Pyrenees to Costa Brava Biking
- Get started in vibrant Barcelona, likely to ignite your love affair with Catalonia
- Ride scenic routes into the French Pyrenees, where pros train for the Tour de France
- An epic climb and descent over La Creueta Pass
- Highly acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood
- Spin through the stunning Costa Brava, where the Mediterranean laps against miles of white-sand beaches
From Barcelona to the Pyrenees & Costa Brava
Everything about Catalonia is unique. Part of Spain, but an independent nation, it flies its own flag and speaks its own language. It dances the sardana, drinks wine from a porró and has created some of the world's most acclaimed artists and architects. And its sights? They're distinctive too, from the rugged Pyrenees to the spectacular Costa Brava and the pulsing stylish city of Barcelona. Just wait until you get a whiff - the sea air, a steaming bowl of fideuà, a forest of pines. You know instantly that this place is different. Special. Memorable. Just like each day of your Catalan vacation.
Day
1 Get things started in vibrant Barcelona, likely to ignite your love affair with Catalonia 
After reaching the Pyrenees, bike past alpine villages, herds of cows and farmers tending their crops Sample cava, Spain's beloved version of bubbly.
Day
2 Ride scenic routes into the French Pyrenees, where pros train for the Tour de France - the incredible views make your efforts worthwhile Spend a full day in France, stopping in the fortified mountain town of Mont-Louis, a World Heritage site.
Day
3 An epic climb up La Collada de Toses, which at 5,907 feet is one of the highest paved roads in the Pyrenees Relish a long winding descent into a sunkissed valley Quiet pastoral lanes and riverside bike paths lead to the picturesque village of Llanars 
Tempted by tapas? Learn how to make some of the best.
Day
4 Acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood Bike alongside deep valleys and rugged rock walls in La Garrotxa, a remote volcanic area rarely visited by tourists Ready for a break? Stroll through medieval towns where red-tile roofs and wooden balconies adorn stone homes Pine and chestnut trees give way to oaks and olive groves en route to the coast.
Days
5-6 Spin through the stunning Costa Brava, where the Mediterranean laps against white-sand beaches and villages cling to forested hills above hidden bays Pedal past fields of sunflowers and wheat to the Baix Empordà, the "region of coves," stopping to explore hamlets with cobbled town squares, Baroque-style churches and ancient fortresses Fruit orchards, olive groves and rice paddies line a peaceful ride through the countryside.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
This was a fabulous trip. The group really jelled especially since it was a "solo" trip. Challenging climbs but well supported with van "boosts". The leaders accommodated everyone whether you chose to ride as much as you wanted or elect to get a boost over the most challenging grades and enjoy the long, empty, windy descents. The riding was phenomenal...Truly such thought and care in the routes. We experienced the unseen and authentic Catalunya on legitimate Back Roads with few cars, few people and a few cows!- Mill Valley, CA
Cycling in the Pyrenees on your trip was far beyond my expectations. I am a strong, avid cyclist, always looking for a challenging trip/ride. Usually commercial companies aim their trips to the general public of mid ability cyclist. I was not expecting long mountain pass challenges (Day 3), nor long hilly days (Day 4) - "kicked our butts"!!!! I LOVED the surprise of those days!!!! And still there were shuttle options for those not partaking in the challenge.- Cedarburg, WI
Casual Inns
Bernat do So
Llívia (2 nights) Set amid an expansive garden, this beautifully converted historic farmhouse blends traditional Catalan design and contemporary style. (pool)
Hotel Grèvol
Llanars (1 night) The design and warmth of an alpine chalet in the beautiful Camprodon Valley. (pool, spa)
Castell d'Empordà
Girona (2 nights) It's said that "even Salvador Dalí tried to buy this architectural gem," a medieval castle-turned-luxurious boutique hotel. (pool)
Private Trips Options & Pricing
Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.
You can pick any open date in next year's lineup for your group of 8 or more - just book by December 31st of this year. Call us for date availability.
If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.
Pricing for Private Trips
| 2 - 3 guests $5,098 pp dbl. occ. | 8 - 9 guests $3,898 pp dbl. occ. |
| 4 - 5 guests $4,498 pp dbl. occ. | 10 - 11 guests $3,498 pp dbl. occ. |
| 6 - 7 guests $4,098 pp dbl. occ. | 12 or more guests $3,198 pp dbl. occ. |
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 16 | 1900 | 20 | 2300 | ||||||
| 2 | 18* | 1800 | 35 | 2300 | 56 | 4600 | ||||
| 3 | 25* | 200 | 38* | 1300 | 54* | 2400 | 62 | 4200 | ||
| Guided Tour of Santa Maria Cathedral (45 minutes) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 39* | 1600 | 62* | 2200 | ||||||
| 80 | 2900 | |||||||||
| 5 | 24* | 800 | 43 | 1400 | ||||||
| 46 | 1900 | |||||||||
| 6 | 15 | 300 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
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For 35 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Spain tour experts. See our award-winning Europe At Large biking tours, Europe At Large walking and hiking tours and Europe At Large multisport tours.
