Catalonia Food & Wine: the Emporda' Region
Self-Guided - Girona to Figueres - 8 days
This one week itinerary shows you the Empordà, one of the oldest wineproducing regions in the world. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate and the soil, the footsteps of the mountains surrounding the plane are perfect terrain to produce the grape. The ancient farmers in the area decided to use the plains for planting olive trees and the slopes for planting vines on terraces separated by dry-stone walls. Since 2005 influential wine guru Robert Parker put Empordà on the world wine-producing map. Thanks to the hard work of the wineries this area has been certified as a Origin Designation of Empordà. It’s an easy tour for regular cyclists, that combines half of the tour on quite secondary roads, and half on nice and clean non paved roads. Stages are 40km average without big climbs.
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Day 1
Arrive in Girona
Highlights: Girona, Onyar River
In Girona there is plenty to see and to do. The city is famous for having one of the best preserved Jewish old towns and the Cathedral boasts one of the largest stone vaulted spaces in Gothic architecture. A walk along the city walls is highly recommended, or following the Onyar River, which gives you a nice picturesque view of the colored houses of Onyar River.
Standard accommodation: Hotel Peninsular, or similar.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia, or similar. -
Day 2
Ride Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Highlights: El Carrilet, Quart, Cassà de la Selva, Llagostera and Santa Cristina d'Aro, San Feliu de Guíxols, Sant Pol beach
Starting from Cicloturisme office you will follow a cycle path to exit the city to the south. The ride takes you straight to the Mediterranean Sea. This section follows greenway called “El Carrilet” , passing through the towns of Quart, Cassà de la Selva, Llagostera and Santa Cristina d'Aro. Along the route we always have the Gavarres Massif as a backdrop, a mountainous forest area, consisting mainly of oaks, important for the cork production. We arrive in San Feliu de Guíxols, our hotel will be near the nice beach of Sant Pol.
Daily distance: 45km (28miles)
Elevation gain: 280m (918ft)
Standard accommodation: Hotel Barcarola, or similar.
Premium accommodation: Hotel S'Agaró Spa, or similar. -
Day 3
Cycle to Calella de Palafrugell
Highlights: Palamós, Platja de Castell, Calella de Palafurgell, Costa Brava, Ruta del Tren Petit
Today you’ll ride North along the coast combining the coastal road with the front sea boulevards, visiting the main port town of Palamós. After a few kilometers you’ll pass the unspoilt cove Platja de Castell, with it’s Iberian settlement on the left side . This is a nice place to do a picnic and take a swim in the Mediterranean sea. Later on you arrive in the picturesque old fishing village of Calella de Palafurgell, one of the pearls of Costa Brava. On the last section you’ll be cycling along the greenway called “Ruta del Tren Petit”.
Daily distance: 30km (19miles)
Elevation gain: 271m (889ft)
Standard accommodation: Hotel Sant Roc (no seaview), or similar.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Alga, or similar. -
Day 4
Ride Calella de Palafrugell to Torroella de Montgrí
Highlights: Cork Museum, Pals, Torroella de Montgrí
Route towards the north, inland to passing through Palafrugell, with his fish, meat and vegetables market. Nice place to learn about the product land of this region. You can also visit the Cork Museum. After exiting Palafrugell you will reach the medieval village of Pals, one of the better conserved medieval centre. The ride will take you through natural wetlands with extensive rice fields and long sandy beaches. The bike tour ends in Torroella de Montgrí at the foot of the castle Montgri Massif.
Daily distance: 29km (18miles)
Elevation gain: 180m (590ft)
Standard accommodation: Hotel Fonda Mitjà, or similar.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Moli del Mig, or similar. -
Day 5
Ride to Castelló d’Empúries
Highlights: Alt Empordà county, Bay of Roses, Sant Martí de Empúries, Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, of Castelló d’Empúries
The route continues to the North passing the Montgrí massif into the county of Alt Empordà. We enter the long Bay of Roses with long, sandy beaches. Next to the pretty medieval settlement Sant Martí de Empúries and right in front of the superb beach, we should take the time to visit the archeological settlement Empúries with Greek and Roman ruins, the gateway of the classic cultures to the Iberian Peninsular. The route then continues North where riders will pass through the protected marshlands of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. The route ends at the village of Castelló d’Empúries, it has a rich architectural heritage; gothic church , Count’s palace, old market building and Jewish quarter.
Daily distance: 36km (23miles)
Elevation gain: 190m (623ft)
Standard accommodation: Hotel Emporium, or similar.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Palau Maceli, or similar. -
Day 6
Loop Castelló d’Empúries
Highlights: vineyards of Empordà and wineries, Vilajuïga, Pau
This ride provides fantastic views of the Pyrenees as a backdrop while cycling through the 100 year old vineyards. Today you will ride through the well-known vineyards of Empordà. Moreover you will have the opportunity to cycle along the most interesting wineries, that are mainly located in the towns of Vilajuïga and Pau.
