Mark Rowan

Josep Anton Muñoz de la Fuente

<h2>Highlights</h2>
<ul>
<li>New Scientist Discovery Tour in partnership with GeoCultura</li>
<li>Explore the stunning landscapes, rich geology, culture, and gastronomy of the Catalan Pyrenees</li>
<li>Learn how mountain belts form and see the resulting spectacular panoramas and geological structures of the Pyrenees</li>
<li>Marvel at how plate tectonics forms deep holes that get filled with many kilometres of sediments</li>
<li>Discover just what salt is and how its presence impacted the geological and landscape evolution, promoted trade and prosperity, influenced culinary development, and is being used in modern technical innovations</li>
<li>Delve into the heart of a massive natural salt body and see the extraordinary and beautiful patterns formed when rock flows like treacle</li>
<li>View several less-visited works of two world famous local artists: the architect Antoni Gaudí and the surrealist Salvador Dalí</li>
<li>Wander through perched Medieval towns, cathedrals, monasteries, and castles</li>
<li>Visit an exclusive boutique vineyard, located around the ruins of a 12th-century monastery, and sample its small-parcel wines</li>
<li>The activity level is rated as MODERATE (see our definitions <a href="https://www.geoculturaworld.com/about/health-and-safety" target="_blank">here</a>)</li>
<li>The tour begins in Barcelona, Spain and ends in Girona, Spain</li>
</ul>
<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Travel along backroads and through small towns to explore the amazing landscapes, unique earth history, culture and gastronomy of the Catalan Pyrenees. The spectacular landscapes were formed by the collision of the Iberian Peninsula with Europe, and this tectonic impact is mirrored in the many cultural collisions that have occurred in the region – including colonisation by Rome, the conquest by Muslims and the Frankish establishment of the Spanish Marches (Marca Hispanica) and the more recent conflicts of the Peninsular War and the Spanish Civil War.</p>
<p>From a geological perspective, the presence of evaporite (salt) layers within the rock layers has profoundly affected the development of the Pyrenean Mountain belt, clearly and beautifully displayed in stunning landforms and vistas. Salt has been a significant driver of trade and industry, and the exploitation of salt deposits has left its mark on the culture and food tastes. The tour will explore the influences that geology, and salt in particular, have exerted on history and agriculture.</p>
<p>Immerse yourself in the rural culture, history and cuisine of the Pyrenees and get closer to some of Spain’s greatest artists and how earth history influenced their work.</p>

<div><img title="Panorama of the Collegats" alt="Panorama of the Collegats" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Collegats_Panorama-10.jpg">
<p>Panorama of the Collegats (Source: Josep Anton Muñoz).</p>
</div>
<div><img title="Hotel Can Boix" alt="Hotel Can Boix" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Hotel%20Can%20Boix.jpg">
<p>Hotel Can Boix de Peramola</p>
</div>
<div><img title="Castell de Cardona" alt="Castell de Cardona" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Castell%20de%20Cardona-1.jpg">
<p>Constructed in 886 by Wilfred the Hairy, Castell de Cardona is considered to have been the most significant medieval fortress in Catalonia.</p>
</div>
<div><img title="Dramatic Salt Folds" alt="Dramatic Salt Folds" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20CP%20Salt%20Folds%20iStockScaled.jpg">
<p>Extraordinary folds of salt visible at the Cardona Salt Mountain Cultural Park.</p>
</div>
<div><img title="Cloister at Roda de Isábena" alt="Cloister at Roda de Isábena" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Roda%20de%20Isa%CC%81bena-15.jpg">
<p>Cloister at Roda de Isábena (Source: Jordi Marsol, Flickr).</p>
</div>
<div><span><img title="The Dali Theatre-Museum" alt="The Dali Theatre-Museum" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20CP%20Dali%20iStockScaled.jpg"></span>
<p>The Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres - the world's largest surrealist object! Everything in it was conceived and designed by the artist so as to draw visitors into his unique and captivating world.</p>
</div>
<div><img title="Cardona Castle Interior" alt="Cardona Castle Interior" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20CP%20Cardona%20Interior%20iStockScaled.jpg">
<p>Courtyard in the Castle de Cardona.</p>
</div>
