The riding starts in the mountain town of Ripoll, cycling along the Ruta del Ferro to the village of Sant Joan de les Abadesses. Once you have passed through the town, you will climb up and over the beautiful mountain pass of the Col de Santigosa before descending into Olot, which is the capital city of the volcanic region of La Garrotxa.
From Olot to Girona, the riding takes place on the converted railway that is known as The Carrilet. It is a gentle descent for about 60 kilometers into Girona through stunning scenery. The following day’s section of the Carrilet between Girona and Sant Feliu de Guixols is approximately 40 kilometers and covers a diverse range of scenery from the undulating farmland around Girona to the Pine and Cork forests of the coastal region.
From Sant Feliu de Guixols, the itinerary then heads north along the beautiful Costa Brava coastline exploring the many gems of this coastline. Your hotel is located overlooking the stunning bay of Llafranc. The second day in Llafranc is included in the itinerary to further explore the iconic Costa Brava bays of Tamariu and Calella de Palafrugell.
The last two days of the cycling holiday are spent following the Baix Emporda Cycling Network cycling routes that head inland through the timeless Medieval Villages of the region. Your base for two nights is a beautifully restored four-start hotel situated in one of the best preserved Medieval Villages. On your second day exploring the medieval villages, your cycling route takes you to the village of Pubol, where Salvador Dali’s Castle Museum is located with many of his great works are on display.
On your final day, you will be transferred to Girona train station to return to Barcelona by train after a fantastic eight days of exploring the very best of the cycling on offer in this part of Catalonia, Spain.
Example itinerary
Day 1 - Olot (40 kilometers / 25 miles)
Morning arrival by train from Barcelona to the Pyrenees mountain town of Ripoll. After the tour briefing and bike setup, cycle to Olot, cycling over the mountain pass of the Coll de Santigosa.
Day 2 - Girona (60 kilometers / 37 miles)
Cycle along the Carrilet (converted railway line) from Olot to Girona, cycling through the beautiful La Garrotxa volcanic region.
Day 3 - Sant Feliu de Guixols (40 kilometers / 25 miles)
Cycling The Carrilet from Girona city to the Mediterranean Sea. The old converted railway line snakes its way from the plains of Girona down to the pine forests of the coast.
Day 4 - Llafranc (30 kilometers / 19 miles)
Following the beautiful coastal route through fields and forests of Pine and Cork trees to Llafranc.
Day 5 - Llafranc (30 kilometers / 19 miles)
Exploring the beautiful bays of Llafranc, Calella de Palafrugell, and Tamariu.
Day 6 - Monells (40 kilometers / 25 miles)
Cycling through the medieval villages of the Baix Emporda takes you back to a time to when distances were shorter and you had the time to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Day 7 - Monells (40 kilometers / 25 miles)
Exploring more of the medieval villages following the Baix Emporda cycle network, visiting the Salvador Dali Castle Museum in Pubol.
Day 8 - Departure to Girona (30 kilometers / 19 miles)
Return to Girona with the option to cycle up and over the challenging and stunning ‘Els Angels’ monastery route that is one of the favorite rides of many of the pro riders who live in Girona.
Your bike
Cycle touring
The new Radon Scart 7.0 is the ideal touring bike for the combination of roads and cycle trails you will encounter. Equipped with the ever-reliable Shimano Deore drivetrain, Shimano disc brakes, and a Suntour suspension fork, the Scart has a comfortable riding position and a triple (48/36/26) chainset - perfect for long days enjoying the delights of the region.
All bikes come equipped with puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, water bottle, pannier (cycle touring), and helmet.
Skills
Map reading skills are an essential component of this self-guided holiday and you are responsible for repairing a flat tire en-route.
