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Catalonia Wine &Wheels Cycling - Spain
Overlooking the sea, encircled by mountains that transform with the season riders cross the region of Emporda, a Spanish Designation of Origen (DO) (Denominacio d/Origen in Catalan), formerly known as Emporda-Costa Brava, for wines produced in the northeastern corner of Catalonia. The list of wine producers that make up this dynamic sector in Emporda today is very long. You are invited to visit the best wine cellars and will discover all kinds of wineries, of different sizes and origin. Grapes cover a wide range; Grenache (here known as Lledoner), Carignan in many varieties (white, red, young wines, fruity roses and of course, excellent coupage crianzas) and the emblematic Garnatxa, considered as a dessert wine made with its variety.
The climate makes our wines very special: mild temperatures, rainfall mainly in winter, the strong Tramuntana wind and the dark, lime content soil give are reflected behind a glass of our wines. The traditional cuisine and the prestigious modern gastronomy complete the experience. The hand picked cycling itineraries allow moving at your own pace and choosing the wineries according to your preferences.
The first part focuses on the magnificent area of Baix Emporda, also known as the Catalan Tuscany for its beautiful countryside between the Sea and the mountains. In the second part of the tour riders have the opportunity to discover the northern county Alt Emporda with its long sandy beach next to the important Greek-Roman ruins of Empuries and numerous wineries of all sizes. The bike route ends in Figueres, famous for the Theatre-Museum Dali.
Enjoy very charming to deluxe accomodations while discovering the wine treasures of this sunny region. This tour offers coastal riding and also crosses the inland areas between Girona and the countryside around Figueres to the north.
Some Blog Reads: 5 Reasons to Cycle Catalonia | Sant Marti d Empuries | 5 Foods to try in Spain | Wines of Catalonia
Tour Details
General Tour Information
Duration: 8 days & 7 nights
Dates 2012: Any date. On request from March 30 - Oct 31, high season is April 1-8 and June 15-September 15. This tour cannot start on Sunday or Monday.
Level 2- Moderate - flat to rolling countryside with a small amount of unpaved, quiet routes. Some unpaved sections are gravel and rocky.
Self Guided Travel - Learn More
Options: Hotel Upgrades as noted in the price tab.
Wine tastings are possible throughout this trip, see the daily itinerary.
Girona stop overs
Local Coordinators
Our local staff is there to help you during your trip; either Bo, Neus, or Empar are all available to help; they all live in Catalonia and will meet you for orientation and provide emergency assistance throughout your trip.
Customer Comments
"The trip was the most relaxing time I've spent in 20 years. I learned how to slow down. There were no TVs, radios, phones, internet or clocks. Just listening to the birds chatting outside the window was the music for the evening. We spent a lot of time speaking Spanish (and Catlan) while getting to know the hosts and other B & B world travelers. Thanks for a memorable vacation!"
- Mark M.
"The tour was GREAT, every day was like a treasure hunt, great new places to discover! the food, of course was unbelievable, and the best meals we had were at little places we discovered along the way for lunch, mostly three star cafes. the scenery was also unbelievable, the coast is great and the foothills were also fun and beautiful."
- Dan. G
"We had a great experinence. Terrific support and info from Maggie, Saskia and Dave."
- Al B.
"Your itinerary was really excellent and we all felt we got a true feeling for Northern Spain--the interior with the medieval villages and then the costa brava was wonderful."
- Jan T.
"We had a fantastic time and absolutely loved our trip. It will be a long time until we could ever go again, but we are already recommending the trip to our friends and family.!"
- Nancy A.
Itinerary
Click on a day to see that days itinerary.
DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8
Day 1 | Arrival in Girona
Arrival in Girona at the train station or airport and transfer on your own to your deluxe 4 star lodging in the historic old town. The lodgings are all located a short walk or taxi ride from the station in the town centre. There is plenty to see and do in this interesting and vibrant city. Girona is famous for having one of the best preserved Jewish old towns in the world, the Cathedral boasts one of the largest stone vaulted spaces in Gothic architecture and the walk along the cities ancient walls is a recommended highlight. This combined with hundreds of restaurants and bars and a thriving coffee culture make Girona a great place to spend a few days. Dinner on your own - we'll give you several suggestions among the many good options available. 5 Foods to try in Spain
Hotel Gran Ultonia - Girona
4
Girona
The new 4 star hotel Gran Ultonia in Girona was recently opened in 2009. Adjacent to the Ultonia Hot...
Day 2 | Transfer and bike - 47 km, a lot of unpaved roads that meander the countryside.
