia, we typically rent the Cannondale Quick 5. The light alloy frame and disc brakes are great for this terrain. Components are Shimano.

ROAD BIKEOur road bikes are racing style bikes with drop handlebars. The road bikes are faster bikes than the hybrids with a less upright riding position and will be enjoyed by intermediate and experienced riders. We typically rent the Cannondale Synapse with a carbon frame and Shimano 105 Compact drivetrain with 50/34 - 11/30 gearing.

PREMIUM ROAD BIKEOur premium road bikes are light and fast racing bikes. A typical bike in this category is the Cannondale Super Six. This superb all-rounder has a carbon frame and Shimano’s Ultegra 11-speed Di2 electronic drivetrain. Experienced riders will appreciate the lightness and stiffness of these high-end bikes.

HYBRID eBIKEOur eBikes are designed to give you a little extra assistance when climbing hills. The ride position is very similar to our hybrids. We typically rent Cannondale Tesoro Neo bikes that feature a powerful Bosch motor and large battery to offer you great range. If one rider in a couple is stronger than the other, an eBike can be a great choice for the less- strong rider.

ROAD eBIKEOur road e-bikes offer you the speed and position of a road bike whilst having the added advantage of a little power to assist you on the climbs. The bikes are typically a Cannondale Synapse Neo with Shimano Ultregra groupset and disc brakes.

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INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

SERVICES & OPTIONS

NOTES:

THE TRIP PRICE INCLUDES: GPS units, cycling maps, directions and a custom guidebook; one set per couple.

Private transfer from/to downtown Figueres or Figueres Railway Station. We can also collect and/or return you to Girona.

Bike set up and detailed map briefing at the start of your tour.

Accommodation for each night of your tour with breakfast the following morning (unless breakfast is explicitly excluded in the accommodation description earlier).

Prices quoted are per person but assume there are two people sharing a room. We book standard rooms with one bed unless an upgrade is requested and then extra charges may apply. Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Guide available via phone 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

On-call roadside assistance 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for mechanical issues.

Luggage transported between lodgings and wine collection service.

Transfers along all or part of the route to coincide with luggage moves – to be arranged at least 24 hours in advance.

THE TRIP PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Lunches and dinners. Our guidebooks are full of great recommendations and we are

pleased to make reservations for you.

An on-bike guide.

Activities such as wine tours and spa treatments. We are pleased to make reservations on your behalf.

Transfers to sites to which it is not practical to ride. We are pleased to arrange for such transfers for a fee.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:Transfers from Barcelona or Barcelona AirportTypically, we collect guests from their hotel in downtown Figueres or Figueres Railway Station. There is a $150 charge per couple, per transfer for pick-ups or drop-offs in Barcelona or at Barcelona Airport.

Cooking ClassesThe best overnight town for a cooking class is Girona. Courses last from three hours and start from $110 per person. Please ask for more details.

Wine ToursPlease ask for details if you are interested in arranging any personal wine tours.

Route CustomizationIf you would prefer alternative routing – staying in different overnight towns or with more or fewer loop days – we would be pleased to customize this itinerary.

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THE AREA

WHERE TO STAY BEFORE THE TRIPGuests typically stay in Figueres before and/or after their trip. We have had good feedback for the following hotels:

Figueres HotelsHotel Rambla www.hotelrambla.net/index.php/en/

Hotel Duran www.hotelduran.com/en/

Mas Falgarona www.masfalgarona.com/en/index.html

Staying in BarcelonaThe train service from Barcelona takes under an hour making it practical to stay in Barcelona before and/or after the tour. We would be pleased to collect you from Figueres Railway Station before the tour or return you there (or Girona Railway Station) after your tour.

CLIMATEThis area has a coastal Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. The mountains to the west protect the area from Atlantic weather patterns meaning the area is relatively dry with many sunny days. The Mediterranean Sea moderates the temperatures especially near to the coast while further inland is a little warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter.

Spring is pleasantly warm and a great time to visit as there are fewer tourists. The temperatures peak in July and August so cyclists in these months typically start and finish their rides in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Temperatures moderate quickly in September and most people are comfortable riding here through to the end of November. We do not recommend riding here in winter.

