Bicycling Catalonia’s Costa Brava Plus! Barcelona

Bicycling the Costa Brava with ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours
  • Length 12 days
  • From USD$5995
  • Style/Level Classic 2.5
  • Countries Spain
  • Begin/End Girona/Barcelona
See related tours

Home to some of Spain’s most iconic cities and famous characters, Catalonia is a one of a kind destination. With a history as diverse as the territory and a cultural identity and language of its own, this Spanish community will delight and fascinate. Join us on a 12-day bicycle tour beginning in Girona, one of the most fought after towns in all of Spanish history. We’ll pedal east towards the rugged Costa Brava and through the rolling hills of the Emporda’ region – dotted with Roman ruins and medieval towns. Our journey continues through hidden fishing villages, quiet towns, and through wine country on our way to Figueres, Salvador Dali’s birthplace. We’ll cycle west towards the foothills of the Pyrenees through nature reserves and to ancient Roman spa towns before looping south. Our journey ends on a 10-mile bicycle path finishing in the heart of Barcelona.

***If this sounds great but you don’t have time for the full 12 days, check out our 8-day Bicycling Catalonia’s Costa Brava itinerary which shortens this itinerary by 4 days.***

Highlights

  • Barcelona, Garrtoxa Volcanic Natural Area, Girona, Figueras and Dali Museum, Medieval Villages, Costa Brava Beaches, Vic, Extraordinary food – Girona has more restaurants with Michelin stars than anywhere else in the world

Includes

  • 12 days, 11 nights accommodation

  • meals as noted in itinerary

  • 1 guided visit of Dali Museum

  • a wine tasting

  • boat trip

  • All Classic tour inclusions

Keep in mind

We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.

We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.

  • In Spain dinners are traditionally later in the evening. Though we try and arrange dinners together as early as possible, in Spain this means 8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
  • We recommend not drinking the tap water in Girona. While tap water in Europe is generally safe to drink (see information about meals and drinks on tour), Girona is an old city with old pipes. We will provide bottled water on tour in the Girona area. If you arrive early, we recommend you drink bottled water also.


Date Price Private room fee Note
May 15-26, 2024 USD$5995 USD$650  Contact us for availability
Jun 5-16, 2024 USD$5995 USD$650  Contact us for availability
Sep 4-15, 2024 USD$5995 USD$650
Sep 18-29, 2024 USD$5995 USD$650 3 more to confirm the departure 
DateMay 15-26, 2024
PriceUSD$5995
Private room feeUSD$650
Note Contact us for availability
DateJun 5-16, 2024
PriceUSD$5995
Private room feeUSD$650
Note Contact us for availability
DateSep 4-15, 2024
PriceUSD$5995
Private room feeUSD$650
Note
DateSep 18-29, 2024
PriceUSD$5995
Private room feeUSD$650
Note3 more to confirm the departure 

Download Itinerary

We’ll send you a link to a full day by day tour itinerary that can be downloaded and printed so you can review all the details online and offline. This packet also includes details about what to expect on tour and arrival and departure details.
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  • Total distance 486 km (300 miles)
  • Average daily distance 70 kms (42 miles)
  • Tour style Classic
  • Tour level 2.5

Highlights: Girona, Jewish Museum and Historic Center

We meet in the medieval town of Girona today. We highly recommend coming a day or two early to explore this city and begin your exploration of the Catalan culture. We’ll fit bicycles this afternoon and recommend a test ride along the river bike path before meeting for introductions and dinner together.

Meals : Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Historic

Highlights: Cycling the Via Verde, quiet roads, beach town

Today’s ride features a gentle ascent to the highest point in the area. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a classic view of the Costa Brava. The van will be there to offer a lift up (or down) for those who prefer. Our descent ends at the sea and from there we’ll follow the sometimes hilly coastal road to our beach front hotel. Enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean, or some people watching this afternoon before dinner together.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Sant Pol

Highlights: Beaches, rural bicycling, castles and medieval towns

Today we’ll ride along the coast to Palamos, a great coffee stop and perfect opportunity for one last dip in the sea before we head inland over rolling hills. Many of the towns we’ll pass through on today’s ride were once fortified Roman and medieval cities, so be sure to take time to meander the tiny streets. Peratallada, our destination this evening, is perhaps the best preserved as the center is entirely pedestrian and the walls still stand. You’ll notice ruts in the stone streets which were created from centuries of horse carts moving through the narrow streets. We’ll stay just outside of town and enjoy this little corner of Catalonia for the next few days.