Daily distance: 37km (23miles)
Elevation gain: 214m (702ft)
Standard accommodation: Hotel Emporium, or similar.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Palau Maceli, or similar. -
Day 7
Cycle to Figueres
Highlights: Peralada, Garriguella, Vilamaniscle and Rabos, Figueres city, Theatre-Museum Dalí
The last bike tour heads first to Peralada (the capital of the wine DO) where you will visit the castle and the medieval town. From there you will cycle crossing the upper part of the vineyards zone passing by Garriguella, Vilamaniscle and Rabos wit the most ancient groves. Don’t miss a fast visit to the modernist cellar of Espolla cooperative. From there the tour takes you to a long downhill ride until arriving to your final destination, the city of Figueres. After arriving to Figueres, riders enjoy a visit to the world famous Theatre-Museum Dalí, still one of the most visited tourist site in Spain.
Daily distance: 43km (27miles)
Elevation gain: 440m (1444ft)
Standard accommodation: Hotel Ronda, or similar.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Pirineos, or similar. -
Day 8
Tour ends in Figueres - ¡Hasta luego!
Highlights: Tour End, Last Day
Your tour ends today after breakfast.
Thanks for joining us and have a good flight back home!
PLEASE NOTE : The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.
| Includes | Includes • Access to smartphone app with tracks and digital roadbook • General touristic information of the area • 7 nights’ accommodation in double room and breakfast • Accommodation (standard in 2* and 3* hotels - premium in 3* and 4* hotels) • Luggage transfer between hotel to hotel • 8am to 8pm hotline assistance during the trip • Bike deliver in Girona Not Included • Tasting menu 1* Michelin Restaurant • Guided visit to a winery with a nice picnic and tasting • Bike Rental and accessories • Add-on nights • GPS • Transfers of people and/or bikes • Bike deliver in starting accommodation • Travel insurance • Tourist tax Solo Traveler and Private Group departures available: please inquire. Supplement for alone traveler €75, please inquire for avaibility. If you are a group of three: the 3rd person sharing a room gets a 10% discount! Lodging Upgrade: Room/Accommodation upgrades are possible - please inquire for availability Standard single room supplement: €240, €275, €340 (depending on the period) Premium single room supplement: €394, €479, €626 (depending on the period) Extra nights: If you'd like to add nights, please inquire - we will be happy to add the nights to your tour package. Standard accommodation: Add-on night in Girona: €55-60 (double room) or €92-100 (individual room) Add-on night in Figueres: €49-64 (double room) or €65 (individual room) Premium accommodation: Add-on night in Girona: €60 (double room) or €95 (individual room) Add-on night in Figueres: €60-65 (double room) or €87-115 (individual room) Extra meals & activities: (please inquire for availability) - Gastronomic dinner 1* Michelin (Day 1 Girona or Day 6 Castelló): €150 - Celler visit, picnic and wine tasting (on the way Day 4 or Day 6): €50 - Supplement half board: €159 (5 dinners) for standard catergory - €142 for premium category (4 dinners) ________________________________________ Navigation and travel documents: On our self-guided tours, detailed tour information and route navigation tracks are provided through the free smartphone app Ride With GPS - our "digital roadbook" - which includes daily routes, maps, elevation profiles, and ride descriptions; schedules and hotel itinerary; cultural and sightseeing information, visit suggestions; emergency numbers and more, all stored in one organized, easy to use app. Downloading the app content also allows for offline mode navigation. Participants can also upload the routes to their own GPS device, and even print the detailed route notes before leaving home. At your arrival, the reception staff will give you the following tour documentation: - Detailed maps with the itinerary (approx 1:50.000). - General map with touristic information. - List of the booked hotels (due to extraordinary situations like overbooking or organizational needs, some hotel can be changed). - Luggage identification labels (to be fixed on each piece of baggage). - Map of Cicloturisme shop where you can pick up your bikes (if rented) and an invitation for the welcome meeting. On this self-guided tour, GPS device rental with tracks is available at an optional extra fee of €65. ________________________________________ Luggage transfers are included in your package. On the days that the clients change hotels, we will take care of transporting their luggage. The client should attach identification labels to each piece of their luggage and write on each the total number of pieces of luggage they carry. The maximum number of pieces of luggage per person is 2 pieces. A suitcase (maximum weight of 20 kg) and a hand luggage. The client should leave their luggage at reception no later than 9am. The luggage will be delivered to their next lodging no later than 5pm. If the client plans to arrive before that time, we advise to bring some clothes in case they want to get changed. Please consider that the luggage is not insured during transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage. ________________________________________ PLEASE NOTE: The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included. Tour code: esbs4251a |
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| Countries | Spain |
| Begin/End | Girona – Figueres |