After breakfast we will meet you for an orientation at 9:00 am to cover the tour, size bikes, and then take you by van to start your ride. (be ready to roll!) The ride starts in Madramanya and goes to the coast bypassing medieval towns such as Cruilles, Peratallada, Ullastret, and then La Bisbal d/Emporda where you find a number of ceramic artisans. Close to the village Torrent we can visit the cellar Mas Oller, a small winery that combines a very pleasant rustic atmosphere with maximum modernity in the eonological process. Overnight in Llafranc in very charming seaside hotel with Sea View room (subject to availability). Dinner included. (B,D) Wine tastings possible today: Mas Oller
Hotel Garbi - Palafrugell
3
Calella de Palafrugell
In one of the most beautiful areas of the Costa Brava Centre, the Serra family runs this friendly re...
Day 3 | Calella de Palafrugell/Llafranc to Torroella de Montgri (ca. 50 km)
In the morning we start cycling towards the south on the Greenway, a converted railway line and visit the lovely Castell cove, with its Iberian settlement and the Fosca beach. From here we head inland and make the effort of a little climb into the Gavarres massif to visit the small family winery Can Sais with a long vinicultural history. We continue to the north and passing through the magnificent medieval historic monument of Pals. After Pals we enter the rice field area where rice has been cultivated since the XV. Century. Here you can see the oldest operating rice mill. Todays route ends near Torroella de Montgri at our hotel Moli del Mig amidst fruit plantations. Dinner included. (B,D) Wine tasting today: Can Sais, Vall-llobrega (5 euros )
Hotel Moli del Mig
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torroella de Montgri
The hotel is a combination of a converted ancient mill from the XVth Century and a newly constructed...
Day 4 | Torroella de Montgri to Castello d/Empuries (45 km)
The route continues to the north passing the Montgri massif into the county of Alt Emporda. We enter the long Bay of Roses with long, sandy beaches. Next to the pretty medieval settlement Sant Marti de Empuries and right in front of the superb beach, we should take the time and visit the archeological complex Empuries with Greek and Roman ruins dating from 600BC, the gateway of the classic cultures to the Iberian Peninsular. The city of Emporion was an important trading post in the Roman Empire and from where the region takes its name. There are many interesting facts relating to the site one of which is that this is the point where wine was introduced to Spain!! Arriving to Siurana you can visit the olive producer of Mas la Bomba, Olis Dauro. The route then continues north where riders will be staying in the cathedral town of Castello d/Empuries set in the protected marshlands of Aiguamolls de l/Emporda. Dinner included. (B,D) No wine visits on this day.
Hotel Canet - Castello Empuries
2
Castello d'Empuries
This traditional hotel dates from the early 20th century and offers fantastic views over the beautif...
Day 5 | Castello d/Empuries to Garriguella/Peralada (ca. 38 km)
Today we explore the marshland nature reserve surrounding the town, a stunning countryside with rivers and ponds that from an important bird sanctuary. Later we approach the foothills of the Pyrenees and its typical olive groves and vineyards. We are entering the biggest and most important wine growing and producing region within the protected geographical region Emporda/Costa Brava. You shouldnt leave without some of the best producers: we recommend visiting the family run winery Celler Espelt, Vilajuiga and the cooperative wine and farm shops Empordalia in Vilajuiga and Pau. En route riders will pass through the village of Peralada, famous for its cava production the Catalan version of champagne, just as good as the original. Dinner included tonight. (B,D) Wine with tapas (10 euros ea) at Empordalia, or Pau/Vilajuiga. Also possible is a Cava tasting (Catalan champagne) at 6 euros ea.
Hotel La Placa de Garriguella
3
Garriguella
In the centre of the village of Garriguella lies our hotel-restaurant, with its outstanding charm...
Day 6 | Peralada/Garriguella to Cantallops (ca. 28 km)
Day 6 takes riders further into the main wine producing region of the area. This ride provides fantastic views of the Pyrenees as a backdrop while riding through the 100 year old vineyards. Today the most interesting wineries are the small La Vinyeta (Mollet de Peralada) and the cooperative in Espolla where the celler cooperatiu offers wine, olive oil and other agricultural products from various local producers. There should be time to taste some of the wines at the small traditional family winery Vinyes dels Aspres or Bodegas Masia Serra in Cantallops. Dinner included tonight. (B,D) Wine tastings possible at Vinyes dels Aspres, Cantallops at 5 euros ea.
Hotel Can Xiquet
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Cantallops
Can Xiquet, a hotel where luxury is deemed as a convenience, stands gallantly in a privileged locati...
