Current as of: May 1, 2024 - 21:47
Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Spain
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 7 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MEQ
- Carbon Footprint: 16kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Ride through the cycling world’s favourite place in Spain
Cycling pros rate Girona and the Catalan coast among the best destinations on the planet. Find out why on this exciting two-wheel adventure. Led by an expert guide, we pedal between historic villages via disused railway lines, quiet small roads and coastal paths, while also challenging ourselves against some climbs. To break up the journeys – and to learn more about the local culture and history – we also enjoy guided tours around medieval towns and even stop at a local wine estate for a memorable tasting session.
At a Glance
- Five days of cycling with partial vehicle support
- 50 percent paved roads and 50 percent mix of cycling gravel paths, tracks and off road sections
- Some climbs
- Quiet roads with a good mix of flat and rolling terrain
- Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Six nights in hotels
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E-bikes available for an additional cost
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Cycle along car-free paths reserved for bike riders and walkers
- Discover the beautiful Catalan countryside on two wheels
- Enjoy several opportunities for swimming in the Mediterranean Sea
- Visit the medieval towns of Besalu, Begur and Pals
- Visit a winery for a wine-tasting session
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
- Five days of cycling
- Average distance: 24mi (38km) per day
- Partial vehicle support
- Terrain and route: 50 percent on quiet minor roads and 50 percent on a mixture of cycle paths, non-technical tracks and a few off-road sections
If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, do not hesitate to call us. Please note, wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory on this trip.
If you are unsure about tackling five days of self-powered cycling but are keen to experience this trip, we recommend an e-bike (additional charge applies). Our guides are experienced in managing groups with both push bikes and e-bikes, and many of our clients enjoy the flexibility that an e-bike offers. Please speak to us if you would like to add this option to your booking.
The first couple of days of cycling follow disused railway lines, so we cycle on good off-road tracks with some paved sections. The rest of the trip is on quieter paved backroads and some good off-road sections. The most difficult day is the last day of cycling when we cycle the longest distance (37mi/60km) and tackle the biggest accumulated climb. The support vehicle will be available throughout this day, so you can jump in at any point. This trip is ideal for confident cyclists who exercise regularly and have a good level of fitness.
This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). Please see our Activity Level Guidelines for more information on classification and grading. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to call us.
Group
There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Barcelona
- End City: Besalu
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Barcelona; transfer to hotel
Fly to Barcelona where we start our adventure. We enjoy a guided walk of the city centre before a trip briefing and our first meal as a group.
Accommodation: Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)
Start Barcelona
We start the trip in Barcelona, a captivating city of quirky landmarks and excellent cuisine. Our cycling starts tomorrow but the adventure begins immediately as we take advantage of our time here with a guided walking tour. Stops include La Rambla, La Boqueria Market, the Christopher Columbus statue, Barcelona Cathedral and the Gothic Quarter. After, we get to know each other a little better with a trip briefing and our first meal as a group.
Accommodation: Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)
Transfer to Olot; cycle to Girona; afternoon walking tour
After breakfast, we have a transfer (approximately two hours) to Olot where we fine tune our bikes before we start cycling in Garrotxa National Park. This is the perfect place to get used to our bikes as we follow The Carrilet, a car-free path reserved for cyclists and walkers that follows a disused narrow-gauge railway. Today’s route includes some easy gradual climbing during the first 7.5mi (12km) and then a long gentle descent through the countryside until we reach the medieval town of Girona, a hotspot for cycling pros for more than two decades. This evening, we have a guided walking tour of the town, visiting the old quarter and the Jewish quarter, before ending in La Rambla de la Llibertat, the culture-soaked main street in Girona, where we find somewhere for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia (or similar)
Cycle to Sant Feliu de Guixols; transfer to Calella de Palagrugell
We continue cycling along the car-free Carrilet until we reach the Mediterranean Sea in Sant Feliu de Guixols. We start with a short uphill section to reach Llagostera, where we stop for refreshments, and then enjoy an easy long descent to the Costa Brava coast. We stop for lunch before boarding the bus for a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to our destination for the next two nights, Calella de Palafrugell. Our hotel is within walking distance of the coast, so take the chance for a swim at one of the nearby beaches.
Accommodation: Hotel Alga (or similar)
Loop ride to Palafrugell and Palamos; wine tasting and back to Calella
Today’s ride follows a circular route south of Calella to Palamos and back. During our journey to Palamos, we travel through the colourful market town of Palafrugell, where we stop to check out the local produce and enjoy a coffee while watching the market in action. After, we cycle using another disused railway to the fishing town of Palamos and visit the unspoiled sandy beach of Castell. This afternoon, we cycle back to Calella, stopping at a winery to sample their produce.
