Road bike Spain

A beautiful 7-day loop in cycling haven, riding the most beautiful roads of the Costa Brava and its hinterlandRef CR56

Saddle up for a great week riding in cycling haven: Catalunya, the Costa Brava, and its mountainous hinterland, the foothills of the Pyrenees. Its favorable climate, diverse terrain, and extensive network of cycling routes have made many professional cyclists choose to reside here, such as Lance Armstrong and Chris Froome. Roads that are seldom used by anyone other than cyclists attract the two-wheeled community and make Girona, the starting point for our tour, a world leading cycling destination. But the area has so much more to offer than just training miles. The historical treasures we'll be able to admire along the way bear witness to the region's rich medieval past, which has forged its strong identity. Ancient town centres and villages punctuate our journey. Alternating between land and sea, we also discover the secret roads of the volcanic area of La Garrotxa and the breathtaking panoramas of the northern Costa Brava. After a perfect ride, let's embrace the exquisite flavors of Catalunya with its renowned seafood dishes, savory paellas, and delectable Catalan cream.

Tour with assistance vehicle: from 1455€ - Details Duration : 7 days | Level : Customer satisfaction :
- 2 reviews
+33 458 140 435 A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.
Book this tour
Physical level :   Physical level :  

Highlights

  • Enjoy a coastal cycling trip, perfect in spring or automn: 4 nights out of 6 by the sea
  • Discover a varied itinerary between land, mountains and the sea
  • Take breaks in authentic medieval Catalan towns and villages
  • Ride beautiful roads and secret mountain passes of the hinterland
  • Taste Catalan gastronomy and specialities

Description


Physical level

Physical level

Choose each day

No hassle at all: This trip offers different route options with varying distances and altitude gain (levels 2 and 3). Ride at your own pace and pick your preferred route option, depending on your fitness level, daily form and preferences.

Check the programme below for detailed information on distances and altitude gain of the route options.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 : Girona - Vic

Itinerary start: Rendezvous with the organisation team is on day 1 at 9 am at Girona railway station. On request we can book the previous night's accommodation for you in Gerona.

Rendezvous in Girona, the historic heart of Catalonia and famous for its medieval architecture. Soon enough, we leave the city behind and head west along a pleasant, wooded road that winds through the small Guilleres massif. We pass the Ninxols d'Osor, beautiful stone "niches" dating from the 1950s, built to prevent landslides on the road up to Sant Hilari. We head for the pretty village of Viladrau before continuing west to reach the plain. If we choose level 3, we will then make a short incursion into the Montseny massif along a pretty road that takes us to the Turo del Home culminating at 1706m (optional ascent via a small road), via a succession of small passes. From the summit, we can see Barcelona! After crossing the Col Formic, we finally arrive in Vic, a town well known for its medieval architecture, marking the end of our first stage.

Distances and altitude gain:

  • Level 2: approx. 90 km / 1400m
  • Level 3: approx. 125 km / 2500m
Day 2 : Vic - Camprodon

This morning we leave Vic and enter the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. If we opt for Level 3, we'll make a diversion to the picturesque village of Tavertet and rejoin the main route along a scenic rural road that runs alongside impressive cliffs. This small road offers a beautiful view of the Pantà de Sau lake and its submerged village, where only the church tower remains visible! Our route continues northwards, still in the heart of La Garrotxa. A series of small secret passes (Camporioll, Pera, Salomé, Bucs, Boixeda) takes us to Camprodon, a small authentic village at the foot of the Pyrenees, where we spend the night.

Distances and altitude gain:

  • Level 2: approx. 115 km / 2200m
  • Level 3: approx. 125 km / 2500m
Day 3 : Camprodon - Collioure

Today, we're following in the footsteps of our Grande Traversée of the Spanish Pyrenees. The ascent of the Col d'Ares (1513m) is the highlight of the day, because once we've climbed it, we're back in France. After catching our breath, we begin the descent into the La Preste valley, before gradually leaving the mountains behind to ride along the slopes of the Eastern Pyrenees. Our laps gradually bring us closer to the Grande Bleue and we plunge, not into the sea, but into a gentle descent to the port of Collioure. What a pleasure to be able to relax our feet in the Mediterranean at last!

