2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in rural hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1330GBP

Overview

Trip Code: UCB

Trip highlights


  • Easy cycling through beautiful and ever changing landscapes
  • Inland and coastal cycling past fields, orchards, medieval villages, river banks and beaches
  • Renovated historical buildings converted to comfortable rural accommodation
  • Delicious regional cuisine and a wide selection of restaurants for dining out

Catalonia in north eastern Spain has long been known for its colourful past, stunning coastline and rolling countryside and this trip explores Catalonia's Baix Emporda, on the Costa Brava. The remarkable landscape is ideally suited to cycle touring, where regular stops at medieval villages, ancient ruins and Mediterranean beaches are an essential part of the day. The pace is relaxed following flat to gently rolling terrain, from the green countryside past fields of sunflowers and wheat, forests of pines and even rice fields into an ancient land inhabited by Iberians in pre-Roman times and once besieged by pirates. During the ride stay in three specially selected rural hotels (each with its own unique charm), where you'll enjoy hearty Catalan breakfasts each morning and dine out at any of the excellent local restaurants each evening.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Flaça train station

Finishing Point:

Figueres


If you are arriving into the train station in Flaça, on the Barcelona - Girona - Figueras line, you will be picked up at the station and transferred to the first night's accommodation in the medieval village of Monells.

Meals:  Nil

Your bike will be delivered after breakfast. The first day of cycling in Baix Empordà (Lower Ampurdan) takes you through picturesque landscapes of lovely villages, tiny vegetable gardens and Mediterranean woods. The Medieval historical centre of Madremanya is especially worth a visit, as is the castle-museum in Pubol which Dalí dedicated to his wife Gala. This cycling route may be a bit tough for a first day, but there is always the option of taking a shortcut. Overnight stay in Monells Ascent/descent: 200m or 300m/655ft or 985ft

Meals:  B

Today you begin with a short ascent through wooded terrain, then the route takes you mainly on the flat through landscapes reminiscent of Tuscany, where small villages sit atop hills. This vast and fertile agricultural region was worked long ago by the Iberians, who introduced the cypress tree as a windbreak to protect the soil against erosion. In the evening, you'll have the challenge of selecting one of the many inviting restaurants for dinner. Overnight stay in Peratallada. Ascent: 150m/490ft, descent 175m/574ft

Meals:  B

Today you cycle out to the Costa Brava. Follow quiet country lanes through the pretty regional capital of Pals, to Palafrugell and Llafranca then Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most beautiful fishing villages along this coast. You can stop for lunch at a restaurant on the beach. In the afternoon, visit the lovely botanical gardens in Cap Roig or venture further south through the valley of Aubi, with its well-preserved rural atmosphere. Some local farmhouses still have towers dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, where villagers once sought refuge against pirate attacks. Overnight in Peratallada. Ascent/descent: 150m/490ft

Meals:  B

This relatively gentle cycling route takes you through the green rice-fields of the Ter River delta, with its lovely windmills. You can continue onward to the sandy beaches on the Mediterranean coast, or if you prefer to spend the day relaxing, the village of Peratallada is also the perfect spot to enjoy a rest or a short stroll through the nearby forest. Overnight in Peratallada. Ascent/descent: 150m/490ft

Meals:  B

Today you travel northward to the region of Alt Empordà (Upper Ampurdan). Cycle through mixed forests, open rural landscape and endless orchards. On the way, you pass Empuries, an interesting archaeological site with Greek and Roman ruins. Torroella de Montgri, with its Medieval streets and local palaces, makes a good place to pause for lunch. Your day’s journey ends in Sant Pere Pescador, just a few kilometres inland from the blue Mediterranean Sea. Ascent: 200m/656ft, descent 220m/722ft

Meals:  B

This route takes you first to Figueres, the village whose name is synonymous with Salvador Dalí. Visit the surrealist painter’s museum (note: it is closed on some Mondays early and late in the season and should be pre-booked) and take a pleasant stroll along the Rambla. Just outside the town you pass a beautiful Augustine monastery before following the Muga River to the Medieval town of Castello d’Empuries. In the afternoon, you cycle through Aiguamolls de l’Emporda Natural Park, green and refreshing wetlands with an impressive seasonal water bird colony. Overnight in Sant Pere Pescador. Ascent/descent: 125m/410ft There is a shorter (37km/23mi), more challenging option, cycling through typical villages of the Alt Empordà. From approx 10km the route becomes more demanding, with some steep sections in the area around the River Fluvià. Ascent/descent: 225m/739ft

Meals:  B

Your arrangements comes to an end today after breakfast. A transfer to the train station in Figueres is included in the program.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
  • 7 nights accommodation in rural hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Rental of 21 speed bike equipped with panniers, helmet and repair kit
  • Arrival and departure transfers from/to Flaça & Figueres train station
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Flaça and from Figueres
  • Lunch, dinner and beverages
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • E-bike hire, supplement applies
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app / GPX files
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

GRADE 2 - The cycling distances range from 18 to 57km/11 to 35.5mi over flat to undulating terrain. The rides follow mostly well surfaced tarmac lanes and secondary roads with little traffic and a few dirt tracks. Inevitably, near the larger towns there is more traffic. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate comfortably. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be used.


Departure dates

Daily from 12 Apr to 24 Sep

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 1 Jul to 31 Aug, Mid season is from 12 to 20 Apr, 9 to 30 Jun & 1 to11 Sep. Supplement applies for high and mid season departures.

Priceper person from

£1330GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric bike supplementGBP£140
  • Single supplement - low seasonGBP£400
  • Single supplement - mid seasonGBP£480
  • Solo traveller supplement - low seasonGBP£530
  • Single supplement - high seasonGBP£530
  • Solo traveller supplement - mid seasonGBP£570
  • Solo traveller supplement - high seasonGBP£620
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


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