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Bicycling Catalonia's Costa Brava Plus! Barcelona

Bicycling Catalonia's Costa Brava Plus! Barcelona

Home to some of Spain's most iconic cities and famous characters, Catalonia is a one of a kind destination. With a history as diverse as the territory and a cultural identity and language of its own, this Spanish community will delight and fascinate. Join us on a 12-day bicycle tour beginning in Girona, one of the most fought after towns in all of Spanish history. We'll pedal east towards the rugged Costa Brava and through the rolling hills of the Emporda' region - dotted with Roman ruins and medieval towns. Our journey continues through hidden fishing villages, quiet towns, and through wine country on our way to Figueres, Salvador Dali's birthplace. We'll cycle west towards the foothills of the Pyrenees through nature reserves and to ancient Roman spa towns before looping south. Our journey ends on a 10-mile bicycle path finishing in the heart of Barcelona.

***If this sounds great but you don't have time for the full 12 days, check out our 8-day Bicycling Catalonia's Costa Brava itinerary which shortens this itinerary by 4 days.***

Tour Dates & Prices

Date
Price
Private Room Fee
Note
Jun 7-18, 2023
USD$5495
USD$650
  Departure confirmed to go!
Book It
Aug 30-Sep 10, 2023
USD$5495
USD$650
Departure confirmed to go!
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Sep 20-Oct 1, 2023
USD$5495
USD$650
 Departure confirmed to go!
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May 15-26, 2024
USD$5995
USD$650
Book now and save $200 per person
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Jun 5-16, 2024
USD$5995
USD$650
Book now and save $200 per person
Book It
Sep 4-15, 2024
USD$5995
USD$650
Book now and save $200 per person
Book It
Sep 18-29, 2024
USD$5995
USD$650
Book now and save $200 per person
Book It

* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.

** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.

Tour Style: Classic Hold A Space Request Private Departure Download Itinerary Tour Map
  • Trip At-A-Glance
  • Tour Summary
  • Daily Itinerary
  • Travel Information
  • Map
  • Reviews
  • Similar Tours
Trip At-A-Glance

Trip At-A-Glance

  • Length / 12 Days
  • Total Distance / 486 km (300 miles)
  • Avg. Distance / 70 kms (42 miles) per riding day
  • Tour Level & Tour Style / 2.5 Classic
  • Countries / Spain
  • Begin/End / Girona/Barcelona
  • Price / From USD$5495
More Photos
Tour Summary

Tour Summary

  • Highlights
    Barcelona, Garrtoxa Volcanic Natural Area, Girona, Figueras and Dali Museum, Medieval Villages, Costa Brava Beaches, Vic, Extraordinary food - Girona has more restaurants with Michelin stars than anywhere else in the world

    Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.

    Though we try and arrange dinners together as early as possible in Spain this means 8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Includes
    12 days, 11 nights' lodging; meals as noted in itinerary; 1 guided visit of Dali Museum; a wine tasting; boat trip; and the usual (see below).

    Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
  • Arrive / Depart
    Barcelona (BCN)
  • Overall Tour Level
    2.5 difficulty level 2.5
  • Daily Ride Summary

    Day

    Distance/Gain
    mi/ftkm/m

    Terrain

    Day Level

    Notes

    1
    Test ride
    2
    61km / 906m
    Very hilly
    difficulty level 4.0
    3
    40km / 379m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 1.5
    4
    69km / 434m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 2.0
    5
    72km / 673m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.5
    6
    18km / 436m
    Very hilly
    difficulty level 2.0
    Today's ride is an optional loop ride
    7
    32km / 244m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 1.5
    8
    76km / 1261m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 4.5
    9
    65km / 996m
    Very hilly
    difficulty level 4.0
    10
    50km / 600m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.0
    11
    43km / 275m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 1.0
    12
    Last day

Terrain Legend

Gentle Gentle

Rolling hills Rolling hills

Hilly Hilly

Very hilly Very hilly

Mountainous Mountainous

Daily Itinerary
Download Itinerary

DAY 1: Girona

Highlights: Girona, Jewish Museum and Historic Center

We meet in the medieval town of Girona today. We highly recommend coming a day or two early to explore this city and begin your exploration of the Catalan culture. We'll fit bicycles this afternoon and recommend a test ride along the river bike path before meeting for introductions and dinner together.