<div><img title="Ductile folding of evaporite layers within the Cardona diapir " alt="Ductile folding of evaporite layers within the Cardona diapir " src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Fantastical%20folds,%20Cardona-7.jpg">
<p>Fantastical folds: spectacular ductile folding of evaporite layers within the Cardona diapir (Source: Simon Baker).</p>
</div>
<div><img title="The preserved remains of the 9th C Taradell Castle" alt="The preserved remains of the 9th C Taradell Castle" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Taradell%20Castle-9.jpg">
<p>The preserved remains of the 9th C Taradell Castle. Located on a large rock, it has visual control of the whole Plana de Vic. (Source: Manuel Pablo, Flickr).</p>
</div>
<div><img style="font-size: 9pt" title="Conglomerate beds showing fanning growth geometries" alt="Conglomerate beds showing fanning growth geometries" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Growth%20strata-17.jpg">
<p>Growth strata: Conglomerate beds showing fanning growth geometries, near Sant Llorenc de Morunys (Source: Simon Baker).</p>
</div>

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<h3>Tour Map</h3>
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<p><img title="T017 Itinerary Map" alt="T017 Itinerary Map" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017v2%20SP%20Location%20Map%20(1).png"></p>
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<h3>Day 1 - Arrival and Meeting in Barcelona, Spain</h3>
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<p><img title="Barcelona" alt="Barcelona" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Barcelona,%20Marina.jpg" height="414" width="736"></p>
<p>Participants will gather in the evening at a hotel in Barcelona for introductions, drinks, dinner and a review of the trip itinerary. <br><br>Overnight in Barcelona. Group dinner.</p>
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<h3>Day 2 –&nbsp;Barcelona to the Pyrenean Foothills - Gaudi inspiration and a pinch of salt.</h3>
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<p><img title="Colonia Guell" alt="Colonia Guell" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Colonia%20Gu%CC%88ell%20Detail-4.jpg" height="390" width="585"></p>
<p>This morning the group will depart for Cardona, visiting a little-known Antoni Gaudí church and crypt at Colonia Guell and the isolated mountain range of Montserrat en route. The church at Colonia Guell remains unfinished but provides an insight into Gaudi’s inspiration and design methods, later put into practice in his greatest work - the Basilica de Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The tour continues to Montserrat - a breath-taking and revered mountain in Catalonia and an apparent geological anomaly, towering as it does above the surrounding landscape. The tour will visit the monastery at Montserrat and take a short hike through the extraordinary landscape where our experts will explain the origin of what the Romans called ‘the saw-toothed mountain’.</p>
<p>Following lunch, the group continues to the ancient city of Cardona, a stronghold of Catalonian independence and located in a geo-strategic position. Our experts will explain the fascinating link between the mountain building processes of deep-time and the exposure here of a massive natural salt body (called a diapir by geologists), which has controlled both the local history and influenced European trade. Locally known as ‘white gold’, this salt made the knights of Cardona the most powerful family in Catalonia and financed several expansions of the 9thC Cardona Castle in the 12th to 15th centuries.</p>
<p>The tour allows more immersion into this fascinating deep-time history with a journey into the 40-million-year-old salt body itself. We will visit the Salt Mountain Cultural Park for a private guided tour to explore the origin of the extraordinarily beautiful and delicate contortions of the salt as it once flowed like treacle.</p>
<p>In the late afternoon we move on to the spectacular Romanesque and Gothic medieval fortress, the Parador de Cardona, built as part of the Frankish defences against the Moors, now re-purposed as a stunning hill-top hotel where we stay for the night.</p>
<p>Overnight in Cardona. Group dinner.</p>
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<h3>Day 3 –&nbsp;Detective Work on the Continental Collision that formed the Pyrenees</h3>
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<p><img title="Salt Deposits" alt="Salt Deposits" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Salt%20deposits,%20Cardona-8.jpg" height="453" width="530"></p>
