Catalonia Biking

The pine-scented coastal region of Catalonia has long attracted artists (Salvador Dali, among others), writers, and those in search of beauty, tranquility, and inspiration. With its multitude of villages, sunny weather, seaside splendor, art, culture, and gastronomy & wine, this corner of Spain offers everything we look for when traveling. Did we mention the cycling is superb? In fact, many pro teams live and train here when not competing. While most of our routes are more moderate in length and difficulty, avid cyclists will have lots of options should they choose. From Figueres, to Callela de Palafrugell to Girona, we have created an itinerary that shows you the very best of this region.

Only Great Explorations:

Small groups, extraordinary guides and authentic experiences
A ride you will never forget – from Calella de Palafrugell along the coast
Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups
We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises

Location

Figueres

Figueres, Spain

Day 1+2

Calella de Palafrugell

Day 3+4

Girona

Girona, Spain

Day 5-7

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
6 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected tastings, historical sites and museums
Wine reception on first and final nights
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Mar 22-28
Apr 12-18
Apr 26-May 2
May 3-9
May 24-30
Jun 7-13
Aug 23-29
Sep 13-19
Oct 4-10
Oct 11-17
Oct 18-24

2024

Mar 20-26
Apr 10-16
Apr 24-30
May 1-7
May 22-28
Jun 5-11
Aug 21-27
Sep 11-17
Oct 2-8
Oct 9-15
Oct 16-22

Trip can start any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

7 days/ 6 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Figueres/Girona

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate with challenging options
40-70+ km daily
Van supported

TERRAIN

Varied - expect some hills, worth the effort to climb

COST

Land Cost:
US $3,650
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $920

Bike Rental:
US $280

E-Bike Rental:
US $480*

*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

Getting there :

Figueres. Most people will want to stay in Barcelona the night before the trip begins as you will need to take the 8:20 train arriving into Figueres at 10:12 so we can enjoy a full day of riding. You can also fly directly into Girona and take the train from there to Figueres also. We meet at our first hotel at 10:30 am.

Day 1

We start our exploration of Catalonia in Figueres, the birthplace of Dali. Our first ride will be a short loop northeast, passing through several charming villages and splendid countryside. We’ll stop to take in the view at the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Salut, with a chapel and restaurant. Along today’s route, you see monuments to the Spanish Civil War when 500,000 people traveled on these roads into France. Dinner will be at a popular casual restaurant steps from our hotel. Distance D1: 48 km, elevation gain 300m or 64 km, gain 425m.*

Day 2

On Day 2, you’ll ride a loop east towards the coastal town of Roses. A long option will reach Cadaques, an unspoiled and remote village with crystal-blue water, fishing boats, sandy beaches, and old white-washed houses. Back in Figueres, walk the narrow, twisting streets and dine in one of the many excellent restaurants. We will visit the Dali museum on a private guided tour. Salvador Dali was known as much for his flamboyance and exhibitionism as he as for his surrealist and exotic imagery; most of his works are in the Dali museum here. Distance D2: 52 km, elevation gain 160m or 92 km, gain 995m.*

Day 3

Riding south from Figueres, you will have a chance to visit Empuries with its Romans and Greeks excavations. Lunch is in the medieval city of Torroella de Montgri at a restaurant that has been in the same family for five generations. Then it is on to Pals and Calella de Palafrugell, a seaside village with a superb hotel. Tonight, we’ll dine on the terrace of a restaurant overlooking the Mediteranean. Distance D3: 44 km, elevation gain 170m or 72 km, gain 380m.*

Day 4

The views between Calella and Begur are sublime and your ride along this coast will be a favourite, but there are some steep sections. You will have time to explore medieval Begur with its castle above town and Pals, which is one of the popular and enchanting villages in Catalonia. If you prefer to do a hike along the coast, one of the most beautiful of the Costa Brava can be easily done from the hotel, exploring nearby villages and beaches on foot. Distance D4: 41 km, elevation gain 820m.*

Day 5

Ride to Girona, one of the most important historical sites in Spain, where more than a few professional cyclists live and train off-season (attracted by the climate and food, just like us). Stop to visit the castle that Dali lived at in Pubol and to have lunch before a wee climb over the Mare de Deu dels Angels before descending into Girona. We will enjoy a walking tour of the city, to learn the many treasures here before dinner on your own – options abound from Michelin starred (El Celler de Can Roca is rated one of the best restaurants in the world) to charming bistros – we’ll provide recommendations of our favourites. Distance D5: 40 km, elevation gain 460m up to 88 km, gain 760m.*

Day 6

On this day, choose from moderate or challenging rides west of Girona and then post-ride lunch at Cafe Fabrica, owned by pro cyclist Christain Meier. We will have a memorable final night wine tasting and then dinner at our favourite restaurant in Girona. Hungry anyone? Distance D6: 52 km, elevation gain 555m or 75 km, gain 900m.*

Day 7

Depart at your leisure for onward travel. Trains from Girona reach Barcelona in 30 minutes (25 trains per day).

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Museum Apartments, Figueres

This is a very unique accommodation, located directly beside the Dali Museum in the center of historic Figueres. The suites are very large (up to 75m2!) and have contemporary design and exquisite touches. Breakfast is not served but there are great options steps away where you can order what you like.

Castell d'Emporda, La Bisbal d'Emporda

This restored medieval castle, now a 4-star hotel, offers romantic lodging. The rooms are spacious and the bar and restaurant here are excellent.
*For those who may prefer the 5-star Mas de Torrent, when available, this can be booked at an upgrade fee of $200 pp.

or Mas de Torrent, Torrent (Alternate)

This exclusive 5-star Relais & Chateaux property is stunning. The rooms are spacious and the bar and restaurant here are excellent. This is one of our favourite hotels in Spain.
*We sometimes substitute Mas de Torrent in which case there is a US$200 pp sur-charge.

Hotel Llegendes, Girona

Exuding comfortable elegance, this 4-star hotel is located in the historic centre of Girona. The design incorporates the historic property with a contemporary décor and friendly atmosphere.

Trip Reviews

Karen & Douglas B. – West Vancouver, British Columbia

December 4, 2018

“Guides were excellent and charming companions and always punctual. Riding on ebikes was wonderful!!”

Karen & William D. – West Vancouver, British Columbia

December 4, 2018

“Great country, I enjoy riding and earning my dinner/drinks. It was spectacular. The coastal ride, the hills out of Figueres, Dali museum, Girona was a surprise – nicer than I expected. Fun group to travel with!”

Diane B. – Naperville, Illinois

October 22, 2014

“I loved it all!”

Bob O. – Napperville, Illinois

October 14, 2014

“Our most recent trip in Catalonia was possibly the best. The variety of rural and seaside riding was wonderful and mileage options for our diverse group of 16 was much appreciated. However, our 3 guides were fantastic. They knew the region, local foods and worked very hard to make sure we had a great experience. Job well done.”

Leave a Review

Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.