CATALONIA CYCLING

From the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean

This is a tour exploring the interior of Catalonia (Catalunya) in the northeastern reaches of Spain. This is a distinct region of green mountains, quiet byways, sleepy villages and popular coastal destinations. Add the sights of two great cities, the distinct Catalan culture and traditions and you have a very varied cycling holiday. Spin your pedals around the foothills of the Pyrenees, then all the way to the coast for a swim in the Med. This is a reasonably undemanding tour but with enough flexibility in the itinerary to allow the more energetic cyclist to make some extra daily extensions. No matter how far you pedal you can enjoy some of the finest cuisine to be found anywhere on the Iberian Peninsular!

Ripoll is a medieval town with a stunning Romanesque monastery and has claim to being the birthplace of Catalonia. This is where our journey begins with a ride through lush forests of the Pyrenees foothills, flanked by mountains rising to 2100m. Right from the start you can enjoy gentle pedaling along a disused railway line, now converted into a graded cycling trail all the way down to the Mediterranean. Once having crossed the only mountain pass on your route you get to the greenest part of Catalonia, the Garrotxa - an area of extinct volcanoes now covered by dense forests. You spend two nights in the small town of Olot and have time to explore this very particular landscape with lovely medieval farmhouses and hilltop villages such as Santa Pau. Then it is back to the Via Verde all the way to Girona, a stunning fortified town full of Gothic treasures. There is a free day to either visit the city in detail, with its great walls, cathedral and Jewish quarter, or head off to Figueres to visit the famous Salvador Dali museum. 

The final day's cycling takes you down to San Feliu de Guixols by the Mediterranean; an historic town and popular resort where you stay for a night. After dropping off the hired bikes, take a local bus to Barcelona for two nights in the exciting, proudly independently spirited Catalan Capital and Spain's second largest city. With "La Rambla" promenade from the centre of the city to the waterfront; small, attractive beaches; the Military Museum at Montjuic; the Olympic quarter and romantic parks and gardens. There is The Picasso Museum and of course the unique architecture of Gaudi, a complete contrast to the rural countryside of the earlier part of the holiday.

Inn to Inn 9 days	Click here detailed dossier
Duration: 8 nights/9 days  Tour Code: CSP Grade: Easy - Moderate. Bike Hire: Included in price Day Stages: Min 25km, max 63km.
SELF-GUIDED Dates 2008	Click here for latest SELF-GUIDED prices
Any day Early April - Late November. Excluding August

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