The September 18, 2024 departure will stay at the Hotel Arcs Monells.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Arcs de Monells , Hotel Aatu

Highlights: Loop ride, optional climb

We’ll take a loop ride through the gentle hills of the Baix Emporda region today. We have a special stop planned before la Bisbal d’Emporda just a few kilometers into the ride to visit a local ceramicist. La Bisbal d’Emporda is a great town to enjoy a beverage and explore the boutiques and artist stores – some of which carry traditional pieces while others have expanded into more modern ceramic art. After our visit we’ll continue our loop ride which includes the option of an 8 km (5 miles) climb for anyone wanting a little challenge.

The September 18, 2024 departure will stay at the Hotel Arcs Monells.

Meals : Breakfast
Lodging : Hotel Arcs de Monells , Hotel Aatu

Highlights: Remote fishing village, stunning views of the sea

We’ll head north and inland today through gentle hills and reclaimed marshes that are now the center for the agricultural economy in the area. We’ll suggest a lunch stop in one of these small but historic towns. There is a significant climb to the hotel so anyone who prefers to rest their legs can meet at a café to regroup and shuttle. Everyone else can join local cyclists to conquer the hill that creates a natural barrier and makes this Eastern most peninsula in Spain such a unique natural and geological formation.

The May 15, 2024 departure will be at the Hotel Llane Petit.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Playa Sol , Hotel Llane Petit Cadaques

Highlights: Dali’s home, beach front rambla, and optional rest day

Today you have the option to take a day off the bike, or bicycle to the stunning Cap de Creus – the most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula. It’s a short but hilly ride out and back. For those who prefer a day off the bike, Cadaques has been inspirational to many great artists, including Dali, Miro, Duchamp and Picasso. Find a spot and explore your inner artist, or simply enjoy a day relaxing by the pool.

The May 15, 2024 departure will be at the Hotel Llane Petit.

Meals : Breakfast
Lodging : Hotel Playa Sol , Hotel Llane Petit Cadaques

Highlights: Scenic Coast Boat ride, Dali Museum

We start our day with a chartered boat ride as we leave Cadaques and navigate around the rocky coastline that isolates the Cap de Creus Natural Park from the rest of the Costa Brava. Once we land in Roses we’ll pedal to Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali. We’ll plan a guided tour of the museum this afternoon.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Pirineos

Highlights: Banyoles, Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Area

Our route takes us along the foothills of the Pyrenees and we’ll enjoy some larger rolling hills on our way to Olot. You’ll notice a change in the landscape as we enter this unique region which was carved out by ancient lava flows from the four volcanoes that border the valley. Our hotel this evening is a restored manor house just outside of town.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Termes Victoria Hotel

Highlights: Vall d’en Bas, Vic

We head down the Vall d’en Bas before climbing up and over towards the headwaters of the River Ter – one of the larger rivers in Catalonia. Stop at the top for lunch before heading down towards Vic. A town of ancient Roman and Iberian origin Vic preserves one of the few Plaza Mayor’s that is still dirt – just as it was for festivals in medieval times.

The September 4, 2024 departure will be at the Hotel Mas Albereda.

Meals : Breakfast
Lodging : Hotel Mas Albereda , Hotel Up Rooms Vic

Highlights: Roman spa towns and rolling hills

Previous customers have loved our first visit today; a local Fuet (sausage) producer opens its doors to us for a private tour. Our ride continues from one valley to the next as we make our way towards Barcelona. We leave the foothills of the Pyrenees as we pedal down to Caldes de Montbui, an ancient Roman hot springs town. Take some time to enjoy this small town and the ancient baths before taking a dip in the hot pools yourself.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Termes Victoria Hotel

Highlights: Bike path and entering Barcelona

We have a relatively short day today as we pedal south and join up with a river side redevelopment that is now a thriving active multi-use path. Our route takes us straight to the coastline from where we’ll take bike paths and back streets to our hotel at the top of the Ramblas of Barcelona. A dynamic city, Barcelona combines history and modern art, culture and cuisine seamlessly. We’ll have a fabulous final dinner together this evening.

The September 4, 2023 departure will stay at the Hotel Barcelona Catedral.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Jazz , Hotel Barcelona Catedral

Highlights: Barcelona

You’re on your own to explore this magical city which is home to some of Gaudi’s finest works. Plan to stick around a day or two as there is much to see and do.

Meals : Breakfast

Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we determine day and tour levels.



Pre-trip planning checklist



  • Beautiful scenery, especially along the coast and on the descents to the coast; interesting medieval villages. moderately challenging rides, great support, great hotels and food. Loved Cadaques and Cap de Creus. I had a great time, seeing and experiencing Spain like I would not have on a normal trip.

    Paul L., Sebastopol
  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? That they have to experience for themselves. Excellent and memorable. Wonderful. Leesa and I are looking forward to our next tour.

    Ward S., Kanata Ontario
  • It is a great trip in a beautiful and interesting part of Spain. This was our 15 ExperiencePlus! trip. Enough said.

    Dave M., Livermore, CA