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

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2024

Mar 20-26
Apr 10-16
Apr 24-30
Apr 28-May 4
May 1-7
May 22-28
Jun 5-11
Aug 21-27
Sep 11-17
Oct 2-8
Oct 9-15
Oct 16-22

2025

Mar 24-30
Mar 31-Apr 6
Apr 7-13
Apr 14-20
Apr 21-27
May 5-11
May 12-18
May 26-Jun 1
Jun 2-8
Aug 25-31
Sep 1-7
Sep 8-14
Sep 29-Oct 5
Oct 6-12

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. You will want to stay in Barcelona the night before the trip begins as we recommend the 8:22 train that arrives into Figueres Villafant at 9:19 (55 min). We will meet that train (or the one specified in your Trip Planner) and whisk you to the hotel so we can enjoy a full day of riding. If you come on a different train, you can easily take a taxi to the hotel – we plan to depart on bikes by 10 am.

Day 1

Bienvenido to Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali, and gateway to the beautiful Alt Emporda with traffic-free, smooth paved roads with stunning scenery, quaint villages and beautiful beaches. On our first day of riding, we will ride towards Pont de Molins and past the Castell de les Escaules en-route to a sanctuary near Terrades. An add-on loop visits Darnius and the Panta de Boadella reservoir. Distance D1: 26 km, elevation gain 335m or 52 km, gain 875m.*

Day 2

Today, we will ride to the wine town of Peralada, one of the most charming villages in the region. Explore the historic center, visit the XII century Romanesque cloister of Sant Domenec museum here or wine taste if you wish – the newly opened Celler Perelada offers tours of the Perelada Castle and winery. Reach Roses, a beachside enclave where you can swim or enjoy a cappuccino from one of the cool cafes here. From here, you will ride through Empuriabrava with its navigable waterways and marinas and then through the Aiguamolls d’Emporda, an important bird sanctuary. Have lunch in Castell D’Empuries, one of the gems of Catalonia with a basilica, and impressive town center with great restaurants.

A long option will reach Cadaqués, an unspoiled and remote village with crystal-blue water, fishing boats, sandy beaches, and old white-washed houses.

Back in Figueres, we will visit the Dali Museum with an expert guide; the artist was known as much for his flamboyance and exhibitionism as he as for his surrealist and exotic imagery and definitely leaves an impression on visitors. We will finish the day with another great meal in a traditional asador restaurant frequented by Dali.
Distance D2: 50 km, elevation gain 270m or 88 km, gain 1390m.*

Day 3

Riding south from Figueres, we ride past the archeological site of Empuries and along a scenic sea-side bike path with a possible swim spot at a lovely bay. We ride through the medieval city of Torroella de Montgri and admire the ruin of a castle high above town. In Palau-Sator we have lunch at an atmospheric restaurant before continuing to Castell d’Emporda, a idyllic hamlet with luxurious amenities. Distance D3: 45 km, elevation gain 170m or 68 km, gain 450m.*

Day 4

The views between Calella and Begur is some of the most stunning scenery of the trip; there are some steep sections but they are short. You will have time to explore medieval Begur with its castle above town and Pals, an enchanting village. On the Luxe trip, you will want to arrive back to Castell d’Emporda to enjoy the pool and surroundings of the hotel. If you wish a hiking day as an alternative to biking, the guides can take you to hike a spectacular section of the coastal trail. Distance D4: 60 km, elevation gain 890m.* Hiking alternative: up to 12.3km; 380m or 1.9km;200m

Day 5

Ride to Girona where professional cyclists live and train off-season (attracted by the climate and food, just like us). Along the way, stop to visit the castle that Dali and his wife Gala built 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 of the many treasures here before dinner on your own – options abound from Michelin starred (The Roca brothers El Celler de Can Roca is rated one of the best restaurants in the world, but their newest restaurant, Normal is easier to get into and also superb). Distance D5: 36km; 460m or 57 km, elevation gain 930m*

Day 6

Choose from moderate or challenging rides northwest of Girona and then post-ride lunch at Cafe Fabrica, owned by (now retired) Canadian pro cyclist Christain Meier and his wife Amber. 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.

Mas Falgarona, Figueres

Mas Falgarona is a 17th-century property with that large and light guest rooms that retain the original thick stone walls and raftered ceilings. There's a swimming pool, a shady garden and an organic kitchen garden providing much of the produce for the restaurant. The location, just 5km outside of Figueres, is quiet with lovely gardens and beautiful setting.

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.”

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