Catalonia Bike Tour Reviews
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★★★★★ Kathy K 2 months agoBeautiful Villages and Stunning Sea!
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
I recently did the self-guided trip as a mom and son getaway with my 14-year old. We did this on e-bikes. Daniel was kind and thoughtful and checked in on us along the way via text. He was on time for bike delivery and super organized, setting us up for success. The hotels selected were great even though we booked last minute. Each of our rooms along the mediterranean had views of the Sea which was stunning and exceeded our expectations. My son managed the GPS and all of the navigating and we had an easy time of this. The route itself was wonderful! A great mix of medieval and coast and I wonder if the tour title should give more emphasis to the time spent along the coast, which was absolutely beautiful! I was sad to leave Llafranc and put the sea behind us, but this was quickly replaced with fascination at the beauty of the small villages. Overall, this was a wonderful adventure. The weather was superb and the towns were not crowded with tourists (late June). I do recommend the e-bikes if you have varying levels of experience and want to stray off the tour routes at all to bike uphill to other towns not on the tour route. We had more than enough time and energy to add things like this because of the benefit of the pedal-assist.
- What was the date of your tour?
- late June 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Kate Seppala 3 months agoPerfect tour of Catalonia!
· Great Pyrenees and Costa Brava E-Bike Tour
From our welcome and thorough briefing in Girona, to the comfortable and capable bikes, the stunning views, memorable accommodations, delectable food and wine, history and wonder of the region, I highly recommend this trip! The tour winds all across Catalonia and offers many miles on trials and nearly car-free roads. The drivers in Catalonia were extremely courteous and always provided plenty of room when passing. We found the directions, information, and navigation app to be easy to use (make sure you bring a portable charger for your phone). The tour operators provide suggestions to customize your itinerary for each day dependent on distance and interest. The e-bikes are a great match for this enticing and challenging route! We traveled in April and found the weather to be quite lovely. Catalonia is windy so be sure to bring the appropriate gear. Yet another reason to love the e-bikes! We opted for the premium hotel and added on a few of the additional tours/meals offered through the tour operator. Happy with all of it!
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Colleen Petters 4 months ago
Biking, Sea, Art, Wine!
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
This bike trip included so many of the things we love: touring on two wheels, ancient historic towns, wine, Spanish food and art of the region.
We self-guided using the excellent map and GPS provided which helped facilitate fun side trips and stops, then returning to the established routes. Navigation was easy for all, even the one among us who is directionally challenged!
The hotels each had great character, charm and comforts, and we enjoyed the two 2-night stay overs where day trips were planned.
The Spanish individuals we met were friendly and welcoming. Using our basic tourist level Spanish helped us be polite and friendly in return.
The countryside scenery, small towns and roads/trails were great! Food and wine throughout this Catalonia region were excellent and fair priced.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Ronald Sawyer 4 months ago
Beautiful countryside, impressive historical sights (and sites)
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
Daniel and his crew were perfection when it came to organizing and helping with our self guided tour. Bicycling terrain and level exactly as promised.
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Sue Larson 5 months ago
Fabulous Way to Experience Beautiful Catalonia
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
This tour was a magical way to see the sights and sounds of beautiful Catalonia. The bikes were of a superior quality and shifted easily - which was a good thing because there was a lot of shifting involved along the way. The accommodations were top-notch and the GPS perfectly directed us along the way. Daniel was an exceptional vendor and his positive nature and encouragement were welcome and valued. He checked-in during the tour to make sure that all was well. This trip was a dream come true and comes highly recommended!
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Vijay DSouza 5 months agoBeautiful and fun experience
· Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
This trip surpassed our expectations. The scenery was beautiful. The food was delicious and the hotels were really unique places with character. Most of the trip is on paths and gravel or dirt roads, so you and your bike will get dusty. Also you should try to eat between 1 and 4, as small towns may not have anything open outside those hours. Logistics were great and it was nice to be provided a GPS so we didn't have to use our own phones. Definitely would recommend this to anyone. If you are not a strong cyclist there's a few spots where you might want an e bike or else will be walking, but generally it's a pretty easy ride. Daniel from the tour company was very responsive via WhatsApp to us.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2024
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Anne Stanek 11 months ago
Second time on this trip and it was well worth a second visit!
· Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
This trip is extremely well organized, with lovely hotels, great breakfasts and so much variety in the bike routes. Although it has some challenging uphills, a lot of it is down hill, which is great fun. There is so much scenic beauty - going from the Pyrenees down to the Mediterranean Coast. It was really nice to stay in the same hotel two separate times (one right on the Mediterranean and another next to a castle) but still do loop rides which were fun. We found Daniel, owner of Creative Catalonia, was a most personable and easy going guy. We had a problem with a bike and within two hours (during which time we enjoyed one of the many superb lunches we had along the way) he had arrived where we were and fixed the bike. This is still one of my most favorite rides out of the ten tours that we have done over the years.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Lynn Melin 11 months ago
Good trip!
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
A nice combination of biking and opportunities to experience medieval Catalonian history.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Michael Golenberke 12 months ago
Spain Was Wonderful!
