Holiday Overview:
Why cycle on the Costa Brava and the Alt Emporda region?
This part of Catalonia is arguably one of the best areas in the world for cycling. The climate is ideal, the terrain is a mixture of flat coastal plains, undulating hills and steeper mountain climbs in the foothills of the Pyrenees’ all with spectacular scenery. Added to this the roads are quiet, with cycle friendly motorists, hence the regional city of Girona is a base for many professional teams and an all year round training ground for pro – riders and amateurs alike.
The routes on this tour are moderate to difficult (subject to the customers capabilities) with accumulative ascents of between 900m and 1200m and aimed primarily at serious riders.
- Group size 2-24 persons
- Ratio of 1 guide to 8 riders
- All itineraries can be adapted to match the client’s needs, wishes and capabilities
- Flexible itineraries to cater for any inclement weather
- Rides between 2-5 hours
- All rides have café stop options, however we feel its better to enjoy the local food and wine once you have finished riding for the day 🙂
- Advice and guidance available for rest days and for any non-riders
Your Guide!
See ‘other info’ section
Bikes and equipment
We provide Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 5 rental bikes, please copy and paste this link into your internet browser to see the bike specification http://www.cannondale.com/eur_es/2015/bikes/road/endurance-road/synapse-carbon/synapse-carbon-5-105
Our road bikes do not come with pedals, riders using clip in pedals should bring their own and we will fit them.
Activities for non-riders!
See ‘other info’ section
Itinerary:
Catalan Guided Road Cycling Tour (7 Nights)
“The “Wild Coast”, Medieval Villages and Mountainous Interior”
Nights: 7
Grade: Moderate to difficult (tailored to group) and aimed at serious riders
Terrain: Rolling plains, farmland, olive groves, vineyards, pine woods, wetlands and mountain roads
Example Itinerary:
Day 1 (Arrival)
(Arrival): Arrival at Girona Airport or Figueres Vilafant train Station (if travelling from Barcelona) where you will beHotel Canet Pool transferred to your accommodation in Castello D’Empuries. You will meet with your guide for a welcome meeting, we will also assist you to build your bikes or fit your rental bikes to your requirements.
Castello D’Empuries is a beautiful medieval village rich in culture and 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. There are many great restaurants and bars within a short walking distance from your accommodation, the village never fails to seduce you.
Accommodation: Your accommodation is in a charming family run hotel dating from 1924. It offers fantastic views from its terrace over Empordà and the beautiful Bay of Roses. The outdoor pool is set in the former Sant Agustí Convent, 100 metres from the hotel. The hotel restaurant specializes in traditional Catalan cuisine, which is served on the terrace or under the arches of the dining room. Breakfast is served on a roof terrace with beautiful views.
Day 2 (Introductory route – 40km +)
Introductory route – 40km +: An easy flat ride through the ‘Aiguamolls de l’ Alt Emporda’, over flat terrain to the lovely small village of Sant Marti D’Empuries, with its sandy beaches and also the spectacular Greek and Roman ruins of Empuries. After coffee, return ride to Castello D’ Empuries.
Day 3 (60km)
Classic hill climb to the 10th century monastery at St Pere d’ Rodes (difficult 3& 4 category climb over 8 km) followed by a spectacular descent to the coast and village of Port de la Selva before climbing to Perafita (moderate) with the option of descending 5km into the village of Cadaques made famous by the artist Salvador Dali for coffee at a beachfront café, and or the scenic transit over the mountain and down to Roses and return to the start point.
Day 4 (80km)
Vineyard route! From the hotel through the ‘Aiguamolls de l’ Alt Emporda proceeding through theIMG_2978 many small villages and vineyards to the hill top village of Cantallops then over to the lake at Darnius onwards to Peralada and its famous castle casino. This route involves rolling steady hills and moderate climbing.
Day 4
Day 4 – Rest day!
Day 5
Day 5 – 120km: Long day, moderate to difficult climb to Col de Banyuls, cross into France, and a scenic descent through more vineyards to Banyuls sur Mer, followed by a rolling coastal route back into Spain via Portbou, Llanca and back to the hotel.
Day 6 & 7
Several options (tailor made to suit group requirements )
Day 8
Pick up and transfer to Girona airport or Figueres Vilafant train station (if travelling to Barcelona).
