This spring hiking and discovery tour follows the Mediterranean coasts of Northern Spain and southern
France. With comfortable stays in selected destinations we will explore on foot the highlights of what makes this part of the world so special. See the sites of dazzling Barcelona - including its natural spaces and of course the famous Monastery at Montserrat. On the Costa Brava, we walk the forested peninsula and coastal paths and visit the magical homestead of Salvador Dali, including a visit to the museum in his honour. In France we enjoy the splendours of Provence and devote time to historical centers where tree shaded plazas and fresh fruit stalls signify Mediterranean roots. And of course we discover centuries old villages in the foothills of the Alps, where our hikes take us between hamlets, along canyons and to secluded lakes. Our tour ends at Nice, where an extended stay is possible - with the option of visiting the
Kingdom of Monaco or continuing onwards in France.
This tour is classified as a hiking / discovery trip that allocates 5 nights in Spain and 5 nights in France – with time allocated for coach travel too. The hikes are easy to moderate, scenic and informative and range from 4-7 miles of walking a day over good terrain and of course some city walking tours too – taking in urban landscapes, forested coastal parks, low range Alps and between rural villages and farmsteads. Transport is in the form of a private micro bus and at times local bus and metro train where necessary.
Day 1 BARCELONA ARRIVAL
Arrival Barcelona / adjustment time / free day with self guide in city center (recommend double decker tour bus for overview of city ) visits to Las Ramblas, Picasso Museum, Dali houses (entrances not
included). Night Barcelona, Hotel Lleo 3 Stars, http://www.hotel-lleo.com
dinner included (Your guide
Matt arrives for this evening for a 19:00 meeting time followed by dinner and trip orientation).
Please note, do visit museums on own this day as they are NOT included on day 2.
Day 2 BARCELONA CITY TOUR
Guided walking tour that includes El Gotico District, Sagrada Famila, the Borne District and Plaza España
/ Parc Montjuic. Same hotel in Barcelona - breakfast and dinner included.
Day 3 BARCELONA / MONTESERRAT
Day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat (mountain) for hiking and sightseeing of the Monastery and surrounding natural areas (full day out). Same Hotel in Barcelona - breakfast, pack lunch and dinner included.
Day 4 FIGUERES & CADEQUES (Costa Brava, Spain)
Travel to Cadeques on the Costa Brava (1 hr 30 min) and once home to Salvador Dali and a beautiful coastal bay resort surrounded by a protected reserve. On route we stop at Figueres (140 km from Barcelona) and visit the Dali
Museum and (Spain´s most visited museum after the Prado). After lunch, visit Figuere´s historic quarter before transferring to Cadeques 35 km. Night in Cadeques, Hotel Llane Petit 3 Stars http://www.llanepetit.com/en/index/entorn - breakfast and dinner included.
Day 5 CADEQUES
Cadeques hiking day in pristine Natural Park Cap de Creus and visit to Dali´s famous home in Port Ligat. A full day on our feet. Afternoon free time exploration or relaxation. Night in Cadeques, same hotel – breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included.
Day 6 ARLES (France)
Transfer Cadeques to Arles, Provence France. Travel time (private bus) 3.5 hours approximately with rest stop(s).
At Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage town and once home to Van Gogh (where he completed over 300 paintings), we can lunch in the old quarter and then have a guided interpretive walk with a local specialist. Arles holds many of Van Gogh´s secrets – not to mention some beautiful Provence style and charm. Night in Arles, Hotel Arles Plaza
3 Stars, http://www.hotelarlesplaza.com
breakfast and dinner included.
Day 7 LES ALPILLES & LES BAUX
Transfer 20 minutes to the Alpilles Mountains (The Baby Alps), for hiking in wonderful limestone crags overlooking the Mediterranean and with Mt. Ventoux (Tour de France´s most notorious climb), as backdrop. We hike from the
1000 year old village of Les Baux, adorned with stone walls and spring flowers to the quintessential Provence rural center of St. Remy. Here we´ll visit the Hospital (Asylum) of St. Paul, where Van Gogh interned himself for one year. Late afternoon transfer 1 hr 20 min to Aix en Provence. Night in Aix en Provence, Hotel St. Christophe 3
Stars http://www.hotel-saintchristophe.com/en - breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included.