<p>Today the tour will get the first detailed view of the results of the astonishing structures formed by the continental collision that created the Pyrenean Mountains. The geological shortening and stacking of rock units by kilometre scale movement along thrust faults during this collision is superbly exposed along today’s journey to Sant Esteban de Litera and Roda de Isábena. Our experts will reveal how to read the intriguing story of the rocks seen in spectacular vistas. At Olvena, we will see how the sequence of folding, of originally flat rock layers, during the collision, can be unravelled and timed by the geometry of the sediments being deposited as these huge structures grew. At Roda de Isábena, your tour experts will use geo-detective skills to deduce how an ancient delta formed during the growth of a large fold in the underlying strata.</p>
<p>After this time engrossed in the hidden geo-history of the landscapes, there will be an opportunity to explore the beautiful walled Medieval town of Roda de Isábena for the afternoon before checking in to the hotel.</p>
<p>Overnight in in La Puebla de Roda or Roda de Isábena. Free Evening</p>
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<h3>Day 4 –&nbsp;Ancient Atlantic Margins now hidden in the Pyrenees</h3>
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<p><img title="Santa Maria de Obarro" alt="Santa Maria de Obarro" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Santa%20Maria%20de%20Obarra.jpg" height="465" width="697"></p>
<p>Today there are two options:</p>
<p>For keen walkers there is a 7km (4.4 mile) hike to use wonderful panoramic mountain vistas to explore the evidence for ancient continental margins now caught up and preserved in the Pyrenees. At Cotiella mountain the spectacular view of an entire mountainside gives a true sense of the processes and scales of the structures involved in mountain building. This is a unique opportunity to observe the salt structures and sedimentary basins that characterize the Atlantic margins. The Cotiella sedimentary basins were part of these Atlantic margins, but they have been uplifted and transported tens of kilometres during Pyrenean Mountain building. Amazingly, these basins have preserved much of their original structure and the view of Cotiella can be likened to a deep subterranean dive into the African and American Atlantic margins.</p>
<p>Participants desiring a less strenuous outing will accompany the group to the impressive Cotiella mountain, view it from a distance, then drive on to an equally impressive panorama of an exhumed continental-collision fold structure at Turbon formed by salt flowing and upwelling beneath rock layers. This group will also visit the Romanesque Santa María de Obarra monastery before returning to Roda de Isábena. The picturesque monastery lies at the bottom of La Croqueta Gorge, dates from at least the 9th C and has a mysterious legend of witches protecting nuns we will investigate.</p>
<p>Some participants may prefer to spend a free day in Roda de Isábena soaking up the atmosphere and history of this beautiful hilltop village whilst sipping a coffee in the Plaza Major or enjoying a leisurely, late Spanish lunch.</p>
<p>Overnight in La Puebla de Roda or Roda de Isábena. Group Dinner.</p>
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<h3>Day 5 –&nbsp;Salt and Rock Formations that inspired Gaudí’s Cathedral</h3>
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<p><img title="Growth Strata: Conglomerate Beds" alt="Growth Strata: Conglomerate Beds" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Growth%20strata-17.jpg" height="451" width="601"></p>
<p>Today the tour will first travel to Gerri de la Sal to continue the intriguing story of salt and its impact on the local history and culture. We visit the Salt Museum and discover how salt has been mined, purified and used throughout the ages, starting in the 9thC.</p>
<p>The next stop investigates how rock structures can inspire architecture. We visit the town of Pobla de Segur, for an easy hike along the spectacular Collegats Gorge to observe the rock formations where the architect Gaudí got his inspiration for the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona.</p>
<p>In the afternoon the group will move on to Tremp for a relaxing tour and wine tasting of the Castell d’Encus winery on the site of a ruined monastery of the Knights Hospitaller (a significant Crusader order). Then on to the Hotel Can Boix near Peramola, where the group will stay for the next two nights. The hotel is nestled between limestone and ancient pebble bed cliffs and offers beautiful views into the adjacent hills.</p>
