Girona - Spain

Lovely Catalonia! In the extreme northeast of Spain, along the Mediterranean Sea is the region of Catalonia and from Barcelona to the French coast is a traveler's paradise: beaches, sunshine year round, medieval villages, art, architecture, and history - all the way to ancient history! On top of that, the region has become a cycling mecca of sorts, with a number of pro teams and cylclists coming to the very charming town of Girona, located an hour north of Barcelona, to find great off-season riding and training. In Girona, one can find the new and the old - with a city built up around a very long history, the old city offers narrow cobblestone streets that have been preserved and yet all the modern conveniences available. It is around the charming city that our cycling program is set.

The cycling on this tour is considered very challenging, and can be modified to increase mileage on a daily basis if necessary.

General Tour Information

Duration
8 days & 7 nights

Dates of Tour availability: April 15 - October, 2010. Note that in July/August both heat and high volume of tourists make it less desirable time to arrive. High season: June 15-Sept 15; Low season reduction of 55 euros/person possible during other times.

Misc: Self guided tours are supported in a limited sense by our local guide service. You can choose any travel date you wish and you will travel with the people in your booking group. You may meet other people on the road, but this is not a group guided tour.

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

The cycling on this tour is considered very challenging, and can be modified to increase mileage on a daily basis if necessary. The terrain is not flat, and some days while mileage appears low, it is over mostly hilly terrain. The offset to the hard work in this tour is the deluxe accommodations we have included on most nights. We can also offer this tour for most of the year. This tour is self-guided and can start any date! See below for what is included and how it works.

Day 1 | Arrival Day -in Girona

Arrival by train in Girona suggested. From Barcelona it is one hour with regular service. Transfer on your own to the first hotel - a small 4 star hotel in the charming old city. You will have an orientation at 7pm, go to do bike set up, and then free time before dinner on your own.

Day 2| Circular route from Girona via Sant Hillari Sacalm. (approx. 120km)

This route extends south from Girona passing into the â€˜Guilleries' mountains. The route takes riders to the lake at Sant Miquel de Ter, and the mountain village of Santi Hillari. This was a favorite ride of Lance Armstrong according to locals. Today's route level: Medium. Same hotel, dinner on your own in Girona. (B)
Girona spain cycling day3

Day 3| Linear route from Girona to Olot. (approx. 62km)

This is a moderate route which take riders into the area known as the â€˜Garrotxa', a natural park and area of ancient volcanic activity and provides an opportunity for some rest and relaxation and some â€œoff bike timeâ€. The ride is all uphill, though gradual, the distance is deceiving, the ride is a medium level. Today's route level: Medium. This hotel is a charming inn in the countryside with pool and nearby restaurant. Setting is quiet and accommodations comfortable. (B,D)
Girona spain cycling day4

Day 4 | Circular route from Olot via the Vallter. (approx. 137km)

This route begins and ends in the mounatin town of Olot and is one of the toughest mountain days on the trip as it includes a climb of 2000m to the top of the â€˜Vallter', a well known training route for professional teams. To the top of the Pyrenees and back, this is the highlight of the trip for climbers! Today's route level: Very difficult. Same hotel, dinner included again. (B,D)
Girona spain cycling day5

Day 5 | Linear route from Olot to Moli del Mig. (approx. 80km)

This route gives riders a chance to warm down before the end of their trip with a downhill ride to deluxe hotel near the coast. The route passes through the Volcanic area natural park, called La Garrotxa, which surrounds Santa Pau and Olot. In addition, the route passes the famous rowing town of Banyoles, the lake in the town is the second highest natural lake in Europe and is an international training destination for rowers. Upon arrival, head over to the beach or to the pool for some down time, before a gastronomic dinner this night. (B,D) Today's route level: Medium

Day 6| Circular route from Moli del Mig to Sant Feliu de Guixols. (approx. 100km)

This ride takes riders away from the mountains and towards the beach. The route extends south along the coastal road visiting the fishing villages and resort towns of Platja d'Aro and Sant Feliu de Guixols, before climbing back to the Moli.Today's route level: Hard. Same hotel, dinner included. (B,D)

Day 7| Linear route from Moli del Mig to Girona. (approx. 52km)

This ride is a shorter route to allow riders to spin and recover a little and leave some time to visit Girona. The route does pass the mountain top Monastery of â€˜Mare de Deu dels Angels' at 484m giving a little challenge. Today's route level: Easy. Dinner on your own. (B)
Girona spain cycling day2

Day 8 | Departure Day - you can transfer on your own to meet a train, or stay extra days if you wish. (B)

What's Included

Included : 7 nights accommodations (5 nights in 4 star deluxe, and 2 nights in 3 star), breakfast daily, 4 dinners, all luggage transfer, arrival orientation and bike set up, travel assistance and limited local support throughout the tour, route books with color maps and cue sheets.

Accommodations : [Virtual Hotel Tour] The Moli del Mig, a new 4 star deluxe bike hotel converted from a 12th century water mill, in Girona, the Hotel Historic - 4 stars, and in Olot - 3 star country inn. Contact us for more details and websites.

Tour Rates

1336 Euros per person, low season, based on double occupancy. For triple or quad rates, please contact us. Single supplement when traveling with others: 322 euros. Solo supplement: 478 euros.
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Bike Info

Bike rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. Click on our Rental Page link to know more.

Merckx road bikes

Rent an Eddy Merckx road bike: Carbon or Gara aluminum
Rental price per person: 225 euros per week for the carbon and 150 for aluminum. See above link for details. NOTE: you must bring your own pedals and shoes and we will install them. Helmets are included with bike rental.