Distances and altitude gain:

  • Level 2: approx. 100 km / 1000m
  • Level 3: approx. 125 km / 1660m
Day 4 : Collioure - Cadaques

We set off this morning on a rollercoaster ride, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Pyrenean foothills, vineyards, cliffs, coves and beaches that shape the coastline between Collioure and Port de la Selva in Spain. We take a short, high-altitude route over the Mollo, Gascons, Llagostera, Belitres, Frare and Sant Antoni passes, one after the other, to make the most of the scenery. We continue our journey towards Cap de Creus, the most easterly stretch of wild, unspoilt land on the Iberian peninsula, where the lighthouse marking the tip of the cape is only accessible by a small road that we take on the return journey. Finally, we arrive in Cadaques "la blanche", an intimate little town with white facades, famous for being the "home" of the painter Salvador Dali. We spend the night here, enjoying the authentic setting of this small seaside town.

Distances and altitude gain:

  • Level 2: approx. 85 km / 1700m
  • Level 3: approx. 105 km / 2300m
Day 5 : Cadaques - Calella de Palafrugell

Today, after crossing the Perafita pass, we cross the Empordà plain, a chance to rest our legs and contemplate the local riches. Here, wheat, maize and rice crops shape the landscape, thanks to the many canals built to take advantage of the marshes. We take the opportunity to wander through the narrow streets of Castello d'Empuries, a small village dating back to the Middle Ages and boasting an impressive basilica. Our route continues south to Sant Martì, another medieval village in the region that bears witness to the Empordà's historic past. After passing through l'Escala, a fishing village and small seaside resort, we continue on towards Begur. We end our stopover in Calella de Palafrugell, a pretty little town with a picture-postcard feel, with its white facades, cobbled streets and boats washed up on the beach.

Distances and altitude gain:

  • Level 2 and 3: approx. 90km / 1000m
Day 6 : Calella de Palafrugell - Tossa de Mar

What a joy it is this morning to realise that we have the whole day ahead of us to enjoy the Costa Brava to the full. Our route takes us along the pretty coastal road that winds between San Feliù de Guixols and Tossa de Mar. The views are splendid: coves, cliffs, turquoise waters and Mediterranean vegetation enchant us. We finally arrive in Tossa de Mar, a rare fortified town in Catalonia. We stroll through the historic centre of the town, with its cobbled streets, tower and surrounding walls, and above all, enjoy the beach and the many terraces lining the seafront.

Distances and altitude gain:

  • Level 2 and 3: approx. 70 km / 1000m
Day 7 : Tossa de Mar - Girona

Adios to the sea! This morning, we're taking small, little-travelled roads through the heart of the Cadiretes and Gavarres massifs. We're enjoying the peace and quiet of these mountains on our mounts. We pass through Bisbal d'Empordà, a town famous for its ceramics, and stop off at the medieval village of Monells. The cobbled streets and vaulted arches are the charm of this village. We continue through the Gavarres massif along a narrow road. One last push to the Portell pass before descending to Girona, signalling the end of our road bike tour of Catalonia...

Distances and altitude gain:

  • Level 2 and 3: approx. 95km / 1600m

Itinerary end: The trip ends in Girona arond 4pm.

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

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Dates and price

Dates
Start date End date Duration Price
05/10/2025 11/10/2025 7 days 1455 €

Costs and services

The price includes:
  • The assistance of a trip leader in support vehicle (breakdown assistance, daily luggage transport and catering)
  • 6 nights' accommodation in 2 or 3* hotels in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities
  • 6 hearty breakfasts
  • 7 picnic lunches
  • 6 dinners (3 to 4 course menu)
  • Daily baggage transfers
  • Carefully designed itineraries
  • Our navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks
What is not included:
  • International flights, your transfer to the meeting place
  • Bike rental
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites
  • Additional travel related to changes in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under  “the price includes".

Available extra services

(Prices per person)

Single room accommodation (6 nights) 250 € / 

Vélorizons cycling jersey
(shipping not included)
75 € / 

Transporting a rigid bike box or semi-rigide during the trip
(or semi-rigid bike bags, which are larger than typical hand luggage when folded: 56 cm × 45 cm × 25 cm)
40 € / 

Extra nights in Girona:

Extra night in Girona in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast 100 € / 

Extra night in Girona in 3* hotel, twin room, including breakfast 85 € / 

Extra night in Girona in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 180 € / 

Aiport transfers: upon request

Road bike rental

Available models

Standard road bike
Carbon frame and fork, disc brakes, Shimano 105 R7000, 11-speed cassette (11-32), approx. 8kg, aluminium wheels, Wilier GTR or equivalent
325 € / 

