Cycling Week In Catalonia

On arrival in Barcelona after settling into our hotel in the city we can take an orientation tour. Founded over 2000 years ago, Barcelona truly has something for everybody. From the winding streets and alleys of the classical medieval Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), to the contemporary architecture of the MACBA, a pedestrian visit of Barcelona allows you to discover the contrasts that make Barcelona one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Strolling up the famous Ramblas, passing street statues, flower stalls and bird stalls, and on to the Plaza Catalunya and then into the Eixample to catch a glimpse of some of the innovative architect Gaudi’s most famous creations. Tonight we might opt to return to the Barrio Gotico to sample some of the local specialities. We will soon see why Catalan cuisine is considered some of the best in the country.

Overnight Standard Hotel

This morning, we head inland by train and should have time for a wander through Ripoll, a small town where the remains of the monastery remind us of the glorious days when this was the centre of power of the first Catalan counts, Guife el Pelos (‘Willy the Hairy’) is considered to be the founder of Catalonia when he started uniting the different counties in the 9th century and thus gradually creating independence from France. The monastery itself used to house one of the finest medieval libraries in Europe and still preserves the splendid Romanesque portal from 12th century. After receiving and familiarising ourselves with our bikes, we take the Camino de Ferro, the first section of the graded bike trail which was originally built in late 19th century as a railway line serving local coal mines. This incredibly green and lush valley is surrounded by mountains up to 2000 metres high. It leads all the way to Sant Joan de les Abadesses, another important site from early medieval days, and we will stop here briefly for a visit to the 9th century monastery with its delightful alabaster windows. Gradually ascending a mountain pass, we arrive in Olot in the late afternoon. The capital of the Garrotxa region, Olot is surely one of the few places in the world that was built in between several volcanoes. It is worth a walk through the old center of the town, especially after 5 pm when the shops open again and the narrow streets really begin to bustle with life. (Approx. 36km cycling; 390m ascent)

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today’s ride is dedicated to exploring the volcanic scenery in the heart of the Garrotxa Natural Park. We start cycling through the Fajeda de n’Jorda, the largest beech wood forest on the Iberian peninsula, and eventually reach the Croscat volcano. Here one can see well the structure of the crater as decades ago a huge chunk was cut out for use as construction material. All the volcanoes in the area are covered by lush forest. We shall explore the volcanoes and surrounding countryside by bike on small roads, bike trails or good forest tracks. Keen cyclists may be able to do an additional optional ride. (Approx. 26km cycling; 250m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

In the morning we head off south, following the old railway line on the bike trail. Apart from one little ascent this is the most serene and gentle downhill on the whole trip, taking us through the rich and fertile valleys with corn and palm tree plantations, surrounded by the dramatic rocks of the Collsacabra Mountains. The trail leads directly into the heart of Girona where we can enjoy first impressions of this stunningly located town, built on a hill between two rivers. Girona was one of the first Paleolithic communities in the region and, under the Romans, a major town on the 'Via Augusta' between Rome and Cadiz. It reached its zenith, however, during the Middle Ages when Catalonian seafaring expansion reached as far as Athens, bringing great wealth to the region. A great place to sit for an early evening coffee is on the Rambla or the Carrer de Forca. (Approx. 63km cycling; 140m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we can ascend the ramparts of Girona’s ancient city walls for fine views over the surrounding countryside, and then explore the backstreets on foot. Examples of the wealth from Catalonian seafaring days can be seen at the spectacular Cathedral, built between the 11th and 15th Centuries, which has a Romanesque cloister, Europe’s widest Gothic Nave and a five-storey tower. Not to be missed is a visit to the Arabic Baths – built during in the 13th century by a noble family who wanted their private bath to be designed in the style of Moorish Spain. After lunch we head off on the bike trail towards the coast. Soon the scenery changes and the vegetation is increasingly dominated by pine and cork oak trees. A final descent brings us into Sant Feliu de Guixols. Our modernist hostel is perhaps the most original building in town, dating from the early 20th century. It’s perfectly situated within a short 10 minute walk of the Sant Pol beach. (Approx. 40km cycling; 80m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today is free for you to choose whether you wish to take it easy on the local beaches, visit the old monstery and the historical center of Sant Feliu, or perhaps fancy some more cycling. A very rewarding but challenging ride is along the coastal road which connects Sant Feliu with Tossa del Mar. It wasn’t until the 1950s that under Franco the road was constructed in order to attract more tourism to the Costa Brava. Tossa del Mar itself had emerged on the world map a few years before when it hosted the shooting of a major Hollywood production with Ava Gardner. The 23 kilometres along the rocky cliffs are probably the most scenic drive on the entire Spanish Mediterranean, affording splendid views across little bays and the sea. You can either take the same road back or a pick up service can be organized by your tour leader. (Optional approx. 23km one way cycling, 500m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

After breakfast we transfer to Barcelona. Before checking into our hotel, we can visit Antoni Gaudi’s fascinating Park Guell where we can go for a stroll and admire the beauty of his architecture and enjoy fantastic views across the city and the sea. The afternoon is free for your own sightseeing. You may choose to visit another of Gaudi’s famous projects the Sagrada Familia, the unfinished cathedral. Other examples of Gaudi’s work not to be missed are the roof-top of La Pedrera and Casa Battlo both situated on Passeig de Gracia. Alternatively, take a stroll down to the port and the cable car across the harbour to the Jardins de Miramar, and then ascend to the Castell de Montjuic, dating back to the 17th century. Fantastic views are afforded out to the sea and back to the mountains.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Included meals: Breakfast