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Self-Guided Biking
Starting From
9-day Air Package
$3,345
6-day Bike Tour Only
$2,345
Per person, double occupancy
Savor a free-spirited ride on Spain’s Costa Brava. In the shadow of the Pyrenees, you’ll set your own pace on this charming inn-to-inn self-guided bike tour of Catalonia. You’ll make your way along Catalonia’s coastal ranges and pedal deep into the heart of medieval enclaves. Every day, you can cycle into tiny villages brimming with atmosphere, pausing to explore narrow cobbled lanes and sip coffee in pedestrian squares. You’ll thrill to exhilarating rides with views of scenic coasts framed by sandy beaches and rocky coves and pedal into former fishing ports loved by Hemingway and Dalí. On this trip, you’ll experience a biking paradise favored by professional cyclists for decades.
This tour offers a combination of easy terrain and moderate hills and is ideal for beginner and experienced cyclists. Rides are on flat to rolling paved roads and bike lanes. The Mediterranean landscape of the interior has rolling hills. As you ride closer to the coastal towns, the roads will be flatter, but busier. Some historic centers have cobblestone roads. Please verify your bike selection for this tour as it is not always possible to change bikes once you arrive on tour. Travel with your friends and family—we can accommodate multiple guests on this self-guided vacation. Our 24/7 support system is available as needed.
Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):
Mar61º/44º
Apr64º/47º
May69º/54º
Jun76º/60º
Sep78º/62º
Oct71º/55º
Average
Precipitation:
Mar1.6 in
Apr1.9 in
May2.3 in
Jun1.6 in
Sep3.4 in
Oct3.6 in
Air Package | Tour Only |
|
---|---|---|
Roundtrip international airfare | ||
Detailed information for your independent travel to/from arrival and departure airports | ||
One night in Girona and one night in Barcelona in conveniently located hotels with daily breakfast | ||
5 nights in boutique hotels | ||
6 meals: 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner |
Road Bicycle (Carbon frame)
See More >Step-Through (Mixte Hybrid) Comfort Bicycle
See More >Step-Over (Diamond) Comfort Bicycle
See More >Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike)
See More >Tour Day | Choose Your Route Option | Miles per Option | Hours per Option** | Feet Gain per Option** | Activity Level |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ride | 17 | 01:45 | 1100 | easy-moderate |
2 | Shorter Longer |
32 38 |
03:15 04:00 |
2300 1800 |
easy-moderate moderate |
3 | Ride +13 optional miles |
29 | 03:00 | 1600 | easy-moderate |
4 | Ride | 31 | 03:15 | 1300 | easy-moderate |
5 | Ride | 29 | 03:00 | 1200 | easy-moderate |
**Route mileage, hours and gain are approximate.
Custom VBT bike, helmet, and bike bag
Welcome orientation and bike fitting with local host
Luggage transfers
Ride with GPS and daily route notes
VBT Road Book with destination information
24/7 support system
Flat kit and multi-tool
Your choice of VBT branded gear for your adventure
Itinerary
Thu, May 26 to Fri, Jun 3 - 2022
Show Itinerary:
Depart home for Spain. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary.
Upon arrival at the Barcelona Airport, make your own travel arrangements to Girona. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook.
Arrive in Girona this afternoon. You’ll have time to soak up the city’s ancient past as you stroll narrow cobbled streets past the brightly colored houses of the Old Town. The splendid cathedral boasts one of the world’s largest Gothic naves. You might also cross the Onyar River to step into one of Europe’s oldest Jewish quarters. Girona’s main square offers a bounty of choices for dinner on your own.
After a morning at leisure, meet your VBT Local host at 1:00 p.m. along with any other VBT guests arriving on the same day, for your Welcome Orientation in the lobby of hotel Nord 1901. Please be dressed and ready for cycling. Your Local host will be carrying a VBT sign and/or wearing a VBT garment.