<p>Overnight in Can Boix. Group dinner.</p>
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<h3>Day 6 –&nbsp;Active Tectonics and Sedimentation</h3>
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<p><img title="Boixols" alt="Boixols" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T007%20Mountainside.jpeg" height="397" width="597"></p>
<p>Today the tour will travel to Bóixols and Abella de la Conca – these small picturesque Pyrenean villages sit within a spectacular landscape that is the result of dramatic, kilometre-scale folding of thick limestone units and related to the formation of the Pyrenees. Bóixols is in the centre of a natural amphitheatre and gives its name to this large-scale fold while Abella de la Conca perches in a commanding position above a gorge that gives access to the area. After examining this natural fortress, the group will travel a short distance to the east to the Sallent valley and discuss the dynamics of how active tectonics and developing fold structures create topography that is in turn eroded, deposited and incorporated into the growing deformation structures as ‘growth strata’- all part of the collision creating the Pyrenees around 30 million years ago.</p>
<p>Participants who prefer not to accompany the tour to these sites might choose some free time to lounge by the pool or hike in the hills surrounding the hotel.</p>
<p>Overnight in Can Boix. Group dinner.</p>
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<h3>Day 7 –&nbsp;The inside of a Volcano and the Collapse of the Pyrenees</h3>
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<p><img title="Besalú" alt="Besalú" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Besalu%CC%81-19.jpg" height="397" width="596"></p>
<p>The tour will check out and travel eastwards towards the towns of Solsona, Berga, Olot and Besalú where the group will stay for the night. The trip will follow the Pyrenean Mountain front. Our experts will review the earth processes that help define the front of all mountain ranges and how more fascinating geo-detective work is used to decode mountain building.</p>
<p>The tour will continue eastward to the Olot area, the location of a very young and unusual volcanic field. The volcanism is related to the formation and opening of the western Mediterranean Sea. The volcanoes are located along a north-south trending massive crustal scale, deep fault system that runs from south Iberia to the Rhine Graben through the Olot and the French Massif Central volcanic areas. An easy and pleasant hike will allow us to observe the very well preserved El Croscat volcanic cone edifice (about 11,000 years old), conveniently sliced through by erosion to display its enthralling internal structure. Basaltic lava flows and spectacular columnar jointing will be seen in the localities of Santa Pau and Castellfollit de la Roca on the way to Besalú – these basalts provided the natural inspiration for the columns in Gaudi’s church in Colonia Guell, seen on Day 2.</p>
<p>Overnight in the medieval town of Besalú. Free evening.</p>
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<h3>Day 8 –&nbsp;Salvador Dali, the Coast, Romans and Anchovies</h3>
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<p><img title="The Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres" alt="The Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Dali%CC%81%20Theatre-Museum-20.jpg" height="420" width="559"></p>
<p>Today the tour will leave the mountains behind and move towards the coast for a feast of cultural and gastronomic activities.</p>
<p>A short drive brings the tour to Figueres and the Dalí Theatre-Museum which rises on the remains of the former Municipal Theatre of Figueres and is considered to be the last great work of Salvador Dalí. Everything in it was conceived and designed by the artist to offer visitors an immersive experience and draw them into his unique and captivating world. A visit to the museum will be a singular experience, allowing participants to enjoy the genius's works and thoughts.</p>
<p>The last stops on the tour are around the ancient fishing and seaside town of L’Escala. Just north of L’Escala lies Empuries, where we will visit ancient ruins and a museum. Empuries was a Greek and Roman settlement founded in 575 BC that has now been partially excavated to provide a glimpse into ancient Mediterranean life, culture and conflict. The city grew in power as a trading centre in part through the salt trade but slowly declined over the centuries in the face of raids from sea-borne marauders and the forces of nature as the harbour silted up.</p>