Day 8 AIX EN PROVENCE & LAC ZOLA
Morning walk of Aix En Provence´s beautiful old quarter (the most Parisian of cities), and visit to the bustling market. Local transfer to our scenic walk in the lower Alps as we follow the footsteps of Cézanne to the wonderful
Lake Zola. – walking time approximately 4-5 hours total. Transfer from end of walk back to Aix en Provence. Night in same hotel - breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included. Note alternatives to the hike today are extended selfguided visits of Aix´s historic quarter, including visiting a number of museums and stately mansions overy trip we aim to explore most of our destinations on foot, leaving few stones unturned while at the same time, come away adorned with knowledge of local history, culture, arts, gastronomy, language and glimpses of everyday life for
Bolivianos.
Day 9 GRASSE & NICE (Ville Franche-Ser-Mer)
Morning transfer to Grasse town, set in the hills above the Cote de Azur. Here we witness the world´s center for perfume manufacturing and walk through the most charming of hilltop medieval towns. After lunch we transfer
30 minutes to Nice for a walking visit of the historic quarter including its Baroque designs, flower markets and the
Promenade des Anglais. Free exploration time in the afternoon for shopping or sitting in the shaded squares sipping a café. Night in Nice, Hotel Univers 3 Stars, http://www.hotelunivers-nice.com
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 10 CAP JEAN ST. FERRAT
Our final hiking day starting with a short, scenic local bus transfer to Cap Jean St Ferrat – putting you in the heart of the French Riviera. Today we hike at sea level through beautiful pine and eucalyptus forests and small protected beaches enjoying views extending to Monaco and the Italian coastline. There is also time for an optional visit to the opulent Rothschild Villa. Return by local bus later in the afternoon. Night in Nice, Same hotel. Breakfast, Pack
Lunch and dinner included.
Day 11 DEPARTURE & ONWARD TRAVEL
Onward destination after breakfast / options to extend stay for self guided visit to Monaco or beyond. Breakfast only included.
Price per person
$ 3489
INCLUSIONS:
10 nights accommodation twin share (Hotels are all 3 star minimum)
All meals as per itinerary (all dinners / all breakfasts / 5 picnic lunches)
Transport in private micro bus throughout and some days utilizing bus service & metro connection (for hikes – not with luggage). Note, airport transfers not included.
Matt from Adventurebug - personal guiding services throughout
Entrance fees include: Sagrada Familia, Montserrat Monastery, Dali Theatre and Museum in
Figueres, Dali House in Cadeques, St. Paul Asylum in St. Remy
Guided hikes (4 hour minimum) in Cadeques (Costa Brava), Les Baux and Lac Zola (Provence),
Cap St. Jean Ferrat
Guided city cultural walks (half to full day) in Barcelona, Arles, Aix en Provence and Nice
Tips for restaurants included / bus transfer tips and local guide tips not included
Baggage room service tips (if utilized) are also not included
Emergency medical and evacuation insurance is included in the trip fee
EXTRA ACCOMMODATION & TRANSFERS:
In Barcelona, additional nights at the Hotel Lleo 3 Star is: 55 € / person in double room (110€ room), 80
€ in single room, 135 € in triple room . Includes breakfast and local taxes. Local transfers vary in price.
Airport shuttle buses are available 7€ / person and taxi to/from center of Barcelona is 30-40 € approximately (4 person max).
COSTS NOT COVERED:
Airfare
Airport transfers
6 Lunches
Alcoholic beverages
Bus transfer tips and guide tips
Trip insurance.
Baggage and room service tips if utilized passport.
If you are not a member of the AMC there is a guest fee of $50. You may prefer to join the
AMC. Membership is $50 for an individual, $75 for a family, and $25 for juniors (under 30) and seniors (over 69). You can join on line at the AMC home page at http://www.outdoors.org/ At times they offer discounts or bonuses
.
RESERVING A PLACE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
The land cost of the trip is $3490.00, plus estimated airfare of $1,000 to $1,400. To reserve your place, please contact the trip leaders for an application, the Confidential Medical Form and the Acknowledgment & Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement. Once you have been approved for the Adventure Travel trip, you will be required to send to the Leader your deposit of $930.00
made out to: Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).
The maximum number of participants is 18, so apply early to reserve your place.
PAYMENT 2 DUE: September 15, 2014 $ 930.00
PAYMENT 3 DUE: November 15, 2014 $ 930.00
PAYMENT 4 DUE: January 1, 2015 $ 700.00
PLEASE NOTE: The price of the AMC Adventure Travel trip is given in good faith based on exchange rates and is subject to change. The possibility of an increase has been built into the price but if the increase exceeds this amount the cost of the trip will have to be adjusted. If on the other hand there are any funds left at the end of the trip they will be returned to you.