The Welcome Orientation with your VBT Local host includes:
Your self-guided bike tour begins as you set off on your own, following your Ride with GPS app. Your first invigorating ride creates a figure eight, leading you northwest of Girona into the Catalan countryside and the gently sloping foothills of the Pre-Pyrenees. You ascend gradually, taking in lovely views of the village of Montcal below. As you ride, you can take inspiration knowing the Rocacorba climb is nearby; this cycling ascent up Puigsou Mountain—named for the 12th-century sanctuary of Rocacorba near the summit—provides solid training for professional cyclists and hardy challenges for amateurs. For now, you turn south as rolling terrain takes you through the traditional Catalan town of Sant Medir known for its candy festival in early March. Then, enjoy an easy coast back to the center of Girona. Your hotel is steps away from the city’s Old Town and pedestrian squares, rich with history and brimming with the excellent cuisine of the region.
Today’s Ride Choices
Girona “under Roca Corba” loop — 28.6 km (17.8 miles)
What to Expect: Depart along city streets and ride into the countryside on secondary paved roads. You will pass horse farms and small villages, then gradually ascend to the highest point just past Montcal. Enjoy stunning views of Girona and the surrounding mountains, which will be part of the next day’s ride, followed by a rolling descent back to the center of Girona. This ride allows you to get your legs moving and still have time to explore Girona.
Cumulative Distance Range: 28.6 km (17.8 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today you will cycle out of Girona heading east toward the Mediterranean. After winding your way out of the city, you have two options to get to the coast. One option contains a long climb favored by the many cyclists drawn to the region and you’ll quickly see why, as you’re surrounded by emerald-green hills and forests. Pause at the Els Angels chapel to admire its stonework along the way.
From the highest point, you will be rewarded with fantastic views northwest to the Pyrenees and east to the Mediterranean. Linger a while to take it all in, then coast your way to a flat finish through scenic fields and farming villages. The two options come together in Madremanya, then roll through the villages of Monells, Corçà, Ullastret, Canapost, and Peratallada. Each of these centers is worth a quick stop to do some exploring and soaking up the rural Catalan character. You’ll find this network of quiet country roads, all paved and with little traffic, to be a cyclist’s dream as you crisscross this Mediterranean landscape.
The ride ends at your hotel, located just outside the beautifully preserved village of Pals. Set in a garden surrounded by its own rice fields, typical of the region, you dine this evening in its Michelin-recognized restaurant.
Today’s Ride Choices
Girona to Pals via Els Angels — 53.0 km (32.9 miles) | Girona to Pals through Foixa — 63.9 km (39.7 miles)
What To Expect:
Girona to Pals via Els Angels
Begin cycling from your city center hotel on pedestrian and city streets. After 4 km (2.4 miles), you will be outside the city and ready to begin a steady ascent to Els Angels. The highest point is at 15 km (9 miles) after which you’ll coast almost 5 km (3 miles) downhill with some steep sections into the lovely medieval town of Madremanya. Another 5 km (3 miles) of descent brings you to Monells and rolling to flat farmland through several villages and finally to your hotel just outside Pals.
Girona to Pals through Foixa
Begin cycling from your city center hotel on pedestrian and city streets. The route has some traffic in the first 8 km (5 miles) in Girona’s outskirts then follows quiet country roads with two ascents after 20 km (12 miles) before getting to the lovely medieval town of Madremanya. Another 5 km (3 miles) of descent brings you to Monells and rolling to flat farmland through several villages and finally to your hotel just outside Pals.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s ride leads you to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and Spain’s Costa Brava. You will start your ride along bucolic country roads, passing meadows and fertile farmland. Catalan masias, country houses like the one you stayed in last night, round out this picturesque landscape. Your first destination today is Calonge, past the outskirts of La Bisbal d’Empordà. This is the province of Baix Empordà, or Lower Empordà, where gentle agricultural plains are topped by small ridgelines—all of it interlaced with a network of small rural roads that stretch for miles, ideal for cycling. Spend all the time you like exploring the 13th-century towers and walls of the Calonge castle, taking in views of the Bay of Sant Antoni.
