Catalan Coast & Mountain (Grade 1/2) Boutique Travel

Overview

Holiday Overview

Experience the remarkable diversity of Catalonia on this self-guided walking holiday, where you’ll journey through stunning coastal and mountainous terrain, discovering historical sites and staying in beautiful boutique hotels that seamlessly blend traditional and modern charm.

From the coast to the mountains, from the sea to the crags, you’ll traverse the “wild coast” with its miles of golden beaches and secluded coves, and venture inland through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve, where innumerable seabirds and songbirds have settled. As you follow stunning mountain trails, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea.

Discover Romanesque and Gothic buildings, savor the region’s renowned gastronomy, and wander through enchanting medieval villages. You can visit the ancient Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries, and explore the beautiful whitewashed coastal town of Cadaqués, home to the famous Salvador Dalí house museum.

After your daily adventures, unwind and relax in cozy boutique hotels, each with its own unique traditional charm and design.

Itinerary

Itinerary

7 Night Catalan Coast & Mountain Walking Holiday

Click here for our 5 night itinerary

Nights: 7

Grade: Easy/Moderate (Grade 1 & 2) (click here to see our walking grades)

Terrain: Coastal and mountain trails

1

Day 1 (Arrival)

Arrive at Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona) where you will be transferred to your accommodation on the side of the town L’Escala (1 hour private transfer with a local guide). About a 30 minutes walk away, the old center of the town of L’Escala still retains the character of a typical Spanish working town with its bustling narrow streets and good selection of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. There are two small, popular beaches in the old town that add to the overall charm and atmosphere of the area.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, L’Escala. Located right at the coast and with stunning sea-views, you will find it the perfect location for the start of your Catalan Adventure.

2

Day 2

Starting your first walk with a real highlight, you can visit the fascinating Greek and Roman ruins (pay locally). The ancient city was used by the Romans as their base for the invasion and dominance of the Iberian Peninsula. There are some excellent mosaics and other remains, most dating from 218BC onwards. Then it’s time to head onto the coastal trail, passing through the walled settlement of Sant Martí d’Empúries and walking along the southernmost part of the Bay of Roses, past several beaches where you could pause for a swim.

You will finally arrive at Sant Pere Pescador. St Pere is a scenic little world set in one of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean. Surrounded by areas of authentic natural beauty and bordered by the River Fluvià, Sant Pere keeps a perfect balance between land and sea, between the greens and yellows of its orchards and the blue and gold of the village’s extensive beaches.  Once you’ve explored the village, you will be transferred back to the accommodation near L’Escala to enjoy the evening in tranquility. 11.3 km (7.0 miles), 3 hrs walking time

Accommodation: Same as above.

3

Day 3

After a short transfer to Sant Pere Pescador in the morning, today’s walk takes you along the banks of the River Fluviá and then through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, dotted with hides. At any time of the year you are likely to spot birds such as Ibis, Herons, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, snipes, Redshanks, Marsh Harriers and Sandpipers, but if you are lucky you can make some exciting sightings during the spring and autumn migrations: Grey Herons, Golden Plovers, Flamingos, Black Storks and Spoonbills.

You will eventually arrive at Castello D’Empuries. Castello is a beautiful medieval village steeped in history. There are many historical buildings to visit; however the landmark of the village, visible from afar, is the Parish Church of Santa Maria which is often called the “Cathedral of the Empordà” because of its size and gothic influenced architecture. 15.6 km (9.7 miles), 3 hrs 30 min walking time

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Castello D’Empuriès. Neighboring the Basilica of Santa Maria, this hotel offers a very idyllic setting and fantastic views over the Empordà region. A plunge in the rooftop pool or a drink in their magical garden will be a perfect way to end your day here.

4

Day 4

Today after breakfast you will be transferred by one of our guides to the start of the rugged coastal walk to Cadaquès. You will head east along the coast following a spectacular coastal trail that is destined to fulfil every walker’s hopes and dreams. You will pass many secluded beaches and coves with ample opportunities for a dip in the crystal clear sea. Eventually you will cut inland through hillsides packed with tiers of old olive groves and finally onto the beautiful white-washed coastal town of Cadaqués.

Cadaqués was a favourite of both Picasso and Salvador Dalí where Salvador Dalí once famously said in 1920: “I have spent a delightful summer, as always, in the perfect and dreamy town of Cadaqués. There, alongside the Latin sea, I have been quenched by light and colour”. 15.9km (9.8 miles), 5 hrs 30 mins walking time

Note: Cadaqués is a great place for eating out; it has a great selection of places ranging from small Mediterranean family run restaurants, to fresh fish restaurants, pizza cafes and tapas bars. We would recommend you get stuck in to the seafood during your stay in Cadaqués- it’s always very fresh and delicious when washed down with a bottle of chilled Catalan white wine.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Cadaquès. Above the centre of Cadaqués sits this elegant and unique hotel with dreamlike views onto the town and the Mediterranean sea.

5

Day 5

On your free day in Cadaqués you could spend the day exploring the numerous small winding alleyways and a visit to the 17th century Parish Church should not be missed or perhaps a walk to Port Lligat and Salvador Dalí’s house (closed Mondays until mid-April and from mid-September; pay locally) would be in order. 3km (1.9 miles) 45 mins walking time 

You may want to walk to the Cap de Creus lighthouse, the most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula. The rocky outcrops are one of the most significant features of the Parc Natural, with its complicated and beautiful forms which often cause the visitor’s imagination to get carried away. One sees images of real or mythical animals in the area (lions, dragons, camels, eagles, cats, rats…), despite the fact that it is the wind and the sea, and not the Gods, which have gone on shaping the geological landscape right up to the present day. You could also eat lunch at the wonderful restaurant there, with spectacular views out over the peninsular  21.2 km (13.1 miles), 6 hrs walking time

Accommodation: As above

6

Day 6

Leaving Cadaqués behind you make your way north through the heart of the famous Cap de Creus national park. You will follow a deeply rural path with beautiful views of the Catalan interior before arriving in El Port de la Selva.

El Port de la Selva is outstanding for its varied landscapes, its beaches and its mountains. The first historic references to the settlement go back to 974, although it did not become a fully-fledged village until the 18th century, with the construction of its first church. The village retains the charm of a small fishing village and a great many monuments and historical buildings remain, such as the Taballera Dolmen, and the Serra de Rodes medieval site, made up of Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery, Sant Salvado Castle (13th century), Santa Elena Shrine, the village of Santa Creu and Sant Fruitós Church. The village also has some of Catalonia’s best beaches. 13.2 km (8.2 miles), 3 hrs 30 mins walking time

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, El Port de la Selva. The hotel is an old manor house from 1864 made with stones from the Cap de Creus. It’s been a hotel since 1960, was totally refurbished in 2005 and is just a few meters from the beach. It has two restaurants (one of them in front of the sea) and a panoramic lounge.

7

Day 7

Leaving El Port de la Selva behind you, travel South West ascending up to the Sant Pere de Rodes cloister (Open Oct 1st to May 31st 10am – 5.30pm, June 1st to Sept. 30th from 10am to 8pm, closed on Mondays). Its origins date back to the first century after Christ. Christian doctrine understands Sant Pere de Rodes as one of the most important Monasteries in Spain. You will then make your way up to the ruins of Castell de Sant Salvador, from here you will have a breathtaking view of the Alt Emporda, across to the Albera Mountains and far into the Pyrenees. You also have stunning views over the Bay of Roses and the entire Cap de Creus. You will then make your way down past the little white chapel of Sant Onofre and through the village of Palau Saverdera to finally the end of your journey at the last accommodation. 

Palau Saverdera is a small medieval village with a beautiful little church in the centre, there are a few local bars in the village to enjoy a well deserved drink at the end of the day. 17.8km (11.1 miles), 4 hrs 30 mins walking time

Accommodation: 4*Hotel, Palau Saverdera. The hotel, a beautifully restored 12th-century convent, is nestled amidst stunning olive groves and vineyards, making it the perfect spot to round off your Catalan experience.

8

Day 8 (Departure)

Pick up and transfer to Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling to Barcelona).

Prices and Availability

Prices 2024

Dates Price (2 people sharing a twin/double room) Single supplement Single supplement (2 + people)
1 Sep to 30 Sep €2880 €1818 €955
1 Oct to 21 Oct €2418 €1525 €800

Prices 2025

Dates Price (2 people sharing a twin/double room) Single supplement Single supplement (2 + people)
15 Mar to 11 Apr €2708 €1710 €987
12 Apr to 21 Apr €3102 €1955 €1025
22 Apr to 30 May €2980 €1878 €1013
31 May to 30 Jun €3225 €2032 €1065
1 Sep to 30 Sep €3110 €1959 €1026
1 Oct to 20 Oct €2708 €1710 €987

What your holiday includes

  • Arrival transfer from Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona)
  • Departure transfer to Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling to Barcelona)
  • Welcome meeting with a local English speaking guide
  • 24/7 local support
  • 7 nights’ accommodation in stylish boutique hotels
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Moving of luggage between accommodations
  • Detailed route notes and route maps
  • GPX files (if you would like to navigate the routes using your phone)
  • Personal information pack

Optional Extras

Transfers
  • Private transfer from or to Barcelona Airport/Centre: € 252, max. 8 people
Extra night(s) before or after the holiday in a 4* hotel in Girona Old Town
  • 2 people sharing a twin/double room: € 98 per person
  • 1 person in a double/twin room (solo occupancy): € 156 per person

Accommodations

NIGHTS 1-2

Hostal Empúries

L’Escala

Established in 1907 to host the first archaeologists exploring the nearby Greek and Roman ruins, the hotel blends rich history with modern comforts. Overlooking the Mediterranean from a secluded cove, it is the first hotel in Europe to achieve LEED Gold certification, offering sustainable luxury at the highest standard. –
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NIGHT 3

Hotel Palau Machelli

Castelló d’Empúries

Located in the heart of the village, just beside the Basilica of Santa Maria, the hotel offers a serene and elegant atmosphere. With its exclusive rooftop swimming pool and enchanting garden overlooking the foothills of the Alt Empordá region, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy your stay. –
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NIGHTS 4-5

Hotel Villa Gala

Cadaqués

Villa Gala exudes elegance and luxurious privacy, offering a unique blend of Mediterranean inspiration and decor in soothing white and blue tones which are characteristic for this region. With wellness-focused terraces and a stunning pool overlooking the sea, the hotel provides a serene retreat directly across from the iconic Church of Santa Maria. –
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NIGHT 6

Hotel Spa Porto Cristo

El Port de la Selva

Situated just a block from the sandy beach, this mid-19th century Empire-style building has been tastefully transformed into a hotel with all desirable amenities, complemented by spa services and massage treatments. –
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NIGHT 7

Boutique Hotel Mas Lazuli

Pau

The Finca, a beautifully restored 12th-century convent nestled on a 12-hectare estate, offers a tranquil setting surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Its blend of contemporary design and historic charm provides for pleasant moments to conclude your holiday. –
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Travel Options

Arrival

 

From Girona

  • Airport: There are regular flights from many European cities to Girona airport, the closest airport for this holiday, most of which are operated by Ryanair & Jet2.
  • City Center: If you are staying in Girona before the start of the holiday we can collect you from your accommodation.

The transfer from Girona to your first accommodation takes approx. 1 hour.

From Barcelona

  • Barcelona Airport: There is a wider choice of airlines flying into Barcelona see here. You would take the airport train to Barcelona-Sants (Estació Sants) from the airport (Terminal 2); they leave every 30 mins and take approx. 20 minutes, see info here.  If you arrive at Terminal 1, you can take one of the free shuttle buses to Terminal 2 and catch the airport train to Barcelona-Sants from there. Tickets can be purchased locally at the train station.
    (continue with the description from City Centre)
  • City Centre: From the station Barcelona-Sants the fastest and easiest way is to take the AVANT/AVE high-speed train to Figueres-Vilafant, there are approx. 9 trains a day that take about 55 minutes and cost approx. 20-25 Euros. Tickets can be booked here.
    You can also take the local train to Figueres which takes about 2 hours, tickets for these trains can only be purchased locally in Barcelona-Sants station.

From Figueres or Figueres-Vilafant we provide the arrival transfer to your first accommodation which takes approx. 1 hour.

You also have the choice to book the optional private transfer from Barcelona Airport / Centre, you can find it here.

From France

  • High-speed train: If you’re travelling by high-speed-train from or via France, you want to book your ticket to Figueres-Vilafant train station (trains run through to Spain). Tickets can be booked here.

From Figueres-Vilafant we provide the arrival transfer to your first accommodation which takes approx. 1 hour.

From Figueres

  • Center: If you’re staying in Figueres before the start of your holiday, we can collect you from your accommodation there.

 

Departure

 

To Girona

Your departure transfer to Girona centre or Girona Airport is included in this tour.

To Barcelona / France

Your departure transfer to Figueres-Vilafant train station is included in this tour. You can book train tickets to your destination here.

Location

FAQs

Why choose Catalan Adventures?

At Catalan Adventures, our experienced, locally based team is dedicated to offering you a truly authentic Catalan experience. Every holiday/tour includes a personal welcome meeting and round-the-clock support throughout your trip. Our mission is to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

What is a self-guided holiday?

