Table of contents
Overview
Girona & Costa Brava Tour Highlights
- Tapa-bar hopping in Girona
- 6.5 days cycling, 450 scenic miles, average 3,200′ vertical/day
- Testing your legs on Lance’s Els Angles loop
- Fresh Catalan cuisine
- Riding the dramatic Mediterranean Coast
- The buzz of beautiful Barcelona
REGISTER HERE for our Girona and Costa Brava Luxe trip!
Our luxury cycling trip starts in the center of Costa Brava in the medieval city of Girona. Sitting in a valley at the convergence of two rivers, Girona is surrounded on three sides by pre-Pyrenean foothills. The walled city is remarkably well-preserved with ancient attractions,upscale bakeries, numerous cafes and chic restaurants all easily explored on foot. Because of its central location between Barcelona and France, good climate and access to quiet roads, Girona has evolved into the international cycling center for professional riders. Hardly a day passes where you don’t see a pro out training on the same roads as you.
From Girona we move north and west towards France and the rugged coast. The terrain changes daily with hilly challenges, small fishing villages, olive groves and a fantastic ride down the Mediterranean coast. We finish in style with a stay in Barcelona, consistently rated as one of the best cities of the world.
The Ride Strong Style
This tour is designed with an obsessive tendency towards the most well-designed routes, multiple nights in luxury, one-of-a-kind hotels, authentic (& delicious) cuisine and, yes, loads of riding. We operate our tour with knowledgeable local guides, vehicle/mechanical support throughout the day and cycling options of 50 – 80 miles. To enjoy this tour you must be a fit cyclist capable of riding the daily distances on hilly terrain. Non-cyclist significant others are welcome.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Girona, Spain.
Your guides will meet you at the Girona airport or train station at 12:00 p.m and whisk you to the newest and sleekest addition to Girona’s skyline, the beautiful AC Bellavista Hotel overlooking Girona’s skyline. After checking-in, introductions and a light lunch, we’ll go for a short undulating warm-up ride in the quiet foothills just outside of the old city. Relax or explore the medieval town before dinner. Dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Girona. Ride: 20-25 miles, undulating.
Day 2 – St Hilari Loop.
The St. Hilari loop is a 110 km local cycling classic made famous by the professional riders who live and train here. It includes moderate climbing through beautiful forested scenery. We’ll approach the town of Sant Hilari from the backside on narrow roads. From here it’s one up and then a long descent back down to Angles, stopping for an authentic 3-course Catalan lunch before a scenic mostly fast ride back to Girona. Ride: 70 miles, 3885 feet climbing.
Day 3 – Girona to Figueres.
Leaving behind the ‘city,’ we’ll ride into the protected zone of the Parc Natural Volcanic de la Garrotxa. Garrotxa literally means “rough area” and this is a good description of the challenging but incredibly scenic ride with twisting, climbing and quiet roads. Emerging from the mountains, we’ll skirt around the city of Olot before lunch in charming Besalú. Luxuriate by the pool at our beautifully-restored masiawith incomparable style and possibly the most amazing restaurant in Costa Brava, the Relais and Hotel Mas Falgarona. Ride: 72 miles, 4,000 feet+.
Day 4 – Figueres to Cadaqués Loop.
Today’s ride takes us to the most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula, Cap Creus(the home of Salvador Dali). It’s a mostly flat to undulating day with one particularly pesky 8 km climb. The high point is at 1750 feet where the 10th century monastery sits above the rugged coast. From here, the descent zig-zags back to sea level with a great fishing village for a cafe. We’ll stop for lunch in the charming seaside town of Cadaqués, the former home of Salvador Dali and digest on the spectacular descent into the medieval village of Castelló d’Empúries. Finish the day with a ride into Figueres for a quick look at the Salvador Dali museum. Ride: 68 miles, 4,200 feet climbing.
Day 5 – Figueres to Torrent.
Today is intentionally less challenging with much of the day spent recovering on fast and flat plains of the Baix Empordà region. Medieval villages and stunning coastline mark most of the route. Pass through St Marti Empuries, quite possibly the first and most important Greek colonies on the Iberian Peninsula. Take a dip in the Mediterranean and continue further south for lunch under the shadows of Castell de Montgri. We’ll arrive at our stunning Relais & Chateaux hotel Mas Torrent in the country with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the grounds. We recommend dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Ride: 45 miles, mostly flat day.
Day 6 – Els Angels Loop.
Today’s loop is rumored to be Lance’s favorite, taking in two relatively mild climbs in the Gavarres mountains, the relatively gentle, Puig d´en Carreres followed by the fun, twisting, gradual ascent of Els Angels. Descend through the charming medieval towns that dot the Baix Empordà, including a visit to the Iberian ruins near Ullastret. Ride: 62 miles, roughly 2800 feet climbing.
Day 7 – Torrent to Barcelona.
Today is Costa Brava at its best! We’ll start with two of our favorite, relatively moderate climbs of Coll de la Ganga and Romanya de la Selva. From the Gavarres mountains we descend almost directly onto the beach for a challenging Mediterranean promenade. From San Feliu de Guixols enjoy a 22 km stretch of twisty, tiny roads rising and falling above the Mediterranean. Descend into the fortified ancient town of Tossa de Mar for a Mediterranean lunch. From here, we’ll train to the world-recognized Hotel des Arts along the beach in Barcelona. Celebration dinner tonight in town. Ride: 60 miles 3785 feet climbing.
Day 8 – Homeward Bound.
After breakfast, we’ll have a short morning transfer to Barcelona airport. If you are staying on in Barcelona to enjoy the city for a few days, we’re happy to give you our recommendations for hotels and restaurants.
Details
Our Girona and Costa Brava Trip Includes:
- Seven nights accomodation in luxury relais and hotels;
- Breakfast daily (except arrival day);
- 5 dinners and 2 lunches;
- Experienced, fantastic guides;
- Airport/train station pick-up, luggage transfer and van support;
- Energy snacks and hydration products during rides;
- Cycling route maps; and
- Ride Strong Travel Planner
Travel and Bikes
- You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival and departure city;
- There are direct flights to Barcelona from North America. Girona is easily accessible by train or car from Barcelona or direct flights from the U.K.
- The majority of our clients bring their own bikes and helmets. High quality road bikes are available (with a pre-reservation) through our local bike shop at an additional charge; and
- Passports are needed for all international tours.
Travel Insurance & Cancellations
Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.
Book this Tour
Book this Tour Now!
Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.