What your holiday includes:
- Transfer to/from Girona Airport or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona)
- Welcome meeting with a local English speaking guide (ratio of 1 guide to 8 riders)
- Services of a guide on the routes outlined in the itinerary
- 24/7 local support
- Seven nights B&B accommodation
- Five evening meals
- Personal information pack including information about local history, culture, traditions, restaurants, shops and local attractions etc
Optional Extras:
- We provide Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 5 rental bikes, click here Bike Specification. If this link doesn’t work you may have to disable your “pop up blocker” in your internet browser.Our road bikes do not come with pedals, riders using clip in pedals should bring their own and we will fit them.
Prices 2023
Please contact us via our contact form or email steve@spanishadventuretours.com to check availability.
2 people sharing a twin/double room: €1,493 per person
4 people sharing twin/double rooms: €1,077 per person
6 people sharing twin/double rooms: €939 per person
8 people sharing twin/double rooms: €870 per person
9+ people sharing twin/double rooms: Please contact us via our contact form or email steve@spanishadventuretours.com to check the price and availability.
Single room supplement: €199 per person
Supplement for Easter or July/August: Please contact us via our contact form or email steve@catalanadventures.com to check the price and availability.
Optional Extras
Bike Hire
We provide Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 5 rental bikes. Our road bikes do not come with pedals, riders using clip in pedals should bring their own and we will fit them.
€190 per person (7 nights)
Included: Helmet, Puncture repair kit, pump and lock.
Transfer to/from Barcelona Airport
€280 each way (up to 8 people)
What your holiday includes:
- Transfer from Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona)
- Transfer to Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling back to Barcelona)
- Welcome meeting with a local English speaking guide
- Services of a guide on the routes outlined in the itinerary
- 24/7 local support
- 7 nights B&B accommodation
- Five evening meals.
- Personal 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):
Your Guide:
Your lead guide is Des, a former Royal Marine who lives locally, a keen road cyclist he trains with a local cycling club and is out on the local roads and hills at every opportunity! He regularly partakes in local cycling races and events. In 2014 he entered the first Girona Grand Fondo and came 2nd in his age category, he took part in a charity event cycling with a group from southern Spain to northern France and completed a 350-mile ‘endurance sportif ‘ in 24 hours.
Rental Bike:
We provide Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 5 rental bikes, please copy and paste this link into your internet browser to see the bike specification http://www.cannondale.com/eur_es/2015/bikes/road/endurance-road/synapse-carbon/synapse-carbon-5-105
Our road bikes do not come with pedals, riders using clip in pedals should bring their own and we will fit them.
What to bring:
All your usual cycling clothing, warm weather and waterproof (just in case). We can advise nearer the time of the trip expected weather & temperature. Will be best to bring at least 2 sets of clothing. Sunscreen and chamois crème and pedals, if hiring a bike and your bike computer (if used).
Activities for non-riders!
If you are booking a holiday not just for yourself but also for a partner who does not share your passion for road cycling then the area of the Alt Emporda has plenty on offer to keep any non-road bikers occupied and happy. Here are just a few ideas and suggestion, please contact us for more information about any activities you may be interested in.
The regional town of Figures is where the world famous Dali Museum can be found. Dali was born and lived in Port Lligat/ Cadaques, one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava. A day spent here and visiting Dali’s house is a must.
The coastal Marina town of Empuriabrava, is in easy walking distance of Castello D/Empuries and just 5 minutes in a car. Here there is plenty of shopping opportunities, a fantastic range of cafes and restaurants and of course a great beach. Another ‘must do’ is to hire a boat (no license needed) and take a tour of the canals. For the more adventurous there is Skydive Empuriabrava, one of the largest and busiest Skydiving centers in Europe. Here you can book a tandem Skydive.
Of course, the village of Castello D Empuries itself has plenty to offer, if you just want to wander, relax and sit in a local cafe, taking in the sights!
http://www.castelloempuriabrava.com/en/information/public-services/tourist-offices
Salvador Dali house in Cadaques:
http://www.salvador-dali.org/museus/casa-salvador-dali-portlligat/en_index/
Salvador Dali museum in Figueres:
http://www.salvador-dali.org/museus/teatre-museu-dali/en_index/
Rent a boat:
http://www.castelloempuriabrava.com/en/what-are-we-doing/sports-and-leisure/rent-a-boat
Tandem Skydive<
http://www.skydiveempuriabrava.com/parachute-jumps-tandem-2.html
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