DAY 2: Bicycling Girona to Costa Brava

Highlights: Cycling the Via Verde, quiet roads, beach town

Today's ride features a gentle ascent to the highest point in the area. You'll be rewarded for your efforts with a classic view of the Costa Brava. The van will be there to offer a lift up (or down) for those who prefer. Our descent ends at the sea and from there we'll follow the sometimes hilly coastal road to our beach front hotel. Enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean, or some people watching this afternoon before dinner together.

  • Distance: 61km (38mi)
  • Gain: 906m (2972ft)
  • Terrain: Very hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 4.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 3: Bicycling Costa Brava to Peratallada

Highlights: Beaches, rural bicycling, castles and medieval towns

Today we'll ride along the coast to Palamos, a great coffee stop and perfect opportunity for one last dip in the sea before we head inland over rolling hills. Many of the towns we'll pass through on today's ride were once fortified Roman and medieval cities, so be sure to take time to meander the tiny streets. Peratallada, our destination this evening, is perhaps the best preserved as the center is entirely pedestrian and the walls still stand. You'll notice ruts in the stone streets which were created from centuries of horse carts moving through the narrow streets. We'll stay just outside of town and enjoy this little corner of Catalonia for the next few days.

  • Distance: 40km (25mi)
  • Gain: 379m (1243ft)
  • Terrain: Mostly flat
  • Day Level: difficulty level 1.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 4: Loop ride or Rest Day

Highlights: Loop ride, optional climb

We'll take a loop ride through the gentle hills of the Baix Emporda region today. We have a special stop planned before la Bisbal d'Emporda just a few kilometers into the ride to visit a local ceramicist. La Bisbal d'Emporda is a great town to enjoy a beverage and explore the boutiques and artist stores - some of which carry traditional pieces while others have expanded into more modern ceramic art. After our visit we'll continue our loop ride which includes the option of an 8 km (5 miles) climb for anyone wanting a little challenge.

  • Distance: 69km (43mi)
  • Gain: 434m (1424ft)
  • Terrain: Mostly flat
  • Day Level: difficulty level 2.0
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 5: Bicycle to Cadaques

Highlights: Remote fishing village, stunning views of the sea

We'll head north and inland today through gentle hills and reclaimed marshes that are now the center for the agricultural economy in the area. We'll suggest a lunch stop in one of these small but historic towns. There is a significant climb to the hotel so anyone who prefers to rest their legs can meet at a café to regroup and shuttle. Everyone else can join local cyclists to conquer the hill that creates a natural barrier and makes this Eastern most peninsula in Spain such a unique natural and geological formation.

DAY 6: Cycle the Cap de Creus or enjoy the beach

Highlights: Dali's home, beach front rambla, and optional rest day

Today you have the option to take a day off the bike, or bicycle to the stunning Cap de Creus - the most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula. It's a short but hilly ride out and back. For those who prefer a day off the bike, Cadaques has been inspirational to many great artists, including Dali, Miro, Duchamp and Picasso. Find a spot and explore your inner artist, or simply enjoy a day relaxing by the pool.

DAY 7: Bicycle to Figueres

Highlights: Scenic Coast Boat ride, Dali Museum

We start our day with a chartered boat ride as we leave Cadaques and navigate around the rocky coastline that isolates the Cap de Creus Natural Park from the rest of the Costa Brava. Once we land in Roses we'll pedal to Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali. We'll plan a guided tour of the museum this afternoon.

  • Distance: 32km (20mi)
  • Gain: 244m (800ft)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills
  • Day Level: difficulty level 1.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 8: Bicycle to Olot

Highlights: Banyoles, Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Area

Our route takes us along the foothills of the Pyrenees and we'll enjoy some larger rolling hills on our way to Olot. You'll notice a change in the landscape as we enter this unique region which was carved out by ancient lava flows from the four volcanoes that border the valley. Our hotel this evening is a restored manor house just outside of town.

  • Distance: 76km (48mi)
  • Gain: 1261m (4136ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 4.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 9: Bicycle Olot to Vic

Highlights: Vall d'en Bas, Vic

We head down the Vall d'en Bas before climbing up and over towards the headwaters of the River Ter - one of the larger rivers in Catalonia. Stop at the top for lunch before heading down towards Vic. A town of ancient Roman and Iberian origin Vic preserves one of the few Plaza Mayor's that is still dirt - just as it was for festivals in medieval times.

