Home to some of Spain's most iconic cities and famous (and infamous) characters, Catalonia is a one of a kind destination. With a history as diverse as the territory and a cultural identity and language of its own, this Spanish community will delight and fascinate. Join us on an 8-day bicycle tour that begins in Girona, one of the most fought after towns in all of Spanish history, having been sieged over 25 times. We'll pedal east towards the rugged Costa Brava and through the rolling hills of the Emporda' region - dotted with Roman ruins and medieval towns. Our journey continues through hidden fishing villages and quiet towns along small roads through wine country on our way to Figueras, Salvador Dali's birthplace. Enjoy incredible cycling through a variety of historic towns that feature a delightful mix of modern culture and cuisine.
***If this sounds great but you prefer a longer tour. Join us to Bicycle Catalonia's Costa Brava Plus! Barcelona which extends this itinerary 4 days.***
Day 1: Girona
Highlights: Girona, Jewish Museum and Historic Center
We meet in the medieval town of Girona today. We highly recommend coming a day or two early to explore this city and begin your exploration of the Catalan culture. We'll fit bicycles this afternoon and recommend a test ride along the river bike path before meeting for introductions and dinner together. Mileage - optionalLodging: Hotel Historic
Day 2: Bicycling Girona to Costa Brava
Highlights: Cycling the Via Verde, quiet roads, beach town
We'll enjoy sections of one of the most extensive networks of bike paths and rail to trail systems in Spain today as we pedal south and east towards the coast. We'll weave through small farm roads and on bike paths through towns on our way to our beach front hotel. Enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean, or people watching this afternoon before dinner together. Distance: 43 kms (24 miles).Lodging: Hotel Sant Pol
Day 3: Bicycling Costa Brava to Peratallada
Highlights: Beaches, rural bicycling, castles and medieval towns
Today we'll ride along the coast to Palamos, a great coffee stop and perfect opportunity for one last dip in the sea before we head inland over rolling hills. Many of the towns we'll pass through on today's ride were once fortified Roman and medieval cities, so be sure to take time to meander the tiny streets. Peratallada, our destination this evening, is perhaps the best preserved as the center is entirely pedestrian and the walls still stand. You'll notice ruts in the stone streets which were created from centuries of horse carts moving through the narrow streets. We'll stay just outside of town and enjoy this little corner of Catalonia for the next few days. Mileage 50 kms (30 miles)Lodging: Hotel Aatu
Day 4: Loop ride or Rest Day
Highlights: Loop ride, Iberian Ruins, optional climb
We'll take a loop ride through the gentle hills of the Baix Emporda region today. We have a special stop planned just a few kilometers into the ride to visit a local ceramicist, la Bisbal d'Emporda. This is also a great town to enjoy a beverage and explore the boutiques and artist stores - some of which carry traditional pieces while others have expanded into more modern ceramic art. After our visit we'll continue our loop ride which includes the option of an 8 km (5 miles) climb for anyone wanting a little challenge. After lunch we'll pedal by one of the earliest Iberian settlements and recommend you stop and visit the ruins - an interesting glimpse into the first people living on the peninsula. This evening dinner is on your own. Mileage 45 - 60 kms (24 - 36 miles).Lodging: Hotel Aatu
Day 5: Bicycle to Cadaques
Highlights: Remote fishing village, stunning views of the sea
We'll head north and inland today through gentle hills and reclaimed marshes that are now the center for the agricultural economy in the area. We'll suggest a lunch stop in one of these small but historic towns. There is a significant climb to the hotel so anyone who prefers to rest their legs can meet at a café to regroup and shuttle. Everyone else can join local cyclists to conquer the hill that creates a natural barrier and makes this Eastern most peninsula in Spain such a unique natural and geological formation. Dinner is together tonight. Mileage 60 - 70 kms (36 - 41 miles).Lodging: Hotel Rocamar
Day 6: Cycle the Cap de Creus or enjoy the beach
Highlights: Dali's summer home, beach front rambla, and optional rest day
Today you have the option to take a day off the bike, or bicycle to the stunning Cap de Creus - the most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula. It's a short but hilly ride out and back. For those who prefer a day off the bike, Cadaques has been inspirational to many great artists, including Dali, Mioro, Duchamp and Picasso. Find a spot and explore your inner artist, or simply enjoy a day relaxing by the pool. Dinner is on your own today. Mileage 14 kms (8.5 miles) out and back or more if you want!Lodging: Hotel Rocamar
Day 7: Bicycle to Figueras
Highlights: Scenic coast boat ride, Dali Museum
We start our day with a chartered boat ride as we leave Cadaques and navigate around the rocky coastline that isolates the Cap de Creus Natural Park from the rest of the Costa Brava. Once we land in Roses we'll pedal to Figueras, birthplace of Salvador Dali. We'll plan a guided tour of the museum this afternoon before a final dinner together to celebrate the completion of our journey. Mileage: 50 kms (30 miles)Lodging: Hotel Duran
Day 8: Figueras
Highlights: Bon viatge
Our tour ends this morning after breakfast. We hope you have enjoyed your ride through this unique corner of Spain. Trains head straight to France or to Barcelona from here - whatever you decide to do, bon viatge.***If this sounds great but you prefer a longer tour. Join us to Bicycle Catalonia's Costa Brava Plus! Barcelona which extends this itinerary 4 days.***
-
HighlightsGirona, Figueras and Dali Museum, Medieval Villages, Costa Brava Beaches
-
Includes"The Usual" plus... Use of a quality 27-30 speed bicycle; 8 days, 7 nights lodging; 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners with wine; van support; 2 to 3 bilingual tour leaders; guided visit of Dali Museum; a wine tasting; boat trip
-
CountriesSpain
-
Begin/EndGirona/Barcelona
-
Arrive/DepartBarcelona (BCN)
-
Total Distance260 - 300 kms (155 - 180 miles)
-
Daily DistanceAverage per day mileage 43 - 48kms (27 - 29 miles)
-
What to ExpectAn amazing mix of landscapes, fabulous food, beautiful villages, and incredible cycling.
-
Rating201
Generally gentle rolling and flat terrain. Two days have more significant climbs one of which is optional and the other can easily be shuttled if you prefer flatter terrain. -
Notes
-
Terms
| Dates | Price | Single Supplement* |
Notes | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 05 - 12, 2013 | $3550 | $500 | Confirmed departure. Just a Few Spaces Left | Book It |
| Sep 26 - Oct 03, 2013 | $3550 | $500 | Sold Out. Wait List Available | Book It |
| *We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour. | ||||
Please wait while our photos load
Here on ExperiencePlus.com
- Catalonia's Costa Brava with Joan Escosura
An interview with Joan Escosura our Spanish country coordinator and tour leader about the new bicyclign Catalonia trip that he helped design. - Spain Trip Planner
Read up on country customs, transportation information, culinary specialites, and more!
Elsewhere on the Web
- Iberia by James Michener
Looking for a travelogue set in Spain? Here's a review on one of Michener's finest books. - La Tomatina
The end of summer means tomatoes! In Valencia, Spain, there's a tomato throwing festival..join in the fun. - Postcards from Barcelona
When you stroll around Barcelona, you'll have the opportunity to witness Antonio Gaudi's architectural genius.
Click on the "pins" for details about each day's highlights.
Map Key
Start
City (on route)
End
City (not part of route, provided for reference)We're sorry, but we don't have any customer comments on this tour yet.
