On our best-selling cycling holiday you’ll experience the full variety of Catalonia, where rugged coastline, pine-fringed valleys dotted with historic castles, ancient wine villages and sweeping Pyrenean views unfold day after day.
Highlights include:
The dramatic “wild coast” with its miles of golden beaches
Trails offering far-reaching views toward the Pyrenees
The bird-rich Aiguamolls Nature Reserve
Medieval villages and Romanesque/Gothic architecture
The Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries
Exceptional local gastronomy and renowned regional wines — and who knows, you might even get invited for a little wine tasting at one of the many vineyards along the way!
Arrive at Girona Airport or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona) where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Palau Saverdera.
Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, immerse yourself in the history and culture of this traditional Catalan farming village, take a cycle through the local countryside and discover all the details that go together to make up the everyday life of this beautiful part of Catalonia.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel, B&B, Palau Saverdera, the Niu de Sol. The hotel, renovated in 2006, is a charming hotel situated in a small Catalan farming village, only 5 km away from the sea. If you decide to eat in the restaurant in the evening you will have the opportunity to savour some wonderful traditional Catalan cuisine.
Today you will head through the Alt Emporda, passing vineyards and olive groves, eventually arriving at the pretty sea-side town of Roses, a perfect opportunity for a swim and a coffee stop in one of the many bars that lining the promenade. You’ll have the chance to visit the Roses Citadell before heading back through the countryside passing the village of Pau where you can visit the Empordalia Vineyard “agroshop” (farm shop), before finally heading back to Palau for a well-earned rest. (36km, 3hrs cycling time)
Today you will travel west through fields lined with vineyards and olive groves, eventually arriving in Peralada. Peralada’s historic character remains reflected in each step. Its narrow streets, Castle Museum, St. Domènec’s cloister and the impressive casino-castle with its beautiful gardens gives it a unique and exclusive air. You will then make your way back to Palau Saverdera via the Cooperativa in the sleepy village of Garriguella with its wide range of local wines and quality food produce. (39km, 3hrs 30 mins cycling time)
You will travel through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, dotted with hides. At any time of the year you are likely to spot birds such as Ibis, Herons, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, Snipes, Redshanks, Marsh Harriers and Sandpipers, but if you are lucky you can make some exciting sightings during the spring and autumn migrations: Grey Herons, Golden Plovers, Flamingos, Black Storks and Spoonbills.
Then onwards through the stunning Catalan countryside onto the village of Sant Pere Pescador. Surrounded by areas of authentic natural beauty and bordered by the River Fluvià, Sant Pere Pescador keeps a perfect balance between land and sea, between the greens and yellows of its orchards and the blue and gold of its extensive beaches.
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the village, take a cycle through the local countryside and discover the wide-open landscape on the banks of the River Fluvià, with its apple orchards and nature trails, and its glimpses of windsurfers and sand-dunes. (28km, 3hrs cycling time)
Accommodation: Rural Guest House (Casa Rural), B&B, Sant Pere Pescador, Can Mas. The beautiful farmhouse with 11 bedrooms keeps all the rustic charm and provides a warm and friendly ambience. You may enjoy the use of their two living rooms, a dining room, two terraces and an outdoor salt water swimming pool.
Today you will travel on a circular route through stunning Catalan farming countryside; you will pass apple orchards and many small hamlets. You start by heading westwards, parallel with the River Fluvià, before crossing the river and looping southwards to arrive back at San Pere Pescador. Throughout the first section on a clear day there are superb views across the high Pyrenees. If you prefer to do very little cycling, you could simply head to the nearby beach and spend the day by the sea. (42km, 3hrs 15 mins cycling time)
Today you will travel south; you will pass the walled coastal settlement of Sant Martí d’Empúries, which is well worth a visit. The real highlight, however, is the fascinating Greek and Roman ruins at nearby Empúries (pay locally). The ancient city was used by the Romans as their base for the invasion and dominance of the Iberian Peninsula. There are some excellent mosaics and other remains, most dating from 218BC onwards. You will pass several beaches where you could pause for a swim, then onwards via several small hamlets and finally back to Sant Pere Pescador. (42km, 3hrs 15mins cycling time).
Departure: Transfer to Figueres-Vilafant (if travelling to Girona or Barcelona) or Girona Airport.
| Dates | Price Per Person (2 people sharing a twin/double room) | Solo traveller supplement | Single Room Supplement (2 + people) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr to 7 Apr | €1300 | €935 | €597 |
| 8 Apr to 12 Jun | €1136 | €779 | €428 |
| 13 Jun to 17 Jul | €1300 | €935 | €597 |
| 1 Sep to 22 Sep | €1183 | €814 | €505 |
Within Europe you may have the option to fly into Girona from where we can arrange your arrival transfer. If flying into Barcelona, you’d take a 53 minute train ride to Figueres-Vilafant, the pick-up station for your arrival transfer.
Arrive at Figueres-Vilafant, if coming by train from Girona, Barcelona, other parts of Spain or France. We provide the arrival transfer from there.
At the end of your holiday, we’ll transfer you to Girona Airport or if you’re departing from Barcelona Airport, we’ll transfer you to Figueres Vilafant Train Station, where you can take the 53 minute high speed train to Barcelona.
If you’re travelling to Girona, Barcelona, elsewhere in Spain or into France, we’ll transfer you to Figueres Vilafant Train Station, where you can connect to onward trains.
Book your train tickets via the TheTrainLine
At Catalan Adventures, our experienced, locally based team is dedicated to offering you a truly authentic Catalan experience. Every holiday/tour includes a personal welcome meeting and round-the-clock support throughout your trip. Our mission is to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
A “self-guided holiday” gives you the freedom to start your holiday any day you want and travel along a trail at you own speed with all the tools and information you need to make it a great adventure. All your needs are taken care of, so all you have to do is focus on enjoying every moment, taking in the rich culture, history and spectacular scenery this region of Spain has to offer.
This holiday includes:
We think that travelling light is key to ensuring a really enjoyable and relaxing time. So put your camera, binoculars and bits and pieces in a day rucksack and leave all the heavy stuff to us.
In the morning we’ll pick up your bags containing anything you don’t need for your day. By late afternoon, we’ll have them waiting for you at your next evening’s accommodation.
You can find our availability in the Dates & Prices section above. Within these dates you can start your tour at any day you want (subject to accommodation availability).
We provide arrival transfers from Figueres-Vilafant and Girona Airport (see Travel Options section for more details). If you are staying in between this area before, we might also be able to pick you up from your location there, please contact us to organize it for you.
Accommodations throughout are individual local hotels, many family-run, that offer all the usual 3-star hotel amenities. For more detailed information, please check the accommodation section above.
Yes, we would be happy to tailor this tour to your needs, be it to add or remove nights or change accommodations upon your request. Please contact us and let us know the changes you’d like to make.
We provide the departure transfer to Figueres-Vilafant train station (if travelling to Girona, Barcelona or France) and to Girona Airport. If you continue to stay within the area after your tour, we might be able to bring you to your next location, please contact us to organize it for you.