Later, continue your breathtaking ride to Palamós, home to one of the last surviving fishing fleets along these shores. This seaside town is a beloved beach destination. Next, cycle through a coastal pine forest, arriving in Llafranc, a seaside resort with a small sandy beach where Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dalí were said to have spent time. High above the town on a bluff, the historic Saint Sebastian lighthouse warns sailors of the rocky Saint Sebastian point below. Once you settle in to your hotel, take a short stroll to Llafranc’s seaside promenade, where a range of restaurants awaits.
Today’s Ride Choices
Pals to Llafranc — 48.9 km (30.4 miles) | Llafranc Challenging loop — 20.5 km (12.7 miles)
Today’s Optional Walk Llafranc to Calella — 5 km (3.2 miles)
What To Expect:
Pals to Llafranc
Roll out of Pals on flat rural paved roads through tiny villages and farmland. You will ride past the town of Peratallada, around the outskirts of the larger town of La Bisbal d’Empordà, then return to un-trafficked rural roads. A gradual climb of about two km (1.2 miles) leads up to a ridge where views of the Mediterranean Sea unfold. At 23 km (14 miles), an easy descent winds into Calonge, where you join slightly busier roads as you approach the coast. You will encounter the most traffic of your trip near Palamós, but then you will return to smaller, quieter roads. End your rewarding day by winding your way slightly downhill to seaside Llafranc (and a very short but steep ascent to hotel).
Llafranc Challenging loop
This short but challenging loop is for those who don’t mind climbing (just over 1,500 feet) and want some more spectacular Costa Brava views. The route takes you north paralleling the coast, getting close to the seaside when possible, closest at the little port of Tamariu. After 11 km (7 miles), you turn inland and then loop south through the little massif of Begur, then coast mainly downhill past the outskirts of Palafrugell and back to Llafranc.
Llafranc to Calella
A stunning coastal out and back walk along the GR92 walking path, departs Llafranc’s seafront and hugs the rocky coast and cliffs with tunnels and stairs above the cliffs and tiny coves populated by fishermen’s homes. Enjoy Costa Brava’s most iconic and lovely viewpoints. The route is signed and has handrails in certain locations, but appropriate footwear (sneakers) is highly recommended. Use Ride with GPS Route Notes or ask your hotel for a local map.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today’s ride takes you up and over the coastal range, through the gentle plains of the Costa Brava, then north from the Baix (or lower) Empordà to the Alt (or upper) Empordà—with ample opportunity to stop and explore. Your ride begins in a dreamy landscape of medieval towns and traditional mas farmhouses. You will skirt the town of Palafrugell—once a producer of cork harvested from local forests, and ride into the historic hilltop town of Pals. This remarkably restored medieval center boasts cobblestone streets framed with arches and stone balconies. Its 49-foot Romanesque tower—known locally as the Torre de les Hores, or the Tower of the Hours—was built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Riding through rice paddies and orchards through medieval Palau-Sator village, you’ll continue north to Torroella de Montgri, once an inland port for the Kings of Aragon until the Ter River silted up and changed its fate. As you continue cycling, you’ll have the towering Montgri massif to the west. You are in the heart of Dali’s native region as you enjoy an easy spin to the coast. Your hotel is conveniently located near Empúries, a fascinating archaeological site of Phoenician and Roman ruins.
Today’s Ride Choices
Llafranc to Empúries — 51.7 km (32.3 miles)
What To Expect:
Llafranc to Empúries
Today’s ride starts with an initial ascent away from the coast of about 2 km (1.2 miles), so you may want to pocket a croissant for after. You skirt the town of Palafrugell and some busier roads, partially following a bike path. At about 17 km (10.5 miles), you enter the hilltop town of Pals. After riding through rice paddies and orchards and medieval Palau-Sator, you encounter busier roads and the town streets of Torroella de Montgri. You are soon back to slightly rolling rural paved roads until you reach 46 km (28.5 miles) at Albons. A short hitch north along the coast leads to your hotel.
