Spain
Recreational
Girona, Spain
Sant Martí d'Empúries to Madremanya
Approximately 22 miles with 1,250 feet of climbing
Sant Marti d’Empúries to Madremanya with Els Angels
Approximately 30 miles with 2,400 feet of climbing
Welcome to Girona! It has long been a hotbed of cycling, with international pros relocating to this charming town, awash in local cafes, small markets and access to great roads right at your door. After a 45-minute shuttle, you’ll arrive in the 12th century village of Sant Martí d'Empúries for a delicious lunch of tapas on the shores of the Mediterranean. Afterwards your guides will ensure you a perfect fit with your bike and familiarize you with its features and you’ll take to the road for a warm-up ride on a gently undulating route along poppy-lined roads that cut through the patchwork of wheat fields in the Empordà countryside. This evening, you’ll taste the much revered, local cava together with handmade tapas on the hotel’s garden terrace as your guides introduce you to the adventures of the week to come, before dining together at a gourmet restaurant set in a beautifully restored 14th century farmhouse.
Madremanya to Calella de Palafrugell
Approximately 30 miles with 1,000 feet of climbing
Madremanya to Pals w/ shuttle Loop
Approximately 18 miles with 670 feet of climbing
Madremanya to Calella de Palafrugell Loop
Approximately 60 miles with 3,000 feet of climbing
Be sure to pack your camera today, as you explore the enchanting countryside, charming villages, and stunning coastline of the Costa Brava. Take in the panoramic views of the Pyrenean mountains that rise above the countryside of the Baix Empordà. Pass by the medieval village of Pals, and stop for an espresso in its narrow cobblestone streets before setting off on an undulating ride to the ancient pueblo of Calella de Palafrugel. This traditional fishing village is perched on a rocky coastline, sprinkled with small coves and oozes old-world charm. Savor lunch overlooking the azure blue Mediterranean Sea, and afterwards, elect to take a stroll on the beach and shuttle back to the hotel or jump back on your bike to wind your way back through green pastures decked with abundant sprays of wildflowers. Tonight, you’ll learn about the history of medieval Peratallada on a private walking tour, before enjoying a dinner at one of the colorful bistros in this beautifully preserved and truly enchanting town.
Madremanya to Calonge to s’Agaro
Approximately 32 miles with 1,800 feet of climbing
Madremanya to Calonge
Approximately 23 miles with 900 feet of climbing
Madremanya to Calonge to Romanya de la Selva to s’Agaró
Approximately 45 miles with 3,100 feet of climbing
Your ride today, takes you from the plains to the sea through Les Gavarres, a mountain massif of the Catalan Coastal Range. The Gavarres mountains have been inhabited since prehistoric times and are largely protected as a nature reserve, dotted with a few farmhouses and hamlets. Choose to stop on your way to visit the Castell de Dalí, a gift from Costa Brava-born artist Salvador Dalí to his wife, Gala. Before lunch, you'll take a private tour of Mas Ponsjoan, a family-run organic farm where age-old traditions have been handed down through generations to preserve the natural methods used on the farm. Enjoy a lunch that pairs their organic wines with local specialties on the vineyard grounds. To finish, there is a final gentle descent to sea level and your home for the next three nights, the decadent 5* Hostal de la Gavina. There will be plenty of time to take a dip in the infinity pool or schedule a massage before dinner at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant… Candlelight. The chef Romain Fornell was the youngest chef to get a Michelin star and prides himself in creating culinary masterpieces using a combination of daring and passion. You'll be sure to sleep soundly tonight after a day of fresh sea air, great food, and excellent local wines!
Sailboat Cruise in the Mediterranean Sea
S'Agaro to Romanya de la Selva Loop
Approximately 42 miles with 4,200 feet of climbing
Admire Costa Brava’s dramatic coastline today from the tranquil calm of the Mediterranean Sea! Spend the morning on crystal waters aboard our private sailboat, cruising past secluded rocky coves and powder sand beaches. With a picnic lunch on the boat and plenty of time to relax, enjoy the opportunity to take a dip, maybe go snorkeling or simply lie back and soak in the sun and scenery! The sail boat is always a favorite with our guests, but if you prefer more time in the saddle we also offer some riding options to explore further inland. This afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish – maybe with a stroll on the beach, enjoy the hotel’s luxurious spa, or a trip into the beach town of Platja d’Aro which is awash with shopping opportunities before deciding which of the many fantastic restaurants to visit for dinner.