Cancellation must be in writing – postmarked by dates below
November 1, 2015 equivalent of 100 E
December 1, 2015 equivalent of 700 E
January 15, 2015 No refunds for any reason
Note: Sometimes additional money may be returned at a later time if a cancellee’s spot can be filled from the wait list. This depends on 2 factors:
1.
That the trip is filled – minimum of 16 participants and 2 leaders
2.
That there is a waiting list – this list is compiled by the leader through the application and screening process only. No one may substitute another person for themselves.
Note:
Once your airline ticket has been purchased it belongs to you. We recommend travel insurance.
AMC-AT program expenses fee, leaders expenses and administrative costs are included in the overall trip cost
Requirements:
Each participant must fulfill these requirements:
Have the proper physical strength and stamina to participate in 4 to 7 miles of easy to moderate walking in urban landscapes, forested coastal parks, low range alps and between rural villages and farmsteads. An important criterion for this trip is the ability to be flexible. Weather could cause changes in the itinerary day to day, buses could break down etc. Everyone is expected to “roll with the punches” as much as possible, be cooperative, abide by leader decision and add to the total group experience while enjoying themselves.
Understand the purpose of the trip: This trip is designed for everyone to experience the wonders that this area has to offer. Although everyone comes with his/her own expectations, this is primarily a group trip and everyone is expected to be a cooperative member of it.
Although enjoyment and appreciation of the culture and beauty of the Mediterranean coasts of northern Spain and Southern France is our main purpose, our main objective will be to have a safe trip. Safety will always take priority in the leaders’ decisions.
SAFETY, RISKS AND HAZARDS:
As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work with the leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and transportation in vehicles, on foot, by boat, or on a bike. Aside from any personal medical problems, participants should be aware of the possibilities, bug bites, dehydration, sun burn and other heat or cold related problems. You should regularly use sun screen, take care to be adequately hydrated and bring water on all day trips. Please carefully read and sign the AMC
Participant Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement
and contact us if you have any questions. Participants’ understanding of these risks and adherence to our policies and procedures can contribute to making this experience rewarding for everyone.
Clients together with their personal property are at all times solely at their own risk. They are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance
Neither Nancy or Bob DiMeo or the regional guides shall in any circumstances be liable in respect to any personal injury, illness or accidental death or in respect to any damage to or loss of property.
Costs of accommodations and associated services resulting from any delay or cancellation of flight caused by weather or any other factors beyond the control of Nancy and Bob DiMeo or regional guides are the responsibilities of our clients.
The minimum age for this trip is 18 ( 14 if accompanied by an adult relative or legal guardian). A separate application is required for each person. To reserve a spot on the trip, please send the application and deposit to
Nancy DiMeo
86 Oak St
Dunstable, MA 01827
Make checks payable to Appalachian Mountain Club – AMC. If not accepted your deposit will be returned.
Give us a call if you have any questions.
FLIGHTS:
The reservation of the flight is your responsibility. Once a trip is a “GO” (there are enough participants to run the trip), we will let you know and provide you with some flight recommendations
Trip insurance is recommended, since an illness, accident or death in the family can interfere with your plans. Trip insurance can be obtained through your travel agent or the leaders will provide you with choices of approved trip insurance companies.
AMC Adventure Travel trips are led by volunteers on a non-profit basis. Any monies left over after trip expenses are covered will be refunded to the participants. As leaders our goals for the
group are to have fun, stretch your skills, and savor a foreign culture at reasonable cost and in the company of other adventurers with similar interests. We encourage your individual contributions, cooperation and good humor to enrich the group’s experience. We expect you to participate as part of a group and abide by the leaders’ decisions, and work towards the group having a good time . In doing so, you will enjoy the trip to the maximum.
YOUR LEADERS:
Nancy DiMeo is a Boston Chapter Adventure Travel leader who has led many interchapter and weekend trips in the White Mountains of NH as well trips to Sedona, AZ, Patagonia, Chile, New
Zealand, Italy, Iceland, Alaska, Mt Hood, Mt Rainier and Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyons.
While completing her degree in Occupational Therapy she earned a minor in outdoor education.
She also has a Masters degree in Human Services Administration. She has completed Advanced
SOLO Wilderness First Aid Training and CPR.
Robert DiMeo is a Boston Chapter Adventure Travel leader who has led many interchapter and weekend trips in the White Mountains of NH as well trips to Sedona, AZ, Patagonia, Chile, New
Zealand, Italy, Iceland, Alaska, Mt Hood, Mt Rainier and Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon. On a personal note Bob works as a licensed, independent clinical social worker and has a great deal of experience leading groups in this capacity. He has completed Advanced SOLO Wilderness
First Aid Training and CPR.