Cycling Spain Catalonia

Cycling Spain Catalonia
Discover Catalunya on this self-guided cycle trip that travels from the foothills of the Pyrenees to medieval Girona and on to the cycle paths of modernist Barcelona. Ride through a forested landscape past dormant volcanoes and picturesque villages in the low Garrotxa and follow the greenway trail to the gothic city walls of Girona. You travel by car to Barcelona and explore the city by bike. Much of the city can be navigated on cycle paths and you have time to experience the gothic quarter, Gaudi’s fantastic modernist architecture, 1992 Olympics heritage, the beaches, gardens and parks.

Cycling Spain Catalonia Tour Highlights
La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park – Easy cycling through peaceful and picturesque landscapes
Girona – Explore the medieval backstreets of the atmospheric old quarter
Barcelona – Guided city cycling tour and two full days of bike rental to explore the city on your own
Catalonian cuisine – the best restaurants just steps away from your hotel
Foothills of the Pyrenees – Beautiful views from the saddle

Why Book this tour Cycling Spain Catalonia
Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a pump, lock, spare inner tube and tyre levers. All you need bring is your own helmet.

Climate
Spain
Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a Spanish trip – though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The high central plains suffer from fierce extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round.

Cycling Information
On this journey you cycle 138 km over five days (an average of 28 km per day) with further optional rides available. The terrain is gently undulating with some downhill and flat sections mixed in. In Garrotxa you ride on quiet country roads and some wide gravel tracks. The route to Girona is a dedicated cycle path and in Barcelona you ride mostly on cycle paths. We have graded the route as easy to moderate.

Cycling Spain Catalonia: Day 1: Trip starts in La Garrotxa
Your holiday starts in the foothills of the Pyrenees, among the volcanic spires, craters and basalt fields of La Garrotxa. Situated within this natural park, your hotel base for the next three nights is rural and hospitable, boasting an outdoor swimming pool. Your bike will be delivered either today or tomorrow morning and you will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike. It is just minutes away from one of the best restaurants in La Garrotxa.

Details of how to reach the start point of your holiday can be found on our website in the tour specific ‘dates and prices’ section by clicking on ‘Joining Info’ and then the ‘Show More’ button.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Spain Catalonia: Day 2: Explore La Garrotxa Natural Park
Today, you can choose between several different cycling routes to explore the La Garrotxa Natural Park. Here, you will pass through lush countryside, oak woodlands and past craters of long-extinct volcanoes. Optional walking excursions are also possible to extend your route, should you so wish. You may choose to ride through the beautiful protected woodland of Fageda d’en Jorda to the former quarry of El Croscat. Another option is a visit to the Santa Margarida Volcano, where you can walk to a chapel situated right in the heart of the crater.