A “self-guided holiday” gives you the freedom to start your holiday any day you want and travel along a trail at you own speed with all the tools and information you need to make it a great adventure. All your needs are taken care of, so all you have to do is focus on enjoying every moment, taking in the rich culture, history and spectacular scenery this region of Spain has to offer.

What is included in this tour?

This holiday includes:

  • Arrival transfer from Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona)
  • Departure transfer to Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling to Barcelona)
  • Welcome meeting with local English speaking guide
  • 24/7 local support
  • 7 nights’ accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Moving of luggage between accommodations
  • Detailed route notes and route maps
  • GPX files (if you would like to navigate the routes using your phone)
  • Personal information pack

How does the luggage transport service work?

We think that travelling light is key to ensuring a really enjoyable and relaxing time. So put your camera, binoculars and bits and pieces in a day rucksack and leave all the heavy stuff to us.

Every morning we’ll pick up your bags containing anything you don’t need for your day. By late afternoon, we’ll have them waiting for you at your next evening’s accommodation.

When and where can I start this tour?

You can find our availability here. Within these dates you can start your tour at any day you want (subject to accommodation availability).

We provide arrival transfers from Figueres (Center or Figueres-Vilafant train station) and Girona (Center or Airport). If you are staying in between this area before, we might also be able to pick you up from your location there, please contact us to organize it for you.

If you are arriving through Barcelona Airport, you can take the high-speed train to Figueres-Vilafant, it is only a 50-minute train ride away. Same counts for coming from or through Perpignan. Tickets can be booked via: https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us

Where do I stay?

Accommodations are individual local boutique hotels that provide all the amenities you’d expect from a 4-star experience. Each property is distinguished by its tastefully designed spaces and tranquil and natural atmosphere. For more detailed information, please click here.

What are the grades of the walks?

On this holiday walk 1 and 2 are easy (grade 1) and walk 3, 4, 5 and the optional walk out to the Cap de Creus on your free day in Cadaquès are moderate (grade 2).

To see our walking grades, please click here. You can also find a detailed description and walk specifications here.

Note: There is the possibility to modify walk 3, 5 to make them easier walks.

What happens if I don't want to walk one day?

If you don’t want to walk one day, you can check with us if you can travel with the luggage. If the luggage vehicle is already full, you can arrange a taxi at the accommodation to take you to the next town (pay locally).

Can I adjust the itinerary to my travel needs?

Yes, we would be happy to tailor this tour to your needs, be it to add or remove nights or change accommodations upon your request. Please contact us and let us know the changes you’d like to make.

How do I depart?

We provide the departure transfer to Figueres (Center or Figueres-Vilafant train station) and Girona (Center or Airport). If you continue to stay within the area after your tour, we might be able to bring you to your next location, please contact us to organize it for you.

If you will be leaving to Barcelona or Perpignan / France, you would probably use the high-speed train from Figueres-Vilafant train station. Tickets can be booked via: https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us

Couldn’t find what you’re looking for, then have a look at our general FAQs or Contact Us.

Feedback from our Customers:

