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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in traditional farmhouses
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

Adult$1090USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: UCF

Trip highlights


  • Easy cycling suitable for all members of the family
  • Beautiful and extremely varied landscapes, from farmland along the delta and out to the coast
  • Inland and coastal routes, passing fields, orchards, villages, river banks and beaches along the way
  • Overnight stays in Medieval villages staying in family friendly renovated historical buildings converted to comfortable rural accommodations
  • Delicious regional cuisine and a wide selection of restaurants for dining out

Experience the subtle landscapes and interesting villages on a gentle cycle through Catalonia, specially designed for families. Ride across nearly flat or gently rolling terrain, from the green countryside near Girona to the azure Mediterranean Sea. Pedal back into history, as you ride through Roman archways and Medieval squares. Visit two museums dedicated to the fabulous art of Dalí. Discover the ancient history of Iberians and Romans who inhabited the area. Marvel at sturdy town walls, while ancient watchtowers guide you through fields of sunflowers and wheat. Cycle the Ter River Delta and discover the rich fauna of protected wetlands at Aiguamolls. Once out at the coast, you'll enjoy sandy beaches, quiet coves and the beauty of typical fishing villages. During this three centred cycle holiday, stay in charming rural accommodations housed in historical stone buildings.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

If you are arriving into the train station in Flaça, on the Barcelona - Girona - Figueras line, you will be picked up at the station and transferred to the first night's accommodation. A transfer from Girona airport can also be arranged (additional cost may apply). Overnight stay in the small town of La Pera.

Meals:  Nil

Your bikes will be delivered after breakfast. On your first cycling day you'll be immersed in the ambience of Lower Ampurdan (Baix Emporda), riding through traditional rural landscapes with farms and vegetable gardens, picturesque villages and Mediterranean woods. The Medieval villages of Monells and Madremanya both have interesting historical centres. In Pubol, you can visit the castle-museum which Dalí dedicated to his wife, Gala. If the regular route seems a bit tough for a first day, there is an optional shortcut. Overnight La Pera. Ascend and descend 200m or 300m/655 or 985ft

Meals:  B

Today begins with a short climb through woods but afterwards the road is almost flat and you'll find yourself surrounded by Tuscany-like hilltop villages. Long ago, the Iberians worked this vast and fertile agricultural region and introduced cypress trees as windbreaks to protect against erosion. Once in Peratallada, you have a challenging task: take a stroll round the village to select one of many inviting restaurants for dinner. Overnight stay at Peratallada. Ascend 150m/490ft, descend 175m/574ft

Meals:  B

Today you cycle out to the Costa Brava, along quiet country lanes through Pals to Palafrugell, then on to Llafranca to reach Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most beautiful fishing villages on this coast. You have the option of taking a lunch break at a nice restaurant on the beach. Visit the lovely botanical gardens in Cap Roig before cycling back to Peratallada, or venture further south through the valley of Aubi. This area has truly preserved its original rural character. Some farmhouses even have 15th- and 16th-century towers, ancient refuges from pirate attacks. Overnight at Peratallada. Ascend and descend 150m/490ft

Meals:  B

It's a relatively gentle cycling route today through the Ter River delta, with its green rice fields and charming windmills, then onward to sandy beaches on the coast. If you prefer to take a rest day, Peratallada is a perfect place to relax, or take a short stroll through the nearby Mediterranean woods. Overnight in Peratallada. Ascend and descend 150m/490ft

Meals:  B

Head northwards into the region of Alt Empordà (the Upper Ampurdán), cycling through mixed forests, open rural landscape and endless orchards. There is an optional stop to admire the Greek and Roman ruins at the archaeological site of Empuries, then you can take a break and stroll along the Medieval lanes of Torroella de Montgri. In the afternoon you'll arrive at a charming country house, your accommodation with its own private swimming pool. Ascend and descend 200m/656ft

Meals:  B

Today you'll cycle to Figueres, the village whose name is synonymous with Salvador Dalí. Visit the surrealist painter's museum, take a pleasant stroll along the town Rambla and admire the beautiful Augustine monastery just outside town. Then follow the Muga River to the medieval town of Castello d'Empuries. Later you are welcomed by the refreshing greenery of Aiguamolls de l'Emporda Natural Park, whose wetlands are home to a significant seasonal waterbird colony. Alternatively, for a shorter option, you can cycle to the train station and take the train to Figueras, or take a bus directly from San Pere Pescador to Figueras and have a day off cycling. This allows more time to visit the Salvador Dali museum (at least 3 hours required. Note it is often closed on Mondays). Ascend and descend 125m/410ft

Meals:  B

Your trip arrangements end today after breakfast. Transport to the Figueres train station is included. An optional taxi transfer to the airport can also be arranged.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 nights in traditional farmhouses on a family-share or twin share basis with private facilities in low season
  • High quality rental bike with 24 gears (childrens bikes (8-14yrs) and pull-along bikes (age 5-8) available). Helmets are available for rent - small reservation fee applies
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Arrival transfer from Flaça train station to the start hotel and from the end hotel to Figueres train station - both stations are on the regional train line servicing Barcelona and France
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with route book, maps & GPX

  • Travel to and from Flaça / Figueres
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • E-bike hire, supplement applies
  • Helmets, available to rent
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app / GPX files
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

introductory to moderate  

Daily bike tours of between 17-57km/10.5-35.5mi on relatively flat terrain. The rides follow well-maintained tarmac roads, country lanes with little traffic and few dirt tracks. We have tried to avoid traffic near larger towns wherever possible. Some days there is an option to do a longer cycle. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Kids should be reasonably strong cyclists and most importantly be comfortable riding a bike for extended periods.


Departure dates

Daily from 23 Mar to 24 Sep

Notes

Note:
Tandem bikes, bike trailers, child bikes are available on request - please ask our team.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

Adult$1090USD

Child$800USD** See below for further details.

Options & Supplements*
  • discount for family of 5 or 6 (pp)USD$-23
  • Triple room supplement - ppUSD$48
  • Supplement for 2 x twin rooms (family of 4) - ppUSD$70
  • Twin room supplement - ppUSD$120
  • Single SupplementUSD$480
  • child aged 2-5 sharing triple room with 2 adults - bike trailerUSD$860
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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