<p>Our Autumn visit to L’Escala will coincide with the annual Festival of Salt, so we can experience this unique event first hand. We will also visit the Anchovy and Salt Museum (on) and taste the salty glory of the best anchovies in the World. Time permitting there will be an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the salty Mediterranean Sea or to soak up the atmosphere of local fishing harbour.</p>
<p>The last part of the tour will be a short coach journey to the beautiful Medieval city of Girona, home to a spectacular cathedral, a fantastically preserved Jewish Quarter, Arabic baths, museums and more. Here the group will check into a city centre hotel before a final group meal to mark the end of the tour.</p>
<p>Overnight in the medieval town of Girona. Final group dinner.</p>
<p><img title="Museum at Empuries" alt="Museum at Empuries" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T017%20Empuries%20Museum.jpg" height="436" width="581"></p>
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<h3>Day 9 – Tour ends</h3>
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<p>The tour will end with breakfast at the hotel. Participants may continue their Catalan exploration from Girona or return by train to Barcelona.</p>
<p><strong>Note:</strong> this provisional itinerary is subject to change as specific locations and accommodations release more information regarding access for 2023.</p>
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<h3>Activity Level and Transport</h3>
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<p>The activity level is rated as MODERATE, requiring an average level of fitness (see our definitions <a href="https://www.geoculturaworld.com/about/health-and-safety" target="_blank">here</a>). Geologic access will range from stops at roadside outcrops to hikes of up to 5 kilometres, with a few short steep gradients. The terrain can be uneven and loose underfoot so sturdy footwear with ankle support is recommended.</p>
<p>Day 4 includes the option of a 7km (4.4 mile) hike with an elevation gain of 450m (1500 feet) to a spectacular viewpoint of Cotiella mountain, with an alternative for anyone wishing a less strenuous hike.</p>
<p>Spring and Autumn weather is generally good with mild to warm days (18–28°C/65–82°F) and cool nights (10–18°C/50–65°F). Changeable conditions should be anticipated, with rain possible, and a wind- and waterproof jacket is recommended. Tour elevations are between 50–1900m (165–6200 ft).</p>
<p>Transport will be by comfortable coach with air conditioning.</p>
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<h3>The Tour Includes/Excludes</h3>
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<h4>The Tour Includes:</h4>
<ul>
<li>The services of your tour expert(s), who will be with the group throughout the tour, providing pre-visit briefings, walking seminars and available to answer questions.</li>
<li>A tour leader, who will attend to logistical matters and oversee the group’s health and safety.</li>
<li>All transportation costs from the start to the end of the tour, including the services of a professional coach driver.</li>
<li>All accommodation costs for the nights stated, assuming double occupancy rooms. Single occupancy of double rooms is generally available for a surcharge. Please contact GeoCultura for details.</li>
<li>All breakfasts, lunches and dinners, except for the two dinners marked “free evening”.</li>
<li>Entry fees, local guide fees and activity fees, where arranged as part of the tour.</li>
<li>Most gratuities and all service charges</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>The Tour Excludes:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Alcoholic and soft drinks with meals are not included.</li>
<li>Extra or optional activities not described in the tour.</li>
<li>Personal expenditures, including bar bills, laundry bills and the cost of meals on two free evenings.</li>
<li>Transportation to the start venue or from the end venue of the tour (air fares are not included).</li>
<li>Passport and visa fees.</li>
</ul>
<p>Participants are required to carry their own health and travel insurance in case of accident or unforeseen circumstances.</p>
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<h3><span>Alternate Activities</span><span>&nbsp;</span></h3>
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<p>For those who may not wish to accompany the tour on some of the field stops, there are possibilities for other activities, such as:</p>
