Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

Name: Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
Brand: BikeTours.com
SKU: bt48x1364
Rating: 4.3 (7 reviews)

“Our first self-guided bike trip and what a lucky choice it was!” —Anne

★★★★★5/5 (6)

7 nights | 27 miles/day
Guided from EUR € 2050
Self guided from EUR € 1550
Bike tour in Spain

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Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

This is a 8 day/7 night cycling tour that includes cycling the "Carrilet," the converted railway that runs for 135km from Ripoll in the Pyrenees to Sant Feliu de Guixols on the Mediterranean Sea.

The riding starts in the mountain town of Ripoll cycling along the 'Ruta del Ferro' to the village of Sant Joan de les Abadesses. Once we have passed through the town we climb up and over the beautiful mountain pass of the 'Col de Santigosa' before descending into Olot, which is the capital city of the volcanic region of 'La Garrotxa.'

From Olot to Girona the riding takes place on the converted railway that is known as "The Carrilet." It 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 beautiful Costa Brava coastline exploring the many gems of this coastline. Your hotel is located overlooking the stunning bay of Llafranc. 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 cycling routes that head inland through the timeless Medieval Villages of the region. Your base for two nights is a beautifully restored 4 star Hotel situated in one of the best preserved Medieval Villages. On your second day exploring the medieval villages your cycling route takes you to the village of Pubol, where Salvador Dali’s 'Castle Museum' is located with many of his great works are 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 the cycling on offer in this part 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.
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Highlights
- Exploring the Medieval City of Girona
- Cycling the 'Carrilet'
- Discovering some of the jewels of the bays of the Mediterranean Sea
- Cycling through the beautiful medieval villages of the Girona region
Learn More

Not sure which type of tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours or see more Spain bike tours.
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Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

Tour Description Daily Program
Daily program

Please note this tour begins and ends on cycling days. We recommend adding additional nights before/after your tour.

Day 1: Ripoll – Olot (25 miles/40 km)
Morning arrival by train from Barcelona to the Pyrenees mountain town of Ripoll. After the tour briefing and bike setup, you will cycle to Olot over the mountain pass of the 'Coll de Santigosa.'
Overnight in Olot.

Day 2: 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 3: 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 it's way down from the plain of Girona to the pine forests of the coast.
Overnight in Sant Feliu de Guixols.

Day 4: 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 5: Llafranc (19 miles/30 km)
Explore the beautiful bays of Llafranc, Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu.
Overnight in Llafranc.

Day 6: Llafranc – Monells (25 miles/40 km)
Meander through the charming medieval villages of the Baix Emporda.
Overnight in Monells.

Day 7: Monells (25 miles/40 km)
Explore more of the Medieval villages following the Baix Emporda cycle network, visiting the Salvador Dali ‘Castle Museum’ in Pubol.
Overnight in Monells.

Day 8: 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 is one of thefavoritee road rides for many of the professional riders based in Girona.

Surface and terrain

The tour follows the Baix Emporda Cycling Network which is made up of beautiful and tranquil secondary roads and country lanes that are a mix of tarmac and dirt or gravel surfaces. This tour is suitable for hybrid bikes.

Hotels

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

Hotel Can Blanc, Olot
www.canblanc.es

Hotel Peninsular, Girona
www.novarahotels.com

Hotel S’Agaro, Sant Feliu de Guixols
www.hotelsagaro.com

Hotel Casamar, Llafranc
www.hotelcasamar.net

Hotel Arcs, Monells
www.hotelarcsmonells.com

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

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

Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

Tour Photos Dates & Prices
Dates
Self-guided: Daily, upon request: Mar 1-Jun 30; Sep 1-Nov 15, 2023 (additional dates in Jul-Aug available upon request for a surcharge)
Guided: Daily, upon request: Mar 1-Jun 30; Sep 1-Nov 15, 2023 (additional dates in Jul-Aug available upon request for a surcharge)

Prices

Self-guided package

Per person, double occupancy €1550
Single use room (1 person/1 room) €1900
Solo traveler (1 person in party with single use room) €2250
Guided package

Per person, double occupancy €2050
Single use room (1 person/1 room) €2400
Solo traveler (1 person in party with single use room) €2750
Bike Rentals

Electrically assisted bike €280
Hybrid bike Included
Extra Nights, Girona

Per person, double occupancy €100
Single use room (1 person/1 room) €150
Extra Nights, Ripoll

Per person, double occupancy €90
Single use room (1 person/1 room) €140
Included services