Leslie and Rob Keeney
2024-04-02 13:27:51
We loved every minute of this journey! Each accommodation offered daily surprises from stunning views, convenient locations, superb breakfasts and even an excellent lunch and two evening meals. The area is rich with centuries of history and we loved being immersed in it. The walking was varied and very manageable. We will highly recommend to our friends!
David Tsang
2023-10-30 09:23:10
Fantastic holiday with Catalan Adventure walking the Coast and Mountain trails. The walks varied from walking through farmland, nature reserves, wetlands (take mossie spray), scenic coastal paths and scrambling over rocks abd boulders up hills to get to the top. Breathtaking views around each corner and notes were very easy to follow either on your phone or paper. A varied selection of hotels and towns which made it all the more interesting. You definitely would never visit these small towns unlkess you were on foot. Food was lovely and we enjoyed the home cooked food at Miguel and Anna's home in Sant Pere Pescador. If you do stay there make sure you order a packed lunch.......there was so much stuff in there we were still eating bits on our flight home :-) Well done Catalan Adventures
Jamilah Meghji
2023-10-28 10:33:07
Dear Steve and Maria, just a quick thank you for our trip in Catalonia. We had a great week - the walks were beautiful and just the right level for us, hotels were lovely, and the organisation fantastic. Thanks also for being so helpful with the planning, and flexible with pick ups and plans along the way. We felt in very good hands and would warmly recommend Catalan Adventures to friends and family. Thank you! Jamilah, Amelie and Jo
Leigh Ann and Andrew Morse
2023-10-05 15:06:05
We just completed a walking tour with Catalan Adventures. We arrived in Sant Pere Pescador and were greeted by Maria who patiently explained our itinerary and answered all of our questions. The hiking directions were complete and thorough. The hotels were clean, comfortable and in perfect locations and finding a restaurant for dinner was easy. We were reminded that for certain hikes to take extra water and lunch and that advice was very helpful. We skipped the rest day in Cadeques. Don't do it! Stay the extra night and enjoy the town and visit the Dali museum. Overall, outstanding trip for five adults in their 50's and 60's. Hiking poles not necessary but helpful, day packs for water and food and pace yourself. The scenery is stunning, accommodations delightful, all transfers flawless and locals patient and friendly. Overall an outstanding trip that was well organized. We can't say enough good things about Catalan Adventures. Thanks Steve and Maria.
Fiona and Tess
2023-06-02 13:16:21
My daughter and I enjoyed our wonderful walking holiday adventure in the Costa Brava. We found it exhilarating, challenging and exhausting, but all in a good way. The views were spectacular, the people very friendly and the food was amazing. The information packages were thorough and clear and the photos accompanying the route descriptions were enormously helpful. We were thrilled to feel as if someone was holding our hands and helping us stay on track, literally. Some of the climbing and descending was a little challenging, but such a feeling of accomplishment at the end of each day that we had done it! The towns and bays were beautiful and restful. The accommodations, while not all consistent, were very good and we always felt that the hotel staff were very helpful and kind. Thanks so much to Des for his welcome, great driving and explanation of all the information.
Eliane
2023-05-23 19:30:08
had a great experience with Catalan Adventures and loved the self-guided hiking trip around Costa Brava and Cap de Creus! I very much enjoyed hiking this section of the Cami de Ronda trail and other trails in that area which were well maintained and clearly marked. The organizors Maria and Steve were very kind and responsive in their communication, and helpful both before and during the trip. The luggage transfers went smooth and my luggage always was waiting for me at the next hotel when I arrived. The hotels were all great choices, spotless clean and came with a big delicious breakfast. The maps and information provided were clear and even had helpful tips ranging from food to culture and language, and included info on the history of the towns that were passed on the trail. I highly recommend this trip and would definitely book again!
Joop Delahaye/Nancy Schwartz
2023-05-20 19:13:46
We loved our 5 day Coast and Mountains Tour in Catalanya. Steve and Maria were wonderful. Warm and highly organized. Super clear materials to guide each day’s walk and fantastic accommodations at the end of each day. A definite 5 star experience!!
Julian Clark
2023-05-18 23:10:24
Thanks for organizing a wonderful walking adventure along the Costa Brava! The terrain was amazing, which you can't take credit for. But your attention to detail, your prep package and walking notes, the hotels you booked us in and the way the trip flowed were all outstanding. And that you can most certainly take credit for! Thanks Steve!
Iain Bell
2023-05-17 20:25:20
Well organized trip with excellent guide notes and gps tracking. Good hotels and fine food
Nicola rolfe
2023-05-12 11:13:59
We had the most lovely time! All of the walking and general information was spot on and really helpful. Logistics were great and we certainly benefited from the restaurant recommendations. Maria and team provided a really good overall service. Walking nice and varied and the stops along the way will worth it. Hotels generally of a very nice standard. All in all a perfect little break. We would definitely recommend Catalan adventures to anybody who asked!
Nicolle Levine
2023-05-10 09:59:25
Great organisation - everything ran smoothly from being met in at the airport, luggage transfers, hotel bookings and mid week transfer. Maria and Steve were very responsive and helpful. Route maps were excellent and photos helped at tricky turns. Never took a wrong turn. Range of accommodation from farm house to spa hotel added fun to the end of the day and the locations we stayed in were really pretty. Would definitely recommend Catalan Adventures.
Debbie and Michelle
2023-04-23 17:40:17
Hi Steve and Maria, firstly a massive thank you for an amazing adventure. The walking was amazing with spectacular views around every turn. The walking notes were excellent and along with the photos ensured we never got lost! The hotels were all very good and welcoming. It was a shame the forest fire at Cerbere stopped us from completing that leg of the trip but your prompt organisation saved the day and we managed to have a wonderful afternoon in Banyuls-sur-Mer. Overall this was a 5 start adventure for my sister and I made very easy by all your carefully planning of the routes and hotels. THANK YOU
Melissa Thompson
2023-04-21 20:07:40
Our group of 4 women friends had a spectacular trip, thank you! We really enjoyed the variety of walks on the Costa Brava trip. Walks 1, 3, and 5 were out of this world. The choice of accommodations and restaurant recs were terrific - we especially loved the homey quirkiness of of Mas de Joncar, the stunning rooftop breakfast at Hotel Canet, and the last AMAZING hotel in Palau (!!!). Port de la Selva was the only town where we had trouble finding a restaurant open for dinner (there was one, but only one, since we were there early in the season). Highly recommend El Ratpenat in St Pere Pescador and La Sirena in Cadaques. We had some very minor issues with the walk directions on Walk 2 and Walk 4 (we were so used to following the grand route markers by that point that we stopped looking at the paper directions), but having the GPS tracking app was a great way to double check where we were. Thanks to Maria for the outstanding level of communication, and to all of you for the seamless, worry-free, active vacation. I wish all holidays were this fun and easy! Not having to make any decisions except for where to have a fabulous dinner made for an exquisitely relaxing time.
Luisa
2023-04-02 06:13:09
Absolutely LOVED our hike along the Costa Brava. We ate so well (given I'm celiac and my friend is vegan) thanks to Steve and Maria sorting out restaurants and recommendations on where to eat how to eat (vegetable paella for the win!) The accommodation was great and comfy, and my god the hikes were stunning, particularly days 3-6. We went mid March which was good timing as things were only just starting to open for the season. Cannot wait for our next adventure!
Eva
2023-03-28 08:17:18
Thank you Maria and Steve for making our holiday such a great experience. To everyone looking for a walking holiday: look no further! Beautiful trail through very diverse landscapes. The journey is very well organised and Maria and Steve are very friendly and responsive. The luggage transfer worked flawless. The hotels are well selected from authentic family run to beautiful boutique hotel. The GPX was very helpful but also very detailed notes are provided. Would highly recommend!
Peter and Lisa
2023-03-02 02:35:52
My wife and I walked the “Catalan Coast and Mountain” tour in October 2022. I would highly recommend this tour. Steve and Maria are wonderful hosts. Great communication pre-trip, a very helpful in person orientation before you set out, and lots of tips on dining and sightseeing that were all spot on. The best part of this trip is the diversity of the walks and places to stop and visit along the way: Greek and Roman ruins near the beach, a wildlife reserve in marshland, a medieval hill town, stunning Cadaques on the water, a monastery high in the hills, serene walking with breathtaking coastal views, and much more. We are 60, and we found all the walks very do-able, with gas in the tank at the end of the day to enjoy the sights at the destination. One day we were tired, and easily took a taxi for 20 Euros to shorten the walk a bit and give more time to explore the sights. We enjoyed the tour so much we are booking a second trip with Steve and Maria for Spring 2023.
Caroline and Jon
2023-02-21 05:20:02
Hi Steve/Maria. We are extraordinarily late in submitting a review for our trip this past October, but did want to get one to you! See below. Thanks again for all of your assistance. We had a grand time. Cheers, Jon and Caroline McClurg We did the Catalan Coast and Mountain trip in late October, and were lucky with the weather (which ranged from cool to surprisingly hot, but it was an unusually warm Fall). We enjoyed everything about the trip, from the support to the route and hotels. We opted for the supplement for the Hotel Llane Petit in Cadaques and were glad we did (nice hotel a little out of the fray, but easily walkable to the center). Steve and Maria provided all the support needed, and were entertaining on the transfers. Walking distances and difficulties were fine for a beginner to intermediate walker with decent fitness. This was the first trip for one of us following two knee replacements about a year prior. Poles were useful on some of the segments with climbing/descending (especially the last day, but what a beautiful hike that was!), but mostly it was fairly easy walking. We opted for a mix of local and higher-end restaurants, and enjoyed the food and hospitality immensely. Steve and Maria paid attention to the openings/closings of restaurants at this late time in the season, and were helpful in finding good places to eat in each location (some restaurants were beginning to close for the season, or have limited hours). Overall a great trip -- we would easily do it or a variation again.
Susan Robson
2022-10-03 20:23:23
We had a great week in Catalonia on the Catalan Coast & Village Tour. All was fantastic, really appreciated the transfers from Figures and then back to Girona. Great cycle routes through lovely varied countryside with apple orchards, vineyards, nature reserves, lovely beaches and attractive villages. Seamlessly organised.
Ian and Claire
2022-10-02 12:38:23
Thank you Steve and Maria for a fantastic walking holiday along the coast and into the mountains. What a treat having your luggage transferred for us. We enjoyed the independence of being self-guided and free to go at our own pace. The Catalan Coast and Mountain routes had good variety going from flatter coastal walking through to a real mountain day to climb back over to the bay of Roses. The hotels were all of a good standard and comfortable. Particularly loved the sea view from our balcony in Cadaques; the three course dinner cooked by the owner of Mas del Joncar (Sant Pere Pescador) sitting on the terrace; and the stunning views at breakfast from the roof terrace of Hotel Canet (Castello d’Empuries). Thanks for the tip on bringing hiking poles – will be using them from now on! Finished the holiday in the ancient quarter of Girona – what a fabulous location.
Todd
2022-09-28 21:52:16
Just an unbelievable trip with Catalan adventures walking the Costa Brava. The pictures and descriptions don't do it justice. It's such a well designed route, the accommodations were great, and Steve and Maria were fantastic as well. Don't hesitate!
Jane
2022-09-24 13:03:00
What a lovely week! We walked from l’Escala to Palau Saverdera. The whole itinerary was so well planned – varying lengths of walks and terrain, glorious views, interesting stops and suggestions along the way and routes that were easy to follow with accurate instructions. The hotels and villages all differed from each other, each had their own appeal and were a treat to discover at the end of a day’s walking. Steve and Maria’s expert local knowledge was extremely helpful, especially suggestions for our travel arrangements and a few extra nights. It was rather hot when we went (early September) but there were plenty of opportunities for cooling off with a swim in a pool or a dip in the sea! It was the first time we have done a holiday like this and would love to do it all again!
Catriona
2022-07-17 14:54:25
Thank you Steve and Maria for a wonderful holiday in Catalonia. From booking to final drop off at the train station everything was taken care of so smoothly. Thank you for assisting us change our itinerary when temperatures were too hot …. we had not anticipated a heatwave! Everything was taken care of with such ease and both of you were so kind and helpful. Thank you for introducing us to a new and magical part of Spain, the itinerary and choice of hotels highlighted the hidden gems of Catalonia. We 100% recommend this walking holiday and region of Spain - a memorable experience from start to finish. Thank you.
Helena Kumlin
2022-07-05 17:28:52
Helena and Jukka, from Cadaqués to Collioure, June-July 2022 Thanks again Steve and Maria. This summer we made the second walking by your company and once again we were really satisfied for all the details; communicating with Steve before the trip and Maria’s briefing in Cadaqués. Every hotel was different from each other, some of them had a beautiful sea view. The route was magnificent and variable. It vas hot in this time of the year, but we enjoyed the challenges of every day. We were so winners every afternoon when we came to the destination of the day!
Nancy Leclerc-Davidson
2022-06-02 00:22:12
In April 2022, we went on a walking/hiking tour of Catalonia. Maria and Steve were our local guides. They took such good care of us. From the first to the last day, they made sure we had transportation as needed, and never failed to have our luggage at our destination when we arrived. They were both so friendly and helpful. The hike directions were thorough and essential to our successful completion of each day's hike. We even hiked on the optional hiking day. We enjoyed our conversations with both Steve and Maria as they drove us to our destinations. The local information packets they provided were very helpful as well. We highly recommend booking a tour with this company. You can expect a quality experience provided by knowledgeable, helpful and friendly guides.
Erica & Nick
2022-02-27 11:01:09
Thank you for a wonderful week of walking in some sunshine in February! We loved the amazing variety of experiences you've put together and the beautiful routes along the coast and through the hills. The trip notes were excellent and your support during the trip was really well organized and warmly personal. We felt we were in good hands at all times. Thank you especially for your flexibility in helping us (mostly) dodge the tramontana winds, and for sharing your insights about both historic and modern Catalonia.
Janet and Glenn
2022-01-28 16:53:17
Steve and Maria...The memories of walking from L'Escala to Collioure in October are sustaining us through our Canadian winter. The walk was perfect and we would recommend without any hesitation. From the beginning, communication was prompt and thorough and we are grateful for the efforts you made during the initial covid crisis to keep our booking as well as your willingness to provide a combined walk that was a little longer for us. The walking notes were detailed and the photos were an added touch to confirm direction. We did use the gps as well, but only because we had the technology. You are the 3rd company we have walked with in Spain and your notes were the best! The routes themselves were beautiful with a good mix of scenery, history, easy sections and challenges. We are having a difficult time narrowing down the collection of photos! The best potata bravas were in a little bar when we initially walked into Sant Pete Pescador (and we have eaten a lot of them!). The walk up to Sant Pere de Rodes was special as it was an overcast day and you could just imagine it in all its medieval glory. The time of year was a great time to walk, and even though the water was too cold to swim, the beaches were amazing. Accommodation were some of the best we have had on our walks in Spain and there were no problems with anything. Hotel Le Catalan was a real treat. The front desk was very welcoming, complete with the suggestion we use the big jacuzzi pool after our long walk. So after all that waiting it was well worth it. A big thanks for providing this kind of opportunity to satisfy our retirement wanderlust.
