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 'til 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 Gaze in awe at the limestone massif of Cadí-Moixeró Nature Reserve, standing above the idyllic Cerdanya Valley.
Day 3 An epic climb up Coll de la Creueta pass,
which at 6,200 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.
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 Salvador Dalí's artistic genius shines at the medieval Gala Dalí Castle he restored for his wife 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.
Trip Highlights
- 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
Casual Inns
Hotel del Lago (2 nights): Set amid peaceful manicured gardens a short walk from this Pyrenees town's picturesque lake and center. (pool, spa)
Hotel Grèvol (2 nights): The design and warmth of an alpine chalet in the beautiful Camprodon Valley. (pool, spa)
Hotel Trias (1 night): A beachfront hotel open since 1900 and renovated with bold contemporary décor. (pool)
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 | 27 | 1900 | 31 | 2300 | ||||||
| 2 | 22* | 2000 | 39 | 2700 | 60 | 4800 | ||||
| 3 | 22* | 200 | 35* | 1300 | 51* | 2400 | 59 | 4200 | ||
| 4 | 35* | 2500 | 47 | 4400 | 63 | 6200 | ||||
| 5 | 26* | 200 | 39 | 1400 | 47 | 2200 | ||||
| 6 | 16 | 700 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/4-9 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/11-16 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/18-23 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/2-7 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/9-14 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/30-8/4 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/13-18 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/27-9/1 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/3-8 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/16-21 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/30-10/5 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/7-12 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/14-19 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES-SOLOS TRIPS
- 6/25-30 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/9-14 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/23-28 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $540 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
This was a fabulous 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
The cycling on this trip was a cyclist's paradise. The roads were in amazing condition and the climbs beautiful! Best so far!- Richmond, VA