Accommodation: Hotel Alga (or similar)
Cycle to Torroella de Montgri
We start cycling after breakfast, leaving the coast behind and travelling inland to the walled medieval town of Begur. Today is one of the most scenic days as we cycle past farmlands, sunflower fields and through the gothic walled towns of Begur and Pals. We have a chance to jump off our bikes to explore both towns, and for lunch we can sample the local paella recipe in Pals. This afternoon, we have a mainly flat route on quiet roads and gravel tracks that will take us through various villages until we reach our hotel in the town of Torroella de Montgri.
Accommodation: Hotel Molin del Mig (or similar)
Cycle to Banyoles; transfer to Besalu
Our final day of cycling will be our most challenging, as we travel the longest distance and have the biggest accumulated climb, but it is also one of the most picturesque as we travel through Catalan countryside using a combination of quieter backroads and gravel tracks. Our first stop is the town of Púbol, where artist Salvador Dalí bought a castle for his wife Gala. We then stop in San Esteban de Guialbes, where we have lunch and the opportunity to try the Catalan dish of snails and butifarra (a type of pork sausage). After, we ride to the town of Banyoles where our cycling ends. We then have a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to our final destination, Besalu. After we check into our hotel and have had a chance to shower, we enjoy a walking guided tour of this medieval town. We will visit the 12th-century bridge, the Sant Pere Monastery and Saint Vincent Church. After, we enjoy our last group meal together and reflect on an incredible week of cycling.
Accommodation: Els Jardins De La Martana (or similar)
Transfer to Barcelona airport; fly home
After breakfast the trip ends with a transfer to Barcelona Airport for your departure flight.
End Besalu; transfer to Barcelona airport
Our adventure ends with a transfer from Besalu to Barcelona airport. If you’ve still got the appetite for a bit more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Barcelona hotel.
Accommodation
Hotels
We spend six nights in three-to-four-star hotels, each chosen for their comfort and location. Some hotels have a swimming pool and/or a sea view.
Examples of hotels used:
- Barcelona: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia
- Girona: Hotel Gran Ultonia
- Calella de Palafrugell: Hotel Alga
- Torroella de Montgri: Hotel Molin del Mig
- Besalu: Els Jardins De La Martana
Single supplement from USD 562
Food & Drink
All breakfasts are included and will be continental with cold cheese, meats and bread, plus pastries, tea and coffee.
Vegetarians: While a meat-and-fish diet is the norm in Spain, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems here. However, please note the choice of vegetarian and vegan meals may not be as extensive as you are used to.
Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.
Transport
Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). While cycling, the vehicle will carry your baggage and be available to assist or if you choose to sit out a section of the ride. A guide cycles with the group.
Weather & Seasonality
The climate in Catalonia is Mediterranean with mild temperatures and most rain falling in winter, but also possible in all other months. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, summer and autumn. Heatwaves can hit between mid-June and September. For this reason, we avoid departures during the hottest months of July and August. In April and October, expect temperatures around 5C-25C (41F-77F). May, June and September are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 10C-30C (50F-86F).
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia, C. d’Aragó, 08026 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 932 45 89 05
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Barcelona Airport (BCN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Barcelona
Location end: Besalu
What To Take
Essential Equipment
We recommend packing the following items:
- Normal daily clothes (for the earlier departures you may need some warmer layers)
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Specialized Crosstrail (or similar) with front suspension and pannier bag.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Kalkhoff Tasman Impulse 8R HS electric bikes (or similar) with front suspension and pannier bag are available on this trip; prices from £100/US$140/190 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
Practical Information
Visa
Spain
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html
Vaccinations and Health
Spain
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Spain's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
There are cash points available in most towns along the route and most places take credit and debit cards, though cash is generally easier for smaller payments.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Catalonia is one of the most expensive regions in Spain but food and drink will be reasonably priced. We recommend you allow approximately €50 per day for meals, coffees and other drinks. So approximately €350 overall; however, this depends on which restaurants you choose.
Local taxes: Catalonia have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1 and €5 per person per night. For this trip, please allow approximately €10 – €15 for the week.
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution between €20 and €25 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the trip. For your driver, we recommend approximately €15-€20 per person.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- Read more about our other initiatives
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Our local partner is a member of the Climate Action Leaders in Travel Community and have made the Climate Action Leaders in Travel Pledge
- Cycling trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the local people, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.