Do you want to experience a diverse cycle trip through the most beautiful area of Catalunya? An ideal mix between being active in nature and a relaxing sunny holiday? More time to enjoy the unique castles and haciendas you will stay in? Then this tour is for you.
You will cycle maximum 40 kilometers a day. This circular trip will take you along the rugged coast of the northern Costa Brava and through the mainland with medieval villages, Roman ruins and vineyards. On this self guided trip you choose your own pace. You sleep only in the authentic boutiquehotels.
- 170 - 240 km (daily 30 - 40km)
- minimum 1 optional rest day
- Ideal family vacation with not a lot of height differences
- 7 nights in unique boutiquehotels
- 7x breakfast
- 7x picknick lunch (1x we provide a elaborate lunch on a unique location)
- Hybride- or trekkingbike included
Day 1: Arrival and optional bike ride
We pick you up at Girona airport or the train station of Figueres and take you to your boutique hotel in Palau de Saverdera. This typical Catalan town is situated at the foot of a mountain. From the terrace of your room you can enjoy a magnificent view on the Bay of Roses, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We welcome you with a drink and some more info about your bike and the course of the journey. If you want, you can take a bike ride to the popular coastal village of Roses. Its a vibrant white fisherstown with big pleasure port and cozy streets. If you follow the winding coastal road, you will come across several beach bars at turquoise blue bays. Another option is to explore the Aguamolls, a swamp area and well-known bird sanctuary.
Those who prefer to stay at the hotel can go for a walk through the typical Catalan village with several restaurants that offer local cuisine.
Optional:
- take a canal boat tour in Empuria Brava and enjoy the classic Mediterranean villa’s along the canals. No license needed.
- walk up the hill over a century old pilgrimage trail with great views.
- tandem jump in the famous parachute center in EmpuriaBrava
- watch the sunset on the terrace of an fine restaurant nearby
Day 2: Through the Aguamolls Natural park and the Venice of Spain
35 km 2m 70m
After breakfast you bike south through the Aguamolls nature reserve towards EmpuriaBrava. This unusual and lively town is also called the Venice of Spain. It is the largest residential marina in Europe with more than 40 km of navigable canals and 5000 boat moorings.
You cycle along the coastline and follow the Pirinexus cycle path along the Muga river and the historic town of Castello d'Empuries. This cozy village with cobbled roads and its impressive cathedral is an ideal coffee break.
You ride over a quiet bike path through the nature reserve towards the surfers village Sant Pere Pescador. The beautiful medieval town of Sant Marti d'Empuries, overlooking the rugged coast, is an ideal lunch spot. Next to it you will find the Greek Roman ruins of Empuries. This ancient city was used by Romans as their base for the invasion and dominance of the Iberian Peninsula.
You will stay in a medieval castle. It combines the authenticity of a 600 years old castle with the comfort of a 4 star hotel. The castle has a swimming pool, big gardens and a cozy restaurant where the chef cooks 3 course meals with fine local products.
Day 3: Rest day, excursion or bike ride
Zelf te kiezen
Today you choose whether you want a rest day, visit the city of Figueres or take a circular route along the coast. You can relax at the swimming pool of the castle or at the beach.
Those who want to cycle can go to Escala, a white fisherman village known for its Anchovies. Or you can have lunch at the port of Estartit with a view of the "Medes" island group, 7 small islands and a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
Optional:
- Half a day on a sailboat, snorkeling and lunch in a secluded bay
- kayaking in Sant Pere de Pescador
Day 4: Greek-Roman ruins and the Catalan mainland
39 km 130 m 92 m
After breakfast you follow the Pirinexus cycle path towards the white village of Estartit. You cycle next to the Montgri mountain range towards the coast. Next you leave the coast behind and make your way inlands along the bike path next to the Muga river. You are now entering ´Catalunya´s best kept secret´. This area has a rich cultural heritage and was the movie set for lots of historic movies.
You cycle along sunflower fields through medieval villages as Gualta and Palau-Sator. End destination today is Pals, one of the most beautiful villages of Spain. This picturesque medieval town has kept it’s ancient charm, making a visit a must do.
You sleep in a unique castle outside of the village. An ancient fortified country house from the 16th and 17th century. All 5 rooms are spacious, some with terrace and all with great character. There is a small bar where you can have dinner, a marvelous garden with hammock that overlooks the countryside and a swimming pool.
Day 5: Through ancient times and Medieval villages
33 km 291 m 165 m
Today is a ride back to medieval times. You cycle from one medieval village to the next on small roads through rolling fields and pine trees. This landscape looks a lot like Tuscany and is also known as the Golden Triangle of Catalunya.