Georgia and Ian Silk
2021-10-12 15:14:29
Steve, just a note to say many thanks for making it a memorable walking trip for us this October to the wonderful Cap de Cadaques and environs. First of all, thank you for all your patience through all the various deferrals that we had to make due to Covid - each time that will have involved you in further work, and yet your email responses were endlessly courteous and responsive. Once we finally made it to Spain we appreciated your personal touch in terms of Arrival rendezvous at the airport/briefing, Day 3 moving us to the Bay of Roses and final dropping us off in Girona. The personal connection and availability would I imagine be a huge plus point for potential customers looking for ready possible assistance 'on the ground'. For the walks themselves, there was a good variety with I think our highlight being the coastal path to Cadaques. Walking poles were helpful on the fairly rocky descent into el Port de Selva and the walk up to and down from the Monastery. We used both the app and the notes that you provided simultaneously and found them both to be excellent. The hotel choices were great, as were the restaurant and activity suggestions; definitely recommend the ruins at Empurias and also Dali's house. Luggage transfers and easy checking in/outs worked seamlessly. In summary, we had a super time and would heartily recommend making the trip with Catalan Adventures.
Roslyn and Rich Owen
2021-09-28 13:54:53
This company and its owners Steve and Maria are simply the best. From transport, directions, information and everything in between, they made our hiking trip fantastic. In these challenging times, they were available 24/7 and truly made us feel like we never had to worry about anything. We highly recommend Catalan Adventures!
Maya and Julia
2021-09-26 20:16:16
We had a fantastic holiday with Catalan Adventures. The routes are beautiful, combining sea, mountains, and pleasant towns; the combination of detailed notes and GPS maps works very well; the hotels are nice — a bit of a treat in the evening when we arrived tired from the day’s walking. Steve was always there at the end of the line, and helped us through various small difficulties we had to deal with, including getting a new Covid test for flying back when our original plans fell through. We felt very well looked after. Thank you, Steve and Maria!
Ian and Linh
2021-09-22 03:33:12
Hi Steve, Um how to write a review? I'll avoid gushing about the scenery and the weather excellent as they were and keep it simple. What a well organised and enjoyable holiday. From first contact good communication along with promises met. All arrangements worked, all pickups on time, baggage waiting for us at the end of every day. Navigation notes good and guidance from an app using the supplied files very effective. Most importantly very enjoyable holiday and we'd certainly book with Catalan again if returning to the area.
Karen and Stuart
2021-09-16 18:15:30
We have just returned from a weeks holiday walking the ‘Coasts and mountains of the Catalan coast’. We booked the trip with Steve and Maria at ‘Catalan Adventures’ and cannot praise them enough. Everything was so well organised. The instructions we were given for each walk were comprehensive and very detailed and pointed out places of interest along the way. There was also lots of fantastic scenery along the way. The hotels we stayed in at the end of each walk were all lovely, very clean with friendly hosts. We had planned to stay in Girona city for a couple of days at the end of the walking trip but changed our minds and Steve and Maria recommended a fantastic hotel in Calella de Parafrugell and went out of their way to help us get to our final destination. Would thoroughly recommend Catalan Adventures to any one.
Van Nouhuys, Karen
2021-09-11 17:46:18
We recently completed the self-guided Catalan Coast & Mountain trip with Catalan Adventures. The trip was fantastic. Steve is outstanding. We have done many of these type of trips over the last several years and Catalan Adventures was a stand out in many ways. The accomodations were fabulous and the hikes were great. Every detail of our trip was laid out meticulously. The hikes were mapped out to such a high level of detail it made it so easy and we were able to focus on the hike and not just the directions. Also given the current COVID situation, Steve was extremely helpful in assisting us to figure out how to get tested to get back to the USA. I would recommend Catalan Adventures in a heart beat. The service and level of detail they go to is exceptional. We will definitely consider doing another trip with them. Thanks for a wonderful trip! Karen and Kirk
Brian Biart
2020-07-27 07:26:05
Hi Steve and Maria, Thanks for a great week. Your Catalan Coast and Mountain holiday did everything it said it would on the tin and then some! Your personal touch is a stand-out differentiator compared to similar holidays we have done. This was our first ‘new normal’ adventure. Airport and flight protocols didn’t seem to cause any great problems. I would encourage anyone to make sure their mask is comfortable for a long period; mine at first steamed my glasses up, but once sorted I forgot it was on and before I knew it we were landing. The situation in Catalonia was changing quite fast both before and during our visit, so having your local knowledge of how it would really work was most reassuring. Rules in the restaurants seemed pretty standard (mask off while seated) and had no negative effect. The hotels seemed to interpret the breakfast buffet protocol in different ways (self-service, self-service with disposable gloves, choose from list and served, ‘what would you like?’ and served). We only had one Basil Fawlty moment (25 mins to get second cup of coffee, my fault because I should have put my hand up!), but then the staff are also learning to cope with a new system. It was surprising how quickly we adapted. The walks were great. I read through your description over breakfast, but found the GPX file was easier to follow when walking. We especially enjoyed the last two days. I was wishing we could stay for a second week.
Debra
2020-02-23 21:02:11
We just completed the Catalan Coast and Mountain week-long self-guided walking tour with Catalan Adventures. February was perfect in the off-season! Steve & Maria are outstanding! From the first time we contacted them for trip information, through planning, receiving information, and then during the trip, their attention to detail, communication, and support were impeccable. I recommend them without hesitation, and look forward to using them again! They are truly local, well-established, knowledgeable, and most importantly dedicated to ensuring our excursion was well-planned and enjoyable. We are experienced with prior self-guided walking tours - and have been taking them for 4 years. Their itinerary was absolutely gorgeous, varied, and their trip maps and notes were first-rate! The accommodations were just right, and prior to setting off, their trip briefing was spot on! This has been one of our all-time favorite trips! They were readily available to answer any questions we had, and were always on-time for planned pick-ups. You simply cannot go wrong to both select a hiking trip on the Catalan Coast and to book it through Steve & Maria.
Tom & Maggy Donofrio
2019-10-05 14:31:52
Just finished the Catalan Coast & Mountain - 7 day. True to its title - was a perfect combo of sea-side and mountain walks and vistas. Stunningly beautiful region and towns. Maria and Steve were absolutely top notch. Very professional, easy to talk to, full of local information and never felt rushed or pushy. They were very interested in our experiences and feedback on restaurants/accomodations - clearly wanting to continually update their resources. The amount of detail in the trail instructions/pictures and maps was perfect. I would highly recommend working with them directly and should we return to Catalunya - absolutely consider some of their other walks. Thanks for making it a special trip!
Andy and Jen Dunn
2019-10-04 13:10:50
Just wanted to thank you again for an excellent holiday recently walking in Catalonia. Everything about it was a delight - well-planned routes, comfortable accommodation, helpful information and support. Returned home feeling relaxed and satisfied! But we'll be back!
Traudl Brendler
2019-05-08 13:21:52
My husband and I went on the 5 day Self-Guided Catalan Coast and Village Cycling Holiday. It was our third cycling holiday and the second in Catalonia. This holiday, organised by Steve and Maria, was the best so far. The booking process was easy with good communication. Steve picked us up from Girona airport, so no hassle with car hire or public transport. Our first hotel in Palau Saverdera was a very nice boutique hotel with a bright breakfast room, a library, sun terrace and a lot of little extras from conditioner to tea/coffee in the room. Steve explained the routes in detail, gave us reading material about the region, advice on where we could go for a meal in the evening, and even a pack with Spanish vocabulary. After an excellent breakfast the next day, we started our first route. The bicycles Catalan Adventures provided were really good; I was especially pleased at how easy changing gears was. Most impressive was the level of detail in Steve´s directions. On our last cycle holiday, we had missed turns on a regular basis, but this time there was no chance of going wrong. We finished the day with a visit to the village cooperative. They sell wine and port from barrels, as well as olive oil, olives, sausages and more. We opted for sangria, which we enjoyed on our private little balcony, before heading off to dinner. The following day, Maria transferred our luggage to the next hotel, while we were cycling through Aiguamolls Natural Park, watching flamingos. I especially liked our third route. I often had to stop just to look at the beautiful landscape and take in the colourful display of flowers and wild herbs. Our last tour, with a visit to Empúries, came far too soon and the next day Maria picked us up and drove us to Girona. We had a wonderful and well-organised holiday. Thanks Maria and Steve.
Johan and Karin
2018-10-18 09:31:53
My husband and I have just returned from the most wonderful experience in Catalonia!! We will go back tomorrow! Thank you very much to Steve and Maria for being so very helpful and friendly, from all the arrangements prior to the trip, fetching us, transporting luggage between towns, very well written directions and awesome restaurant suggestions!!! The chosen towns were delightful, the accommodation really really good and very comfortable. The whole trip and experience really exceeded our expectations! There are so many highlight that we brought back home, from the stunning views, to the interesting locals and lovely local wines, wonderful eating experiences etc etc...If we must mention one of the many highlights it should definately be the evening at Casa Anita in Cadaques...was the most special evening with a very charming host!!!!! There are so many awesome memories we brought back home! Well done to Steve and Maria, you are doing an excellent job and we really wish you all of the best with your business!!
Al Walker
2018-05-24 14:06:09
We recently completed the wonderful Catalan Coast & Mountain seven day, self-guided tour. Steve and Maria are amazing. We had a total of thirty-four walkers split into two groups of seventeen. The routes, accommodations, people… were great. The trip included beaches and hills and ended in a farming community. Given the time of year (May) we saw many wild flowers which painted the path with color. A highlight was walking through a birding area and seeing a number of nesting storks. In addition to a variety of birds, we also visited with horses and cows along the way. The route directions provided by Steve were very clear. Steve went above and beyond by helping us coordinate a group dinner for all thirty-four in Cadaqués where our two groups had an overlap day. Luggage transfer was handled without incident. Catalan Adventures even coordinated bus transfer to and from Barcelona. This was the fourth year in a row that our USA walking group sponsored a European based walking tour and it has been rated by participants as “best ever.” We are going to have a hard time topping our Catalonia tour with a new one in 2019. Al Walker, FreeWalkers
Al Haas
2018-05-03 14:55:58
My wife and I just finished a five day hiking tour with Catalan Adventures and it was all we’d hoped for and more. The hiking was spectacular. We enjoyed most of the accommodations and where we stayed, especially the very small ones run by families. Steve and Maria were extremely helpful with their directions and restaurant recommendations. Steve drove us a good bit out of his way at the end of the tour to our next night's accommodation. It was one of the best travel experiences my wife and I have ever had,
Nic Owen
2018-05-02 19:39:08
We had a really great time walking with the family on the Catalan coastal walk. Beautiful scenery, flora and fauna, quaint and quirky towns, great food and characterful hotels and hostels. Thank you Maria and Steve! Nic Owen Amsterdam
Alayne Mannion
2017-10-24 14:38:43
September 2017 We had a fabulous time on the 7 day Catalan Coast and Mountain walk and can highly recommend it. Steve and Maria were extremely helpful all along the way - both in the planning stages and on the ground when we were in Spain. This was our second walking holiday and it met all our expectations again. A very beautiful part of the world, and the route notes were very comprehensive and easy to follow. A memorable trip. Hotels & Hostals were all very comfortable and clean. We had some fantastic meals out as well along the way and I would highly recommend going "local" when in these little villages as we found some absolute gems.
Joy and Larry
2017-08-06 03:07:09
We did the 7 day Catalan and coast walk, what a great adventure and achievement ! Steve was very easy to deal with in our planning stages and Maria was very friendly and informative with great local advice. The whole experience was very well managed by them. The walk itself was very rewarding, so picturesque, challenging and memorable and something we will always cherish. The directions provided were very accurate with regular markers giving much appreciated reassurance , the places we stayed in were beautiful and the breakfasts were all authentic and big ! The accommodations were diverse and showcased Catalonia as the locals experience it, particularly with Miguel at his farm stay. Due to baggage restrictions we trekked in runners and had no issues but the tracks demand constant care with lots of loose shale etc, maybe packing ankle supports would be a good idea if space is at a premium. All in all it was a wonderful first "walk" for us.
Lindy Stone
2017-07-06 20:37:56
What a fantastic trip you arranged for us - thank you so much, Steve! For those of you currently considering one of Catalan Adventures' options, you can have every confidence that the trip will be well organised, well supported - and fun! Communication was excellent both from the UK and whilst in Spain, and my friend and I, as novices at self guided walking, felt 100% safe on our Coast & Mountain walk. The detailed walk notes were clear and thorough, the routes were varied, all really scenic, and the accommodation was just great. We had been expecting more simple rooms but all had air-con with good bathrooms and three of the six were delightful small traditional hotels ( don't let the word 'Hostal' fool you!) with welcoming and helpful reception staff and tasty meals. The two bigger hotels were fine too. It was unexpectedly hot when we were walking (32+) but sea or hill breezes kept it manageable and the knowledge of comfortable rooms at the end of the walk kept us going over the last couple of km. We loved walking from hotel to hotel with just our day packs (incl swimsuits on some days!) and felt a real sense of achievement. This is a holiday to remember - and an adventure to repeat!
Denis & Jo Weis
2017-04-13 00:57:08
We had a wonderful time walking the Brava Coast. The hotels were at least 3 stars. The breakfast buffets were set up in elegant settings with many varieties of fruit, breads, meats, eggs, cereals, plus each place the staff offered to make omelettes of our choice. We often chose to have dinner in the host hotel due to tempting options. We found the marked trail systems amazing. One day we got almost lost but happened on local people who were very helpful. The Brava Coast is stunning - beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, endless stone walk ways with steps and tunnels. One rainy day we were able to ride to the next village with the driver who transported our luggage. I would recommend this trip to anyone who values off the beaten track trails, rural landscapes and a gorgeous coast. We are 76 years of age and this is our first time in Spain. We will return.
Paul and Lisa Leisegang
2016-08-22 12:33:51
We completed a customised 7 day self guided Catalan Coast and Mountain walking tour in July 2016. We are a family of 4 and needed to cater for the age and interest range of our family. It was a wonderful way to experience the Catalan coast which included art, culture, cuisine and nature and was one of the best holidays we have had for a long time. The accommodation was great and varied and the route was very well set out in the walking notes, we did not get lost once! Thanks Steve and Maria for the flexibility of customising our own programme and the excellent planning and support.
