Holiday Overview:
Our best-selling cycling holiday gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful Catalan countryside and rugged coast, surrounded by the Pyrenees and pine-fringed valleys dotted with historic castles, hilltop fortresses, ancient wine villages and fields full of lavender, this is a beautiful cycling holiday you will never forget!
It has been specifically designed to reveal many aspects of this beautiful part of Catalonia, giving you the opportunity to really scrach below the surface and to truly experience this wonderful region, you will:
- Cycle along the “wild coast” with its miles of golden beaches.
- Cycle inland through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve where innumerable seabirds and songbirds have settled.
- Cycle along stunning trails offering spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees.
- Discover Romanesque and Gothic buildings.
- Discover medieval villages.
- Visit the Greek and Roman Ruins of Empuries.
- Discover the region’s acclaimed gastronomy, the wines produced by the vineyards you pass on your route and much more!
Itinerary:
Catalan Coast & Village Cycling Holiday (7 Nights)
The Wild Coast, Medieval Villages and Mountainous Interior
Nights: 7 (if you would like a tailored itinerary please get in touch)
Grade: 1 & 2 (click here to see our cycling grades)
Terrain: Rolling plains, farmland, olive groves, vineyards, pine woods, wetlands and coastal trails. You will cycle principally on farm tracks and trails, sometimes on quiet country lanes.
Note: The cycle route times do not include breaks or visits to attractions.
Day 1 (Arrival)
Arrive at Girona Airport or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona) where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Palau Saverdera.
Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, immerse yourself in the history and culture of this traditional Catalan farming village, take a cycle through the local countryside and discover all the details that go together to make up the everyday life of this beautiful part of Catalonia.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel, B&B, Palau Saverdera, the Niu de Sol. The hotel, renovated in 2006, is a charming hotel situated in a small Catalan farming village, only 5 km away from the sea. If you decide to eat in the restaurant in the evening you will have the opportunity to savour some wonderful traditional Catalan cuisine.
Day 2
Today you will head through the Alt Emporda, passing vineyards and olive groves, eventually arriving at the pretty sea-side town of Roses, a perfect opportunity for a swim and a coffee stop in one of the many bars that lining the promenade. You’ll have the chance to visit the Roses Citadell before heading back through the countryside passing the village of Pau where you can visit the Empordalia Vineyard “agroshop” (farm shop), before finally heading back to Palau for a well-earned rest. (36km, 3hrs cycling time)
Day 3
Today you will travel west through fields lined with vineyards and olive groves, eventually arriving in Peralada. Peralada’s historic character remains reflected in each step. Its narrow streets, Castle Museum, St. Domènec’s cloister and the impressive casino-castle with its beautiful gardens gives it a unique and exclusive air. You will then make your way back to Palau Saverdera via the Cooperativa in the sleepy village of Garriguella with its wide range of local wines and quality food produce. (39km, 3hrs 30 mins cycling time)
Day 4
Today you leave Palau Saverdera behind and head south, you will pass through Castello D’Empuries, a beautiful medieval village steeped in history. There are many historical buildings to visit; however the landmark of the village, visible from afar, is the Parish Church of Santa Maria which is often called the “Cathedral of the Empordà” because of its size and gothic influenced architecture.
You will travel through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, dotted with hides. At any time of the year you are likely to spot birds such as Ibis, Herons, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, Snipes, Redshanks, Marsh Harriers and Sandpipers, but if you are lucky you can make some exciting sightings during the spring and autumn migrations: Grey Herons, Golden Plovers, Flamingos, Black Storks and Spoonbills.
Then onwards through the stunning Catalan countryside onto the village of Sant Pere Pescador. Surrounded by areas of authentic natural beauty and bordered by the River Fluvià, Sant Pere Pescador keeps a perfect balance between land and sea, between the greens and yellows of its orchards and the blue and gold of its extensive beaches.
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the village, take a cycle through the local countryside and discover the wide-open landscape on the banks of the River Fluvià, with its apple orchards and nature trails, and its glimpses of windsurfers and sand-dunes. (28km, 3hrs cycling time)
Accommodation: Rural Guest House (Casa Rural), B&B, Sant Pere Pescador, Mas del Joncar. The house is situated next to the River Fluvia and surrounded by fields of fruit trees. An imposing Catalan farmhouse, lovingly converted by Miquel and Anna, the farmhouse is set in landscaped gardens with a small pool. It comprises five individually-styled bedrooms, each one in keeping with the original building, with lots of exposed stone and dark wooden beams. The dining room is very sunny with views to the garden; the living room has a chimney, television, music equipment and board games. In the lounge you will be able to relax, read or simply enjoy the view.