Cumulative Distance Range: 51.7 km (32.3 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Take today to kick back and enjoy your seaside hotel. You can paddle board or relax on the beach, then stroll through the former fishing port of nearby L’Escala. Anchovies were the main catch here and remain central to the town’s annual October festival. If you’d like to visit the fascinating ruins at Empúries, there’s a shared-use path next to your hotel that leads you there. Also worth exploring are the port of L’Escala itself, the Old Town, and the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia Empúries. If you wish, you can use your hotel’s spa facilities at your expense; the cost is €17 per person (price subject to change) and reservations are recommended.
If you’re up for more riding today, you can follow a scenic 49km (29mile) loop that leads you inland and gains some elevation that provides spectacular views of the Bay of Roses and the Pyrenees. After your descent, you will circle back, returning to the shore at Sant Pere Pescador, a pretty town along the River Fluvià near the coast. Take some time to enjoy the long sandy beach, explore the 14th-century castle, and find a café for a lunch of fresh seafood. Afterward, as you ride parallel to the coast, you will pass the archaeological site at Empúries, the most important Greco-Roman ruins on the Iberian Peninsula. Pause here to explore, admiring the ancient Roman wall and some incredibly preserved mosaics.
This evening, consult our recommendations for a spot to enjoy a final dinner and celebrate your exploration of the Costa Brava. Restaurants in Sant Martí d’Empúries are a 10-minute walk away while L’Escala is 30 minutes.
Today’s Ride Choices
Empúries loop — 49.1 km (30.5 miles)
What To Expect:
Empúries loop
Ride inland away from the seaside, initially through rolling farmland. After an initial climb, ride along a high plateau with views of the Pyrenees and the Bay of Roses. A quick descent then turns quickly and ascends to the highest point of the day at around the 23.6 km mark (14.6 miles). A sustained descent rolls through farms and villages, then traverse some rolling hills until the route flattens back out at the plain at Sant Thomas de Fluvià. At Sant Pere Pescador you cross the Fluvià River and turn south, paralleling the coast through the medieval town of Sant Martí d’Empúries and to your hotel.
Cumulative Distance Range: 49.1 km (30.5 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. The hotel can help arrange your transportation (see options below).
Upon arrival in Barcelona head to your hotel, conveniently located on Las Ramblas and a five-minute walk from the Plaça Catalunya station. Leave your luggage at your hotel and set out on foot for lunch and a day of exploring the remarkable architecture and rich culture of this city. Stroll down the pedestrian-only Las Ramblas, wind through the nearby Gothic Quarter, or make your way to Port Vell, Barcelona’s lively seafront.
Your VBT city information provides useful recommendations for exploring on your own for the rest of the day.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After an included breakfast* this morning, allow yourself a minimum of four hours prior to your flight from the Barcelona airport; for details, refer to your VBT Handbook. This timeframe includes approximately one-hour travel to the airport and around three hours recommended pre-flight check-in time.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Sat, May 28 to Thu, Jun 2 - 2022
Show Itinerary:
We suggest arriving in Spain at least one day prior to the tour start date as your tour begins at 1:00 p.m. Make your own travel arrangements to Girona. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook.
Meet your VBT Local host at 1:00 p.m., along with any other VBT guests arriving on the same day, for your Welcome Orientation in the lobby of the Nord 1901 Girona (Career Nord 7-9, +972.411.522). Please be dressed and ready for cycling. Your Local host will be carrying a VBT sign and/or wearing a VBT garment.
