Barcelona Villa - Ready to Book

This morning's ride takes you along country roads in the Foix river valley and past the medieval castle of Castellet that commands spectacular views of the pristine Foix Lake. The only sounds you'll hear are the wings of the elegant blue storks as they fish for their lunch. We'll continue through the vineyards on winding country lanes where you can choose to climb up into the national park of Montmell or take a short cut to relax at a country bistro and savor an innovative Catalan lunch. This afternoon, descend back into the valley and relax poolside at the villa with an evening cocktail as the sun sets. Meanwhile, your private master chef will be busy preparing fresh local fare for this evening's spectacular feast.

Today, venture into the Penedès wine country to uncover its treasures. The ride takes you along the path less traveled with Cyprus-tree lined lanes and into the heart of this famous cava region where time appears to stand still. Your first stop is the Parés Baltà vineyard, a family-owned winery dating back to 1790, where traditional principles and cutting-edge viticulture combine to create the finest organic wines. Enjoy a private tour of the vineyard before tasting a selection of their vintages paired with a delicious tapas style lunch. This afternoon, wine lovers may linger awhile to enjoy another glass, while riders are invited to explore the Font-Rubí mountain range. Passing scattered farmhouses and chapels, you'll climb up to the small medieval village of Fonti Rubi before a descending home back through the valley to our villa. Tonight, we'll muddle our own mojitos and learn the secrets of Sitges' most famous 'export' with a private tour of the Bacardi family museum. Afterwards, Sitges is yours to explore - wander the cobbled streets or stroll along the boardwalk to dine at the bistro of your choice.

Choose to relax and enjoy the amenities at the villa (perhaps a massage or a day at the beach is in order). Alternatively, ride up into the massifs of the natural park of Garraf. You'll climb through this spectacular landscape dotted with enormous cacti and ancient farmhouses before a final descent of the famous Rat Penat climb, down to the azure Mediterranean Sea. Choose to turn around and tackle this short but steep ascent, a challenging 4.6km with an average 10% grade, with sections of over 20%. Finally, spin back to Sitges over the old cliff-topped coastal road and enjoy lunch in the sun on the outdoor terraces followed by a dip in the sea before returning to your private villa. Tonight, a culinary extravaganza awaits with a private cooking class discovering the art of crafting gourmet tapas with our personal chef back at your villa.

After a hearty Spanish breakfast, take to the country lanes and wind through the mosaic of vineyards up to the red cliffs of the village of Begues, perched high atop hills overlooking Barcelona and a spectacular view of the sea. Keen riders may choose to descend to the base of Col de Begues and then climb back up the switchbacks before rejoining the rest of the group for lunch on the terrace at an old farmhouse overlooking the bay and Barcelona. Tonight, return to your villa for a special celebration, as our private chef will prepare a sumptuous Argentinian BBQ dinner for you to enjoy while taking in the sounds of live Cuban music! Join in for the salsa dance lesson, sample the delicious fare and raise a glass as you dine and dance under the Spanish stars to the rhythms of Chichi Valdes!

Though this morning’s ride is short, it's a great last spin through the classic Penedès countryside. Or simply linger over a "café con leche" and “huevos revueltos” and enjoy a leisurely morning. Before you bid your farewells, enjoy a final stroll on the beach, a dip in the pool and savor the picturesque, peaceful landscape of the Spanish countryside.