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.
Location
Figueres
Figueres, Spain
Day 1+2+3
Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell
Day 4+5
Girona
Girona, Spain
Day 6+7+8
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
7 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
EVENT DATES
Start any dates between May to October
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
8 days / 7 nights, with 6 days of cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Figueres / Girona
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate 50 km (31 miles) daily with add-on options. See the daily distances and elevation gains listed under the itinerary tab to determine whether this trip is suitable for you. Layover days allow for time for time off the bike if you choose.
TERRAIN
Varied with some hills
COST
Classic Accommodation: US $2,625
Single Supplement: US $660
Luxe Accommodation: US$3,125
Single Supplement: US $780
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$320
E-Bikes: US$560
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. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
Getting there
You can reach Figueres from Barcelona by rail (1h50). The easiest way to reach the hotel in Figueres is by taxi and these can be found on arrival outside the train station.
1
Day 1
Figueres
Start your exploration of Catalonia in Figueres, the birthplace of Dali. Salvador Dali was known as much for his flamboyance and exhibitionism as he as for his surrealist and exotic imagery; most of his work are in the Dali museum here. Our Area Manager typically meets you for bike fit at 4 pm, but this is flexible. Dinner is included at a restaurant where Dali was often a patron.
Note: if you choose to arrive early in Figueres (morning train arriving at 10:12 am) you can enjoy a full day of riding.
2
Day 2
Figueres
Today we provide you with multiple loop options towards the coastal town of Roses. Visit the Dalí Theatre and Museum which holds the largest collection of major works by Dalí in a single location; if you wish to have a local art historian provide a private tour, we can arrange.
Ride Distance: 42 km, elevation gain 475 m.*
With Add-on 1: 55 km, gain 645 m.
With Add-on 2: 49 km, gain 600 m.
With both Add-ons: 62 km, gain 750 m.
3
Day 3
Figueres
Today 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.
Ride Distance: 51 km, elevation gain 270 m or 88 km, gain 1,385 m.*
4
Day 4
Calella de Palafrugell
Riding south from Figueres, you will have a chance to visit Empuries, site of an ancient city from 535BC with a necropolis, tombs and other treasures left behind by Greek and Roman ancestors. Take some time to visit the museum and then stroll over to a magnificent sandy beach to take in the view or enjoy a coffee on the terrace of Hostal Empuries. The paved bike path next to the sea is sublime. Lunch is recommended in the medieval city of Torroella de Montgri or, at one of our favourite restaurants in the region in a tiny village along our route. Arrive to Callela de Palafrugell, one of the most charming sea-side villages along the coast. The views between Calella and Begur are sublime.
Ride Distance: 72 km, elevation gain 480 m.*
Note: if you plan to arrive early on Day 1 or if you feel the ride from Figueres to Callela de Palafrugel (Day 4) is too long, you can choose to stay at Hotel Empuries in L’Escala on Day 3 instead of Figueres. L’Escala is 40 km away from Calella de Palafrugell. If you wish to go with this option, please mention it on your registration form.
5
Day 5
Calella de Palafrugell
Today’s ride along this coast has some challenging (but rewarding) climbs. 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 choose to take a day off from biking, there is an option to hike along a glorious section of this coastline, where you can visit the Jardins de Cap Roig with its picturesque gardens and historic castle.
Ride Distance: 43 km, elevation gain 835 m.*
Hike option: 12.3 km, elevation gain 385m.*
6
Day 6
Girona
Ride to Girona, one of the most important historical sites in Spain, where professional cyclists often live and train off-season (attracted by the climate and food, just like us). Stop to visit the castle that Dali lived at in Púbol and to have lunch before a wee climb over the Mare de Deu dels Angels before descending into Girona.
