Cycling Catalonia: Beaches, Wine & Dali

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.5 Read 8 reviews

Easy-going cycling through Catalonia’s Emporda region
Explore the Gothic architecture of Girona’s Old Quarter
Discover the Catalonian countryside that inspired Dali and Picasso
Enjoy wine and Cava tasting in historic cellars
Mediterranean coastal rides and rugged swimming coves

Cycle along the easy going country lanes and coastal roads of Catalonia. Explore ancient, medieval settlements, rugged coves and bustling fishing villages. Discover Catalonia’s wine cellars with two included tastings before a final toast in Dali’s beloved Figueres as you experience his world of surrealism. From the atmospheric Gothic quarter of Girona, tree-lined roads give way to inviting Mediterranean waters and some of Catalonia’s finest beaches where you can hop off the saddle for a quick paddle and fresh seafood lunch of Tuna Escabeche. Continuing north, through ancient Greek and Roman Emporda, it’s hard not be charmed by the cobbled alleyways and Romanesque towers of Pals. Pedal into the old winelands of Castello d'Empuries, enjoy a guided wine cellar tour exploring Catalonia’s signature red wines and celebrated Cava and later there is the opportunity to dine in the family run Michelin star restaurant, Emporium. Beyond Castello d'Empuries, Dali’s Figueres awaits to take you on a very surreal exploration of his life and work at his Teatro-Museo.

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What To Expect

If you are leisure cyclist that is keen to get on your bike and discover hidden historic corners of Catalonia, easy going daily rides are broken up with plenty of opportunities for long lunches at the beach, exploration of medieval villages and a chance to test your pallet with several wine tasting tours at century old Catalan wine cellars. Blessed with a superb climate, quiet roads each day ends at comfortable cycle friendly accommodation.

Tour Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent active trip.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Biking | A classic point to point biking tour, staying in a different location each night

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travelers, Mixed Abilities

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Wine, Whiskey & More...
Historical Journeys
Coastal & Island

Featured in our collections:

Classic

Activity Level & Terrain

Itineraries on this cycling trip are graded easy to moderate with some days being moderate. Occasionally you may encounter a few moderate slopes, especially on coastal trails. However the ascent is not too difficult or prolonged.You will cycle principally on farm tracks, trails and quiet country lanes. There is also the option of a Ebike if you prefer a little power asistance for longer days and/or hills.

Navigation

The route notes that accompany each itinerary give a step by step, turn by turn account of your route to give you continual points of reference.A pre-loaded GPS is also available should you require, please contact us for details.

Accommodations

Handpicked to meet the needs of cyclists, each accommodation is different and full of character. Hotels are listed below, though on occasion we may have to book you an alternative hotel, especially during the busier periods of the year. We always book an equal or better alternative hotel.

Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. Unfortunately this tour is not available to solo cyclists.

Meals

A traditional Catalan breakfast is included each morning. Breakfast is a leisurely affair and adequate time should be allocated. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes and restaurants.

Included

2 Nights in 4* hotels and 5 nights in 3* hotels
7 Breakfasts
Baggage transfer
2 Wine tasting visits to local cellars with a picnic (day 3 and day 6)
Information pack and detailed route notes with maps
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to Girona / from Figueres
Bike hire
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Bike hire
Gastronomic dinners (nights 1 and 6)

When To Go

The climate in Catalonia can be summarised as Mediterranean, rainfall in this region is lower than in the rest of Spain. Temperatures are higher than the rest of Spain in both summer and winter. We recommend Spring and Autumn for the perfect cycling conditions. We don't offer this holiday in the months of July and August as the temperatures are too high for cycling.

Getting to the Start

Girona Airport bus is only a 20 minute journey from Girona city centre.

Alternatively Barcelona Airport is within easy reach of Girona. The train from Barcelona Airport to Girona (changing at Barcelona All Saints) takes approximately 1hr 30mins.

Private transfers from Girona or Barcelona Airport to Girona city can easily be arranged.

Getting from the End

Train: There are regular trains from Figueres to Girona (30mins) and Barcelona (1hr 30mins) and even a high speed service to Paris.

Private transfers from Figueres to Girona, Barcelona can also be easily arranged.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, sports shoes, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

Equipment

Scott Sub, 24 speed touring bikes are available for hire. Rental bikes come equipped with a basic repair kit, pump and helmet (though we recommend using your own). Male and female frames are available. If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you currently ride.

We can also arrange Ebike hire if you would prefer a power assisted ride.

If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip such as Scott Sub, Trek 7200 or similar.

Bike bags/cases can easily be stored in Girona but please do pack an extra soft bag for your personal belongings as bike bags/cases are too large for the daily baggage transfers.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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