The Welcome Orientation with your VBT Local host includes:
Your self-guided bike tour begins as you set off on your own, following your Ride with GPS app. Your first invigorating ride creates a figure eight, leading you northwest of Girona into the Catalan countryside and the gently sloping foothills of the Pre-Pyrenees. You ascend gradually, taking in lovely views of the village of Montcal below. As you ride, you can take inspiration knowing the Rocacorba climb is nearby; this cycling ascent up Puigsou Mountain—named for the 12th-century sanctuary of Rocacorba near the summit—provides solid training for professional cyclists and hardy challenges for amateurs. For now, you turn south as rolling terrain takes you through the traditional Catalan town of Sant Medir known for its candy festival in early March. Then, enjoy an easy coast back to the center of Girona. Your hotel is steps away from the city’s Old Town and pedestrian squares, rich with history and brimming with the excellent cuisine of the region.
Today’s Ride Choices
Girona “under Roca Corba” loop — 28.6 km (17.8 miles)
What to Expect: Depart along city streets and ride into the countryside on secondary paved roads. You will pass horse farms and small villages, then gradually ascend to the highest point just past Montcal. Enjoy stunning views of Girona and the surrounding mountains, which will be part of the next day’s ride, followed by a rolling descent back to the center of Girona. This ride allows you to get your legs moving and still have time to explore Girona.
Cumulative Distance Range: 28.6 km (17.8 miles)
Today you will cycle out of Girona heading east toward the Mediterranean. After winding your way out of the city, you have two options to get to the coast. One option contains a long climb favored by the many cyclists drawn to the region and you’ll quickly see why, as you’re surrounded by emerald-green hills and forests. Pause at the Els Angels chapel to admire its stonework along the way.
From the highest point, you will be rewarded with fantastic views northwest to the Pyrenees and east to the Mediterranean. Linger a while to take it all in, then coast your way to a flat finish through scenic fields and farming villages. The two options come together in Madremanya, then roll through the villages of Monells, Corçà, Ullastret, Canapost, and Peratallada. Each of these centers is worth a quick stop to do some exploring and soaking up the rural Catalan character. You’ll find this network of quiet country roads, all paved and with little traffic, to be a cyclist’s dream as you crisscross this Mediterranean landscape.
The ride ends at your hotel, located just outside the beautifully preserved village of Pals. Set in a garden surrounded by its own rice fields, typical of the region, you dine this evening in its Michelin-recognized restaurant.
Today’s Ride Choices
Girona to Pals via Els Angels — 53.0 km (32.9 miles) | Girona to Pals through Foixa — 63.9 km (39.7 miles)
What To Expect:
Girona to Pals via Els Angels
Begin cycling from your city center hotel on pedestrian and city streets. After 4 km (2.4 miles), you will be outside the city and ready to begin a steady ascent to Els Angels. The highest point is at 15 km (9 miles) after which you’ll coast almost 5 km (3 miles) downhill with some steep sections into the lovely medieval town of Madremanya. Another 5 km (3 miles) of descent brings you to Monells and rolling to flat farmland through several villages and finally to your hotel just outside Pals.
Girona to Pals through Foixa
Begin cycling from your city center hotel on pedestrian and city streets. The route has some traffic in the first 8 km (5 miles) in Girona’s outskirts then follows quiet country roads with two ascents after 20 km (12 miles) before getting to the lovely medieval town of Madremanya. Another 5 km (3 miles) of descent brings you to Monells and rolling to flat farmland through several villages and finally to your hotel just outside Pals.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s ride leads you to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and Spain’s Costa Brava. You will start your ride along bucolic country roads, passing meadows and fertile farmland. Catalan masias, country houses like the one you stayed in last night, round out this picturesque landscape. Your first destination today is Calonge, past the outskirts of La Bisbal d’Empordà. This is the province of Baix Empordà, or Lower Empordà, where gentle agricultural plains are topped by small ridgelines—all of it interlaced with a network of small rural roads that stretch for miles, ideal for cycling. Spend all the time you like exploring the 13th-century towers and walls of the Calonge castle, taking in views of the Bay of Sant Antoni.
