This is a tour exploring the interior of Catalonia (Catalunya) in the northeastern reaches of Spain. This is a distinct region of green mountains, quiet byways, sleepy villages and popular coastal destinations. Add the sights of two great cities, the distinct Catalan culture and traditions and you have a very varied cycling holiday. Spin your pedals around the foothills of the Pyrenees, then all the way to the coast for a swim in the Med. This is a reasonably undemanding tour but with enough flexibility in the itinerary to allow the more energetic cyclist to make some extra daily extensions. No matter how far you pedal you can enjoy some of the finest cuisine to be found anywhere on the Iberian Peninsular!
Ripoll is a medieval town with a stunning Romanesque monastery and has claim to being the birthplace of Catalonia. This is where our journey begins with a ride through lush forests of the Pyrenees foothills, flanked by mountains rising to 2100m. Right from the start you can enjoy gentle pedaling along a disused railway line, now converted into a graded cycling trail all the way down to the Mediterranean. Once having crossed the only mountain pass on your route you get to the greenest part of Catalonia, the Garrotxa - an area of extinct volcanoes now covered by dense forests. You spend two nights in the small town of Olot and have time to explore this very particular landscape with lovely medieval farmhouses and hilltop villages such as Santa Pau. Then it is back to the Via Verde all the way to Girona, a stunning fortified town full of Gothic treasures. There is a free day to either visit the city in detail, with its great walls, cathedral and Jewish quarter, or head off to Figueres to visit the famous Salvador Dali museum.
The final day's cycling takes you down to San Feliu de Guixols by the Mediterranean; an historic town and popular resort where you stay for a night. After dropping off the hired bikes, take a local bus to Barcelona for two nights in the exciting, proudly independently spirited Catalan Capital and Spain's second largest city. With "La Rambla" promenade from the centre of the city to the waterfront; small, attractive beaches; the Military Museum at Montjuic; the Olympic quarter and romantic parks and gardens. There is The Picasso Museum and of course the unique architecture of Gaudi, a complete contrast to the rural countryside of the earlier part of the holiday.
Duration: 8 nights/9 days Grade: Easy - Moderate. Bike Hire: Included in price Day Stages: Min 25km, max 63km.
Accommodation 7 nights/8 days - The first night is in Ripoll in a 2* hotel, and then in Olot for 2 nights in a 3* hotel. Then move on to Girona in a 3* hotel for 2 nights, and then in Sant Feliu for 1 night in a 3* hotel. Finally stay in Barcelona in a 2* hotel for 2 nights. All rooms have ensuite facilities.
Terrain The terrain is mixed, but there is very little uphill pedaling. A quarter of the tour is on small roads with good tarmac, the rest is on the 'Bici Carril' a type of good quality forest trail with no cars to disturb you. This makes the cycling easy and enjoyable.
Bike Hire 24 speed hybrid style bike with front suspension, repair kit and a pannier. Bring your own helmet, it is compulsory to wear one on Spanish roads.
Accommodation and Meals Dinner, bed and breakfast 3 nights. Bed and breakfast 5 nights.
Start and End of Tour The nearest airports are Barcelona and Girona (Barcelona has the best transport links). Direct train service from Barcelona Sants station to Ripoll (2 hours). From Girona, one afternoon bus 3.25 hours (not weekends), or train to Barcelona (1 hour) and then the train above. Trains run from Barcelona to Girona. Please note that transfers on public transport (Airport to Ripoll, Sant Feliu to Barcelona and Barcelona to Airport) are not included.
Itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Barcelona Prats airport and make your way to Barcelona Sants station, from here take a direct train to Ripoll (approx 2 hours). Check into your hotel and collect your bike. You will then be able to spend time looking around the stunning Romanesque monastery in the town. You may also fly into Girona Airport (also known as Girona- Barcelona) - only 70 minutes bus transfer from central Barcelona. Then proceed with train to Ripoll as above (in this case get on train already at Arc de Triumf station - only 200m from bus terminal). Day 2: Ripoll to Olot (36km & 395 m of ascent and 670m of descent). Join the "Bici Carril" bike trail to Olot. Or if your feeling fit, you can extend the tour and cycle into d'en Bas valley around Olot (5-20km extra). Overnight in Olot. Day 3: The Garrotxa (25km+/-250m ascent/descent). Cycle into the Garrotxa National Park, a fascinating ex volcanic region of conical hills and forests, with kites and eagles wheeling their way around the sky. Don't miss out the picturesque medieval village Santa Pau. Return to Olot. Day 4: Olot to Girona (63km & 140m of ascent and 550m of descent). Cycle once again on the Bici Carril from Olot to the splendid city of Girona, and to your hotel. Day 5: Free day for visiting Girona or nearby Figueres with its Dali Museum, or just have a rest. You stay in the same hotel in Girona. The town was founded by the Romans and later inhabited by the Moors. It also withstood three invasions by Napoleon's troops. Because of this Girona is known as ‘The city of a thousand sieges'. It is split by the Onyar River, which is best viewed from the ancient footbridge. Many tourists head here on day trips in the summer from the coast. The only way to see Girona is by foot and the best part to see is the Call, the old quarter with it's narrow streets and steep alleyways. Explore the cathedral free of charge or once inside you could pay 3 Euro to see the cloisters and museum. The way to the cathedral is up a 17th century staircase of 90 steps. The museum of art is worthy of a visit, located within a Gothic palace, next to the cathedral. In Girona you will discover 12th century Arabic baths which, although restored, give a good impression on how the ancient baths would have looked. On Carrer Santa Clara, a very busy shopping street, there is a good selection of restaurants. Girona offers pleasant nightlife with tapas bars and cafes in the centre and scattered along La Rambla on the outskirts. Many people spend the evening hopping from one bar to another - on weekends mainly. Day 6: Girona to San Feliu de Guixols (40km & 80 m of ascent, 95m descent). Today you follow the Cycle path to San Feliu de Guixols. The city is situated in the middle of the Costa Brava and has a large sea-promenade surrounded by pine trees and palms. There is an open market place where fresh vegetables and fruits are sold and an indoor fish market -fish are caught the previous night by the small fishing fleet. The town officially dates from the 12C and stands on the site of the Benedictine Monastery of Sant Feliu. From the observation platform of Sant Elm, the whole bay can be overlooked. It had a lot of maritime traffic and cork industries, which made it important in the 14C. The church and other elements of the old Romanesque monastery are worth a look, with the famous Porta Ferrada, a beautiful, perhaps Arab portico from the 11C. There should be enough time for a relaxing swim, a rest on the beach, or maybe just a walk. There is also a pool at the hotel where you stay for the night. Days 7 & 8: Drop off the hired bikes and catch the local bus to Barcelona - a great Mediterranean urban center, cosmopolitan and full of contrasts. Founded by the Romans, elements of its past live side by side with the most beautiful examples of contemporary architecture inside the city. You are free to roam the city. The chance you have been waiting for to see those ‘wonderful' buildings by Gaudi, including the Sagrada Familia. Or just soak up the atmosphere of this exciting city. Two nights are spent in the Catalan capital giving you time to ramble down the Ramblas and make use of the city's extensive metro system to see all of the sites. Day 9: Depart from Barcelona. There are trains from Passeig de Gracia and buses from Plaza Catalunya to the airport; journey time 25 minutes. There are also buses, which connect with Girona Airport, which take a bit over an hour in reasonable traffic.
Included Information pack with route notes and detailed maps for the tour; 8 nights accommodation in: Ripoll (1 night), Olot (2 nights), Girona (2nights), Sant Feliu (1night) and Barcelona (2nights). Eight breakfasts and three dinners. Luggage transfers from Hotel to Hotel (Ripoll - Olot, Olot -Girona, Girona - Sant Feliu). Note that from S. Feliu, you will need to travel with your baggage from that point on into Barcelona.
Not Included All lunches and dinners other than those specified. Transfers on public transport: Barcelona -Ripoll (approx 8 Euros) and Sant Feliu - Barcelona (approx. 10 Euros). Entrance fees.