The Keene Family
2016-08-14 14:32:43
We are a family of 4, boys aged 9 and 12, and we have just returned from the Catalan Multi-Activity Family holiday and it was the best family holiday we have ever been on! It had everything you could wish for and a whole lot more. There was stunning scenery, thrills and excitement every day, a fantastic selection of activities and challenges for all the family. Maria and Steve were so helpful and couldn't have done enough for us. The guide from Vertical emotions was extremely professional, attentive and safety conscious and made the river trekking, Via Ferrata and Canyoning activities unbelievably fun to do. The guide from SK Kayaking made the sea kayaking so much more than what you might expect from this activity, an amazing experience. Would thoroughly recommend this holiday.
Grant and Cheryl Watson
2016-07-31 05:44:55
We did 8 day cycle tour and it was amazing. The instructions were easy to follow and with 2 cycle computers it worked a treat - never got lost even though a couple of photos could do with updating as signs or trees have changed. Niu del Sol and Mas Joncar were lovely and it was great staying 3 nights at latter, with the pool and getting to know other guests over dinner. Miguel and Anna are lovely and the food and wine are great. We had the room with the huge terrace upstairs. We upgraded to the waterfront hotel in Cadaques Llana Petite and that was great being able to sit on the terrace and walk across the beach to the sea. Did the (non) sailing boat trip to the Cap which was great, and the walk to Port Ligat and the Dali house. Thoroughly recommend this trip.!!!!!!! Thanks Steve and all the best.
Monique Ischi
2016-07-02 15:36:07
Dear Steve and Maria, All of us in our large group of 8 want to thank you very much for taking such good care of us during our 7 day self-guided walking hike. We enjoyed every single day, the walk was varied, the hotels beautiful and the excellent recommendations where to go eat. It was very useful on the first evening when you met us to go over the route and answer our questions. This special care makes Catalan Adventures unique. Also thank you for the drop offs and pick ups from the train stations. We fell in love with Catalunya and hope to go on another walk with you one day again. Best Monique and group
Anne cowking
2016-05-02 17:48:00
Hi Steve, Just to say thank you Steve for another great walking holiday. The rugged coast walk was as good as if not surpassing the coast and mountain one we did last year. The route finding information you provided for the journey was very easy to follow and only helped to give us a stress free enjoyable walking holiday experience. We look forward to returning in the near future to sample another of your walks on offer. Thanks again Anne and Russell.
Kathy & Bill McMillan
2015-09-21 11:35:08
A fabulous holiday. Steve and Maria could not have been have been more friendly or helpful. The walking guides were detailed and easy to follow, the hotels were great and the scenery was breathtaking. We're already planning for next year! Kathy & Bill McMillan
Peter and Susan
2015-08-26 10:03:27
Thank you so much Steve and Maria for the wonderful experience of a 7 day coastal walking holiday in beautiful Catalunya this July. Every day provided a different environment varying from leisurely beach walks to some fairly arduous climbs and descents, but all were backed by superb scenery, flora and fauna. The overnight stops were all in fantastic properties ( perhaps a little basic in La'Escala!) with very enthusiastic and helpful proprietors. We would thoroughly recommend this holiday to all age groups (I am 70 next year!) Many thanks
Nancy Ross
2015-06-17 22:49:48
We went on the Catalan Coast & Village cycling holiday at the end of April; we were so pleased with the service we had from Steve, who was very responsive to our requests and needs. The holiday itself was great--beautiful area, perfect for cycling, and the back roads that were chosen as part of the route were gorgeous--lined with flowers--red poppies being at their height--and the birds were singing their hearts out along these verdant and quiet lanes. The accommodation was great, especially in Palau-Saverdera, and we discovered some good restaurants as well. The attention to detail in the route notes was so appreciated. I would recommend this trip to anyone, even those amongst us who are not used to long bike trips---for us, as reasonably-fit seniors, the length was just right, enough to give us a challenge and take us on a real tour of the area, but not too much, so that we had energy to spare by the time we got back to our hotel.
Agnes, Jane & Ruth
2015-06-07 11:26:08
We enjoyed everything about this holiday (Cadaques to Collioure): the season (end April - beg May) was perfect for flowers, birdsong and temperature. The scenery was varied and glorious. The instructions accurate and the hotels well chosen. We had a couple of swims and felt fitter by the day. Would like to go back to explore places we passed through, but this trip was about making progress - with the incentive of our next hotel. Particularly liked Hotel Grifeu in Llanca: great position, very friendly and helpful staff. Walking poles were useful. We found supportive trainers or walking sandals were fine for this season. One section of the track (just after Cerbere towards Banyules) was closed due to rock falls. At first we obeyed the sign and turned back, expecting to have to take the road, but then met a Frenchman who reassured us it was fine and guided us. It was fine, just a bit of scree, the hardest bit was getting over the barriers! It was good to have the reassurance of your backup - but we were very pleased we didn't need it! Thanks - Will recommend the company.
Thomas & Helen Bittel
2015-06-01 20:10:45
We have just returned from the Catalan Coast and Countryside ebike tour.From the airport transfers,accommodation ,bikes & detailed maps and itineraries combined with real interest and local knowledge provided by Steve( Catalan Adventures)we can't recommend it highly enough.
Suzanne and David, New Zealand
2015-05-26 04:56:07
A great walk! Thanks so much Steve and Maria. We really enjoyed the 7 day coast and mountain walking trip - from Roses to Collioure. The detailed walking notes were invaluable and also the notes on points of interest (e.g. history). We found late April a really good time to walk as it wasn't too hot and we could often walk for hours without seeing another soul. We particularly enjoyed the mountain views, especially from the ruins of Castell de Sant Salvador. In hindsight we both would have worn ankle support walking boots. (They take up so much room in the suitcase though!) We used a walking pole each . The hotels were well chosen as they were welcoming and the staff genuinely helpful. Visiting the Dali museum (booked for us by you) was really fun. We've been recommending you - expect more Kiwis!
Suzanne and David, New Zealand
2015-05-26 04:54:27
A great walk! Thanks so much Steve and Maria. We really enjoyed the 7 day coast and mountain walking trip - from Roses to Collioure. The detailed walking notes were invaluable and also the notes on points of interest (e.g. history). We found late April a really good time to walk as it wasn't too hot and we could often walk for hours without seeing another soul. We particularly enjoyed the mountain views, especially from the ruins of Castell de Sant Salvador. In hindsight we both would have worn ankle support walking boots. (They take up so much room in the suitcase though!) We used a walking pole each . The hotels were well chosen as they were welcoming and the staff genuinely helpful. Visiting the Dali museum (booked for us by you) was really fun. We've been recommending you - expect more Kiwis!
Cindy and Bill
2014-10-18 04:43:59
Thanks so much, Maria and Steve, for making our 5 day coast and mountain walking trip so easy, fun and memorable. Walking through varied, beautiful settings and ending up at a comfortable, atmospheric hotel each night is an experience we'll never forget. Maria and Steve are experts in facilitating the perfect trip for each client, and it was great to know we could count on them if we needed anything at all. Steve even came back to the Figures train station after he had dropped us off and helped make sure we had a ride back to Barcelona to get the train for the next leg of our trip when our train was cancelled. (Steve, we made it to the train to Sevilla!) We will recommend this trip to our friends, and hope to return one day ourselves- thanks again!
Ange Tanner
2014-10-01 19:01:31
Thank you for a FAB holiday, a wonderfully arranged and organised self guided walking holiday . The variety of scenery, walks and accommodation was fantastic, it got better every day. And it was so very kind of you to leave a bottle of bubbly for me on the day of my birthday. You gave good advice and took any concerns we had seriously.(There was only one and that was about one of the hotels). You recommended good places to eat too. Have already recommended this holiday to a friend! Thank you
Lynette & David
2014-06-01 17:27:00
We had a fantastic time doing the 7 day self guided coast and mountain Catalan walk. Everything was superbly organised, from the communication prior to the trip, the briefing and the walk itself. Also Steve and Rosy were most helpful. The walks were through varied terrain and had historical, geographical or natural interest. The accommodation was also varied but all wonderful. It is a great way to experience a little if Catalonia outside the city. We would thoroughly recommend this company and this walk.
Beth and Steve
2014-04-22 11:25:26
We've just finished the 7 day self guided cycling tour. There really is nothing to worry about. Mostly you're off main roads, but when you are drivers here are respectfulness. Being in reasonable shape will give you more enjoyment and allow you to add on hikes and extra cycling if desired. We encountered no issues in any regard, no scary dogs or such. We didn't get lost, off track a couple times but that was our own doing - I'm directionally challenged. :) Steve and Maria's instructions are thorough and even come with numerous pictures to help you verify your whereabouts. Take rain gear in case you encounter a rain shower or two. I say all this because sometimes the unknown can block adventure. We loved staying 3 nights in one place and 4 the other. Great accommodation and meals and we preferred having a home base rather than a different place each night as some tours provide. The sights and sounds, the varied terrain, the Aiguamolls Nature Park . . . we even ended up going back to Castello d Empuries for the Good Friday procession - our Sant Pere Pescador host drove us back for that! Fantastic week that we will long remember. Book it!
Claire Hermolle
2014-01-01 20:27:11
What a fantastic holiday! Cycling each day down a new route, through vineyards, small hamlets, to the beach! A holiday quite different to anything we had both been on before. The freedom to explore and see such beautiful scenery made this holiday unforgettable. We wouldn't have had this experience booking by ourselves. If you book, don't forget to bring your camera! With all the beautiful scenery and wildlife you won't want to miss an opportunity.
Amy
2013-12-16 14:44:40
We did the self-guided bike tour in the Empordá region of Spain this summer (late June and early July) and absolutely loved it. The days are easy enough that you can fiddle around with the itinerary and still squeeze in a little walking, beach, and even a trip to the Dali Museum if you are so inclined! Both of our accommodations were lovely, with charming hosts. The transfers from the train station were easy and the bikes worked great. I would recommend bringing your own helmet if you want to wear one (we did and were glad to have our light-weight, summer ones). This is an excellent service and we would use it again in a heartbeat.
Steve
2013-11-27 11:42:54
Hi John and Barbara Thank you for taking time to give us some feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday with us. I wanted to follow up on your comment about roadside prostitutes, the police have almost completely eradicated this using a new law that was passed through Parliament at the beginning of the year, so fingers crossed this will not return. Good luck with your next adventure! Steve & Maria
John and Barbara
2013-11-27 05:03:24
Other than being surprised by the roadside hookers, which give a whole new perspective to bicycle trips, we enjoyed the countryside and accomodations, the wildlife and the nature park, the Greek and Roman ruins, and sitting by the coast sipping beers. We didn't have time to take a longer trip so it was great to be able to specify just the kind of trip we wanted, so don't hesitate to modify the trips to fit your schedule. On your way to or from the trip, plan on visiting Figueres when the Dali museum is open, as we did not. The holiday was exactly what we were looking for to complement our other travels in Spain. Everything worked out well: equipment, directions, and lodging.
Justin Bonetto
2013-11-25 19:55:02
My fiance and I did the self guided bicycle trip of the Catalan Coast and Villages. This is a wonderful trip that i would recommend to anyone interested in beautiful scenery, delicious food, and kind people. Steve was very helpful in making everything move smoothly for us and we felt very comfortable the entire trip. The accommodations are fantastic and did I mention the food...I must have gained 10 pounds even with the daily bike rides, but I am not complaining!
Craig Hodges
2013-10-05 13:05:38
I had a great time trekking the Coast & Mountain holiday! Steve was very accommodating. The hotels were quite nice with very friendly staff. Great hikes with great views! Easiest holiday to plan, book and enjoy ever! Thanks Steve!
nicola barrett
2013-09-17 17:10:38
we have just returned from a walking holiday in the catalonian coast and we had the most amazing time ever!! It was challenging but the experience was worth it, we found Steve and Maria very helpful and our entire trip was so well organised we didnt have to worry about a thing from day 1. Our accomadation was lovely, the maps and guide notes had so much detail and were very easy to follow we never had a problem finding our way, we saw some wonderful towns and villages, i would recommend anyone to book through catalan adventures as we could not fault anything, thank you Steve and Maria for an amazing holiday, we will definately be returning for another adventure, Nicola and Trevor
jamie sharkey
2013-08-12 04:38:51
We did this trip early June and were lucky with weather which was sensational though a bit windy initially. We travelled with a 1 year old baby and Steve helped us with bags on the first morning, had bought a baby seat for the van and made sure there were cots at all the accomodations which was great. He gave us a very detailed itinary/walk notes and map. We chose Catalan as we speak no spanish so were very happy having Steve (Brisish) to help with anything we needed. This worked out very well as he is very well organised and a very good communicator. The tour itself was sensational, the scenery fantastic, the accomodations excellent and people we meet at them very friendl. The accomodation villages you visit are also very nice and non touristy . It was just a very well run trip and if we did have any issues Steve was very happy to help. We trekked with a 1 year old baby in a backpack and had no problems, the trail is good and obvious most of the time, the notes are very good and the trail description is accurate and you know what you are in for. Having our bags transported made such a difference and everyday showing up after hiking and not having to worry about them took a load off our minds. I would highly recommend Catalan for the trip and will do more with them in the future.
John & Elizabeth Charlton
2013-07-30 15:46:38
In mid June, we experienced one of our best holidays to date, cycling Catalan Coast and Villages. This was our first cycling holiday and far exceeded our expectations. We chose a two center holiday as we did not want to pack up each day, also we were slightly apprehensive about having to cycle each day. We need not have worried, we even took advantage of exploring on our rest day! Steve's attention to detail was exceptional. The trip notes and maps were easy to follow and full of interesting and useful information. Our accommodation was excellent, both hotels offering great breakfasts, a good start to the day. We were made to feel most welcome by all members of staff, nothing was too much trouble. Our rooms were perfect, both having spectacular views of the surrounding areas. For us this was the perfect holiday, which we would recommend to anyone who enjoys leisurely cycling through beautiful scenery, interesting villages, many with historical landmarks and a stunning approach to the sea. Thank you Steve for providing us with such an excellent service, the transfers on arrival and departure were an added bonus. We look forward to our next cycling holiday with you.
Linda Marshall
2013-06-30 18:22:33
Had a very enjoyable walking holiday in Spain at the end of May. The scenery was beautiful and the walks very interesting. This was our very first walking holiday and was very well organised. It was interesting to see where we would end up at the end of the day and it was great to be in smaller establishments away from the tourist side of Spain. We would certainly recommend booking through Catalan Adventures and can't wait to return. Linda and George Marshall
Johanna and John Davis
2013-06-09 21:27:13