Later, continue your breathtaking ride to Palamós, home to one of the last surviving fishing fleets along these shores. This seaside town is a beloved beach destination. Next, cycle through a coastal pine forest, arriving in Llafranc, a seaside resort with a small sandy beach where Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dalí were said to have spent time. High above the town on a bluff, the historic Saint Sebastian lighthouse warns sailors of the rocky Saint Sebastian point below. Once you settle in to your hotel, take a short stroll to Llafranc’s seaside promenade, where a range of restaurants awaits.
Today’s Ride Choices
Pals to Llafranc — 48.9 km (30.4 miles) | Llafranc Challenging loop — 20.5 km (12.7 miles)
Today’s Optional Walk Llafranc to Calella — 5 km (3.2 miles)
What To Expect:
Pals to Llafranc
Roll out of Pals on flat rural paved roads through tiny villages and farmland. You will ride past the town of Peratallada, around the outskirts of the larger town of La Bisbal d’Empordà, then return to un-trafficked rural roads. A gradual climb of about two km (1.2 miles) leads up to a ridge where views of the Mediterranean Sea unfold. At 23 km (14 miles), an easy descent winds into Calonge, where you join slightly busier roads as you approach the coast. You will encounter the most traffic of your trip near Palamós, but then you will return to smaller, quieter roads. End your rewarding day by winding your way slightly downhill to seaside Llafranc (and a very short but steep ascent to hotel).
Llafranc Challenging loop
This short but challenging loop is for those who don’t mind climbing (just over 1,500 feet) and want some more spectacular Costa Brava views. The route takes you north paralleling the coast, getting close to the seaside when possible, closest at the little port of Tamariu. After 11 km (7 miles), you turn inland and then loop south through the little massif of Begur, then coast mainly downhill past the outskirts of Palafrugell and back to Llafranc.
Llafranc to Calella
A stunning coastal out and back walk along the GR92 walking path, departs Llafranc’s seafront and hugs the rocky coast and cliffs with tunnels and stairs above the cliffs and tiny coves populated by fishermen’s homes. Enjoy Costa Brava’s most iconic and lovely viewpoints. The route is signed and has handrails in certain locations, but appropriate footwear (sneakers) is highly recommended. Use Ride with GPS Route Notes or ask your hotel for a local map.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today’s ride takes you up and over the coastal range, through the gentle plains of the Costa Brava, then north from the Baix (or lower) Empordà to the Alt (or upper) Empordà—with ample opportunity to stop and explore. Your ride begins in a dreamy landscape of medieval towns and traditional mas farmhouses. You will skirt the town of Palafrugell—once a producer of cork harvested from local forests, and ride into the historic hilltop town of Pals. This remarkably restored medieval center boasts cobblestone streets framed with arches and stone balconies. Its 49-foot Romanesque tower—known locally as the Torre de les Hores, or the Tower of the Hours—was built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Riding through rice paddies and orchards through medieval Palau-Sator village, you’ll continue north to Torroella de Montgri, once an inland port for the Kings of Aragon until the Ter River silted up and changed its fate. As you continue cycling, you’ll have the towering Montgri massif to the west. You are in the heart of Dali’s native region as you enjoy an easy spin to the coast. Your hotel is conveniently located near Empúries, a fascinating archaeological site of Phoenician and Roman ruins.
Today’s Ride Choices
Llafranc to Empúries — 51.7 km (32.3 miles)
What To Expect:
Llafranc to Empúries
Today’s ride starts with an initial ascent away from the coast of about 2 km (1.2 miles), so you may want to pocket a croissant for after. You skirt the town of Palafrugell and some busier roads, partially following a bike path. At about 17 km (10.5 miles), you enter the hilltop town of Pals. After riding through rice paddies and orchards and medieval Palau-Sator, you encounter busier roads and the town streets of Torroella de Montgri. You are soon back to slightly rolling rural paved roads until you reach 46 km (28.5 miles) at Albons. A short hitch north along the coast leads to your hotel.
