Cycling
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Volcanoes and the Catalan Coast

Tour: SCOF7
Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday
Linear Cycling Holiday

Enjoy the best of both Catalan worlds – stunning scenic cycling from the wooded volcanic hills of La Garrotxa natural park by the peaks of the Pyrenees all the way down to the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, then northwards up the coastline of beautiful bays and beaches to the refreshing vineyard slopes near Roses. There are many ancient villages along the way; the colours and cathedral of Girona; small fishing harbours and great river estuaries; not to mention the surrealist spontaneity of Dalí’s Theatre Museum at Figueres, Greco-Roman ruins, rocky islands and of course, some really relaxing cycling. Catalunya and gentle cycling adventures were just made for each other. Read More

Destination

Spain

Start Day

Any Day

Board Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Prices from

£799.00

Duration

7 Days, 6 Nights

Availability

Mar - Oct

Tour Grade

Grade 1 (Very Easy)

Read Overview
Home > Spain > Volcanoes and the Catalan Coast

Overview

Take the Via Verde from Olot to enjoy some great traffic-free cycling down this former railway line route through the greenest landscapes to the historic city of Girona and down to the delightful port of St Feliu de Guíxols on the Mediterannean. Pedal along the coast via Palamos, then inland to meet the River Ter and its impressive estuary at L’Estartit. Bike alongside beautiful beaches a good part of the way from L’Escala to Roses. Sit back and sip a refreshing glass of well deserved Empordà or put a toe in the water in some quiet Catalan cove. As well as stunning scenery, highlights include Girona cathedral and its colourful riverside houses; Dalí’s eccentric Theatre Museum in Figueres; the undeveloped cove at El Castell; the citadel and lighthouse at Roses; the natural park of Aiguamols de l’Empordà and the famed Empordà vineyards and the wine museum Coll de Roses – such a must that we’ve included a ticket in the tour price!

Tour Code:
SCOF7
Activity:
Cycling
Type:
Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday, Linear Cycling Holiday
Country:
Spain
Area:
Catalonia
Duration:
7 Days, 6 Nights
Board Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Availability:
Mar - Oct

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive & explore

Arrive in Olot, the small city located inside the volcanic region of La Garrotxa, surrounded by the wooded slopes of sleeping volcanoes. Explore the city with its modernist architecture, historic Carmelite cloister and rich art connections, before spending your first night in this beautiful wooded region.

Overnight Olot.

Day 2 Volcanoes, villages and the ‘Via Verde’ to Girona

Heading out from Olot, the former trackbed of a narrow gauge freight railway is now the very well maintained path for cyclists and ramblers known as the ‘Via Verde’ or Green Way. It leads through leafy tree tunnels and over bridges, following the Fluvia, Brugent and Ter river valleys. Enjoy a really smooth ride where greenery clears to reveal the most wonderful natural vistas. It’s downhill all the way too (with the exception of just one section of uphill effort), crossing three regions and taking in twelve towns and sun-baked villages including St Esteve, Amer, Angles and Bescano on the way to ancient Girona. As the route opens up into the pasturelands of the Ter Valley, the towering, solid mass of Girona cathedral appears on the horizon. Park up and refresh on the café terrace, before climbing the steep Roccoco steps leading up to the world’s widest Gothic nave or drinking in the most spectacular sunset views over the city from the town ramparts.

Overnight Girona.

Miles 36 Kms 57

Day 3 From green pastures to the bluest of seas

From the art museum at the old Episcopal Palace to the bright façades of the medieval Onyar houses which cling to the old riverside walls, Girona is colourful stuff. Back on two wheels there’s a patchwork landscape of woods, pasture and stretches of earthy farmlands via Quart, Llambilles, Cassa de las Selva, Llagostera, San Cristina D’Aro and Castell D’Aro,en route down to the coast and the champagne cork capital, St Feliu de Guíxols. Don’t miss the famous Romanesque Porta Ferrada at the town’s Benedictine Monastery or the fine seafront manor houses near the golden beach and blue Mediterranean waters of San Pol.

Overnight St Feliu de Guíxols.

Miles 27 Kms 43

Day 4 Cruising up the coast to tales of the Ter River

A day exploring the lovely towns and villages of the Empordà as you head north up the coast via Palamos, then across to the wildlife rich Gola del Ter estuary near L’Estartit. The broad beaches of L’Estartit overlook the craggy Illes Medes which are famed as a paradise for diving.

Overnight in L’Estartit.

Miles 27 Kms 43

Day 5 Bike up the Bay of Roses

Heading out from L’Estartit, you’ll have the sea on your right side as you pedal along this very special stretch of ancient coastline. The area is renowned for its wealth of creeks and beaches, its historic settlements and beautiful Mediterranean colours and the Aigamols natural park. Roses boasts 3,000 years of fascinating history, not to mention truly amazing sunsets perhaps best enjoyed from viewpoints such as the Puig Rom.

Overnight Roses.

Miles 31 Kms 49

Day 6 A true taste of the place

Roses has so many sights to enjoy from its lighthouse to the historic citadel and its ancient megaliths, but the wine museum (admission ticket included in tour price) is a must before you head off to explore the vineyards en route back to Figueres. With the Pyrenees on your right, small country lanes lead through towns and villages like Vilanova de la Muga, Peralada and Vilabertran and gentle landscapes to Figueres, for your final taste of Catalan culture and last overnight.

Overnight in Figueres

Miles 20 Kms 32

Day 7 Depart after breakfast

Depart after breakfast, or make time to admire the eccentric architecture of Dalí’s Theatre Museum which also exhibits some of his artworks or find out more about the fascinating area in the Museum of the Empordà.

Extra nights can be booked to allow more time to explore Figueres or the colourful Catalan coast at your leisure.

Accommodation Options

In Olot, Girona, St Feliu de Guíxols, L’Estartit, Roses and Figueres.

is located in Olot, Girona, St Feliu de Guíxols, L’Estartit, Roses and Figueres. Selected properties include six 3 star hotels. Three hotels have open air swimming pools. We are pleased to discuss details on request.

Half board is an option on this tour (wine and water included in the package in this region).

Half board is an option on this tour (wine and water included in the package in this region).

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