Premium road bike
Carbon frame and fork, disc brakes, Ultegra di2 r8170 groupset or equivalent, 12 speeds, 50/34 crankset and 11/30 cassette, approx. 7kg, carbon wheels, Wilier Zero SL or equivalent
445 € / 

Electric road bike
Carbon frame and fork, 250 Wh battery (+ additional 210Wh battery), aluminium wheels, Shimano 105 groupset, 11 speeds, 50/34 crankset and 11/32 cassette, approx. 13 kg, Look E-765 Optimum model or equivalent.
535 € / 

Rental bike equipment (all models)
  • Repair kit included: 2 CO2 cartridges, patches, multi-tool, 1 inner tube, tyre levers
  • 2 bottle holders (except size 47 bicycles on which only one can be placed)
  • Helmets and water bottles: not included
  • Pedals: Our rental bikes come without pedals. You can either bring your own pedals or specify your needs; we can install 3 types of pedals at no extra charge: Look KEO easy, Shimano SPD-SL or Shimano SPD.

Please indicate your choice of model and pedals as well as your height (if possible also frame size and inseam) when filling out your booking form.

You will receive your chosen model from the tour leader on the first day of your tour. He will carry out an inventory of the bike with you, as well as a second inventory at the end of the tour.

Bike “consumables" (tyres, tubes, brake pads, cables) are included in the rental price. Only parts and components that are broken due to a crash and/or misuse will be charged. In the event of bike loss or theft, a fixed fee will be charged (2200 € for the Standard model, 3590 € for the Premium and Electric models and 5700 € for the Super light model).

Vélorizons cycling jersey

A cycling jersey to our taste.

A timeless road cycling jersey produced in France, inspired by our team and our road cycling trips. High quality, made in France by a Savoy company and with a feel-good character for long days in the saddle. Offered at a great price.

Features

- High-quality SIRTECH + LYCRA textiles
- 3 pockets, one with a central zip + 1 side pocket
- Full front zip
- Half-high cycling collar
- Short raglan sleeves in Lycra with seamless ends
- Gripper at the hem

Available sizes (EU sizing): XXS bis XL
Cut:
Slim fit, unisex
Price: see above

Order and further information by e-Mail or ask our leaders while on tour.

Private groups & custom tours

You are a group of friends, a family, a company or a cycling club and you would like to organise a private cycling tour on the dates of your choice. This option is available for guided and self-guided tours.

  • If you are interested in one of the tours presented on our website, we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in your group.
  • If you are interested in a custom version of one of our tours, with specific requirements (tour duration, accommodation type, vehicle assistance, airport transfers, bike rental, etc.), we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in the group and the group's specific requirements.

For more information or to receive a quote, please contact us by phone at +33 458 140 435  or by email at info@france-bike-trips.com.

Travel insurance

It is important to be correctly insured when embarking on a cycling holiday. We recommend checking the details of your travel insurance (if you have one) and, if necessary, subscribing to our contract below. Please note that France Bike Trips is simply an intermediary between you and the insurance company.

You can choose between these travel insurance contracts while completing your booking form:

  • I subscribe to the "comprehensive multi-risk" insurance cover (4.5%), minimum premium of 15 €:
    This contract covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage, holiday interruption and cancellation. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "cancellation only" insurance cover (2.5%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers cancellation only. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "repatriation & assistance" insurance cover (1.6%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage and holiday interruption. To see the full contract, click here.

Recommendation:
If you choose to take out a travel insurance policy with another insurance company, please check that the search and rescue coverage is suitable: area covered, expenses included, risks covered (as an indication, a minimum cover of 15 000 € is recommended). Please note that credit card insurance rarely offers this type of coverage.

Booking procedure & cancellation policy

How to book

In order to make a booking please fill in the online booking form on the "booking" page of your chosen tour. At the end of the booking process you will be transferred to our bank's secure payment page in order to pay a 30 % deposit.

Last minute booking

All self-guided bookings made within 21 days of tour departure will incur a surcharge of 15 € per person.

Expert advice
  • Unsure which tour to book?
  • Interested in a custom version of one of our tours?
  • Not sure if a particular tour is suitable for your riding style?

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm (French time) by phone - +33 458 140 435 or by mail - info@france-bike-trips.com.

Tour confirmation

In order to confirm our guided tours, we need to reach a minimum number of participants (usually 5 persons are necessary). Therefore booking a guided tour does not necessarily mean the tour is confirmed. In the unlikely event that we are unable to confirm your chosen tour, we will offer you the opportunity (no less than 21 days before departure) of switching to another (confirmed) tour, or receiving a full refund.