Cumulative Distance Range: 51.7 km (32.3 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Take today to kick back and enjoy your seaside hotel. You can paddle board or relax on the beach, then stroll through the former fishing port of nearby L’Escala. Anchovies were the main catch here and remain central to the town’s annual October festival. If you’d like to visit the fascinating ruins at Empúries, there’s a shared-use path next to your hotel that leads you there. Also worth exploring are the port of L’Escala itself, the Old Town, and the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia Empúries. If you wish, you can use your hotel’s spa facilities at your expense; the cost is €17 per person (price subject to change) and reservations are recommended.
If you’re up for more riding today, you can follow a scenic 49km (29mile) loop that leads you inland and gains some elevation that provides spectacular views of the Bay of Roses and the Pyrenees. After your descent, you will circle back, returning to the shore at Sant Pere Pescador, a pretty town along the River Fluvià near the coast. Take some time to enjoy the long sandy beach, explore the 14th-century castle, and find a café for a lunch of fresh seafood. Afterward, as you ride parallel to the coast, you will pass the archaeological site at Empúries, the most important Greco-Roman ruins on the Iberian Peninsula. Pause here to explore, admiring the ancient Roman wall and some incredibly preserved mosaics.
This evening, consult our recommendations for a spot to enjoy a final dinner and celebrate your exploration of the Costa Brava. Restaurants in Sant Martí d’Empúries are a 10-minute walk away while L’Escala is 30 minutes.
Today’s Ride Choices
Empúries loop — 49.1 km (30.5 miles)
What To Expect:
Empúries loop
Ride inland away from the seaside, initially through rolling farmland. After an initial climb, ride along a high plateau with views of the Pyrenees and the Bay of Roses. A quick descent then turns quickly and ascends to the highest point of the day at around the 23.6 km mark (14.6 miles). A sustained descent rolls through farms and villages, then traverse some rolling hills until the route flattens back out at the plain at Sant Thomas de Fluvià. At Sant Pere Pescador you cross the Fluvià River and turn south, paralleling the coast through the medieval town of Sant Martí d’Empúries and to your hotel.
Cumulative Distance Range: 49.1 km (30.5 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and depart on your own. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook. Depending upon your destination, it may not be possible to depart for the U.S. on the last day of the tour. Please check airline schedules carefully. If you plan to schedule return flights immediately following the tour’s conclusion, please call your airline directly for specific check-in requirements.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Days 2-3
Hotel Nord 1901
Located in the historic heart of Girona, the Nord 1901 Hotel was completely renovated in 2009 to offer sophisticated flair and modern amenities while still preserving the ambiance of its Old Town setting. Intimate and family-operated, it is within walking distance of Girona’s main attractions, including the colorful houses along the River Onvar, the Plaza Independencia, the Jewish quarter, the cathedral, and a wide range of popular restaurants and cafés. Enjoy breakfast on the garden terrace and take advantage of the only garden in the city center with a swimming pool. Each luxurious room is equipped with climate control, a safe, hot-water kettle for coffee- and tea-making, flat-screen TV, free WiFi and a private bath with shower, bathrobe, slippers and hairdryer.
Day 4
Hotel Es Portal
Es Portal Hotel Gastronòmic occupies a lovingly restored 16th-century typical Catalan “masia” farmhouse. Situated in manicured grounds with a swimming pool, it is surrounded rice fields, a key ingredient in the classic cuisine of the Emporda region served in its fine-dining restaurant. Spacious rooms with wooden floors look out onto its gardens. It is located about one kilometer from the historic center of Pals with its medieval tower and narrow streets.