Day 7 | Cantallops to Figueres (ca. 28 km)
The last bike tour is a long downhill ride until arriving to our final destination, the city of Figueres. A rewarding detour takes us to the village of Capmany which can boast with having the highest number of wineries in the Emporda area. Highly recommended are Celler Oliveda and Celler Pere Guardiola. En route to Figueres there are two more precious sights worth visiting: the oldest oil mill in the Emporda and the Romanesque Monastery in Vilabertran. After arriving to Figueres riders can enjoy a visit to the world famous Theatre-Museum Dali which is still the most visited tourist site in Spain. Night in Figueres and dinner included. (B,D) Wine tasting at Celler Oliveda, Capmany at 5 euros ea.
Hotel Ronda
3
Figueres
Hotel Ronda Figueres is a family-run hotel in central Figueres, the birthplace of the artist Salvado...
Day 8 | Departure Day.
You are free to depart at your leisure after breakfast. Trains from Figures run back to Girona and Barcelona or north to France. We are happy to help with additional stays. (B)
What's Included
7 nights top quality lodging, breakfast daily, 5 quality dinners, luggage transfers between all hotels, local Girona based emergency support throughout the trip, orientation and bike set up, Day 2 transfer, road books with riding route maps and cue sheets, suggestions for visitation and lunches as well as discounts to site entrance fees and museums. Reservations for wine tastings can be arranged when requested in advance. Additional services and stays can be arranged separately. Prior to travel you will receive a complete set of pre-travel documents to help you finalize your preparations and arrange any additional services you may need.
Accommodation: "Standard" tour Pricing includes 2/3/4 star hotels; Upgrade version includes superior 4 star, 3 star, and a 2 star hotel. The Upgrade version as shown is for standard rooms in superior hotels. A "super upgrade" is available in the Upgrade package that includes suites, jr suites, and top category rooms. See the price section. Hotels pictured in the Daily Itinerary tab are the Standard hotel price package.
Standard Tour hotels: Hotel Ultonia****, Hotel Garbi***, Hotel Moli del Mig****, Hotel Canet**, Hotel La Placa***, Hotel Can Xiquet****, Hotel Ronda***
Upgrade Tour hotels: Hotel Historic****, Hotel Llevant***, Hotel Moli del Mig****, Hotel La Moneda****, Hotel La Placa***, Hotel Can Xiquet****, Hotel Ronda***
Super Upgrades on the Upgrade version possible to suites, jr suites.
Note about wine tastings: most wineries are closed on Sundays; so in your planning keep this in mind. Wine visits are always subject to availability; sometimes an alternative can be available, but the sites mentioned in the itinerary are the easiest and best stops. Prices for visits are NOT included in the tour and are mentioned in the itinerary. Wine tasting is OPTIONAL; you can choose not to do it. We will cover this in detail at orientation and give you details for each place. A document will come in advance for you to study about the wineries. Reservations are sometimes necessary and will be made by our Girona staff after orientation.
Bike Rental: available on this tour for a supplement; please see the bike rental tab.
Options: Hotel Upgrades as noted.
Girona stop overs
Tour Rates
Standard Tour Price; Per person based on double occupancy: (hotels shown in daily itinerary)
Low Season:
1395 Euros per person
High Season: 1459 Euros per person (high season: April 1-8, June 15-Sept 15)
Single supplement when 2 or more persons are traveling but in separate individual rooms:
Low Season: 185 euros
High Season: 205 euros
Solo supplement (traveling alone): TBD according to season
UPGRADED HOTELS - standard category rooms :
Low Season:
1480 Euros per person
High Season: 1589 Euros per person (high season: April 1-8, June 15-Sept 15)
Single supplement when 2 or more persons are traveling but in separate individual rooms:
Low Season: 205 euros
High Season: 265 euros
Notes: the upgraded hotels above can be further upgraded to suites or jr suites in all properties - subject to availability. Rates vary from 10-50 euros/person per night. Please inquire about selected room upgrades; we can offer them on a night by night basis.
Hybrid Bike are available for a supplement of 95 , please see the Bike Rental tab for all details about the bikes we offer.
(convert from euros)
Bike Info
Bike rentals are available for all tours in Spain. Click on our Rental Page link to know more about the Hybrid model on this tour.
Trek Hybrids are available on this trip. Note: pedals are flat or with clips; if you bring your own clipless pedals and shoes we can install them. Note, the routes for the hybrids on this tour uses a good amount of unpaved roads. The bikes are perfectly adapted for these routes; which were chosen for the serenity they offer away from cars and traffic. Designated as bike paths, many cyclists use them; they are simply unpaved.
Hybrid Bike 95 euros: [Click for image] Trek 7200FX or 7300 hybrids, 24 speed, shimano groupo, suspension saddle, aluminum frame, rapid fire shift, 700x35 presta, 15kg loaded with rear rack and panniers, 2 bottle cages and bottles (male frame only); flat pedals unless clips requested in advance. Travelers can bring own clipless pedals to be installed. SPD possible for rent if requested in advance.
Photos & Videos
Images from this Region
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