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
Our first trip to Spain was fantastic. This was not our first bike tour we were much better prepared. We had some difficulty navigating the Barcelona airport and train station to get to Girona. Once we arrived however, all was absolutely beautiful. I cannot give enough praise to Daniel. His briefing, preparation of the bikes and tips on stops along the various routes was excellent. He was a joy to work with. The only comment was to possibly reconsider staying one night in Monells instead of two. Monells is a very charming village but very small and limited sites to see. Otherwise, I would not change a thing! You will not be disappointed.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Stanley Holman June 9, 2023
Excellent tour.
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
This self-guided tour was easily managed. The cycling was moderate, and most of the route was on either dedicated bike routes or calm roads. A reasonably accomplished cyclist would not need to dis-mount for the occasional steep or rough section (always short.) There was plenty of time to move from hotel to hotel and there were only 3 days when a move was required. There were numerous opportunities for refreshments along the way. AND the scenery was grand! Such a lovely way to see the countryside - riding through farmed fields, villages and towns. Able to smell the air and the scents of the flowers, hear the birds and feel the sun and the breeze. It was a great experience. And the hotels were excellent with delicious breakfasts.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May/June 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Theresa Schwingenschloegl May 27, 2023
A fabulous 7 days
· Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
Our e bike tour was meticulously routed by our guide Daniel. With his planning we adapted our North American stomachs to a later lunch which was always timed perfectly for the 4 of us to to end our day, allowing us to relax and enjoy a delicious main meal accompanied by wonderful local wines and beers. It was a surprise to us that our bike tour was just the four of us but it turned out to be a wonderful active holiday at just the right pace. A mirror and a bell for my e bike are the only suggestions I could make. We were mostly on well packed trails but also had fabulous downhill riding on quiet well paved roads where you could see a good distance ahead, which gave confidence to a novice rider. The weather cooperated, our accomadations were very comfortable, our bags were always there ahead of us, the bikes were great. What wonderful holiday.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Theresa Schwingenschloegl May 26, 2023
A fabulous 7 days
· Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
Our e bike tour was meticulously routed by our guide Daniel. With his planning we adapted our North American stomachs to a later lunch which was always timed perfectly for the 4 of us to to end our day, allowing us to relax and enjoy a delicious main meal accompanied by wonderful local wines and beers. It was a surprise to us that our bike tour was just the four of us but it turned out to be a wonderful active holiday at just the right pace. A mirror and a bell for my e bike are the only suggestions I could make. We were mostly on well packed trails but also had fabulous downhill riding on quiet well paved roads where you could see a good distance ahead, which gave confidence to a novice rider. The weather cooperated, our accomadations were very comfortable, our bags were always there ahead of us, the bikes were great. What wonderful holiday.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Jennifer Willans May 22, 2023Self guided Road cycle trip in Catalonia, Spain
· Catalonia Road Bike Tour: Girona to the Sea
The hotels were excellent. The trip was graded as moderate and this was appropriate. We were happy the operator provided options for making the days more difficult if we chose to. There was a very good variety in the routes and the scenery was excellent. The routes were very well planned and easy to follow on the device they provided. We felt safe on the roads (routes) provided. The tour operator was available over WhatsAPP and responded quickly.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Julie Griesert May 18, 2023
Fabulous trip
· Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
This was our third self-guided bike trip and probably the most organized and well-planned. Daniel met us at the first hotel and was very thorough with instructions, giving us both a map with notes as well as a gps that worked great. He even made dinner reservations at one of the hotels (the restaurant is amazing and reservations must be made in advance). We loved the variety of areas the route took us through - country and coastal. The last 2 hotels were over the top, and the last one was our absolute favorite. Things to know when considering this trip: you have to want to bike most of the day, that's what these trips are about. We'd start our days with a great breakfast and then were on the road by 10 or 10:30, biking until the afternoon (anywhere from 2 - 4pm depending on the mileage). I had an e-bike but the other 2 of us had regular bikes. I was happy to have the assist so I could keep up. You will likely run into a few stretches that aren't pleasant; maybe next to a noisy road, or suddenly it gets super windy or rainy and bugs are flying into your eyes (I recommend eye wear of some kind) but then you are in blissful sections in the middle of a quiet forest on a rail-to-trail path, or rolling through sunny fields of wheat. The less pleasant bits were rare but do note that these trips are better for people who can handle a bit of rain or wind or whatever. Food tip: Meal times in Europe are skewed later and restaurants and stores may not be open when you want to eat. Try to plan ahead and either buy picnic food in town in the am so you can eat on the road later, or be prepared to eat a fixed price multi-course lunch in the later afternoon (unless you are in a bigger town that has more options). We managed to convince a couple places to do a lower fixed price lunch with fewer dishes but it's just not the norm. By the end of the trip we were so done with large meals. It was new for us to have the 2 night stays in 2 of the hotels but they were at our 2 favorite hotels and with the one on the coast, we ended up taking advantage of the 2 nights by not doing the second day's ride. It was cold, windy, and a bit rainy so we ended up taking a very slow morning until the rain subsided, then we walked the coastal footpath, which was gorgeous. It worked out well as a nice break. Also, I recommend not looking up the hotels in advance - one of the fun things about these trips is rolling up to the hotel in the afternoon and knowing nothing about it. On previous trips we've had some pretty odd mixes of places, including one semi-creepy place (not on this trip) that we still laugh about today and even kind of appreciate that we ended up there. All-in-all a great trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Ulla Dueck May 11, 2023
Great adventure!
· Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
This was our first visit to Spain and what a fabulous way to see part of the country. Our guide (Daniel) was the best. The terrain varied many times along the route, but was always manageable. The hotels were great and the food was delicious. Loved the abundance of seafood.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Craig Williams April 28, 2023
Loved all the old cities!
· Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
Great route, the cities we rode thru and old rail trails were safer than city/country roads. The guide was fantastic with educational info, language skills and expertise on coffee and lunch/dinner stops.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Sara Riordan December 2, 2022
Wonderful ride, wonderful scenery, wonderful people
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
My friend and I chose the self-guided trip and loved every minute of it. Daniel was very thorough in orienting us to the itinerary and important details. The map and GPS worked great and we felt very safe. Our accommodations were nicer than expected with lovely hosts, great views, delicious breakfasts, and very comfortable rooms. The riding was not difficult and gave us a chance to explore as we wished. It was magical to ride through the rolling countryside and medieval villages. I loved riding along the coast and jumped in the Mediterranean at every beach. Our trip was the last week in October with (unseasonably) warm weather and no crowds. We visited castles, museums, an archeological dig, and a gorgeous botanical garden on a cliff above the sea. Last but certainly not least, the food was amazing everywhere we went. It was just perfect! Many thanks for a very well-organized tour!
- What was the date of your tour?
- Late October 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- My first organized by a company
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Kathryn Staropoli November 14, 2022
This trip exceeded all expectations!
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
This was the perfect trip! I love biking on a recreational level, and the friend I went with is a more avid biker, but it was great for both of us. It was challenging without being too difficult. We rode 20-25 miles a day on the self guided tour and loved it. We were on bike paths, trails, and dedicated bike lanes for almost the entire trip. We rode through farms and fields, along the sea, and through beautiful medieval villages without ever feeling like we had to rush to reach our destination, and we always felt safe. We met Daniel from Creative Catalonia, who set us up with the bikes, and he was incredibly kind and helpful. We had no trouble at all, so we never had to reach out for assistance, but I'm sure he would have been able to help us out if we were ever in need. They did let us know that the hotel restaurant where we would be having dinner was hosting an event the night we were staying there, and asked if we wanted them to make a reservation for us so we would still be able to eat there. We said yes and enjoyed a wonderful dinner thanks to their considerate outreach.
The GPS worked very well. My friend is very good with directions and she did a great job navigating. Some spots, those intersections with a number of options, were sometimes hard to correctly discern, but if we did choose the wrong path, the GPS quickly corrected us and we would be on our way after only a few extra minutes. The route they programmed for us was really great. We loved going through fields, farms, and wooded areas, riding along the Mediterranean was just beautiful, and we stopped in several of the medieval villages to explore, shop, or grab lunch. We didn't typically stop where they suggested we go for lunch or a coffee, but we were always able to find food and drink along the way. The stops they recommended for sightseeing were really great and we did stop for all of those. They were fun and varied. They included a botanical garden, the Dali museum, the ancient ruins of a city, and a lighthouse! The route they chose was exactly what we were hoping for.
They were also great about the luggage transfers. It was always at the hotel when we arrived and the hotels themselves were really nice, they were clean and comfortable, and each included a delicious breakfast.
We did go in the off season and really lucked out with the weather considering we were there the last week of October. It was perfect biking weather for me, clear and sunny, with temperatures in the high 60s and into the 70s every day. The fact that many cafes and restaurants were closed was not a big deal, we always found a place to eat. Quite honestly, it was a small price to pay for the lack of tourists. Everywhere we went was far less crowded than it would have been in season.
I highly recommend this tour and Creative Catalonia.- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was my first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Evelyn Savage November 7, 2022
Adventure
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
Medieval Villages of Catalonia was an adventurous, fun and challenging bike tour. The villages were very interesting, the hotels very nice, the ebikes great and self guided directions mostly good. We had a few challenges finding some of the paths and the terrain was much more mountain biking than expected. But we found our way and enjoyed the beautiful countryside. One should be an experienced cyclist or mountain biker to enjoy the trails have some experience with directions to do self guided. Overall a very good way to experience the Baja Emporda coast and Medieval towns.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Christopher Attwood October 26, 2022
The Coast and Medieval Catalonia
· Medieval Villages of Catalonia
What a lovely cycle tour. Mostly on cycle tracks that avoid the hustle and danger of busy roads. We were in an exclusive group of 10 which does add to the flexibility and fun of the ride. Riding with GPS is a game changer. So easy and allows for "self-guided" tours. I do think more variations should be incorporated on the routes to allow one to tailor make the ride for distance and substance. All the suggested restuarants and photo opportunities were spot on. If "Unguided", a better backround pack of stops and their historical significance could be prepared. Great holiday and experience.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