Day 5
Free Day. Perhaps a day on the beach, a visit to the Dali museum in Figueres or just a lazy day around the village would be in order. Pay Locally.
Day 6
Today you will travel on a circular route through stunning Catalan farming countryside; you will pass apple orchards and many small hamlets. You start by heading westwards, parallel with the River Fluvià, before crossing the river and looping southwards to arrive back at San Pere Pescador. Throughout the first section on a clear day there are superb views across the high Pyrenees. If you prefer to do very little cycling, you could simply head to the nearby beach and spend the day by the sea. (42km, 3hrs 15 mins cycling time)
Day 7
Today you will travel south; you will pass the walled coastal settlement of Sant Martí d’Empúries, which is well worth a visit. The real highlight, however, is the fascinating Greek and Roman ruins at nearby Empúries (pay locally). The ancient city was used by the Romans as their base for the invasion and dominance of the Iberian Peninsula. There are some excellent mosaics and other remains, most dating from 218BC onwards. You will pass several beaches where you could pause for a swim, then onwards via several small hamlets and finally back to Sant Pere Pescador. (42km, 3hrs 15mins cycling time).
Day 8
Pick up and transfer to Girona airport or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if returning to Barcelona)
What your holiday includes:
- Transfer to and from Girona Airport or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona)
- Welcome meeting with a local English speaking guide
- 24/ local support
- Seven nights’ B&B accommodation
- Moving of luggage between accommodations
- Detailed maps
- GPS device fitted with the routes pre-programmed in
- Fully equipped hybrid bicycle
- Personal information pack including information about local history, culture, traditions, restaurants, shops and local attractions etc
Prices 2023
| Dates | Price (2 people sharing a twin/double room) | Single supplement | Single supplement (2 + people) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Feb to 3 April | €799 | €535 | €294 |
| 4 April to 10 April | €888 | €644 | €407 |
| 11 April to 30 June | €799 | €535 | €294 |
| 1 July to 31 Aug | €888 | €644 | €407 |
| 1 Sept to 1 Dec | €799 | €535 | €294 |
Optional Extras
- Half Board, 4 nights at second accommodation: €112 per person
- E-Bike: €180 per person
What your holiday includes
- Arrival transfer from Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona)
- Departure transfer to Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling to Barcelona)
- Welcome meeting with a local English-speaking guide
- 24/7 local support
- 7 or 5-nights’ B&B accommodation
- Moving of luggage between accommodations
- GPS fitted to one of the bikes with all the route pre-programmed in
- Fully equipped bicycles with panniers and relevant cycling accessories, locks, spare inner tubes, odometers etc.
- Information pack with route highlights and maps
- Information pack including information about local history, culture, traditions, restaurants, shops and local attractions etc
Travel Options:
There are regular flights from many European cities to Girona airport, the closest airport for this holiday, most of which are operated by Ryanair. The transfer from Girona airport to your first accommodation takes approx. 1 hour.
There is a wider choice of airlines flying into Barcelona including Ryanair and Easyjet. You need to take the shuttle train to Barcelona Sants from the airport; they leave every 30 mins and take approx. 20 mins. You then change trains at Sants and take a train to Figueres or Figueres Vilafant depending on the train you catch. The transfer from Figueres or Figueres Vilafant to your first accommodation takes approx. 20 mins.
The fastest train is the AVANT from Barcelona Sants to Figueres Vilafant , there are approx 9 trains a day, take 53 mins and cost approx. 20.20 euros each way. You can buy the tickets at the station before you board the train.
The other option is to take a Regional or MD (Medium Distance) train from Barcelona Sants to Figueres, there are approx. 20 trains a day, they take between 1 hr 50 mins and 2 hrs 10 mins and cost between 11.20 euros and 15 euros each way. Tickets can be purchased at the station before boarding the train.
Other information (what to bring etc):
We provide panniers, however if you have a small rucksack, that will be useful. When you stop en-route you can put any valuables into the rucksack whilst visiting attractions.
We provide all the bicycle tools you will need for the holiday.
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