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Activity Level: M
Start / Finish: Barcelona / Barcelona
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A Surreal-y Great Vacation
Catalonia was Miro, Gaudí, Dalí and Picasso’s turf, and the options for discovery and self-expression—for both kids and their parents—are limitless. Inspiring creativity is Catalonia’s forte. The remarkably varied landscape—from rugged coastline to epic peaks to lush valleys—of a region that exists at the crossroads of French and Spanish cultures has inspired the locals for generations. Bike the glorious Spanish Pyrénées; a day later, plunge into the warm Mediterranean. Prep pollo alla cocotte with a real chef. Explore medieval villages and hilltop castles. Cruise in our private sailboat with a former marine archaeologist. Climb, rappel, kayak and snorkel the day away. Need more to do? No sweat; your ever-creative guides are always ready with more.
Here’s a sample of what you can expect on your custom-designed Bespoke Catalonia Family adventure. Intrigued? Contact a Bespoke Trip Planner for further details.
Day 1 Kids practice bouldering and rock-climbing with skilled local mountain guides
Day 2 Cycle between the Cadi and Sierras and cross the border into France for lunch at 1,600 metres (5,249 feet)
Day 3 Ride down (and down and down) from the Pyrénées to the rural Catalan village of Castellar de n’Hug
Day 4 Ride through the meandering streets of medieval Púbol and see the castle Salvador Dalí bought for his wife
Day 5 Sail along the Costa Brava for an afternoon of swimming, snorkelling, hiking, tennis and shopping
Day 6 Breakfast in La Bisbal d’Emporadà and adéu in Barcelona
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Torre del Remei, Bolvir
Sometimes our trip planners have to scour a region to find the best hotels. Other times the answer is very obvious; Torre del Remei in Catalonia is one such place. Built in 1910 as a gift for the daughter of a wealthy Catalan family, this Relais & Châteaux hotel has spacious rooms with private terraces, beautiful gardens, an outdoor pool, a gym, and a very charming owner, Señor Boix, who understands B&R to a tee and makes us feel right at home. If only it were always this easy.
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Castell d’Empordà, La Bisbal d’Empordà
Castell d’Empordà, located in the heart of Empordà, is one of Catalonia’s most beautiful hotels, and a very welcome sight at the end of a day on the trail. Its prominent hilltop position offers commanding views across the valley and glimpses of the nearby Mediterranean. This medieval castle has been beautifully restored, complete with an outdoor terrace and swimming pool.
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Moderate
This trip is rated Moderate. For the most part, we bike on relatively flat, quiet country roads with the occasional climb. In order to avoid heavy traffic, we sometimes ride on gravel and dirt roads. On average, our routes cover 38 km (24 mi.) per day for the adults, with options for more or less cycling. Typically the kids bike to lunch and then do a different activity in the afternoon, so they bike about 18 km (11 mi.) daily.
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