<p><strong>Day 4 in Roda de Isabena</strong>: Remain in town and soak up the atmosphere and history of this beautiful hilltop village whilst sipping a coffee in the Plaza Major or enjoying a leisurely, late Spanish lunch.</p>
<p><strong>Day 6 in Can Boix:</strong> Lounge by the pool and hike in the hills surrounding the hotel.</p>
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<h3>Suggested Reading</h3>
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<p><a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Homage_to_Catalonia.html?id=MXwx-pTmPNkC" target="_blank"><em>Homage to Catalonia</em></a> (1938), George Orwell</p>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/Barcelona/mgKonzUWye8C?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&amp;dq=%25E2%2580%25A2%2509Barcelona&amp;printsec=frontcover" target="_blank"><em>Barcelona</em></a> (2011), Robert Hughes</p>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Shadow_of_the_Wind/6-7dwAgTFfEC?hl=en" target="_blank"><em>The Shadow of the Wind</em></a> (2014), Carlos Zuin Rafon</p>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/Catalonia_A_Cultural_History/9ru_BAAAQBAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&amp;dq=%25E2%2580%25A2%2509Catalonia:+A+Cultural+History&amp;printsec=frontcover" target="_blank"><em>Catalonia: A Cultural History</em></a> (2008), Michael Eaude</p>
<p><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347950500_Tectonostratigraphic_Evolution_of_the_South-_Central_Pyrenean_Foreland_Basins_A_Natural_Laboratory_for_Play-Based_Exploration" target="_blank"><em>Tectonostratigraphic Evolution of the South Central Pyrenean Foreland Basins: A Natural Laboratory for Play-Based Exploration</em></a> (2019), Josep A. Muñoz, Pau Arbués, and Berend van Hoorn (online resource)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334087475_Alpine_Orogeny_Deformation_and_Structure_in_the_Northern_Iberian_Margin_Pyrenees_sl" target="_blank"><em>Alpine Orogeny: Deformation and Structure in the Northern Iberian Margin</em></a> (Pyrenees s.l.) (2019), Josep A. Muñoz (online resource)</p>
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<h3>Accommodation</h3>
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<p>Night 1: <a href="https://www.hotelcolonbarcelona.es/en/" target="_blank">Hotel Colón</a>, Barcelona<br><em>There are certain pleasures that are only available to those who stay at Hotel Colón, like waking up in the morning, looking out of the window and seeing the Cathedral of Barcelona bathed in the first rays of sun; an image that will fill you with energy for the rest of the day! The centrally-located hotel has hosted many big names, from Ernest Hemingway to Sophia Loren, and was the home of Joan Miró in the 1960s.</em></p>
<p>Night 2: <a href="https://paradores.es/en/parador-de-cardona" target="_blank">Parador de Cardona</a>, Cardona<br><em>This hilltop Parador, converted from an extraordinary 9th century fortification, keeps watch on both the Pyrenean countryside and the charming medieval town of Cardona. The decor has been carefully designed to maintain the charm and unique nature of the setting, and its restaurant is one of the most impressive in the Parador network.</em></p>
<p>Nights 3 and 4: <a href="https://casacustodio.com/" target="_blank">Casa Custodia Hotel</a>, La Puebla de Roda de Isábena<br><em>This small family-run hotel delights in welcoming to their "home" anyone who wants to enjoy the character of this wonderful old town of La Puebla de Roda and the rugged nature of the Isábena valley.</em></p>
<p>Nights 5 and 6: <a href="https://www.canboix.cat/en/hotel-surrounded-by-nature/" target="_blank">Hotel Can Boix</a>, Can Boix<br><em>The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms with beautiful views of pre-Pyrenean landscapes, a quiet garden, a swimming pool and tennis courts. The exceptional restaurant emphasizes traditional dishes with a subtle modern touch, and has earned the hotel a reputation as a “Gastronomic Hotel”.</em></p>
<p>Night 7: <a href="https://www.casa-marcial.com/?lang=en" target="_blank">Casa Marcial</a>, Besalú<br><em>A lovely, recently restored small hotel right in the middle of the old town of Besalú, a short walk from the town’s medieval bridge. Spacious and very comfortable, well-equipped rooms, many with balconies overlooking the terraced garden and the infinity pool.</em></p>
<p>Night 8: <a href="https://llegendeshotel.com/en/" target="_blank">Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona</a>, Girona<br><em>A small boutique hotel in an excellent location in Girona’s historic center. Perfect walking distance to many of the town’s main sights. Well furnished rooms and wonderful breakfasts.</em></p>