One of the highlights of this day is the fairy tale village Peratallada. It is completely built on rocks. Think of narrow, cobbled streets in a medieval, fortified village. Small, hidden restaurants where you imagine yourself in the French Provence. Peratallada is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and will not disappoint you. Note: the movie Robin Hood was shot here.
The route takes you to the small Catalan village of Sant Jordi Desvalls, where you will stay in a boutique hotel where every room has its own character and extraordinary charm. The french owners offer delicious tapas and 3 course meals. There is a swimming pool and terrace in the historic house.
Day 6: The rolling hills of the Catalan countryside
33 km 356 m 401 m
Today you leave the Baix Emporda behind and cycle through the Catalan heart, which is symbolised by the yellow ribbons on the streets.
Those who are looking for a souvenir can stop in La Bisbal Emporda, known for its ceramics and vintage shops. You’ll follow the Ter river for a while and cycle north through a varied rough and hilly landscape. You pass a few typical Catalan villages and beautiful panoramic of rural Catalonia with the Pyrenees in the background.
You sleep in an old hacienda with a large garden and swimming pool. In the dining room you can enjoy a traditional Catalan menu. The hotel has a massage room where you can relax and offers wine tours at a beautiful vineyard at walking distance.
Optional:
- Winetasting on the vineyards of Siurana
Day 7: Dali , optional winetasting and historic, cozy Castello
30 km 24 m 120 m
On your last cycling day you can visit the city of Figueres, with the Dali museum and the lively Ramblas surrounded by shopping streets.
Another option is to ignore the city and cycle to Perelada. Peralada is a medieval town that is known cause of its wineries where the prestigious Catalan cava is savored. The landmark of Peralada is the castle Castel de Peralada, the former residence of the counts of Peralada. It is surrounded by a park with wonderful old trees.
You spend the night in a beautiful historic setting in the centre of Castello d’Empuries. This century old building is recently renovated to be a 4 star boutiquehotel. There is a big garden, swimming pool and it´s right in the center. Castello is a cozy, old town with plenty of restaurants and bars. A perfect spot to end your trip.
Optional:
- Wine tasting in Peralada
Day 8: End of the journey and transfer
After seven days of fine blue Mediterranean sea, nature, culture and great food, your batteries are fully charged again. We will take you to the airport or train station.
Prices
GOLD
Unique, handpicked boutiquehotels
| Price pp | €1299 |
| Surplus High Season (pp, per week) | €130 |
| Surplus Single Room (pp, per week) | €350 |
DIAMOND
Luxurious boutiquehotels. Only 4 star Masias and castles.
| Price pp | €1649 |
| Surplus High Season (pp, per week) | €130 |
| Surplus Single Room (pp, per week) | €350 |
Included
- 7 nights in small-scale boutique hotels
- 7x breakfast
- 7x lunch in a picnic form
- fully equipped City of Hybrid bicycle
- welcome drink
- info package and routes on GPS or smartphone
- drinking bottle
- transfers Girona airport or Figueres train station
- transfers luggage between the hotels
- 24/7 backup for questions / problems
Optional
Bikes
- Hybride / TrekkingBike (per person, per week) €100
- E-Citybike Bosch 500W/ 625W (per person, per week) €250
- E-mountainbike (per person, per week) €250
- GravelBike (per person, per week) €250
Extra´s
- Surplus High Season (pp, per week) €130
- Surplus Single Room (pp, per week) €350
Catalonia is a surprisingly varied region in the North of Spain. It is unique because of its natural beauty, cultural sites and strategic location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees.
Our cycling routes are located in the North of Catalonia, just across the French border. This is the most unspoilt part of the Costa Brava! You cycle or walk along desolate beaches and various nature reserves such as the Cap de Creus peninsula, the Montgri mountain range, the Isles Medes Marine Reserve and the Aguamolls Bird Sanctuary.
This region can be proud of its rich cultural heritage. The southern part is called the 'The Golden Triangle' for a reason. Ancient medieval villages, archaeological sites and museums take you back to ancient times. In the evening you stay in historic castles or haciendas that immerse you in authentic Catalonia.
3 stars Restaurant El Bulli also put this region on the Burgundian world map. The restaurant is closed, but several chefs now have their own restaurant where you can enjoy star-class tapas. And for the city trippers among you, vibrant Barcelona is only an hour and a half away by car.
This region has it all and the best way to discover this diversity, is through our vacations!
ACCESSIBILITY
You can reach us:
- by car (1150km)
- by plane to Girona, Perpignan or to Barcelona.
- by train from Brussels to Figueres
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