S’Agaro to Tossa de Mar Return
Approximately 32 miles with 3,400 feet of climbing
S’Agaro to Tossa de Mar
Approximately 16 miles with 1,700 feet of climbing
S'Agaro to Ermita de St Grau to Tossa de Mar Loop
Approximately 45 miles with 4,500 feet of climbing
This morning the journey is the destination as you ride along quiet winding roads which follow the extraordinary Costa Brava coastline - reminiscent of California’s Big Sur – this road boasts many more cyclists than cars! Pause for a lunch of your choice in the medieval walled town of Tossa de Mar and ride back to the hotel along the same spectacular route, or maybe spend the afternoon exploring the old town and castle or relax on the beach and watch the world go by. This evening, relax and savor authentic Catalan cuisine with a twist as the chef at our favorite Michelin-starred restaurant serves up innovative dishes featuring the finest seasonal, local produce. Raise a glass and toast to an incredible week of riding, culinary treats and newfound friends.
S'Agaro to Romanya de la Selva Loop
Approximately 22 miles with 1,800 feet of climbing
Although this morning’s ride is short, it offers spectacular views of the Gavarres Mountains. The rolling hills take you into ancient farmland, where you can also stop off to explore a mystical grove containing a prehistoric burial site with some of the best, preserved dolmens in Europe. If you prefer, simply linger over a hot cappuccino and enjoy a leisurely morning, soaking in the gorgeous sea views from the breakfast patio. Bid farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at Hostal de la Gavina.
Breakfast
3 days | 2 nights or 4 days | 3 nights
Based on double occupancy.
Discover the dynamic and diverse Mediterranean city of Barcelona and get a taste of the unique culture, boutique shopping, innovative gastronomy and an avant-garde spirit of the Catalonian capital. Taste tapas on the famous Las Ramblas walking boulevard, admire the amazing works of Gaudi including the iconic La Sagrada Familia church and visit many other area attractions. Barcelona will captivate you and make you want to return again and again.
Perfect for first-time visitors, your local tour guide will show you the city’s most iconic sights from the winding medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter to the the Gaudi masterpiece of La Pedrera. Your guide is a personable, knowledgeable and friendly local of Barcelona who not only knows Barcelona's landmarks and neighborhoods intimately, but will also provide an insider's view to help you make the most of your stay in the Catalan capital and let you in on the city’s best-kept secrets.
Use your 3 day Barcelona card to further explore the city independently, with free travel on public transport along with free admission and discounts on several top museums and attractions.
Book today for the best savings of the year and the widest availability of dates. Not sure where or when you want to travel?
We don’t charge a fee for changing dates or destinations up to 90 days prior to your trip start.
What is Single Occupancy?
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself.
This hotel is situated on a cliff, overlooking the Sant Pol beach on the Mediterranean Sea, and for decades has been a popular retreat for many stars, such as Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and Sean Connery. Rich cultural heritage is evident throughout the hotel in the Flemish tapestries, 17th century furniture, Romanesque carvings, Murano lamps, and 18th-century Sèvres vases. The outdoor swimming pool, beautiful gardens, and spa all add to the enjoyment of this quiet, scenic and magnificent Mediterranean property.
Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that’s how we help you create more memories. See more
Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7.5-10% of your trip price for the guide team. Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.
Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience.
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Costa Brava is best suited for our Type 2 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 1 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option–you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 3 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is varied with rolling plains and mountainous coastline. Hills generally are short, but can be steep in places. See Itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.
The springtime brings greener hills, with pleasant daytime temperatures (70F-80F) and evening temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler. The fall is drier and warmer with daytime temperatures reaching the mid 80s. Costa Brava's northern location means that it can be hit with the odd cold spell or rain shower. Light layers and a waterproof shell are recommended.
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information. Some non-riding options on this trip are:
For an additional fee you may request to upgrade to the brand new Trek Emonda SLR with Shimano Di2 Electronic shifting or Bontrager Aeolus carbon wheels for the ultimate riding experience. Contact our trip consultants for more details.
If you’re going we’re going on almost all our trips. Trips with 1 guest booked are guaranteed to run. Select trips like Cross Country, Race and Special Edition trips require a minimum number of guests to run and are not guaranteed until that number is reached. Contact your Trip Consultant for more details.
In the event that a departure has low enrollment, we will notify guests at 60-90 days before departure to give the option to select a different date with more guests booked. Please do not reserve airfare before confirming your Trek Travel trip.
When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start you will receive an email containing a trip start meeting location reminder and any last minute information that you will need to know before your trip. Once you arrive at your destination Trek Travel staff will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip and provide you with daily route guides and a detailed map allowing you to ride with complete confidence and independence.