Thanks Steve for setting us up with a great week of cycling. The Girona Experience was perfect for us. We really liked not having to move to a different location every day and totally enjoyed exploring Girona. Even though we stayed at the same hotel every night we were never bored and were rarely in our room. The bike routes were great and took us in a different direction every day. The paths and back roads were great with very little car traffic and beautiful scenery. There were always places to eat and drink along the way. We saw things we never would have if we had been in a car. We were able to get fabulous pictures of so much nature and wildflowers were everywhere. Not to mention all the medieval villages and churches dating back to the 13th century. The maps were all fairly easy to follow and we had no trouble with our bikes. We were very lucky to have had no rain at all. I heard the week before it rained every day! The city of Girona was a lot of fun to explore. Every afternoon when we finished cycling we couldn't wait to hit the streets walking. There is great shopping, wonder ful restaurants , lots of cafes and bars ,beautiful parks and historical sites all within easy walking distance of The Hotel Peninsular. The city is so picturesque. We felt safe at all times and people were very friendly. The Hotel Peninsular was better than I expected. The room was simple but clean. It had a very good , large bathroom and nice shower. The bed was very comfortable. It was lacking in electric outlets. I think there was one in the bath room. The TV had no English channels but we don't watch much tv so that was ok. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The hotel is very convenient to everything. That and the good mattresses made it for me! The hotel also has a great breakfast every morning and also lots of cafes very nearby. Last but not least I must mention how friendly and helpful the bike shop was to us. Dave and his staff went out of their way to make sure we were taken care of. All of the equipment was top notch. They were very organized and all of our drivers were on time. I really can't think of one negative thing about this trip. This cycling holiday was awesome! Thanks Steve! We will be back for more! Until next time, Johanna and John
Judy and Malcolm Corbett
2013-05-10 08:10:01
What a great week! The walks were so varied - we particularly loved strolling in the surf under blue skies on day one, the storks in the national reserve were beautiful in flight, Dali's house fascinating and the climb to the monastery and castle well worth the effort - even if we could have done with the cafe being open at the top (closed Mondays!). The accommodation was delightful with just the right degree of quirkiness - and it gets better every night. Found a great place to eat in Cadaques called Celeste. You should add it to your recommendations! Thanks for organising a great break away!
Steve
2013-04-30 17:10:17
Hi Nicola & Dave I'm glad you enjoyed our Catalan Coast & Village Cycling Holiday last year and our Girona, Banyoles Lake and the Volcanic Natural Park this year and thank you for taking the time to give some feedback. Good luck with your next adventure and perhaps we'll see you back again for a third trip ;-) Thanks Steve Catalan Adventures
Nicola & Dave Craine
2013-04-30 15:49:32
Hi Steve We had a fantastic holiday (Girona, Banyoles Lake and the Volcanic Natural Park) and didn’t want it to end! When we got back to Girona, we were tempted to keep going down to Sant Feliu de Guixols again. We stayed an extra night in Girona at the end of the holiday and went on a nice walk around the Sant Daniel valley, which starts just outside the old quarter of Girona. We found a really nice restaurant overlooking the Monestir de Sant Daniel. We were very impressed with the efficient organisation of the holiday, the quality of the bikes, and the accommodation. We received a warm welcome from all of the hotel staff we met along the way. We really enjoyed the variety of cycle routes and terrain. The route notes and maps provided were very good. The scenery was stunning and the local people were very friendly. We must try and learn some Catalan before our next visit! Thanks very much for handling our booking so efficiently. All the best for the season ahead! Nicola & Dave Craine
Bronwyn Ondracek
2013-01-23 09:29:19
Hi Steve and Maria, Having finally arrived back in Australia, while sorting through my photos I am reliving my wonderful walk in Catalonia done in October. The photos remind me of the amazing variety of scenery, the fabulous views, the delicious food, and the fascinating towns. But I don't really need the photos; the walk was a real highlight of my trip. As a solo traveller, I really appreciated the detailed track notes - it was impossible to get lost. The lengths of the walks ensured that they were not exhausting, so I had energy left to explore the towns. The accommodation was excellent and the luggage transfers seamless. I strongly recommend this trip. Thanks for the wonderful experience.
Nicola & Dave Craine
2012-11-05 16:11:55
Hi Steve We thoroughly enjoyed our Catalan Coast & Village Cycling Holiday last week and we thank you for providing such an excellent service. We were very impressed with all aspects of the holiday - the efficient airport transfers; the lovely accommodation and meals; the quality of the bikes; the detailed route information. The routes you suggested were great and the local people we met along the way were very friendly and welcoming (not to mention very courteous about our woeful attempts to speak Spanish - or should that be Catalan?!). The couple of days we spent in Girona rounded off the trip very nicely - it's a great city and we loved it. This was our first cycling holiday and we hope it won't be our last. In fact, we've been eyeing up the Girona, Banyoles Lake and the Volcanic Natural Park one... Have a good break over the winter. Gracias! Nicola & Dave Craine
Ruth Potter
2012-10-30 14:03:16
Hello Steve, I believe Mike has already e-mailed you re our holiday. We both thoroughly enjoyed all the areas you sent us to on the bikes and appreciated the amount of work you put into making our days in Catalonia really enjoyable. The buildings were interesting and colourful and the people so friendly; it was a pleasure to meet them all and it has been difficult to adjust getting home!! We miss the lovely food! The Bird Sanctuary was a favourite, being able to see the cormorant at close range in the hide. The maps were really hgelpful and the bikes newver klet us down- obviously well maintained! Everyone we met was friendly and helpful - it has been difficult to re-adjust! All best wishes and please keep up the good work which you are doing. Good luck in all your ventures. Ruth Potteer
Theresa and Philip
2012-09-26 14:36:44
Thanks so much for a fantastic holiday! It was truly a special week. We especially liked the wide variety of terrain and landscape as well as the variety of lodgings. Every day was unique and fabulous. This was a great way to see many aspects of the area and fall in love with it. For a week we got to walk every day through gorgeous landscapes, spend the evenings relaxing and eating wonderful food and, if we felt like it, exploring lovely villages - and we never needed to worry about any of the logistics as they were all splendidly arranged and handled by you folks! What a life! Thank you for everything - it was wonderful and memorable!
Rachel and Dharmesh
2012-09-23 19:24:34
Thank you Maria and Steve for organising a wonderful holiday. We did the week long Catalan coast and mountains self-guided walking trip and thoroughly enjoyed it. We've never gone on a holiday like this before, and we felt the balance between the walking and doing our own thing was just right. The scenery is amazing and the beaches were glorious. Steve and Maria are extremely consciencious trip organisers - this comes through in their thorough walking materials, their thoughtful planning of accommodation, as well as through their welcoming and friendly personal style. Thanks again both!
Liz Fordham
2012-07-02 13:52:24
Hi there Steve and Maria, Thank you both so much for all you did to give us such a fabulous holiday over half term. When we signed up to do an active family holiday with three children we weren't quite sure how it would work out and whether there would be something to suit everyone. Our week with you far exceeded our expectations though and we all had the most fantastic time. There wasn't one aspect of our needs or requirements that you hadn't thought about or weren't able to accomodate and the variety of activities you provided for us couldn't have been better. Thank you both so much, we really did have a fantastic holiday. All the very best and a big cuddle to Jack, The Fordhams!
Patty Armstrong
2012-07-01 23:25:59
Gracias Steve and Maria for this wonderful opportunity. My two sisters and I spent the first part of our 2 1/2 week trip to Spain on the Catalonia walking tour. It was a fantastic way to see the low key, Costa Brava up close! We loved the variety of the walks, the accommodations were varied and delightful and the scenery was incredible. What fun to hike all day, enter an amazing village to explore each afternoon and find our luggage at a quaint hotel or B & B. I'd like to tag on to the feedback from Cristina & Tim below and ditto all that they said. We were a little late for the full bloom of the flowers they mentioned but perfect timing for the vivid yellow, head high, sweet smelling Spanish broom bordering the trail for miles. We have to say that some of the trail could use a little trimming, could have used our garden clippers for those climbing roses! But it was an adventure we will never forget. We highly recommend Steve and Maria, who by the way provided three beds for us each night, which we are also grateful for.
Richard & Maureen
2012-06-06 17:13:39
Big thanks to Steve and Maria for an excellent week in Catalonia cycling. We didn't do all the routes suggested, deciding to have two easier days just sitting on the beach in Roses and Sant Marti d'Empuries. The routes were well worked out and easy follow. The bikes were totally fit for purpose being robust enough for the 'off road' sections and comfortable for the tarmac sections. Accommodation was comfortable and very Catalonian.
Cristina & Tim
2012-05-23 23:33:46
Our warm thanks to Steve for providing us with the means to have such a splendid holiday! We only walked for three days and wished we could have kept going. Each day was unique in terrain and views and accommodations and we loved them all. We esp. loved Casa Clara at Castello d'Empuries and the charming welcome and service we got, esp. from the droll Joan. We regret we never met the charming Maria, but heard about her from Judy & Tom, whose path we crossed for one night in St. Pere Pescador. Steve did a great job with providing us with clear instructions (we never got lost!) and designing delightful routes. Walking along the edge of the blue blue Mediterranean was fabulous. We loved all of the wild vegetation on the hillsides (lavendar, cistus, rosemary, cork oaks, etc.) and all of the ancient rock walls. Walking through the Aiguamolis Natural Park was very special - many birds, storks nesting on the tops of trees! In Cadaques, we had arranged to visit Dali's house in Port Lligat, just a 15 minute walk north, and went there before we started our walk to Port de la Selva. Worth a visit!! (must be booked ahead) Steve kindly dropped us at the Dali museum in Figueres on our exit day - that was worth the visit as well! All along we ate simply but well, and except for the night in Cadaques, all of the lodgings provided us with ample breakfasts that we could plunder for lunch makings. It was a memorable vacation and we are eager for another one, although Steve has set the bar very high with this experience.
Judy & Tom
2012-05-18 01:20:18
We can't stop telling all our friends in Vancouver about our wonderful Catalan adventure! Thanks to the great organizational skills of Steve and Maria, every aspect of our hiking trip was perfect. The routes were well chosen and very easy to follow. Every day was different and the great scenery just didn't quit! Our weather was perfect, our accommodations delightful (except the Rocomar ...not as friendly as all the others), the food was very good and the wine even better! And let's not forget how grand a cold beer and hot tapas can be after a hard day of hiking!
Jill Cramer
2012-04-25 18:56:57
Still getting over the jet lag, but well worth it, as our 5-day walking adventure in the Catalonia region of Spain was one of the best trips ever. I said at one point along the way as we admired the crystal blue of the Mediterranean that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and my daughter corrected me - we will definitely return because of the beauty of the area and the well-organized tour by Maria and Steve...Bravo!!
Lisa
2012-04-23 04:34:27
Even though our trip was more than 6 months ago, my mom and I still think of the wonderful adventure we had walking the coast. We've traveled a lot - and we agree it was probably the most fun, relaxed vacation we've ever had. Thanks so much, again. I hope we have the chance to avail ourselves of your services in the future!
Dyana Vukovich
2012-04-22 23:07:25
This walking trip exceeded all expectations! Steve and Maria are master planners and they made sure that all the important details were worked out beforehand (plus, they are really lovely people). The routes they chose offered something different and special each day and the accommodations were way more than adequate, considering the way we usually travel. (Imagine arriving at your 4-star hotel and being told you must leave your hiking boots downstairs and pad around in the provided slippers during your stay - no problem!) All around, it was an incredible trip - nothing like getting from point A to point B under your own steam and passing insurmountable beauty on the way...
Barry and Rona Smith
2012-03-25 18:49:42
We thoroughly enjoyed our walking trip in Catalunya. The routes were minutely planned with careful descriptions, photos and maps for each day's walk. Every day had something wonderfully unexpected; the astonishing bird refuge, the Greek and Roman Ruins, the Monastery! We felt as though we were real explorers. In addition, we slept well and ate well at the places pre-arranged for us with our luggage awaiting us at each stop. A vacation to remember and a great way to see the world up close!
Rob and Wendy Brodribb
2012-03-05 12:12:07
Steve Thanks for a wonderful walk. The combination of ancient roman ruins, spectacular coastal scenery with a backdrop of snow capped mountains, important medieval monasteries, working farming and fishing villages and an important ornithological site made this a unique walk for us . We have walked in many parts of the world and this was as good as any we have done. Strenuous enough to look forward to a refreshing Sangria at the end of the day but staged excellently to take full advantage of what was to offer each day. We enjoyed the variety of the different styles of accommodation. It helped some tiredness at the end of the day to wonder what was install for us that night. Each was very comfortable, friendly and well located. The organisation was just right. We couldn't have possibly done this on our own. Keep us posted with other trips you have especially in the shoulder seasons. We avoid Europe in summer.
Mikayla and Barry
2011-11-15 23:09:58
Thanks Steve, we had a lovely holiday. We stayed in mid September 2011 and there was a heatwave. Fab! We came back feeling refreshed and a lot healthier. I think I might have even lost a little weight! The bikes were great, we had very little difficulty with the maps and really enjoyed the relaxing country-side. It was nice to eat and meet people at the accommodation too and we particularly enjoyed the local wine :) We've submitted a review to responsible travel too. Please don't publish our names - I'm a bit paranoid about being on the web! Thanks again. M & B
Kathy and Tom McLeod
2011-10-21 13:30:40
Maria and Steve thank you again for a memorable holiday in Catalan. The itinerary was challenging and scenic the accommodations were charming and the hosts gracious. The food was wonderful and gave us a glimpse of the local cuisine. The wine was tasty, plentiful and inexpensive- hard to beat! One suggestion - a stop at the COOP in Palau Severdera at the beginning of the trip would be a crowd pleaser for anyone fond of Vino.
Liz mcMinn
2011-10-13 16:04:08
Thanks Steve and Maria for a great holiday. I enjoyed the varied accommodation and loved seeing places I would not otherwise have visited. The scenery on the walks was superb and the organisation very good. Both of you were so helpful it really made the holiday special.
Alison Noble
2011-10-10 20:30:00
Thanks again Steve and Maria for organising a lovely holiday. It was great to have all the background work and planning done for us. Then, all we had to do was to enjoy the sun, sea and scenery! The accommodation was lovely and varied. Your walk directions were helpful and clear. It was good to know we could ring you when we needed to. All the very best to you both
Andy & Trish Roberts
2011-10-08 10:24:05
Hi Maria & Steve Hope you are both well. We had an absolutely fantastic week on our walking holiday. We enjoyed each of the planned walks and the beautiful scenery along the ways plus all our breaks swimming in the bays. We also loved the variety of accommodation which we were very well catered for and made feel extremely welcome. We were looking for a holiday that gave us adventure.challenge and leisure time , Catalan Adventure certainly ticks all the boxes. Thanks for looking after us and I'm sure we will be back.
Andrea, Andrew, Sabine, and Scott