| Arrive/Depart | Starting point: Girona - Girona is a small city where everything is very close. The hotels are less than 10 minutes walk from the train/bus station. Cicloturisme office (bike shop where to pick up the bikes) is right beside the train/bus station. Girona is located north of Barcelona and it can be reached by bus, train, plane or one's own car. It is 98km (61 miles) away from Barcelona. Ending point: Figueres By plane - Girona Airport (Code GRO) The airport of Girona has connections all over Europe during the summer season. Out of season flights get reduced a lot. There is a bus from Girona Airport to Girona city, it takes 25 minutes and costs 3€ approximately. Taxi will takes 25 minutes and it costs 40€ approximately. By plane - Barcelona Airport (Code BCN) Barcelona is a main airport with a lot of destination all year around. You might look for your city departure witch options you have. There is an hourly bus from Barcelona Airport to Girona city, it takes 2 hour 30 minutes and it costs 19€ The connection by train to Girona is not direct. First is necessary to go to Barcelona Sants station, where you can take different trains to Girona. By train: If you arrive in Terminal 1, use the shutter bus T1-T2 to get from one terminal to another. The shuttle bus schedule is from 5.30 hr to 24.00hr every 6 or 7 minutes approximately, and from of 0.00 hr to 5.30 h. every 20 or 25 minutes. This bus is free and takes about 10 minutes. When you arrive in T2, you should take a train to Barcelona Sants, and then another one to Girona By taxi: it take 1hour and it cost 180€ approximately. By train There is a train from Barcelona to Girona that leaves approximately every hour from Sants station (also from other stops at Passeig de Gràcia and Clot). The journey takes 1 hour 35minutes and the ticket costs about 11€. There is also a High Speed Train (AVE/AVANT) that leaves many times a day from Sants station. The journey takes only 38 minutes and the ticket costs about 17/31€. Speed Train (AVE/AVANT) that leaves many times a day from Sants station. By bus If you want to travel to Girona from Barcelona city you can take a bus. That bus stops in the center of Barcelona, in Estació d'Autobusos Barcelona Nord (Barcelona's main bus terminal). The journey takes 1 hour aprox, and the ticket costs about 15€. * the hotels and prices listed above are for reference only and are subject to change (based on availability and seasonality) |
| Total Distance | 220km (137miles) |
| Daily Distance | 0 to 45 km (0 to 28 miles) Difficulty level: It’s an easy tour for regular cyclist, that combines half of the tour on quite secondary roads, and half on nice and clean non paved roads (60% paved roads, 40% gravel roads). Stages are 40km average without big climbs. |
| Rating | 101 |
| Notes | This tour is part of our Partner Tours Collective program: operated by select local partners that we know and trust, the tour is similar in quality to those we operate directly in many ways. Please click here for more details. |
| Terms | Terms & Conditions |
| Dates | Prices | Single Supplement | |||
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| Dates | This tour is available from March 1 to October 31 and departures are divided in 3 seasons: Low season: March 1-26 and October 1-31 - double room: €725 per person (standard category); €940 per person (premium category) - double room for single use supplement: €238 (standard category); €388 (premium category) Mid season: March 27 - June 20 and September 1-30 - double room: €840 per person (standard category); €1075 per person (premium category) - double room for single use supplement: €313 (standard category); €481 (premium category) High season: June 21 - August 31 - double room: €950 per person (standard category); €1350 per person (premium category) - double room for single use supplement: €379 (standard category); €575 (premium category) Tour can start everyday. Please note that starting on certain days of the week will make some visits (such as museums or tastings) impossible. *2024 price, per person based on double occupancy; minimum 2 participants per departure. Solo traveler departures are also available (only one person on the departure), with a supplemental fee of €75. Please inquire. ________________________________________ Bike Rental options: We offer quality bikes in different styles, all great options for this bike tour. Our bikes are maintained and delivered in optimal working condition. The bikes must be returned in the same condition as they had been delivered. Bikes cannot be insured in case of thief, so you will be responsible to take care of them. The prices below are per bike for the duration of the tour, including: a pannier, a helmet, a map carrier, an odometer and a water bottle. Per couple you will receive a basic reparation kit and one bike lock. You will find your bike in our office (situated in the centre of Girona city, next to the bus and train station, and near the hotel) at the tour start; while at the end of your tour, you can leave the bike at the final hotel. PLEASE NOTE: bikes won’t be delivered to the starting hotel. If you’d like to, this service is available. Please inquire about prices. Bike rental rates Hybrid: €130 E-bike (hybrid with straight handlebar): €260 Gravel bike: € 225 For more information on bikes available for this tour, please see here: Catalonia Bikes ________________________________________ Additional useful information: • Do you have any questions about how our bike tours work? Check out our FAQs page! • If the self-guided formula isn't right for you, check out this blog introducing the differences between Guided and Self-Guided Tours. |
Prices | Double room depending on the season ( see webpage): From €725 per person (standard category)* From €940 per person (premium category)* | Single Supplement | *Double room for single use depending on the season ( see webpage): from €238 fee (standard) from €3 |
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