Please review our packing list page for more details.
We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you will find our timeline. If you ever have a question, just give us a call, 866 464 8735. Read our cancellation policy.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Barcelona (BCN) and then take a train to Girona. Outside Terminal 2, trains depart for Barcelona Sants, and from outside Terminal 1, buses depart every 30 minutes for Barcelona Sants (6:00 AM-11:45 PM). Alternatively, taxis are plentiful and operate 24 hours a day. The journey to the train station in the city center will take 20-30 minutes and cost around 35 euros. From Barcelona Sants and Estació de França, trains depart hourly for Girona. For more information, consult www.renfe.com.
Girona Train Station | Girona, Spain
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Girona Train Station (Pl. Espanya, s/n, 17004, Girona) at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. You'll shuttle 45 minutes to Sant Martí d'Empúries, a 12th century village to enjoy a gourmet lunch of "tapas" next to the Mediterranean. Please have your first day cycling clothes and riding gear easily accessible, separate from your luggage. After lunch, your guides will do a bike fit before you begin your day’s ride through the Empordà countryside.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, La Plaça de Madremanya (+34 972 49 04 87), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. A taxi from the Girona train station to the ride start or first hotel will take about 45 minutes and cost around 60 Euros.
Girona Train Station | Girona, Spain
You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the Hostal de la Gavina. You’ll then shuttle 1 hour to the Girona Train Station, arriving at approximately 12:00 PM. Please allow adequate connection time for any ongoing travel to accommodate possible traffic delays.
The Catalonian capital of Barcelona boasts a beautiful coastline, a great diversity of culture, leisure and shopping, creative, innovative gastronomy and an avant-garde spirit. Be sure to check out some of the fantastic architecture and art of Antonio Gaudí, such as Sagrada Familia or Parc Guell.The Gothic quarter is the heart of Barcelona’s old town, with narrow cobblestone streets on which Picasso and Miró lived long ago. Las Ramblas is a long tree-lined shoppers’ paradise that leads to the sea. Be sure not to miss the fascinating Boqueria market for a slice of local life.We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:
Opened in 1994, Hotel Arts Barcelona has a unique location on the seafront in the city’s Olympic Village area. It’s the tallest building in Barcelona, with contemporary interiors and a showcase of a 20th century collection of specially commissioned works of Catalan and Spanish artists.
Marina 19-21 | +34 932 21 10 00 | www.HotelArtsBarcelona.com | ~$525
A 19th century building converted into a cozy 25-room hotel. In the multicultural neighborhood of El Raval, just a few steps from the famous La Boqueria market, Casa Camper is the perfect location to indulge in Barcelona’s vibrant nightlife.You can do this actively by using one of the Casa Camper’s bicycles, or by enjoying the spectacular view across the city from the rooftop terrace.
Carrer Elisabets 11 | +34 933 42 62 80 | www.CasaCamper.com | ~$$350
An innovative minimalist hotel fusing modern design with state of the art technology. Roof terrace has magnificent panoramic views of the city. Close to many major tourist attractions and enjoys excellent connections with the airport and metro system.
GranVia 389-391 | +34 932 52 52 85 | www.BHotel.com | ~$210
Girona has long enjoyed the reputation for being the richest town in Spain. Founded in the first century BC, it soon became the most important point on the SpanishVia Augusta. Enjoy the reflections of the colorful pastel row houses on the River Onyar before crossing the river and wandering the narrow cobblestone streets of the medieval Jewish quarter.Admire the cathedral from below and then enjoy a 15-minute walk atop the old town walls to get great views of the town. Search out Café Viaugusta in the old quarter, where professional cyclists training in Girona sometimes stop for coffee. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:
This hotel was built in 2003 in a quiet corner, not far from the river. Each room is modern and comfortable. Located in the heart of Girona, this makes a great base from which to explore the town and the surrounding countryside.
c/ Nord, 2 | +34 972 48 30 38 | www.Hotel-CiutatDeGirona.com | ~$200
This charming stone building is in the heart of Girona’s old town. It’s in a very peaceful area and close to the cathedral, museums, and other main attractions of the town. Inside it’s modern and comfortable. You can also choose between a hotel room or apartment-style accommodations.
c/ Bellmirall, 4A | +34 972 22 35 83 | www.HotelHistoric.com | ~$425
This small 4 star hotel is well located close to the cathedral and historical center of Girona. Each of the 15 rooms has a unique charm providing an ideal blend of past, present and future.
Portal de la Barca, 4 | +34 972 22 09 05 | www.LlegendesHotel.com | ~$180