You total cycling distance today is approximately 24 kilometres, although this is obviously dependent on the route you choose.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Spain Catalonia: Day 3: Optional rides through Pyrenees or countryside
Today you have the choice between a circular route in the foothills of the Pyrenees, or an easier ride through the flat countryside south of Olot. The first route follows the Riera de Banya River, where hundreds of strange basalt formations rise up out of the water. As you ride towards the Pyrenees, you pass the lovely village of Castellfolit de la Roca, perched atop an enormous basalt rock formation above the Fluvia River. The gentler route to the south of Olot takes you through lovely countryside at the foot of two small mountains ranges – the Serra de la Clapera and the Serra de les Comelles. In Sant Privat d’en Bas, you have the option of doing a two-hour walk to the waterfall of Sallent, where you can cool off in its refreshing waters.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 45 kilometres for the Pyrenees ride, or 33 kilometres if you choose the easier route.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Spain Catalonia: Day 4: Cycle along a Via Verde to Girona
You can look forward to a traffic-free ride today on your route along one of Spain’s famous Via Verdes. Pedalling to Girona along this converted old railway track, you will pass under old train trestles and through tunnels. Along the way, you’ll pass pretty Catalan villages, such as San Feliu de Pallerolles, where you can stop off for a typically-Spanish ‘café con leche’ with ‘pan tostado’. Tonight’s accommodation can be found in the heart of Girona’s historic centre. With the cathedral and Sant Domenech Square on its doorstep, this small family-run hotel boasts Roman foundations and 8th and 9th century walls. Later, you may choose to explore the labyrinth of narrow lanes in the historic city centre, enjoying dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants serving a host of Catalan specialities.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 58 kilometres.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Spain Catalonia: Day 5: Public transport to Barcelona
For your journey from Girona to Barcelona, we recommend taking the train. A taxi transfer is included from the hotel to the train station but you will be required to purchase your own train ticket as this is not included in the holiday package. There are regional and intercity trains that depart every 30 mins (duration between 40mins and 2hrs). Arriving into the Plaza Catalunya in Barcelona, you can either take a taxi or walk to your hotel – it is just a ten minute stroll away. After checking into your well-positioned hotel which will be your base for the next three nights, your afternoon is free to explore this characterful city.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Spain Catalonia: Day 6: Guided bike tour of Barcelona; free afternoon
Barcelona is noted for its excellent network of cycling paths – one of the best ways to discover the city. This morning, on a three-hour tour by bike, a local guide will show you some of Barcelona’s major landmarks. After pedaling through a labyrinth of lanes in the Gothic quarter and past the famous cathedral, you will visit the lovely Ciutadella Park. Your route also takes in the monuments of the Gaudí Route, such as Casas Batlló and Milà, and the impressive Sagrada Familia. This afternoon is free to explore more of Barcelona at your own pace. If you want to continue cycling, you can choose the shorter self-guided route outlined in tomorrow’s itinerary.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 10 kilometres.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Spain Catalonia: Day 7: Explore more of Barcelona by bike
Today, you have the choice between two routes. The shortest option takes you through the district of L’Eixample – a mecca of modernism, as well as the green hills of Montjuïc – home to some intriguing buildings from the 1929 International Exposition and the 1992 Olympics. From the Botanical Garden, you ride out to Port Vell. This “Wooden Wharf” at the end of Las Ramblas has lovely views out to the sea. The second route explores three of the lesser-known quarters of Barcelona. Most of the ride is on flat, quiet lanes and cycling paths.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 13 or 21 kilometres, depending on the route you choose.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Spain Catalonia: Day 8: Trip ends in Barcelona
After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Spain Catalonia: Pricing due to currency fluctuations and seasonal changes please inquire for the best possible price.

Cycling Spain Catalonia What’s Included:
Bike Details
Your included bike on days 1-4 is a 21 gear Conor Leyton hybrid bike or similar with front suspension and will be the correct frame size for your height. Each bike is fitted with a lateral pannier bag (30 litre capacity) as well as a 6-litre handlebar bag that doubles as a map note holder. A water bottle holder is provided as well as the facility to fit your own pedals or saddle/seat post if you wish to bring them. A lock, pump, spare inner tube and puncture repair kit with tyre levers will be provided. In Barcelona your included bike is a single gear simple city bike with a 25 litre pannier bag. You will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bikes. All you need to bring is your own helmet.

Cycling Spain Catalonia What’s NOT Included:
Equipment
On all Discovery Travel cycle holidays we recommend you bring along a cycle helmet, cycle glasses (to protect against dust, insects, pollen, sun etc) , cycle gloves (padded for more comfort) and a water bottle or water delivery system (eg camelback or platypus). Please note that it is a legal requirement to wear a helmet while cycling in Spain. In case of an accident resulting in personal injury, certain insurance policies (explore included) are invalidated in cases where a helmet was not being worn. Helmet hire is included and will be provided with the bikes, but you may prefer to bring your own. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details below) then you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. A lock, pump, spare inner tube and puncture repair kit with tyre levers is provided with the bike.
International flights
Any extra local transport (subways, taxis, buses) unless covered by the included passes
Baggage handling & luggage forwarding

Accommodation changes and upgrade are available for all our Cycling Tour, make an inquiry now