For all you foodies out there this tour is not to be missed. Spectacular scenery framed by the Pyrenees mountains, carefully preserved thousand year old monasteries, lush green valleys, three rivers, rolling farmland with fields of orchards, sunflowers, vineyards, olive groves, coastal paths and unspoilt beaches not forgetting the medieval city of Girona – this cycling tour captures the breathtaking beauty of Catalonia.
Along the way you will be treated to a foodie experinece like no other. You will be guided through the many markets of Girona with a local guide, you will learn the history of the Catalan region and of course sample the produce.
You will also be have a cookery demonstaration during your stay at the unique setting of La Rectoria Sant Miguel de Pineda, here your chef will demoastrate a dish prepared with ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
Finally in Palamos, the last remaining working fising port on the costa Brava, you will take part in cookery demonstration and tasting in the local fish market.
eBikes are avaialbe on this tour and are very popular
We will meet you at Ripoll Station and take you to the fantastic Rural retreat Les Planes Del Grau. A restored farmhouse dating back over 600 years. Relax, and enjoy the pool here for the day, or take in a short walk in hills or valley. The local town of Sant Joan de Abadesses is just 3km away.
Welcome drink in the bar, tour orientation, bike fitting. Dinner will be in the hotel restaurant tonight.
Sant Joan de les Abadesse to Sant Miguel de Pineda
You arrive at La Rectoria, a beautifully restored rectory adjacent to the Vias Verdes cycle path. Roy and Goretti will assure you of a warm welcome. Roy was previously a chef at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh and Goretti was a whisky taster at Glenmorangie so after they prepare you a delicious meal you may even get to sample a wee dram!!
Level: Moderate
Distance: 55 km
Today you will explore the volcanic region of La Vall D’En Bas. This is a lovely circular route. Make time to stop in a couple of the rustic Pyrenees medieval villages where you feel you have stepped back in time. The route offers some amazing scenery, rugged landscapes, and rivers. Head back to La Rectoria late afternoon for the second evening of fine dining.
Along the way, you visit the local Cooperativa de La Vall d’en Bas where the local farmers sell there produce. The restaurant attached serves a typical Catalan menu, this is the perfect place to have a late lunch. The menu del dia (menu of the day) is always a treat.
Tonight Roy will treat you to a cooking demonstration before you enjoy your evening meal
Level: Easy to Moderate / Distance: 41km
This morning you pick up the narrow-gauge railway route which descends smoothly from Sant Feliu de Pallerois to Girona . The trail is in very good condition and has been fitted with new bridges, railings and signs. It crosses through the magnificent scenery of great ecological and cultural value. It continues through the Garrotxa and reaches the Ter valley and on to the pasturelands of Salt and Girona. The next two nights will be spent in the Hotel Llegendes situated in the old town (the Jewish Quarter) of Girona near the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and a few minutes’ walk from some lively tapas bars and restaurants.
Level: Easy to Moderate / Distance: 44km
Today you will enjoy food experience like no other. Met by a local foodie that will guide you through the old town and all of the local hidden gem of this beautiful city. The guide will tell you the history of the city and and the culture.
After leaving Girona the trail crosses the Selva depression, characterised by a patchwork of croplands and forests. On a clear day you can enjoy a panoramic view of the eastern Pyrenees before crossing the Ridaura valley and skirting the edge of the Gavarres an area covered in unspoilt forest. The route runs gently down to Castell d’Aro then on to the fishing town of Palamos where you will stay in the Hotel Trias beautifully decorated in a colonial style overlooking the beach and the port.
In the evening you will take part in either a show cooking demonstration or a cooking class. Here fish form the market will be transformed into typical Catalan dishes
Level: Easy / Distance: 43km
Transfer back to Flaca Station or Express Bus from Palamos to Barcelona (cost approximately €14 or Barcelona airport €19)
to follow
My wife and I have just completed the Mountains to the Sea cycling trip organized by Cycle Catalan. What a fantastic experience, 4 days of cycling (we opted to rest at the beach on the last day) through beautiful Catalonian countryside. For inexperienced cyclists like us, the 40-50 km each day was very manageable, punctuated by coffee and lunch stops in picturesque towns and villages.
Jordi our guide was very helpful and friendly, explaining our daily routes and offering a wealth of local knowledge.
Highlight for us were the hilly passage from Sant Joan de les Aberdesses to Olot, the beautiful Vall d’en Bas, and the excellent food and accommodation along the way.
Cycle Catalan understate the quality of the accommodation, especially La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda, Hotel Llegendes in Girona, and Hotel Trias in Palamós – very classy and great food.
We highly recommend this adventure.
