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Catalunya is a spectacular study in contrasts, from the soaring peaks of the Pyrenees to the sparkling blue water of the Mediterranean’s shallow coves. Explore all of this and more as you pedal past centuries-old alpine villages clinging to the mountains, challenge yourself to climb to the top of Catalunya’s highest road, travel back in time to Spain’s best preserved medieval towns, wind through the welcoming Alt Empordà wine region, and enjoy wonderfully scenic stretches of rolling Costa Brava coastline. You will quickly realize why this region is beloved by so many, from the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí to the elite riders training for the professional UCI World Tour circuit.
Rated 2 out of 4 our Intermediate tours are designed for sporty people who are looking to enjoy some more challenging rides. E-bikes are available on all of our tours.
We will shuttle approximately two hours from Girona centre (meeting point Eat Sleep Cycle Café at 10:00) to the Hotel Spa Resguard dels Vents in Ribes de Fraser. After a welcome briefing, bike fitting, and a light lunch, you can choose to join your guides on a 22 km out-and-back ride through the Vall de Núria, a valley cutting through the crest of the Pyrenees and surrounded by mountains of up to 3,000 meters in height. If you choose not to ride, you can still see the valley and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria by rack railway (€31 round trip, includes basilica visit, must reserve in advance) or take in the mountain views from the hotel’s spa. Your guides will host a welcome social to give you an overview of the tour on the terrace of the hotel prior to dinner.
Today we will tackle the Vallter 2000, the highest road climb in Catalunya, ascending to over 2000 m in altitude (hence the name). The climb has been used in both the Vuelta a España and Volta a Catalunya professional cycling races. Although it is only 12 km in length, it is a challenge that is considered a bucket list for climbing aficionados. The ascent is particularly scenic on a clear day when you can see the majestic Pic de la Dona towering over the border between France and Spain. After reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a picnic lunch prepared by your guides. You’ll end the ride with a descent through the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees to Llanars, a village nestled in the meadows of the l’Alta Vall de Ter centered around the Romanesque church of Sant Esteve. The hotel’s pool, spa, and jacuzzi will be particularly welcoming after such a challenging day!
Today we leave the Pyrenees behind and make our way south down a winding road through a series of medieval villages – immaculately preserved Beget, cliff topping Castellfollit d’en Roca, and magnificent Besalú. We’ll have lunch overlooking the impressive Romanesque bridge, absorbing the vestiges of the town’s rich Jewish history and its leading role in Catalan history. The ride continues to the Pla de l’Estany and our beautiul hotel. Spend the afternoon swimming in the panoramic pool or relaxing in the abundant gardens of our hotel, an estate of fields and oak forests.
Our journey continues to Banyoles Lake, the largest in Catalunya. You may be tempted to take a refreshing swim, but watch out for El Drac de Banyoles, the mythical water dragon said to inhabit the depths of the lake! After riding around the lake we set a course north east towards the town of Figueres. At our boutique hotel a variety of pools and a spa await to revive you! In the afternoon we’ll visit the Salvador Dalí’s Theatre Museum in the centre of Figueres.
Today we explore the landscape that inspired Dalí to create so much striking and bizarre imagery. This loop route is the highlight of our tour for those who enjoy the dramatic interspersion of wooded coves, high cliffs, beautiful beaches and deep blue water. You’ll enjoy rolling roads as you get your first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea and begin a climb to the the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. One of the most sophisticated examples of Catalan Romanesque architecture, Sant Pere de Rodes stands on a peak of the Serra de Rodes, a mountain range overlooking the Cap de Creus. The breathtaking descent takes us to the whitewashed seaside town of El Port de la Selva, clinging to the butresses of the Serra de Rodes. We’ll cross the border into France and enjoy lunch à la française in the delightful seaside town of Banyuls-sur-Mer, located around the Cote Vermeille, a natural bay. Finally, we’ll climb back into Catalunya through the terraced vineyards of the Alt Empordà. Dinner tonight is at one of our favorite restaurants of the tour – guests rave about the exquistively prepared cuisine and attentive service!
Today’s route winds through the Baix Empordà, passing by bell towers, towers, fragments of walls, characteristic of the medieval villages that are scattered amongst the territory. The last challenge of the tour awaits us–another classic climb of Girona, up to the Santuario de la Mare de Déu dels Àngels. Built at the one of the highest points of the Gavarres massif, this important pilgrimage center offers an extraordinary panoramic view of Girona, the Baix Empordà, the Medes Islands, the Pyrenees, the Montseny and the Guilleries. Salvador Dalí and his muse Gala were married there in 1958. Your ride will finish in the elegant, provincial capital of the province, Girona. It’s most well known feature is a beautiful walled medieval quarter, Barri Vell, perched on a hill above the city. Girona is a delight to explore a delight to explore, with narrow cobbled alleyways, shady little plaças, and pastel-hued houses clinging to the banks of the Ríu Onyar. Right in the center of it all is the Eat Sleep Cycle flagship store and cafe, where we will have lunch. Take some time to explore Girona’s historic core, and see if you can spot all the locations used during the filming of Game of Thrones before our farewell dinner in one of the city’s celebrated restaurants.