Self-guided or custom tours: We confirm bookings of self-guided tours and custom tours directly after booking.

In both cases, please await our final booking confirmation before making any travel arrangements.

Balance payment

Tour balance payment must be made no less than 30 days before tour departure. Your travel documents will be sent to you once we have received your balance payment. Road books and maps will be sent to you 3 weeks before departure.

Cancellation

In the event that you are obliged to cancel your tour France Bike Trips will reimburse the entire sum paid for the tour, minus the following cancellation charges:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 5 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 60 and 31 days before departure: 15 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 30 and 21 days: 30 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 20 and 14 days: 50 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 13 and 7 days: 70 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium

Full details of our sales conditions are available here

The typical daily schedule

During riding you carry only your day pack. All your luggage is transported each day by the support vehicle.

After breakfast, the support vehicle driver will pack your luggage in the van, distribute cereal/energy bars, and announce the time slot for lunch. The driver can also hand out picnics to any participants who do not wish to stop at the designated picnic lunch stop.

Once all the participants have passed the picnic stop, the driver transports your luggage directly to the following nights accommodation, before returning to wait at the foot of the last climb of the day. He is then available to help any members of the group in difficulty or who encounter a mechanical problem. You'll usually meet the van driver several times during the day, offering the opportunity to fill up with water, change clothing, etc.

Each participant is free to ride at his or her own pace, using the road book and GPS route to navigate during the day. However, the driver is equipped with a mobile phone, and can be reached at any time during the day if a particpant encounters a problem. The driver is also available throughout the trip to provide information and advice.

Your navigation

You will receive an email 2 weeks before departure, containing all the information necessary for your upcoming tour, including the following navigation tools:

Our dedicated smartphone app

Follow your route with comfort and ease! Thanks to the Velorizons navigation app, download the full trip itinerary to your smartphone, view route maps and profiles, access the list of booked accommodation, services and useful contacts, and use the integrated route guidance (visual and vocal) for navigation.

See the mobile app presentation video

To benefit fully from the app navigation system, we strongly recommend attaching your smartphone to the bicycle handlebar using a dedicated mount. An example can be viewed here.

Velorizons app compatibility
Operating systemAndroidAppleWindows PhoneBlackberry
CompatibilityVersion 8.0 minimumiOS 8.0 minimum. iPhone compatible, iPad compatible if GPS equippedNon compatibleNon compatible
A detailed Road Book

Your tour road book will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The road book contains:

  • Full colour maps with highlighted routes,
  • Step-by-step route description,
  • Route profiles
GPS tracks

Tour GPS tracks will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The tracks are in .gpx format, compatible with all GPS devices/apps.

Accommodation

We favour comfortable accommodation with warm hospitality.

Our standard price is based on 2* and 3* hotels and comfortable guesthouses with double rooms and en-suite facilities.

For private groups and self-guided trips it is possible to customise the accommodation (upgrade) depending on availability.

Food

This trip is fully catered (breakfast, lunch and dinner included). We pay very careful attention to the quality and the variety of your meals. Fresh and local products will be served wherever possible. This trip is also an opportunity to discover the local gastronomy and regional products - l'art de la table!

Please note: If you have any food intolerances, please inform us in the comments field on the booking form.

  • Continental breakfasts taken at the accommodation  
  • Simple cereal/muesli bars and dried fruit are distributed in the morning before the start of the stage. You must bring your own specific energy bars and isodrinks, if desired.
  • Hearty dinners (3 to 4 courses, with local dishes)

For lunch, our tour leader will offer you a picnic stop along the route. Our picnics combine a rich salad based on carbohydrates and fresh vegetables with cold meats and cheese, fresh fruit and bread (wherever possible from local producers) as well as sweet and savoury snacks. If you do not want to stop for lunch, we can offer the following options:

  • Our tour leader provides you with a picnic to carry along in a small backpack or a handlebar bag. It contains an individual salad (carbohydrate and vegetable based salad), cold meats, cheese and fruits
  • "Racing food" for weight weenies and those "allergic" to backpacks: energy bars, dried fruit
  • Feel free to stop and eat when and where you want (restaurant, bakery, grocery store...)

Health

We strongly recommend having a medical check-up before your holiday.

How to get to the meeting point

By plane:

Barcelona or Perpignan airports

Airport transfers are available on request. Contact us for a quote.

