Overview

Welcome to the first day of your Girona and Costa Brava self-guided bike tour! Your Trek Travel host will meet you at the Hotel Gran Ultonia at 11:00 AM. After giving you an overview of the week ahead, your host will make sure you are fitted comfortably to your Trek bike and will share some safety tips. Then you’ll say Adéu! and take to the road for a local favorites’ ride into the hills to the south-west of Girona. Once you are out of the city you will be delighted by the very quiet country roads. After the two short and gradual climbs over Les Serres and over Mas Llunés you’ll loop back to the hotel in the medieval old town. This evening is yours to enjoy as you wish; explore the cobbled streets of Girona and find a restaurant that best suits your palate, choosing from our list of recommendations!

Overview

Be sure to pack your camera today, as you ride through quiet roads taking in the panoramic views of the Pyrenees that rise above the countryside. Your destination is the lakeside town of Banyoles, a beloved location among locals, especially in the summer. There are a few bars and restaurants next to the lake which are great for a meal or drinks while enjoying some relaxing views. If you feel like testing your climbing legs today, the Rocacorba climb will satisfy your hunger for a challenge! Rocacorba is, hands down, the most famous and challenging climb in Girona, loved by amateur cyclists and pro riders alike. At just over six miles long with an average gradient of 7%, the switchbacks play a vital role in turning it into an iconic climb. After this optional ascent, the ride continues back to Girona along pleasant rural roads. Tonight, an array of Catalan specialties are at your fingertips. You'll be provided with names of our favorites in town.

Overview

Today you’ll begin the ride with the locals' favourite climb called Els Àngels, a nearly seven-mile mellow climb with an average gradient of 3.6%, which is the perfect way to warm up your legs! The descent to the beautiful village of Madremanya is a special moment, with wide turns and views over the plains. Here you may choose to loop back to the hotel on a flat road winding through farm fields, riding past the village of Púbol or you may opt for the avid option featuring the Santa Pellaia climb. If you decide to ride past Púbol, don’t miss the opportunity of visiting the extravagant Castell de Dalí, a gift from the Costa Brava-born artist Salvador Dalí to his wife, Gala. Alternatively, if you feel like adding another climb, you will absolutely love the steady and gradual ascent of Santa Pellaia, known as the "Hincapie" climb as it is one that George Hincapie was very regularly using for training during his years as a professional cyclist. Back at the hotel, take some time to relax perhaps before choosing the restaurant in town that best suits your mood.

Overview

Today we have riding options to suit every level. The shorter loop ride to Llagostera will accommodate those wanting a shorter ride on quiet, country lanes through pretty hamlets and dense woodland. The Today’s Ride option will take you over the Gavarres Natural Park, a mountain massif of the Catalan Coastal Range, to enjoy a sweeping descent to the coast. Finally, the avid option will have you climb up to Ermita de Sant Grau d’Ardenya through a forested area, before a winding descent takes you to the extraordinary Costa Brava coastline. A truly stunning ride on fabulously smooth road surfaces reveals, corner after corner, beautiful little coves set against an azure sea. Pause by the sea for a lunch of your choice before riding back to the hotel. This evening, be sure to raise a glass and toast to an incredible time riding, culinary discoveries, and of course, memories to last a lifetime.

Overview

Though this morning’s ride is short, it’s a great last spin through the Catalan countryside exploring idyllic country lanes to the west of Girona. It’s amazing how quickly you can get out of town and suddenly be surrounded by quiet, near-empty roads in what feels like the quintessential Spanish countryside. If you prefer, simply linger over a hot cappuccino and enjoy a leisurely morning in town. Meet your Trek Travel host at the Hotel Gran Ultonia at 11:00 AM to return your bike and equipment, and say farewell before you depart to conclude your Girona and Costa Brava Self-Guided bike tour.