Today we will say adéu as you choose to depart Girona at your leisure. Hopefully you’ve planned a few more days to immerse yourselves fully in the cycling mecca. However, if your time in Girona must come to an end, the train station is a ten minute walk from the hotel and provides connections to Barcelona and all other regions of Spain. Your guides will be happy to assist with offering suggestions for your onward travel. We hope you have enjoyed your tour of Girona and beyond with Eat Sleep Cycle!
FULL SUPPORT
Enjoy small group sizes and professional, personal support all week from your guides & support vehicle.
We work with an industry leading guide to guest ratio – expect up to 4 guests per guide on the trip with guides leading the way on the road and a support vehicle close by at all times. Note that for groups of 4 riders or less this tour is run as a guided trip without the support vehicle.
The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.
Eat Sleep Cycle guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime.
All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.
Hotels shown are examples and are subject to change
Hotel-Spa Resguard dels Vents is a rural-spa hotel in Ribes de Freser, in the Catalan Pyrenees, just a few metres from the Vall de Núria rack railway and La Molina ski resort. Located at 1,000 meters above sea level. at the Hotel-Spa Resguard dels Vents you can breathe the tranquility and silence of the meadows and forests that surround it. Enjoy magnificent views of the Vall de Ribes from its pool on the outdoor terrace.
Hotel Grèvol Spa is a unique accommodation with a special charm. Built in stone and wood, and perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings of the Camprodon Valley, Hotel Grèvol Spa is the ideal accommodation for a rural, romantic, relaxing or family getaway in the mountains of the Catalan Pyrenees.
Casa Anamaria Hotel & Villas is an eco-friendly boutique hotel located in the heart of nature, surrounded by fields, forests and 22,000 square meters of gardens and fountains. An idyllic and relaxed place to disconnect, for a romantic getaway or to celebrate your event. The hotel’s strength is gastronomy, with the culinary program helmed by prestigious chef Pere Arpa, who works with local products and remastered classic recipes.
In Avinyonet de Puigventós, in a unexplored part of the Alt Empordà, you will find Mas Falgarona Hotel Boutique & Spa. It is a privileged space to rest, relax and enjoy the living landscape, known for its exceptional scenery. Each room and suite at Mas Falgarona is unique and exhibits special details of great quality and comfort. The former Masía maintains the authentic spirit of the Empordà with modern-day design and comfort.
Located in the historic and commercial heart of Girona, in an old building that has been completely restored in 2009, the Hotel Nord 1901 Superior Girona offers sophisticated rooms and comfortable flats equipped to the smallest detail. The Hotel Nord 1901 has the only garden with swimming pool in the city centre. The colours, materials, spaces and designs have been chosen with a single objective: to achieve the maximum satisfaction of our guests.
Bike hire is not included in the tour. Add bike rental to the trip from €40 per day
The Filante SLR is an extremely lightweight aerodynamic bicycle used by World Tour team Astana. Enjoy a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and DT Swiss ERC 1400 wheelset.
Our top of the range road e-bike from Wilier. Enjoy a lightweight carbon frame, carbon wheelset and Shimano Ultegra Di2 shifting. The Filante Hybrid has a range of 1,000-2,000m of elevation, or constant use 1.5-2hrs. Range extenders are avialable to hire which doubles this range.
A comfortable e-road bike with a lightweight carbon frameset and a clean-cut design featuring fully integrated cable routing. The Garda Hybrid uses the proven and reliable Mahle X35+ drive unit with 250 Wh motor inserted in the rear hub while the battery is housed in the down tube. The groupset is Shimano 105 Di2. The Garda has an autonomy of 1,000-2,000m of elevation, or constant use 1.5-2hrs – it’s possible to rent a range extender to double the range for an additional fee.
The Wilier Filante SL guarantees a first-class weight, a precise ride and a great aesthetic clarity thanks to the integrated cables. Carbon Monocoque frame with full internal cable routing Electronic Shimano 105 Di2 shifting Carbon wheels Chainrings: 50/34, Cassette: 11-34
The ultimate bike for climbers. The Diamante features a lightweight fully integrated frameset, a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and a carbon ERC 1400 wheelset from DT Swiss. The Diamante has gearing for climbing – a 50/34 chainset and an 11-34 cassette.
An endurance all-road bike that increases versatility with features that lean closer to gravel. Enojy a comfortable performance carbon frameset, an electronic SRAM Force AXS groupset and a MicroTech RE38 Carbon wheelset. 48/35 chainrings and 10-36 cassette
Gethyn is from Wales but has been living in Catalonia for 14 years, and having found a quiet spot in the forest not far from Girona, he has no intention of leaving. Gethyn’s been a part of the ESC team since the early days and loves the job. He rides road and gravel with friends and MTB with his dog.
Josep is from a small city in Catalunya called Reus. He loves cycling and has a passion for sharing cycling experiences with others. He’s a guide for Eat Sleep Cycle all over Europe & leads our Morocco tours.
If you love cycling put a cycling tour of Girona high on your bucket list. A paradise for roadies, gravellers & mountain bikers alike, Girona has an amazing network of rides ready to blow your mind. It's a destination that can be enjoyed all year around, with the most popular months to ride being March to June & September to November.
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