By train:

SNCF: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

RENFE: www.renfe.com

By car:

Route planner: en.mappy.com

Parking: In the event that you travel by car to the meeting point, we will suggest your some parking solutions.

Our / Your state of mind

- A "group" tour: If you join a guided tour, you will be part of a group for several days. This is a superb opportunity to meet new people and share some magical moments. However, a group tour requires that each person show friendliness, openness and mutual respect for their fellow travellers.

- An "adventure" tour: despite the most careful preparation, adventure tours can present unforeseen events. Accepting these risks will help you enjoy your trip to the full, in the knowledge that your guide, our local partners and the entire France Bike Trips team will offer you the most suitable solutions to any given situation.

Bike and plane / train

If you decide to bring your own bike, be aware that transporting a bike by plane or train is no longer an issue. However a few simple guidelines help to optimise the transport and avoid potential damages that could occur.
Your bike must be transported in a designated bike bag (standard size 120x90cm). This maximal size allows you to travel with your bike as "hand luggage" in any high-speed trains.
It is very important that you protect your bike in the bag. After having deflated the tires, removed the wheels (by removing the quick release mechanisms), pedals and rear derailleur (which is left hanging on the chain), we recommend you wrap your bike inside the bag in a sheet of dense foam (thickness of 3 to 5 cm). A piece of cardboard or rigid plastic positioned between the foam and the inside of the cover can be beneficial to provide more rigidity.

Once folded up the bike bag will take up very little space and will be transported by the assistance vehicle during your tour.

Bike bags are available directly from France Bike Trips at a cost of 70 euros, plus postage.

Your equipment

Personal equipment to bring:
Luggage

All your luggage must be distributed in two bags: a backpack and a travel bag:

1/ Backpack (or saddlebag)

This is the bag or saddlebag (saddle or handelbar) you use every day while cycling, if you choose to take a picnic lunch (see paragraph "Food"). This bag should not be too large (up to 20 litres).

It will contain: a picnic for lunch, snack food, camera, waterproof and extra clothing and sunglasses, ...

2/ Travel bag

This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It will contain all the belongings you will not use during the day. You will find it at the accommodation in the evening (or sometimes for lunch).

List of equipment to pack:
For your head
  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or sweat band
  • A bike helmet
For your upper body
  • Two cycling jerseys or technical t-shirts  (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
For your legs
  • Two good quality cycling shorts with chamois (avoid triathlon shorts)
  • A pair of warm cycling tights or leg warmers
  • Trousers
  • Casual short
For your feet
  • A pair of biking shoes (we recommend mtb shoes in which you can walk or hike-a-bike short steeper sections)
  • A pair of shoes suitable for the evening
  • Sandals (not compulsory, but nice for warm evenings...)
  • Sport socks.
For your gavel bike
  • A gear ratio suitable for gravel and steep climbs (2-speed subcompact front, e.g. 30/46 or 28/44 and a 11/34 cassette or 1-speed, e.g. 42 chainring and an 11/42 cassette). We warmly recommend a gear ratio of less than 1 between small chainring and large sprocket. If in doubt, consult your local bike shop.
  • Gravel tyres with a minimum width of 35 mm (unless otherwise stated in the tour description): The volume is decisive, a more aggressive profile on the flanks and rear tyre is desirable on loose ground (e.g. model WTB Riddler or Schwalbe G-One).
  • 2 spare tubes and if possible a spare tire
  • Puncture repair kit
  • Spare brake pads (except if you start with new pads)
  • A rear derailleur cable
  • Chain lube
  • A pump
  • A multitool
Other
  • A pair of bike specific gloves
  • A bike lock
  • A headlamp with batteries
  • A pair of spare laces
  • A toiletry kit and towel
  • A swimsuit
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or camelbak)
  • A pocket knife
  • A few plastic bags to protect your belonging
  • A needle and thread
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin (Compeed); Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Self-guided formula

    Average tour rating:

    4.5/5 - 2 Reviews
    Camille B. | Participant rating:
    "Stunning views excellent itinerary and met new friends with outstanding support from our guide. The accommodations and food was better than I imagined "
    Grace S. | Participant rating:
    "The Catalunya Loop was an amazing experience with changing landscape and scenery and stops in small villages away from the average tourist places. The riding was varied with long climbs and longer descents, wind, rain and sun. Our guide was terrific - very helpful, accommodating and informative. I would highly recomend this ride."
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    A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.


    Phone number: +33 458 140 435

    Contact us

    A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.

    Please type in your email address in order to access tour details and description

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