Ride Distance: 42 km, elevation gain 520 m (with 12 minute train from Flaca to Girona) or 63 km, gain 1,020 m.*
With Add-on: 67 km, elevation gain 1,020 m (with 12 minute train from Flaca to Girona) or 88 km, gain 1,170 m.*
7
Day 7
Girona
Today, choose from moderate or challenging rides west of Girona. For dinner, we will provide recommendations from local finds to El Roca de Can Roca, rated the 2nd best restaurant (3*Michelin) in the world. Hungry anyone?
Ride Distance: 53 km, elevation gain 600 m or 77 km, gain 900 m.*
With Add-on: 121 km, elevation gain 1,780 m.*
8
Day 8
Departure Day
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.
Classic
Hotel Duran, Figueres
This is the top-rated TA hotel in Figueres. Located in the historical center, walking distance from the Dali museum and with an excellent restaurant, this hotel is a fine one to start your Catalonia experience.
Hostal Empuries, L'Escala
*If Option Chosen* This hotel is located right on the beach. It boasts sea-view rooms, a spa, two swimming pools and it was the first European hotel to be rewarded with a sustainable certification.
Hotel San Roc, Calella de Palafrugell
This 3-star boutique hotel boasts sea-view rooms and a great location. It has been in the same family for 3 generations. “Quite simply the hotel has the best position in the most charming resort on the most beautiful and rugged coast on the whole Mediterranean.” Arnold Z, Leeds, England.
Hotel Nord 1901, Girona
This 4-star hotel has lovely lounges, comfortable guest rooms and the only swimming pool and gardens in the center of the city. Fully renovated in 2009 with contemporary style, and located walking distance to great restaurants. Top-rated TA hotel in Girona.
Luxe
Mas de 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.
Hostal Empuries, L'Escala
*If Option Chosen* This hotel is located right on the beach. It boasts sea-view rooms, a spa, two swimming pools and it was the first European hotel to be rewarded with a sustainable certification.
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.
Hotel Llegendes, Girona
This 4-star hotel is located in the historic center of Girona and is intimate with just 15 rooms. The design incorporates the historic property with contemporary décor.
Trip Reviews
“In particular, I enjoyed the variety of scenery and quality of the roads. Our Travel Advisor was very helpful, prompt and good to work with. The Area Manager was a great guy and very helpful. The whole tour was lovely!”
“Options for daily rides were very helpful to us. Great region to visit. Our Travel Advisor and Area Manager were great. I loved the pacing and staying more than one night at the wonderful locations.”
“The routes were beautiful and mostly free of traffic! I love having options with explanations of elevation, mileage and sights to see.”
“I think that you have taken great care in selecting accommodation that provides a great location within the city, a hotel that has a culture of excellence and is authentic to the country, and that supports bikes/ bikers. Well done! I think you do a great job at offering a daily range and depending on how you are feeling each day you can make a choice. The Area Manager makes all the difference in a great experience while touring. Her knowledge of the history and culture of the region made a huge difference. I really appreciated that she met us for coffee to provide at least 45 – 60 minutes of conversation about the area, reinforcing highlights of the area, as well as answering any questions.”
“Spain is a great place to visit, and Catalonia is beautiful. The sightseeing exceeded our expectations. The 3 anchor cities were very nice. The scenery in this part of Spain makes me want to go back. I enjoyed the folks that I traveled with. Regarding hotels, the Sant Roc and Nord 1901 were especially nice. My road bike was decent and fit me well.”
“Wonderful trip, as always. Learned so much about Spain and Catalonia. I have several friends taking this trip with you next month. We did all the side trips. Especially loved Ullastreet archeologic site. Loved the Nord 1901 Hotel in Girona: the staff is so nice and so accommodating to cyclists. Our room was amazing. Hotel Sant Roc is so beautiful. The restaurant in Figueres was wonderful. The route instructions and GPS exceeded our expectations. Always enjoy the printed directions and the tidbits. We typically go through the next day’s adventure while having dinner the night before. Bikes were fantastic: easy to fit and very comfortable to ride. Our interactions with the Travel Advisor exceeded our expectations: great communication.”
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