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<h3>Deposit and Payment Terms</h3>
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<p><strong>Deposit:</strong> A deposit of 10% of the tour price is due upon registration for a tour.</p>
<p><strong>Final payment:</strong> Full payment is due 60 days before a tour begins, or upon registration if within the 60-day window.</p>
<p><strong>Cancellation by participant:</strong> A participant may cancel a registration after securing a confirmed place on a tour for any reason. The following refund terms will apply:</p>
<ul>
<li>Greater than 60 days before tour begins: Any monies paid plus half of the deposit will be refunded</li>
<li>30 to 59 days before tour begins: 35% of tour price will be refunded</li>
<li>15 to 29 days before tour begins: 25% of tour price will be refunded</li>
<li>Within 14 days of tour or during the tour: No monies will be refunded</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Cancellation by GeoCultura:</strong> GeoCultura reserves the right to cancel any tour due to low enrolment, inability to run the tour or concerns about the safety, health or welfare of participants. If a tour is cancelled before it begins, all monies paid will be refunded (including any deposit).</p>
<p>Please refer to our <a href="https://www.geoculturaworld.com/terms-and-conditions" target="_blank">Terms and Conditions</a> page for additional details.</p>
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<h2>Mark G. Rowan</h2>
<p><img title="Mark Rowan" alt="Mark Rowan" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/Mark%20Rowan.png"></p>
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<p>Mark Rowan resides in Boulder, Colorado, where he manages his own consultancy, Rowan Consulting, Inc. Mark has been a Distinguished Lecturer and International Distinguished Instructor for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and is most in his element when discussing technical and cultural topics with participants on tours. As he says, “I love to tell stories.”&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Mark is a structural geologist with a world-wide reputation for expertise in salt tectonics, having been at the forefront of developing new ideas and revising old theories and applying them in salt basins around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Mark is a recipient of the Doris M. Curtis Medal from the Gulf Coast Section of the Society for Sedimentary Geology and the Robert R. Berg Outstanding Research Award from the AAPG.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>His interests include rock climbing, surfing and travel.&nbsp;</p>
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<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>Josep Anton Muñoz de la Fuente</h2>
<p><img alt="Josep Anton Munoz" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/Josep%20Munoz.jpg">&nbsp;</p>
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<p><span><span>Josep Anton Muñoz</span><span> currently resides in </span><span>Barcelona, Spain</span><span>, </span><span>where </span><span>he </span><span>is a p</span><span>rofessor </span><span>of structural geology </span><span>at the Universit</span><span>y of</span><span> Barcelona and </span><span>Founder and </span><span>Director of the </span><span>Geomodels</span><span> Research Institute.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span><span>Josep Anton</span><span> is a structural geologist </span><span>specializing in fold and thrust belts, fault systems and salt tectonics.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span><span>His&nbsp;</span><span>p</span><span>rimary research interests are </span><span>k</span><span>inematic and dynamic evolution of orogens</span><span>, </span><span>3D reconstruction of geological bodies</span><span> and s</span><span>tructural characterization of thrust and fold systems</span><span>.&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span><span>Honors include recognition </span><span>in 2002 as</span><span> a young rese</span><span>archer&nbsp;</span><span> by the </span><span>Catalan </span><span>Government.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
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NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS. Travel through the eastern Spanish Pyrenees and explore how the presence of salt layers has profoundly affected the character of the mountain belt and influenced the culture in the region

Salt Mines to Mountain Peaks: The geology of the Pyrenees: Spain