DAY 10: Bicycle Vic to Caldes de Montbui

Highlights: Roman spa towns and rolling hills

Previous customers have loved our first visit today; a local Fuet (sausage) producer opens its doors to us for a private tour. Our ride continues from one valley to the next as we make our way towards Barcelona. We leave the foothills of the Pyrenees as we pedal down to Caldes de Montbui, an ancient Roman hot springs town. Take some time to enjoy this small town and the ancient baths before taking a dip in the hot pools yourself.

DAY 11: Bicycle to Barcelona

Highlights: Bike path and entering Barcelona

We have a relatively short day today as we pedal south and join up with a river side redevelopment that is now a thriving active multi-use path. Our route takes us straight to the coastline from where we'll take bike paths and back streets to our hotel at the top of the Ramblas of Barcelona. A dynamic city, Barcelona combines history and modern art, culture and cuisine seamlessly. We'll have a fabulous final dinner together this evening.

  • Distance: 43km (27mi)
  • Gain: 275m (902ft)
  • Terrain: Mostly flat
  • Day Level: difficulty level 1.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 12: Barcelona

Highlights: Barcelona

You're on your own to explore this magical city which is home to some of Gaudi's finest works. Plan to stick around a day or two as there is much to see and do.

  • Meals: Breakfast
Travel Information

Travel Information

Day 1: Arrival Information

Girona

Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.

Note:

As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.

Look up Spanish train schedules at Renfe.com or Trainline.eu. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.

The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.

We recommend flying into Girona (GRO) or Barcelona El Prat (BCN).

If you arrive at Barcelona Airport and continue to the Day 1 Hotel

  1. Bus: Sagales Bus from Barcelona Airport Terminal 1 or 2 to Girona Estacio d’Autobuses. sagales.com (2.5 hr/EUR 19)
  2. Taxi: From the Bus station to the starting hotel (10 min/EUR 10)
Or
  1. Train: R2 Nord from the Barcelona airport to the Barcelona Sants station (25 min / EUR 4.20)
  2. *Train: From Barcelona Sants to Girona/Gerona (40 min/ Fares vary).
  3. Taxi: From the Girona/Gerona train station to the Day 1 Hotel. (10 min/EUR 10)

*Note: The train connection from Barcelona to Girona/Gerona is a busy but frequent line. If you are staying in Barcelona, you may purchase tickets for this train leg in advance. If you arrive by plane the same day, you should purchase them at the Sants train station though you might opt to skip a train departure if it is already full.

Day 12: Departure Information

Barcelona

Your trip ends on the final day after breakfast.

The closest airport to the tour end is Barcelona's El Prat (BCN).

  • Taxi: From the Ending Hotel to the Barcelona Airport (35 min/EUR 25)
  • Public transportation: Aerobus From Plaza Universitat-Pelai (about 50 yards from the Ending Hotel) to the Barcelona Airport (20-30 min/EUR 5.90)

Keep in Mind

We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.

Though we try and arrange dinners together as early as possible in Spain this means 8:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Pre-Trip Planning Checklist

To do right after you booked!

6 to 3 Months Prior to Tour Start Date

  • Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
  • Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
  • Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
  • Begin your chosen training program.
  • Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.

6 to 2 Weeks Prior to Tour Start Date

  • Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Reading and Movie Lists: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/
  • Plan what you are going to pack and start packing! Refer to the Packing Lists on our website at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/packing/.
  • We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).

Day of Your Flight

Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!

What to Expect on Tour

Classic Tour Style

Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.

Map

Map

Reviews

Reviews

  • Great bicycle riding experience. A wide variety of scenery and cultural opportunities. Great Guides!!

    George E., Tacoma WA - Sept 2019

  • An intermediate to challenging tour through one of the most beautiful parts of Spain.

    Dan S., Millerton, NY - June 2019

  • A slice of Spain that is not really as well-known as people believe - the Costa Brava is certainly about beaches, but the Catalan culture and landscape is so much more. I loved the 2 days in Cataques and being able to sail out to Roses/Figures. Everything was perfect! I love boats so it was a real treat.

    June M., St Paul, MN - June 2019

  • Excellent cycling, great scenery, outstanding cultural experiences and a wonderful supporting organization - it truly was an ExperiencePlus! I have been on trips with one of your competitors and can say without qualification that your leaders are "a step above". It was a great trip and I look forward to the next one!

    Gary F., Bradenton, FL - September 2018

  • Exceptional. What was your favorite experience on this trip? Riding, meeting for coffee and lunch, the beach, the adventurous food, riding thru medieval villages, ruins, Spanish wine, local people.