The charts to the right show the monthly average temperatures (in Fahrenheit) and rainfall (in inches) for Girona, the city at the center of our tours.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFORMATIONMost people travel to Figueres by train from Barcelona. The fast, AVE, service leaves from Barcelona-Sants railway station and arrives into Figueres Vilafant station (Estación-Vilafant-Figueres) in less than an hour. It is two kilometers from the railway station to the center of Figueres; a journey best made by taxi that should cost less than €10.00.

Barcelona Airport (BCN) is the seventh busiest airport in Europe and has direct flights to most European hubs including London, Paris and Amsterdam as well as direct flights from many US locations such as New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, Washington, and Philadelphia. To get from the airport to the center of Barcelona, you take either a taxi (€35/20 minutes) or the Aerobus service (€6/40 minutes).

Girona (50 KM south of Figueres) has a small airport (GRO) with flights to several European cities but these are secondary airports such as London Stanstead and Paris Beauvais. If we are not collecting you at the airport, the easiest way to get into Girona from the airport is by taxi (€30/20 minutes). There is also a bus (€3/25 minutes). The easiest way to get to Figueres from Girona city is the AVE train that takes approximately 32 minutes and there are around 21 trains per day.

ABOUT CATALONIA

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THE FINE PRINT

TERMS & CONDITIONS PAYMENT

A payment of 10% of the total price is required to secure a reservation. Payment of the balance is due 60 days prior to the start of the trip.

BOOKING FORMOnce your deposit is paid, we will send you a booking form requesting details such as bike rental requirements, dietary restrictions, and an emergency contact. The booking form includes a Cycle Tour Accident Waiver and Release of Liability. A copy of this form can be found at www.lifecycleadventures.com/waiver. Guests who fail to provide a signed waiver prior to the start of a trip will not be allowed to take part in the trip and the cancellation policy will apply.

CANCELLATION POLICYWe give a full refund less a $150 administration fee for any trip canceled over 90 days before the start of the trip. After this date, refunds are made according to the following schedule:

From 61 to 90 days: 90% of the full trip price is refunded unless you choose to rebook a trip with a start date within 18 months of the original start date in which case your current payments will be applied to the new trip less an administration fee of $150.

From 15 to 60 days of the start of the trip your choice of EITHER a 50% refund or 75% of the trip price applied towards a future trip with LifeCycle Adventures. The latter option only applies when the canceled trip has been paid for in full.

Within 15 days of travel: sorry, no refund.

We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance to cover you in the event of having to cancel your trip.

Unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon, the failure of a participant to be present at the start of the trip at the time and location agreed in the booking process will be treated as a cancellation and the cancellation policy will apply. Leaving your trip early for any reason will be treated as a cancellation and no refund will be given.

TRAVEL INSURANCEIn signing the Cycle Tour Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form you certify that you either have insurance to cover you in the event of needing medical treatment and to cover any losses associated with participation in the trip or you are prepared to cover these costs yourself. We recommend checking with your current insurance providers to understand your coverage. Should you choose to purchase travel insurance, the following sites aim to compare travel insurance policies and might be helpful: www.squaremouth.com and www.insuremytrip.com.

ITINERARY CHANGESWe reserve the right to make route, accommodation, date, and bike model changes as caused by circumstances beyond our control or unforeseen circumstances. If such changes become necessary, we will make like-for-like substitutions to ensure quality is maintained.

In the event that we cancel a trip for any reason other than Force Majeure, you will be given a full refund that will constitute full settlement. We will not reimburse you for any personal expenses such as airline tickets, hotels or other travel expenses.

We shall not be liable for any refunds or compensation in the event we cancel your booking due to reasons of Force Majeure. Examples of “Force Majeure” include Acts of God (including fire, flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane, volcanic eruptions, or other natural disaster), epidemics, health risks and pandemics, government orders or actions, civil disturbances, war or threat of war, acts of foreign enemies, or terrorist activities.