Here’s a terrific cycling trip– best described as a treasure trove of Liquorice Allsorts! It takes you from the mountains of the Spanish Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea, includes stays in medieval and very modern hotels, combines remote countryside and the throbbing little city of Girona, engages you in some walking as well as cycling, in weird volcanic and lush wooded landscapes and most colourful of all, in the wondrous cooking of the Catalans.
The riding is largely traffic free as you follow a disused railway line for most of the tour, weaving in and out of medieval villages, along rivers and across meadows until you reach the sea and sand. Enjoy 2-night stays along the way and add in a visit to Barcelona as you head home. What a treasure trove of Allsorts!
Holiday details
Price
- Luxury
-
from £1,495 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
Duration
6 nights
Start & Finish
Starts and finishes daily from Girona or Barcelona Airport. Not available November and December.
Hotels
- Luxury
-
Two 4* and one 3* hotel
Holiday type
Self-guided so you are free to explore at your own pace. More info...
Activity level
Gentle cycling (5) More info...
Electric bikes
Available.
Mileage
3 days of cycling 25-43 miles (41 - 70 km) per day and one day of optional cycling or walking
Terrain
some hills
What’s included?
Ensuite accommodation every night with breakfast. The services of our friendly local Hosts. Luggage transfers between hotels. Touring bikes and accessories. 24/7 phone contact number. Adventure Handbook with our local tips. GPS Routes on an App with waterproof phone holder. Guidebook or OS maps. Protection of your funds. Advice, help and guidance planning your trip.
4 dinners. Transfer to/from Girona Airport at the start/end of tour. Transfer on Day 2. Read About Our Trips for further details
Traffic-free
90%
Options
- Transfer to/from Barcelona Airport. Supplement applies
- Upgrade hotel in Girona to the famous Casa Cacao, owned by the Roca family, the renowned chocolatiers and Michelin-starred chefs
- Add a guided cycle ride on Day 6 to the medieval villages of Emporda
- Add additional nights at the coast
- Add a stay in Barcelona on your arrival/departure = please enquire
Itinerary day-by-day
Luxury
-
1. Day one
Arrive Santa Pau
We meet you at Girona or Barcelona Airport and transfer you to Santa Pau in the Catalan Pyrenees. Settle into your charming hotel which faces the 13th Century castle and take a dip to cool off - the pool has long views over the lush countryside. Santa Pau is a delightful medieval village located in the Garrotxa volcanic region of Catalonia. Known for its well-preserved historic architecture, Santa Pau features cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and a picturesque main square. You won't be disappointed with the dinner either!
-
2. Day two
From Llanars to Santa Pau
After breakfast we transfer you to the tranquil village of Llanars set amidst lush greenery where your cycling begins. With breath taking views of the Pyrenees you gently descend for most of the day with the interruption of one ascent This is an idyllic and quiet ride largely on a traffic free cycle path taking in several towns and villages with medieval charms at their heart. Pedal through fragrant pine forests and verdant valleys, cross the crystal clear waters of the Ter River and weave through the ancient volcanic cones and lush vegetation of the unique volcanic terrain of Garrotxa to arrive back in Santa Pau for a 2nd night. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy a gastronomic dinner featuring the most famous dishes of your hotel.
33 miles (53km) 2418' ascent
-
3. Day three
Santa Pau to Girona
Once you've left the Garrotxa volcanic area behind and reached Olot, your route today takes you along the Brugent valley on a disused railway line as it descends through rural landscapes towards Girona. Traffic free for most of the day, you pass through verdant forests and countryside with stunning vistas and a host of interesting locations of historical interest and refreshment spots with views. Reach the heart of the vibrant city of Girona where your hotel is located and enjoy the change of pace and scene. You stay here 2 nights.
43 miles (70 km) 1985' ascent
-
4. Day four
Enjoy Girona
Girona offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and beauty, making for an unforgettable day of discovery. Explore the stunning Cathedral, featuring the widest Gothic nave in the world. Wander through the ancient Jewish Quarter, one of the best-preserved in Europe, and discover its narrow, winding streets. Stroll along the colourful houses lining the Onyar River and cross the iconic Eiffel Bridge. Don't miss the Arab Baths, a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture and take a leisurely walk along the medieval city walls for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
-
5. Day five
Girona to the Mediterranean
Heading for the sea, your easiest ride of the trip is a largely traffic free breeze taking you through scenic scenes and along the charming streets of the area's small towns and villages. Take a break in Cassà de la Selva known for its cork production, Santa Cristina d'Aro where the world's largest and most original Museum of Magic can be explored and Castell d'Aro, a historic town with narrow cobbled streets and a well-preserved medieval castle. Finally, your journey concludes in Platja d'Aro, a lively coastal town on the Mediterranean with your cliff top hotel and room overlooking the sea. You stay here 2 nights.
25 miles (41 km)
-
6. Day six
Enjoy the coast
As your hotel is right on the beach, here's a golden opportunity to relax and splash in the sea. If you want to be a little more energetic you can stroll along the coast path directly from the hotel in either direction, perhaps to nearby Palamos where you can enjoy its famous prawns, lively harbour and fishing museum. If you prefer to cycle there is a wonderful gentle 29 mile (47 km) circular ride that winds through the beautiful countryside and medieval villages of Emporda with our local guide and a short transfer to the start/finish (supplement applies)
Optional distances
-
7. Day seven
Depart The coast
At a time to suit you, we will transfer you to Girona Airport for your onward journey. We can also take you to Barcelona (supplement applies) if you wish to spend time in this trendy city or depart from there.