Self-guided package includes:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Detailed map of and notes on the cycling route
- Emergency back up if required
- Hybrid bike rental for the duration of the cycling tour
- Return transfer at the end of the tour
- 1 Garmin Edge Touring Plus GPS unit (per group)
Guided package includes:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Detailed map of and notes on the cycling route
- Emergency back up if required
- Hybrid bike rental for the duration of the cycling tour
- Return transfer at the end of the tour
- 1 Garmin Edge Touring Plus GPS unit (per group)
- English speaking guide service
Bike rentals

Bikes available and included in the tour cost (must be reserved in advance at time of booking):
- Hybrid bike: Corratec X-Vert Cross road bike with front suspension
Bikes available to rent (must be reserved in advance at time of booking):
- Electrically assisted bike: Scott E-SUB Active Unisex*
Tour Company
Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

Daily program Route Map
Route Map

Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

Dates & Prices Tour Reviews
Reviews

Write a review
- ★★★★★ StuNH October 14, 2021
  
  A tour far exceeding expectations!
  
  Reading previous reviews, what most needs to be said is praise for this tour is not over rated. It was an exceptional tour! We did the tour in late September into October. The high tourist season was past, so our entire tour was quiet, peaceful, relaxing. The weather was very pleasant, and swimming in the Mediterranean was delightful. We had 3 days on the coast to enjoy that. We loved the various cycling experiences - the "Carrilet", the coast (Costa Brava), and the medieval villages. The hotels were all outstanding.
  Even though the tour was self guided, the tour operator remained in touch and was exceptional.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  9/28/21 - 10/6/21
  How many tours have you completed?
  10+ (I've lost count)
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 5/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
  - 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
- ★★★★★ GregS June 25, 2018
  
  Wonderful Trip, Great Experience
  
  Great service, Hotels and staff were the best. Level 3 was a little tough for a beginner, but I made it.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  5-8-18/5-18-18
  How many tours have you completed?
  First
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  Somewhat harder
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 3/5 Ease of navigation
  - 5/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ george October 3, 2017
  
  Surprisingly luxurious biking
  
  the biking was largely on old railroad right of ways or farm roads. the sections on paved roads were nearly deserted of traffic. The Costa Brava was gorgeous. Lots of medieval stone hilltop towns. The hotels were just fabulous. Great lunches and dinners for relatively little money. A side trip to the Dali museum.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  mid-September
  How many tours have you completed?
  1
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  Much easier
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 4/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Anne52 October 2, 2017
  
  An idyllic, romantic and gorgeous bike trip!
  
  This was our first self guided bike trip and what a lucky choice it was! Daniel and Lucy of Creative Catalonia are a dynamic couple who were so personable and helpful. They have organized a fascinating and beautiful bike trip. We were amazed at the often paved bike paths that wound through gorgeous country side, from the mountains to the sea. The places we stayed were super, we were often alone on the paths, the side trips were interesting, the restaurant recommendations were outstanding... We can't rave enough about this outstanding bike tour.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  September 14 - 21, 2016
  How many tours have you completed?
  This was our first.
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 4/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 4/5 Ease of navigation
  - 5/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Rosie September 26, 2017
  
  One of the best researched and organized tours I've ever been on
  
  Creative Catalonia selected absolutely the best routes through beautiful countryside and seaside scenery as well as taking one through picturesque villages and selecting really great hotels in interesting cities and villages. We had a great variety of scenery and experiences. Additionally their equipment was great and their maps and instructions were very clear. Their assessments of distances and difficulty were right on and they kept us on small farm roads or streets with very few cars as much as possible. They also provided one garmen for every group that had the route programmed into it. It was impossible to get lost. They were also helpful with he small changes we wanted to make and had great suggestions for restaurants and other experiences along the way.
  This is an exceptional outfitter.
  Rosemary Heil
  fall 2017
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  September 2017
  How many tours have you completed?
  3
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson, Founder and president September 27, 2017
    
    Thank you for the great review, Rosemary! We love the "superlatives!" We agree that Creative Catalonia is among the best of the best--absolutely exceptional.
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 5/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Pablito October 23, 2016
  
  Great Trip
  
  We had a large group (16!) with varying levels of ability. All aspects of the tour were great. Logistics worked well: pick up and fitting of bikes went without a hitch. The rides were very scenic and covered a range of terrain, from mountains to the flats. All hotels were very nice and Creative Catalonia booked a couple of very fine meals in Olot and Llafranc at truly world-class restaurants. Scenery on the rides was fantastic, and the routes had little traffic and were often off the roads altogether.
  The only hiccup of the trip was that only 4 map packages were provided to our group. Would have expected that each rider would get a full pack of maps.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  October 9-16
  How many tours have you completed?
  2
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 3/5 Ease of navigation
  - 4/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

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