This cycle tour takes in the superb scenery of both the Spanish and French Pyrenees and the Mediterranean coast. Leaving Barcelona and the Costa Brava behind, we cycle through foothills with ancient walled towns and volcanic countryside into the Catalan Pyrenees. After a dramatic ascent to Col des Ares we descend into France, passing verdant countryside and vineyards to the French coast before returning to Barcelona by train.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Barcelona. Afternoon orientation tour of the city
After a chance to settle in to our hotel, this afternoon we take a tour of Barcelona, strolling up the famous Ramblas towards Palau Guell and the Boqueria Market. Passing flower stalls and bird sellers we then continue on to the Plaza Catalunya, from where we head into the renowned Eixample to view some of Gaudi’s most famous and innovative architecture. This evening we may return to the Gothic Quarter or Barrio Gotico for dinner, enjoying a chance to sample some of the local specialities and learn for ourselves why Catalan cuisine is considered some of the best in Spain.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
Drive to Tossa del Mar, then cycle on to Girona
Taking a chartered bus to Tossa del Mar (a journey of around one and a half hours), we then begin cycling along the coast towards Sant Feliu de Guixola, a wonderfully scenic ride that offers us some stunning views of Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Continuing along the Via Verde (a converted railway track) we then follow a relatively gentle trail through the rich, fertile valleys towards the hilltop town of Girona. Dramatically perched between two rivers, Girona was once one of the centre of a Catalonian seafaring empire that stretched as far as Athens and its once great wealth can still be seen in its superb cathedral.
Total cycling distance approximately 63 km/4-5 hours. +/-600m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
3
Cycle along the Via Verde to Olot. Visit Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park
Continuing along the Via Verde this morning we head towards the Pyrenees, following a gradually climbing route that eventually lead us into the town of Olot, the capital of the Garrotxa region. Once we have arrived in Olot you will have the option to take a detour into the Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park, to explore an unusual and beatiful volcanic landscape. Home to holm oaks and forests of beech, the park contains 40 volcanic cones and more than 20 old lava flows, providing us with some great off-road adventure before continuing on to Olot. Be aware, this section of the journey has no vehicle back-up.
Total cycling distance approximately 84 km/6 hours. +700m/-300m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
4
Cycle over the Pyrenees to Amelies-les-Bain
Today presents us with the most challenging ride of our journey, and begins with us cycling through the lush landscapes of the Bas Valley. Heading into Campodron we then begin a climb that takes us on towards the Pyrenean pass at Coll de Arés (1,513m) and the border between France and Spain. Crossing into France we cycle downhill to Amelies-les-Bain (240m), a beautiful Roman spa town that nestles in the foothills of the French Pyrenees on the banks of the River Tech.
Total cycling distance approximately 85 km/6 hours. +/-1,300m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
5
Free day; optional cycle near Canigo mountain
Amelies-les-Bain sits amidst a landscape that has been awarded the accolade of ‘station verte de vacances’, an award presented to areas of outstanding natural beauty. Today we have a chance to explore a little of this charmingly picturesque town and its natural highlights. The region is a paradise for walkers, cyclists and fishermen and there may also be an opportunity today to cycle anything up to 70kms to the foothills around Canigo Mountain, a peak that has long held a symbolic significance amongst the Catalan people. For those wanting to take it easier a short 7km ride takes us to the spectacular Gorge de la Fou canyon that can be explored on foot or alternatively relax at one of the many Spas in Amelie
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
6
Cycle through the foothills of the Pyrenees to Canet
Leaving Amelies-les-Bain after breakfast this morning we cycle through the Vallespir Val-ley, heading out along small provincial roads that take us through the foothills of the French Pyrenees and on towards the vineyards of Boulou. From here we then continue along the edge of the impressive Etang de Nazaire Lake towards the coast, finally reaching the Mediterranean at Canet early this afternoon.
Total cycling distance approximately 50 km/4 hours. +/-200m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
7
Cycle along the coast back into Spain. Train to Barcelona
Our final day sees us continuing along the coast, passing through Colioure and Port Vendres, close to the Spanish border. Crossing back into Spain, we then find ourselves cycling along a road that once served as a major escape route for Repulican refugees fleeing the Franco purges during the Spanish Civil War. After a final descent into the town of Portbou we should then have a little time to enjoy a welcome swim before we take the train back to Barcelona.
Total cycling distance approximately 60 km/4-5 hours. +/-450m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
8
Tour ends Barcelona
The tour ends in Barcelona this morning after breakfast.
Included meals: Breakfast