Day 5
Hotel mas Pastora
Situated in the fishing village of Llafranc, Hotel Mas Pastora boasts a rich history as an 18th-century Catalan country house that once belonged to the noble Marquises de Cruilles. Its current family has owned the property since the 1930s and has lovingly created a beautiful, garden-like setting. This charming, air-conditioned hotel, recently restored as an eco-friendly property, boasts energy-efficient construction, solar panels, and rainwater recycling. Swim in the salt-water pool or walk down to the beach, just a few hundred feet away. Wind down your day at the bar with a tapas menu and local wines. Your room offers all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including a private terrace overlooking the pool and grounds, providing a slice of Catalan countryside.
Days 6-7
Hostal Empúries
Situated directly on Portitxol Beach and on our route, overlooking the Bay of Roses, the Hostal d’Empúries stands on an ancient settlement, beside the Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries, and is within easy walking distance of the medieval towns of Sant Martí d’ Empúries and L’Escala. The resort hotel is dedicated to sustainable tourism and also to the health and well-being of its guests. The property features lovely gardens of native vegetation, an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea, and landscaped areas to stroll through. Gym facilities are complimentary, and optional spa services and indoor pools are also available.
Day 8
Hotel 1898
Discover a true treasure. Located in the heart of Barcelona, the historic Hotel 1898 was once home to the Philippines Tobacco Company. The structure was built in 1891 by architect Josep Oriol Mestres. Early in this century, hotelier Núñez i Navarro restored the property, preserving its historic splendor and 19th-century architectural elements and transforming it into the modern-day Hotel 1898. Today, this unique colonial-style structure exudes a special personality that brings the best of Barcelonas rich past to each and every one of its guests. Centrally located on Las Ramblas Boulevard and just a block from Placa de Catalunya, the hotel puts you within an easy walk from all of Barcelonas important sites. The elegant rooms are equipped with free WiFi and beautiful marble bathrooms. The rooftop terrace features a heated swimming pool, or you can enjoy the lovely indoor pool, fitness center, and spa in the tastefully designed cellar of the hotel.
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Dates & Prices
Departing Airport :
Select Year :
Air Package
9 days, includes round-trip international airfare and additional hotel nights with included breakfast.
Single Supplement: From $745
Thu, Sep 15 - Fri, Sep 23, 2022
From
$3,845
Per person, double occupancy
Reserve OnlineThu, Sep 22 - Fri, Sep 30, 2022
From
$3,845
Per person, double occupancy
Reserve OnlineThu, Oct 13 - Fri, Oct 21, 2022
From
$3,495
Per person, double occupancy
Reserve OnlineThu, Oct 20 - Fri, Oct 28, 2022
From
$3,495
Per person, double occupancy
Reserve OnlineSelect Year :
Tour Only
6 Days. Includes Self-Guided bike vacation only.
Single Supplement: From $495
For more information, call: 800-245-3868
Please note: Special savings cannot be combined with any other offer. Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. Prices include all airline surcharges and Government taxes and fees. Ask our Tour Consultants for details. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. Prices are based on preferences selected above, including meals and sightseeing as specified in What’s Included. All prices are subject to change. Departure dates and prices shown may be updated several times daily, and apply to new bookings only.
Vermont: Middlebury Countryside & the Lake Champlain Coast
Self-Guided Biking
Starting from 6 days at
$1,795
Among bike tours in Vermont, this inn-to-inn self-guided itinerary is special. Explore town and country with prolonged stays at two classic inns.
The Netherlands: Holland's Golden Age Towns & the North Sea
Self-Guided Biking
Starting from 6 days at
$1,945
This bike tour through North Holland’s tulip country takes you to serene canals, Renaissance-era cities, cheese markets, untouched dunes, and breathtaking fields of springtime blooms.
Portugal: Porto, the Silver Coast & Lisbon
Self-Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$3,045
This self-guided bike tour of Portugal follows the scenic Silver Coast from Porto to Lisbon along white-sand beaches, fragrant pine forests, and historic villages.
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