2011-09-28 22:15:28
This was a wonderful trip! The well documented itinerary guided us on a variety of hikes to great swimming coves, stunning views, and delightful towns. Charming hotels and dinners were included that gave us a taste of different parts of Catalonia – from a view of a Medieval wedding to fresh paella on the beach. Steve did a wonderful job organizing and introducing us to the route; the information packet also provided archeological and historical references along the way.
Alan and Fiona Smith
2011-09-12 10:56:44
Hi Steve Thanks for all your help last week...Fiona and I had a brilliant walking holiday and everything went absolutely like clockwork. The Catalonian countryside was beautiful , the weather great and the standard of accommodation and food were all we hoped for. 10/10 but I would have expected no less from a fellow Scotsman ! Hope to see you again soon.
Damien & Sinead
2011-08-23 13:10:58
Hi Steve, Many thanks for a fantastic holiday. We enjoyed every minute of it. We loved the cycle routes and getting to see real Spain. Accomodation, bikes, organisation was brilliant. Can't wait until we get back!
Sue and Richard Cooper
2011-08-21 17:52:44
This is rather late feedback for our May 7-night walking holiday. It's difficult to add much to the previous reviews - but we wholeheartedly agree with them. We loved the variety of the holiday, both in terms of the walks and the lovely accommodation, and the organisation was impeccable. We arrived by train - with Steve there to meet us off the sleeper at 6.30am! The weather was unseasonably hot for May. Rather hotter than we wished for walking, but we couldn't really complain because everything was just so beautiful in the non-stop sunshine. We just took everything at a very leisurely pace making lots of stops in every bit of shade and/or cafe we found. The temperature also meant the the air was filled with the most amazing scents of all the aromatic plants along the footpaths. These included rosemary, pine, broom, sage, lavender and oregano. Bird song was also incredible, although trying to spot which bird was making the sound was really difficult! We did see lots of birds though, with highlights including storks (and 'storklets' in nests at the top of trees and on poles), rufus nightingales, bee-eaters and golden oreols. At Cadaques we enjoyed a visit to Dali's house which was well worthwhile. Also, as it was one of the 'recommended' restaurants we decided to visit Casa Anita to eat one night which was a slightly scary (there is no menu to look at so we didn't quite know what we were letting ourselves in for) but delicious experience! As the temperature had reached the high 30s for the final walk we bottled out of the climb up to the monastry and caught a taxi for €15 instead (this was a holiday after all!). We figured that we would then be able to make the final climb up to the view point from the castle on the top. This was definately the right decision as the 360 degree views are incredible! We finished the holiday with a few nights in Barcelona, which was a lovely contrast. We recommend Hostal Goya - small, friendly and central. Thanks again for such a great holiday. Sue & Richard
Steve
2011-07-26 17:32:15
Hi Sam & Celine Thank you for you kind words, we try really hard to make sure everyone has a great time and your feedback makes all that effort worthwhile! Good luck for your next adventure. Thanks Steve & Maria
Steve
2011-07-26 17:11:59
Hi Ian & Liz Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday!! Maybe we'll see you both here again one day! Thanks Steve
Sam and Celine
2011-07-02 19:05:47
Hi Steve and Maria What a wonderful Cycling trip we had in early June. Everything abiout the trip was first class, bikes, routes , directions , accommodations etc. We could go on for ever. It was exactly what we hoped for and more - so we are already spreading the word in Canada among our friends. Your caring attitude added to the experience. Many many thenks Celine and Sam Gilmore - Canada
Ian & Liz Fox
2011-07-01 11:06:26
Thanks for an excellent 7 day cycling holiday. The bikes were great; the routes interesting, with a good balance between road & off road; the instructions extremely clear. The hotels were very good and the owners were very helpful. Plus excellent food in hotels & nearby restaurants. A thoroughly relaxing & enjoyable week.
Steve
2011-06-18 09:31:48
Hi Mary & Rachel I'm glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday with us. Rachel said in an email that you've done a bit in Scotland, however the weather has not always been good, hopefully you will have a great Scottish summer of cycling this year. Thanks for sending your photos too, they look great, especially the one with the flowers. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to post some feedback and good luck to you both for the future. Thanks Steve & Maria
Mary Gillies
2011-06-18 09:12:18
Dear Steve and Maria My daughter and I really enjoyed our week cycling in Catalonia. After 3 full days in Barcelona it was great to get on a train, be met by you at Figueres , taken to a beautiful guest house, given our bikes and easy maps, and be left to go our own way, with any texted query instantly answered by you. Bikes were great - never knew cycling on rough roads could be so comfy, and maps so detailed that GPS not needed. Ana and Miguel's guesthouse was a joy to cycle on to. 20 miles a day was just our mileage. Homely evening meals, and freedom to cycle all the routes given, or have a lazy day off. Think you've got a really good package for people who want to go their own way, with the benefit of all your local knowledge. It was just the holiday we needed. Many thanks All the best Mary
Steve
2011-06-01 12:58:59
Hi Frank & Bonz (Bernadette) Thank you for your kind feedback, it was really nice to meet you both and I'm glad you enjoyed your walking holiday and your beach holiday in Cadaques. Hopefully we will see you back here on our cycling holiday next year. Anyway take care and good luck for the future. Thanks Steve & Maria
Steve
2011-06-01 12:51:05
Hi Jim & Wendy Hope you are both well. Thank you for your feedback, I´m glad you both enjoyed your walking holiday with us. I hope your enjoy your next walking holiday as much, we're planning to launch several new holidays soon, so we will let you know when that happens. Take care Thanks Steve & Maria
Frank & Bernadette Connon
2011-06-01 11:14:12
Thank you Steve & Maria for a wonderful walking holiday in some of the most beautiful Spanish countryside...we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The hikes, accommodation - particularly Mas de Joncar & Niu de Sol - & informative directions ensured we had a memorable time. It was great to know you were only a phonecall away & your warm, attentive care was second to none. We shall be spreading the news of Catalan Adventures!
Jim & Wendy Moyles
2011-05-31 15:44:53
We had a fantastic holiday following the detailed walks along the Catalan Mountain & Coast Trail. Superbly organised, the luggage arrangements were faultless and the hotels were varied and interesting. The first pension, although clean and comfortable, was more basic; the others were varied from very good to superb! Many thanks to the organisers, Steve and Marie, who were very helpful and friendly. The walks were very varied and at this time of year the beaches were empty and the National Parks were full of flowers and nesting birds – a truly memorable holiday! Can’t wait to try another trek holiday and we can certainly recommend this organisation and this trek to anyone who enjoys walking and the countryside.
Steve
2011-05-27 13:01:44
Hi Geoff Thanks for taking the time to add some feedback. We want all our customers to have great time, so we feel the "personal involvement" and "attention to detail" is really important . I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the meal at El port de la Selva, although not the best food on the holiday, normally the food there is pretty good, they must have been having an off day. Anyway, thanks again and good luck for the future. Thanks Steve
Geoff
2011-05-26 12:43:06
Steve, Great holiday. Thank you so much. Attention to detail was very impressive and we had a really wonderful holiday. Accommodation was good, food included was excellent (perhaps with one exception in El Port De La Selva). Walking notes were thorough. Great walks, deserted beaches, fantastic scenery. I can't overemphasise how important your personal involvement was; from meeting us at the airport, being on the end of a phone if needed, to being keen and receptive to face-to-face feedback at the end of the holiday. This is something you just don't get with larger outfits. A couple of hot tips for those following on. The 'Menu' at the Hotel Rocamar in Cadaques is good quality at a fair price (22 E) and compares favourably to anything in town. If you can, do the walk to Cap De Creus (Steve a copy of the route map in the handout could be useful). Its easy to follow and very rewarding. If walking up to Sant Pere de Rodes continue on and walk up the remaining 170 metres (height) or so and get to Castell de Sant Salvador. The views are truely stunning. Thanks Steve for a great holiday.
Steve
2011-05-24 16:35:52
Hi Elaine & Sandy, Susan & Jock Thank you!! Your great feedback makes all our hard work worthwhile. Thank you for being such easy guests to look after and I'm glad you all had a great time, it was really nice to meet you all!! I hope you all have a great time with your next adventure! Good luck in the future and perhaps we will see you all here again one day. Thanks Steve & Maria
Elaine B
2011-05-22 22:13:54
Hello Steve and Maria, Thanks again to you both for making our first experience of a walking holiday, so enjoyable. Just the best.! You were both so welcoming and helpful. The Catalan country side was SO beautiful with wild flowers in abundance, your walks enjoyably varied with beach & coastal paths, mountain tracks & woods, bird / wildlife sanctuary etc. Your walks were well planned & the written routes a doddle to follow! One of the favourites, from Rosas to Cadaques, a long one, but wow 'that view' as we reached the top of the hill with the fantastic view below down to beautiful Cadaques, blue sky blue sea and all the white buildings below...stupendous. Nature prize went to Sandy, first to spot a family of wild boar on one of our hill walks The accommodation you organised was excellent throughout - Each night a treat as we arrived at another surprise hotel. We enjoyed the variety of carefully chosen accommodation for various different reasons. The Rosser in L'Escala for its Spanish-ness, and best breakfast. Castello D'Empuries excellent food & beautiful room in the heart of the medieval village, and the Wonderful hospitality , perfect accommodation and cuisine at Palau Saverdera for our last night . Tired but happy and fighting fit at the end of the walking week.. Think we've got the bug. We will certainly be recommending your company to our friends . Elaine & Sandy Susan and Jock
Steve
2011-05-09 13:23:20
Hi Jackie Thank you so much for your feedback, we've had three BLOG postings today with great feedback so we are very happy. I'm glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday!! Merce's accommodation and food is very popular, especially the freshly baked cake her mum makes everyday. Good luck and perhaps we will see you here again sometime in the future. Thanks Steve
Jackie
2011-05-09 13:09:05
Dear Steve A fantastically organised self cycling holiday, only regret is that we couldnt stay for longer. Bikes were great on the tracks, routes well thought out and very accurate. Niu de Sol , run by the wonderful Mercedes and her mother was perfect, loved the whole vibe of the place. A hard one to leave. On to Miguel and Anna 's Casa with its fantastic outdoor spaces and brilliant breakfast. We will be back!
Steve
2011-05-09 07:39:43
Hi Charlotte and Dave Thanks for your feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday and it's good to know all our hard work pays off. Good luck with your next adventure!! Thanks Steve
Steve
2011-05-09 06:52:52
Hi Fem & Noel Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday. The advice about the cycling shorts is good, although the bikes have front and rear suspension with gel seats, if your not used to spending a long time on a bike, then a pair of cycling shorts is a really good idea. Again, thanks for taking the time to post on our BLOG and for your feedback on RT. Take care. Steve
Charlotte and Dave Town
2011-05-08 19:11:47
Dear Steve, Just to say that we have had a wonderful cycling holiday . We know this was because of all the planning and organising you have done to make sure we had the best experience possible. The bikes were great and really fit for purpose and well maintained. The routes you suggested were full of lovely spring countryside and great things to see. We felt that we had begun to see the Spanish countryside properly, away from the big tourist stuff and it was great! The hotels too were small, friendly and very comfortable. We are both of retirement age and feel that we should let other 'older' cyclists know of these holiday options. Your routes were very 'do able ' and had the potential to shorten or lengthen very easily. Also with the map you provided it was easy to change the balance of off/on road cycling. We would love to visit the area again, there is lots to see still and the cycling was great! Charlotte and Dave Town
Fem and Noel
2011-05-08 16:07:16
Hi Steve, Thanks for organising a great holiday! Although we've been to Barcelona before it is safe to say that we'd never really seen this part of Spain before and seeing it from the seat of a bike provided a perfect perspective to take it all in from. From a logistical point of view I don't think we could have asked for more (especially when I consider how close it was to the bank holiday that we actually booked), with the bikes and maps being completely fit for purpose. This was the first cycling trip that Fem and I have done together and provided a good mix of being able to dawdle along taking it all in and get the heart rate up a little bit as well. On top of this the first town that we stayed in was exactly how we had imagined it and don't think we could have stayed anywhere nicer. Fem and Noel
Steve
2011-04-29 10:35:38
Hi Astrid, Stefan & Percy. Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to add some feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday with us!! I think the couple of days you spent in Cadaques at the end of the holiday was a great idea, it's a beautiful seaside village. Anyway, take care and good luck in the future. Steve
Astrid
2011-04-28 19:42:50
Hi Steve, it‘s hard to pick the best moments from this most wonderful cycling trip. Was it the first views of the Pyrenees with their snow covered peaks? The warm welcome in our first Bed &B by the owner? Probably the cycling itself. First of all, you invested into really good bikes, and the equipment, including a preprogrammed GPS, was all in the best state. Thanks to your detailed maps and descriptions we always knew where we were and could just enjoy the gorgeous countryside. My favourite part was certainly the Aiguamolls Natural Park where dozens of storks were breeding and wandering about in the swamps on their long legs, looking for frogs. We usually prefer to discover different countries on our own – and this was a perfect mixture: Being taken care of so well in advance, all our questions answered within a couple of hours, and after being welcomed by Maria and you, we always knew you would be there if we needed assistance of any kind – but would proceed on our own. We discovered a faboulous restaurant at Cinclaus from which we rode home in the dark on our bikes through the peaceful countryside. We had so many beautiful impressions, it would be impossible to pick the best! Thanks for all the care and circumspection! Astrid, Stefan and Percy from Hanover, Germany
Steve
2011-03-16 14:48:59
Hi Maggie & Mick Thanks for taking the time to add feedback to our BLOG about your cycling holiday and thank you for sending Responsible Travel feedback too! I'm glad all had a good time in Girona, hopefully not to many Cervezas :-) Thanks again! Steve
Maggie & Mick
2011-03-16 12:22:39
Just back from a weeks gentle self guided cycling holiday with friends. Everything was as described on the website. Steve runs a professional, friendly and very helful business. The bikes were in good repair and fit for purpose and Mick loved the GPS- now looking to buy one for our own cycling and walking-beats getting maps blown away or totally soggy in the Lake district! We had a restful, fun holiday getting a taste of what Catalunya can offer. Weather was kind to us except for one day when the heavens opened and Steve went the extra mile. He offered & provided transport into Figueres so we could visit the Dali museum (fantastic). To ensure we didn't miss out on the cycling he also changed his plans so we could cycle the next day prior to transfer back to Girona where we spent a very pleasant 24hrs before returning home.
Steve
2011-03-15 13:43:13
Hi Matt and Jodie Thanks for taking the time to post some feedback. I'm glad the weather was good for you, well apart from the walk up to the Monastery on day 7. Anyway good luck and I hope you both have a great time on your next holiday. Thanks Steve
Matt and Jodie
2011-03-14 21:55:07
We've just returned from a fantastic weeks walking 'the wild coast' route. Some great sunny weather (18c in March) and a great blend of low line coastal paths, fauna and flora through the nature reserves and up and over the hills from coastal villages to rural retreats. The accommodation you booked really gave us a taste of Catalonia life - great food, wine, walking, weather and people. All in all a first class holiday. Until next time all the best.