    Gary S., Johns Creek, GA - September 2018

  • Great location & geography. Exciting cultural experience.

    Christopher D., West Vancouver, BC, Canada

  • As usual, this trip was terrific, a "typical" Experience Plus experience. While some of the climbs were challenging for our old legs, they were doable. Thanks again!

    Ellen L., Boulder, CO - May 2018

  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? Beautiful bike ride in northern Spain. Challenging ride routes but not too strenuous. Mix of water views and quaint inland towns. Wonderful food and lots of it. Wine was better than expected. Will remember this trip very fondly.

    Rachelle R., Snohomish, WA - May 2018

  • A fantastic opportunity to experience Catalonia and its scenery, food, wine and history. If I had to pick one of many great experiences on this trip, it would be the descent from Sant Grau to the coast followed by the coast road to Sant Feliu. So beautiful - this is why we cycle!

    Dennis D., Calgary, Alberta - August 2017

  • A remarkable experience. This was the perfect tour in terms of mileage, terrain, and sights to see. No question we saw the best of Spain.

    Chris L., Orinda, CA - August 2017

  • What was your favorite experience on this trip? Its hard to pick just one, it seemed that every day there was a new favorite!

    Rob T., Calgary, Alberta - August 2017

  • The perfect mix between beautiful scenery and architecture, varied terrain, and wonderful Catalan cuisine!

    Joan B., Calgary, Alberta - August 2017

  • Awesome trip. Great cycling including several gentle climbs with great views. Food was fantastic and tour leaders went above and beyond all expectations. Cadaques was one of the most beautiful seashore resorts I have ever seen.

    Norm H., Hammonton, NJ - August 2017

  • One of the best; the ride, the food the cultural experiences were all excellent.

    Chris H., Huntington Beach, CA - June 2017

  • It was a great experience traveling the back roads of Spain. The scenery was magnificent and the ride was challenging enough for me. The ride offered options so that riders of different abilities could do their own thing.

    John H., Colorado Springs, CO - June 2018

  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? A beautiful bike tour which takes in some beautiful towns and the beautiful Costa Brava and gives you the time to explore the areas through which you bike. Well taken care of with great bikes and no concerns about bike problems and fabulous food and hotels. It is apparent that the guides are well trained to make the group cohesive and well prepared to bike each day with all the necessary information. Just like in the pictures in National Geographic. It sure does make you really LOVE Spain!

    Bonnie P., Afton, MN - June 2017

  • Beautiful Northeast Spain with Mediterranean sea experience, cultural visits and beautiful scenery. Easy to follow arrows for directions and wonderful support and great wine and meals.

    Valerie H., Pace, FL - June 2017

  • A great way to see this unique area of Spain. Looking forward to another great trip next year!

    Jeffrey C., Pace, FL - June 2017

  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? Not to be missed! Great combination of beautiful scenery, excellent routes, nice people, and of course, the arrows!

    Len N., Piedmont, CA - May 2017

  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? Good mix of scenery, great food, generally good hotels, and inclusion of history, art and culture along the way.

    Kevin W., Santa Barbara, CA - May 2017

  • Really fun, well-organized great leaders beautiful country.

    Carla D., Reno, NV - May 2017

  • This was a great tour. We really had fun. I''d put this in the top 3 tours we''ve been on.

    Clark M., Fort Collins, CO - May 2017

  • What was your favorite experience on this trip? I love the Spanish lifestyle, eating late, sharing lots of great food, good wine. See you, again, soon!

    Susan R., Santa Cruz, CA - May 2017

  • I think what you offer is so compelling that I cannot imagine going on anyone else''s bike tours. I also come home from a tour with greater interest in increasing my cycling skills so that I can do more. I love that you inspire me!

    JJ L., Fort Collins, CO - May 2017

  • The trip exceeded our expectations.

    Fred S., Boulder, CO

  • This was the 2nd Experience Plus trip in which I have participated. You do a great job organizing the trip, planning the bike routes, making sure the food and accommodations are excellent, and providing us with mature and capable guides. I have loved both experiences!

    Alan G., Rockford, IL

  • Thank you for all the effort you (as the company) make to care for your staff and clients. It is a wonderful experience that is clearly appreciated by many as they return time and time again to do the different tours.

    Sarah H., Auckland, NZ

  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? Great roads and rides, great food, incredible guides, amazing sites.

