Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
Mountain passes, medieval villages, and a mesmerizing coastline await
This is a wonderful 9-day/8-night bicycle tour that includes cycling the 'Carrilet', the converted railway that runs for 135 km from Ripoll in the Pyrenees to Sant Feliu de Guixols on the Mediterranean Sea.
The riding starts in the mountain town of Ripoll, cycling the 'Ruta del Ferro' to the village of Sant Joan de les Abadesses. Gliding through the town and over the magnificent mountain pass of the 'Col de Santigosa', you'll descend into Olot, the capital of the volcanic region of 'La Garrotxa'.
From Olot to Girona, the riding is a gentle descent for about 60 km into Girona through stunning scenery. The following day’s section of the Carrilet, between Girona and Sant Feliu de Guixols, is approximately 40 km and covers a diverse range of scenery, from the undulating farmland around Girona to the pine and cork forests of the coastal region. A truly beautiful ride.
The itinerary then heads north along the breathtaking Costa Brava coastline, exploring its many treasures. A second day in Llafranc is included in the itinerary to further explore the iconic Costa Brava bays of Tamariu and Calella de Palafrugell.
The last two days of the tour are spent following the Baix Emporda Cycling Network routes that head inland through the timeless medieval villages of the region. Your cycling route takes you to the village of Pubol, where Salvador Dali’s 'Castle Museum' is located with many of his great works on display.
On your final day, you will be transferred to Girona train station to return to Barcelona by train after a fantastic 8 days of exploring the very best of this region of Catalonia.
NOTE: If you wish, you may extend this program. In order to book during the months of July or August, the program must be extended by one night due to hotel restrictions. August is a high-volume travel month, so if you wish to book during this month, we will secure a price quote from our local partner. Please contact us for pricing.
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Ripoll
Arrival by train from Barcelona to the Pyrenees mountain town of Ripoll. Explore the old town of Ripoll on foot and visit the Santa Maria de Ripoll Monastery.
Day 2: Ripoll – Olot
25 miles/40 km
Morning tour briefing and bike setup at the hotel. You will then enjoy cycling to Olot over the mountain pass of the 'Coll de Santigosa'.
Overnight in Olot.
Day 3: Olot – Girona
37 miles/60 km
Cycle along the 'Carrilet' (converted railway line) from Olot to Girona, cycling through the beautiful 'La Garrotxa' volcanic region.
Overnight in Girona.
Day 4: Girona – Sant Feliu de Guixols
25 miles/40 km
Continue along the 'Carrilet' to Sant Feliu de Guixols on the Mediterranean Sea. The converted railway line snakes its way from the plain of Girona to the pine forests of the coast.
Overnight in Sant Feliu de Guixols.
Day 5: Sant Feliu de Guixols – Llafranc
25 miles/40 km
Follow the beautiful coastal route through fields and forests of pine and cork trees to Llafranc.
Overnight in Llafranc.
Day 6: Llafranc
19 miles/30 km
Explore the beautiful bays of Llafranc, Calella de Palafrugell, and Tamariu.
Overnight in Llafranc.
Day 7: Llafranc – Monells
25 miles/40 km
Meander through the charming medieval villages of the Baix Emporda.
Overnight in Monells.
Day 8: Monells
25 miles/40 km
Explore more of the medieval villages following the Baix Emporda Cycling Network, visiting the Salvador Dali ‘Castle Museum’ in Pubol.
Overnight in Monells.
Day 9: Return to Girona and departure
19 miles/30 km
Return to Girona with the option to cycle up and over the challenging and stunning 'Els Angels' monastery route. This is one of the favorite road rides for many of the professional riders based in Girona.
Transfer to Girona train station for regular direct trains to Barcelona. Don't want the tour to end? Add a cycling day tour in Barcelona to the end of your itinerary!
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Ripoll: Hotel La Trobada
Olot: Hotel Can Blanc
Girona: Hotel Peninsular
Sant Feliu de Guixols: Hotel S’Agaro
Llafranc: Hotel Casamar
Monells: Hotel Arcs
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes

Standard touring bike
Radon Scart 7.0
Equipped with the ever-reliable Shimano Deore drivetrain, Shimano disc brakes and a Suntour suspension fork, the Scart has a comfortable riding position and a triple (48/36/26) chainset – perfect for long days enjoying the delights of the region.

Electrically-assisted bike
SCOTT Sub Tour eRIDE 10
This unisex electric bike is the classic trekking style and is perfect for leisurely rides. The bike has got many features including an efficient electric motor centrally mounted to maintain a low centre of gravity, ideal for stability and control.
- Bosch E.DRIVE motor
- Unisex Alloy Frame
- Bosch Performance, 625Wh battery
- BT connectivity, Over-the-Air Updates
- Front suspension: Suntour 63mm
- Shimano 10 Speed
- Shimano disc brakes
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Our standard touring bikes come equipped with:
- Helmet
- Pump
- Repair kit
- Spare tubes
- Multi-tool
- Lock
- Water bottle
- Handlebar bag
- Pannier (approximately 15 liters - the size of a small backpack)
- Map holder
- 1 Garmin Edge Touring Plus GPS Unit per group
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets:
Helmets are available on this tour, but we recommend that you bring your own for safety and hygiene purposes.
Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
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Surface and terrain
The tour follows the Baix Emporda Cycling Network which is made up of beautiful and tranquil secondary roads and country lanes. These are a mix of tarmac, dirt or gravel surfaces. This tour is suitable for standard bikes.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport and train station: Barcelona, Spain
Tour end
Nearest airport and bus station: Girona (GRO), Spain
At the end of the tour clients are transferred to Girona train station where there are regular direct trains to Barcelona.
Tips on getting to and from your tour.
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