Steve
2011-02-28 12:23:09
Hi Deb & Steve Thank you for your feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday and great to know that all our hard work pays off. Your right the weather was fantastic, probably the nicest week of the year so far! I hope it's not to cold back in New York and I hope you both have a great time in the Netherlands for your next cycling holiday. Thanks Steve
Debbie & Steve
2011-02-28 02:10:08
Steve, We just arrived home from one of our best vacations! Although we had to depend on luck for the perfect weather, your efforts in planning every aspect of our cycling tour really made it a perfect week. Our accomodations were great with wonderful rooms and delicious breakfasts. The full-suspension mountain bikes (equipped with a Garmin GPS) were perfect for the terrain that we covered, which was mostly unpaved farm roads. And your attention to detail on the directions, along with pictures at most of the turns kept us on track all the way. And one more thing to mention was knowing that if we did need your help anywhere along our route, we could call your mobile, tell you where we were on the route directions and you would be there within 30 minutes. Just knowing that made our bike tour that much more enjoyable. Well done! Thanks! Debbie & Steve
Steve
2010-11-26 14:52:13
Hi Maila & Erkki I'm glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday! I love the pork cheeks too, Miquel cooks them just perfectly, he will be delighted to hear you enjoyed them. I guess it's very cold for you now back home, if it's any consolation, it's a bit cooler here now too, although I did spot several people swimming in the sea few days ago :-) Anyway take care and I hope you both have a great time with your next adventure. Thanks Steve
Maila and Erkki Turanlahti
2010-11-23 15:48:48
Hi, Steve! We'd like to thank you for organising an excellent cycling holiday. This was one of those occasions when all pieces fit perfectly together. Weather was just perfect for cycling - the wind was a bit strong the first day but it only added the excitement. The hotels were comfortable, people friendly and local food just unbelievable. We'll remember the braised pork cheeks for a long time, maybe come back one day to San Pere Pescador for more. The routes were well planned: we had them completely to ourselves and they took us to into the middle of real countryside. It was really a week to remember. Maila & Erkki
Steve
2010-11-17 10:01:18
Hi Arthur & Ann Thank you for taking the time to add some feedback. I'm glad you both enjoyed the holiday, well apart from the windy day, it was a really strong wind from the North which made it a bit chilly, we've had quite a few windy days lately so hopefully we've had our share now :-) I'm glad you both had a good time in Girona, Girona is a beautiful city. The best thing about Girona is you can hit the ground running really quickly there, so if you only have one or two days you don't waste time trying to get your bearings. Anyway it was great meeting you both and good luck for the future. Thanks Steve
Arthur and Ann Gribetz
2010-11-14 18:42:14
Steve, We had a great week of walking in mid-October on your self-guided walk in Catalonia. Although the scenery was beautiful, what was really surprising was that on most days we were walking completely by ourselves,even though these are such popular walking routes. We found the walks to be easy, possibly because the weather was ideal - pleasantly cool. Our only challenge was the tramontana - the northeastern wind - which made walking tricky one day when it whipped dust in our faces at over 50 km/hr. I would definitely recommend bringing a sock hat, since it was quite cold at times due to the wind. Your organization was professional, and you were extremely accommodating when we requested small changes in our route. It was a nice contrast to spend a day in Girona at the end of the walk. All-in-all a restful, scenic, cultural, and delicious exposure to Catalonia. Thanks, Arthur and Ann
Steve
2010-11-09 15:45:58
Hi Nick & Jill Thanks for the feedback! I missed the wine festival in Figueres this year, my wife went though, she really enjoyed it too, hopefully I'll make it next year. Anyway I'm glad you both had a good time and it was really nice meeting you both. Good luck for the future. Thanks Steve
NIck and Jill Lampert
2010-11-09 10:17:00
This is belated feedback from a holiday with Catalan Adventures in early September. We were walking self-guided and enjoyed it very much. We thought you had a very good formula, with varied and often beautiful walking and nice places to stay and the food was great--a paradise for fish and seafood lovers. All the hotels/guest houses were well chosen. The length of the walks was also fine, with a good balance between activity and rest. We had a couple of bonus moments. We came upon a Sardana festival that was happening in the Roman forum in the Empuries ruins, and on our last day in Figueres (10 Sep)in addition to the Dali musuem we had the excellent experience of the Figueres wine festival (taking place 9-12 Sep), which is accompanied by various musical and other activities going on in addition to the wine tasting itself. A memorable few days--the Mediterranean at its best and well away from that other Spain of massed British holdiday makers.
Steve
2010-10-27 17:12:28
Hi Bernie & Fiachra I'm glad you enjoyed your cycling holiday with us and thank you for taking the time to give us some feedback. Oh and for anyone else reading this, our cycling holiday routes range from 16 to 25 miles, Bernie and Fiachra had loads of energy so they extended their routes :-) Well done with the swimming, I don't think I'm brave enough to swim in the sea here at the end of October, must be getting soft! Thanks again and good luck for the future. Steve
Bernie O'Callaghan
2010-10-26 21:50:07
My friend and I have just returned from a great three day cycling holiday in Catalunya. From the moment we met Steve we knew we were in good hands and every detail was dealt with. Thankfully we never had any bother at all with the bikes, but we had all the kit should it be required. Our accomodation was at Casa Clara and this was superb. The welcome and warmth of the team there was just what you need to make a holiday truly relaxing. Great food, great wine, great company. Our short holiday was perfect for us as we managed to cycle about 40 miles a day, get a sea swim in and picnic in the orchards or by the sea. Neither Fiachra nor I were expecting to see so many wonderful aspects of life in this corner of the globe. We had windfall Granny Smiths, Galas, Golden Delicious, persimmons and of course the sweetest of grapes! Hedgerow food always tastes especially good! Go if you get the opportunity.
Steve
2010-10-25 12:28:24
Hi David and Irene Thanks for your feedback. I'm sorry about the weather for the first couple of days, not something you would expect in Spain in October, in fact in the four years I've lived here I have never seen so much rain in such a short period of time! Hopefully we won't see that again for a long time. I'm glad you both enjoyed the walks and the accommodation and hopefully we'll see you again once we launch our high Pyrenees walking holiday. Thanks Steve
David and Irene McCulloch
2010-10-24 13:18:03
Hi Steve just a quick hello to say thanks for the very interesting holiday. Despite the initial weather condidtions,floods ,high winds and rain we had a great time.We especially enjoyed the last few days which took us into the mountains - we looked towards the snow capped Pyrenees fom the hills above Selva and thought that's for us next.We especially welcomed the thoughtful considerations of Cassa Clara when we arrived wet and cold. We really enjoyed the time we spent looking round the Art Exhibitions there too which added another dimension to the holiday. I think our interest in taking a second holiday with you this summer is testimony to our high estmation on your accommodation choices for the holiday and your selected walking routes. Hope to see you in the near future. Regards Irene and David McCulloch
Steve
2010-10-24 11:12:13
Hi Alan and Joy Thanks for the feedback and I'm glad you both a great time! I've always thought we are a little bias here when we say we believe this to be the most beautiful part of Spain, so it's nice having someone impartial giving that feedback :-) Take care and I hope you have many more fantastic holidays in the future! Thanks Steve
Alan and Joy
2010-10-23 09:10:21
Hello Steve, We need to thank you for a really great “adventure” in Catalonia last week. Your conscientious planning and care made our holiday a challenge that was so rewarding. We have travelled throughout North West,Mid and Southern Spain but the areas of Catalonia we experienced last week were breathtaking and unforgetable.Thank you so much! Every hotel had differing aspects that enhanced each stay…. Excellent food, views, and always … genuine hospitality. Best wishes, Alan and Joy.
Alan and Joy
2010-10-22 13:47:38
Hello Steve, We need to thank you for a really great "adventure" in Catalonia last week.Your consientious planning and care made our holiday a challenge that was so rewarding.We have travelled throughout North West,Mid and Southern Spain but the areas of Catalonia we experienced last week were breathtaking and unforgetable.Thank you so much!Every hotel had differing aspects that enhanced each stay.... Excellent food, views, and always ... genuine hospitality. Best wishes, Alan and Joy.
Steve
2010-10-05 16:55:58
Hi Jeanne Marie Thank you for taking the time out to add some feedback to our blog! It's nice to meet someone with so much passion for history and culture and I'm glad the holiday gave you the opportunity to experience both. Again, thanks for the in-depth feedback and good luck for the future. Thanks Steve
Jeanne Marie
2010-10-05 15:26:17
Steve, I must thank you for a fantastic holiday from start to finish! The drive from Girona airport to L’Escala in the teeming rain (and me in my barely literate, jet-lagged state) was soon forgotten when the first day dawned with brilliant sunshine. The first day’s walk led through impressive Greco-Roman ruins at Empuries, followed by the charming village of Sant Marti de Empuries, and then the first night’s accommodation at the peaceful Mas de Joncar in Sant Pere Pescador where I swam in the refreshing pool and lovely hosts presented me a luscious Catalán meal…And that was just the first day! The second day, walking through a large nature preserve by the River Fluvia, brought an entirely different flavour, with orange butterflies, cormorants, snails on dill and fennel and a profusion of birds making the landscape a veritable treasure trove for the naturalist. Then the medieval town of Castelló, the Dali museum in Figueres, followed by a spectacular coastal walk to the picturesque town of Cadaqués, where I stayed on an extra day to take in Dalí’s house at Port Lligat, a walk to the Cap de Creus, and the not-to-be-missed meal at Casa Anita. The last walk, from Port de la Selva to Palau Saverdora, was a dramatic finale, with the (Romanesque) Monasterio de Sant Pere de Roda and the Castell de Sant Salvador providing breathtaking views of the monastery and surrounding countryside. All of the walks were scenic and interesting, the directions very clear with photopoints showing crucial landmarks so as to make no errors (which this space cadet is prone to do!). I spent a final day in Girona where I took in 5 museums (with little "museum fatigue afterwards) that are as impressive for their collections as for the medieval buildings that house them. The holiday ended too quickly but my memories of sunny Catalonia remain.
Steve
2010-09-29 16:05:21
Hi Ian & Lesley I'm lost for words really, which isn't normally like me........I guess to start, thank you so much for taking the time to write such an in-depth Blog post!! I couldn't stop laughing at your left leaning gait, I think you were only joking, however the thought of you walking through Cadaques with a left leaning gait made me laugh, especially the look on the locals faces. I'm glad you had a good time in Girona, I haven't had a day out there for a while, I think a visit is in order in the near future, minus the shopping :-) Anyway, thank you again, it was great meeting you both and I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday with us. Thanks Steve
Ian & Lesley
2010-09-28 22:34:42
This was a holiday to remember. A self guided walk offering better support and more value than the competition. The notes and directions left no room for argument and for a long standing couple in their sixties this was some achievement. The cliff top walks were stunningly beautiful to a degree that conquered vertigo but at the cost of a left leaning gait that lasted several days. In Castello D’Empuries we were warped from a boutique hotel into the middle of the 14th Century via a festival where Euros meant little as we bartered in groats. Hi-tech walking gear and digital cameras aside we had found a niche. We thought we had peaked early but then … Cadaques. The breath-taking walk ended in a dream. Dali’s house was a must, the old town intriguing and Casa Anita was an eating and linguistic experience. We stayed an extra night and pondered emigration. The monastery and the castle ruins at Sant Salvador were well worth the climb as the views are spectacular to a level that detracts from ill fitting boots. The descent to Palau Saverdera kept us on our toes and was rewarded by a welcome and hospitality second to none. We ended the trip with three nights in Girona - a delightful discovery where we celebrated the anniversary of the defeat of Napoleon, laughed with General Bum Bum and covered more miles shopping than the coastal walks. Steve we love you. Ian & Lesley.
Steve
2010-09-27 16:10:24
Hi Anne & Andrew Thanks for the feedback, we work really hard to make sure everyone has a great time and good feedback makes it all worthwhile. Hopefully this will be the first of many walking holidays for you, there are some beautiful places in Europe and beyond to visit! All the best Steve
Anne & Andrew
2010-09-26 20:41:35
Thanks again Steve for making our first venture into self - guided walking holidays a true success. Your attention to detail was very reassuring and we very much enjoyed the variety of both the walking & the accommodation, a surprise each day! This will be the first of many such holidays but a hard act to follow
Steve
2010-09-20 12:14:32
Hi Fiona, Jean, Linda & Helen I'm glad you all had a good time!! You mentioned you were all "time served grannies" well I hope that I'm as fit an active as you all if I ever became a "time served grandad!" :-) Thank you for being such nice guests and maybe we'll see you here again in sunny Catalonia sometime in the future. Thanks Steve
Fiona Jean Linda Helen
2010-09-20 10:35:56
Dear Steve, we had the most enjoyable walking holiday from start to finish - our first abroad. We were a little apprehensive before we started but this soon disappeared. Your attention to detail was excellent, the accomodation and food wonderful, and the walks each day very interesting and varied. The scenery was quite breathtaking on occasions and visits to Dali's house and the monastery added some culture, not forgetting the mediaeval experience in Castillo and Catalan festivities in Cadaques! Thank you very much for making our visit so memorable Fiona
Steve
2010-09-15 19:23:51
Thanks Lydia and Rich Thanks for the feedback, I hope you had a good time in Girona, it´s a beautiful city! I hope you got some sleep on the train to Paris. Anyway good luck for the future and don´t work to hard!! Thanks Steve
Lydia
2010-09-13 20:32:37
Hi Steve, Thanks for a lovely holiday. We really enjoyed the walks and the spectacular scenery. We didn't even get lost! It was great that the self guided holiday is so flexible, so that we could do a few days hiking alongside some time in the city. Support and pick ups were all great. Thanks again, Lydia and Rich
Anna & Kiran
2010-06-22 09:32:26
Steve, A fantastic holiday, great break for us both as the time spend on the bikes meant the blackbery had to be packed away. The area is great for cycling, not too challenging for the more leisurely cyclist, but with enough lumps & bumps to get the heart rate going at times for those wanting a bit more. Routes allowed lots of flexibility to where and when to stop, the beaches were lovely, well worth time allowed for enroute. Your help with pick-up & transfers were great, thanks for accommodating us. A lovely part of the world to visit and on a bicycle was a fun way to see it!
Steve
2010-06-21 14:06:43
Hi Ellen Thanks for the feedback. You both were a pleasure to look after and I'm glad you had a good time with us!!! Sorry about the weather in France, I believe they've had some really bad weather. Anyway take care and enjoy your next walking/cycling adventure! Thanks Steve
Ellen Brinks
2010-06-21 13:36:07
Dear Steve, I just wanted to send a personal thank you for a wonderful trip. We felt so well taken care of: from the introductory pick-up and information meeting, to the goodbye at Figueres train station -- and of course, the great itinerary and foolproof instructions. It's such a beautiful and interesting corner of the world, and the walking tour was a fantastic way to get a sense of the diversity of this part of Catalonia. I also really appreciated the cultural highlights included in a trip with so much scenic beauty. We went to a rainy France afterwards for a bike trip, so we were very glad we had the sun in Catalonia. Best wishes, Ellen
Steve
2010-06-21 11:12:13
Hi Ruthie I'm glad you all made it home safely and had a good time, sorry to here about the Boston Celtics result, better luck next year!! Thanks Steve

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