    Robert P., Bellevue, WA

  • Absolutely beautiful! The country is so diverse, the people are friendly, the food was fabulous and the roads were fun to ride. Shopping in Girona was also really good!

    Elaine L., Ayer, MA

  • I couldn''t improve this trip. It was the best of the last five years. The leaders were superb. The food was fantastic. The route was hard, but doable, and the van support was more than I expected.

    Linda Z., Sherborn, MA

  • Great trip. Take it! Looking forward to more!!

    Russ A., Seattle, WA

  • This was a "bucket list" experience with superb leaders and support. A "must do" experience for everyone.

    Don W., Savannah, GA

  • Amazing! A must do! Truly a magical trip and we were sorry when it ended. The hotels were the best we have experienced in our ten trips. We have had dream teams before but this team was certainly right there with the best. A big thank you to the entire Experience Plus team not only those on the road but the office team as well. Every question answered promptly with all the information we needed to make the journey easy.

    Sharon M., Vancouver, Canada

  • Wonderful! Lovely cycling in varied and beautiful scenery with outstanding food and great weather! Looking forward to our next tour with ExperiencePlus!

    Heather B., Kirkcaldy, Scotland

  • It was one of the best tours I''ve been on. The riding, the food, the people. I loved riding over the hill and seeing the white town of Cadaques below...it took my breath away. Enjoyed it so much booked next year''s tour as soon as I got back.

    Terry G., Annapolis, MD

  • The incredible scenery of the Costa Brava. Overall, a memorable trip with ExperiencePlus!

    Paul B., Arcadia, CA

  • Great tour, outstanding guides, great scenery, outstanding food = wonderful cycling vacation!

    Russell B., Arcadia, CA

  • Excellent. It was surprising, and therefor refreshing. Occasionally challenging, but the challenge was worth it. The area was beautiful and the variety of the landscape very interesting.

    Vicky T., Owen Sound, ON

  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? Exploring the culture of Catalonia from hills to mountain climbs to the ocean was a challenge. The beauty a nice surprise. The food and dining experiences off the chart. The last trip Catalonia was the best. Well...I always say that!

    Stu W., Boulder, CO

  • Fantastic and beautiful route through Catalonia coast and inland areas. Fantastic local guides. Over the top food.

    Eirc and Gabrielle, Mill Valley, CA

  • Another great trip! Wonderful and above my expectations.

    Cliff L., Chapel Hill, NC

  • It was a fantastic trip. The guides were great, the route was beautiful and as expected.

    Mary B., Newport Beach, CA

  • Bottom line: this was truly one of the best bike trips we have ever done.

    Jim B., Incline Village, CA

  • Great tour. Beautiful scenery and quaint towns. The food was great, as good or better than anywhere I have been and that includes France and Italy!

    Gary B, Huntington

  • This was my 9th ExperiencePlus! tour and one of the best (I started in the 80''s with Rick and Paola). Fantastic job, fantastic value.

    Mike D., Portland, OR

  • I only wish you had an "extremely satisfied" category! I had a fantastic time - it was a GREAT trip!!! Wonderful bike routes, spectacular scenery, amazing cuisine, interesting cultural visits.

    Carol D., Williston, VT

  • A must, one of the best ever. Great cycling, great scenery and of course great food.

    Peter K., Williston, VT

  • This was one of our favorite ExperiencePlus! trips. Even though the geographic area we covered was not that big, we weaved in, out and around, to see the mountains, the sea, the medieval villages, the Greek and Roman ruins, and the history and culture of Catalonia.

    Sari R., Glastonbury, CT

  • Good riding, varied scenery, interesting culture, wonderful food and outstanding leaders. Learned so much about the Catalan people, their history and culture. So much to see in Barcelona.

    Linda M., Livermore, CA

  • It is a great trip in a beautiful and interesting part of Spain. This was our 15 ExperiencePlus! trip. Enough said.

    Dave M., Livermore, CA

  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? That they have to experience for themselves. Excellent and memorable. Wonderful. Leesa and I are looking forward to our next tour.

    Ward S., Kanata Ontario

  • Beautiful scenery, especially along the coast and on the descents to the coast; interesting medieval villages. moderately challenging rides, great support, great hotels and food. Loved Cadaques and Cap de Creus. I had a great time, seeing and experiencing Spain like I would not have on a normal trip.

    Paul L., Sebastopol
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