Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour

Spanish Peaks to Beaches

From $3,298 - $3,498 pp dbl. occ. | 6 days / 5 nights

(+$530 for sgl. occ.)

Everything about Catalonia is unique. Part of Spain, but with its own identity, flag and language. Its sights are distinct too, from the glorious Pyrenees and Costa Brava to stylish Barcelona. Just wait until you ride through it and get a whiff—the sea air, a hot plate of fideuà, a forest of pines. This place is special.

Highlights

Ignite your love affair with Catalonia in vibrant Barcelona
Ride scenic routes into the French Pyrenees, where pros train for the Tour de France
Enjoy irresistible tapas, Catalan fusion cuisine and regional white wines
Spin through stunning Costa Brava, where the Mediterranean laps against miles of white-sand beaches

Spain

Start/End Barcelona

Itinerary

Day 1 Get things started in vibrant Barcelona, a city 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 sparkling wine.

Day 2 Ride scenic routes into the French Pyrenees, where pros train for the Tour de France—the incredible views are exhilarating | Spend a full day in France, stopping in the fortified mountain town of Mont-Louis, a World Heritage site | Cross back into Spain for a dinner of irresistible fondue.

Day 3 Gear up for 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 sun-kissed valley | Quiet pastoral lanes and riverside bike paths lead to the picturesque village of Llanars | Tempted by tapas? Enjoy some of the best.

Day 4 Acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood awaits | Cycle alongside Banyoles Lake, set in 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 | Join our local friend and guide for a village tour of lovely Peratallada.

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 | Stop for a leisurely café in the harbor town of Palamós | 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.

Next: Dates & Prices

Scheduled Dates
Private Dates

The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.

Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date. Please review the grid below:

Number of Days Prior to Trip Start	Cancellation Fees (per person)	Departure Dates
96+ days	$200	2018 5/27, 6/3, 6/17, 7/1, 7/8, 8/5, 8/26, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30
61-95 days	30%
31-60 days	60%
0-30 days	100%

For information on our trip transfers see here.

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Available
to Book i
Going
Fast i
Contact
Us i
Private Trip
– Reserved i

C Classic Dates

2018 May

5/27–6/1

2018 June

6/3–6/8

6/17–6/22

2018 July

7/1–7/6

7/8–7/13

2018 August

8/5–8/10

8/26–8/31

2018 September

9/2–9/7

9/9–9/14

9/16–9/21

9/23–9/28

9/30–10/5

View Private Dates

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 from the selection of dates below for your group; some dates are only available for 16 or more guests while other dates are available for 8 or more guests. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.

2018 Private Trip Pricing

10 or more guests: from $3,298 pp dbl occ
8 - 9 guests: from $3,798 pp dbl occ
6 - 7 guests: from $5,098 pp dbl occ
4 - 5 guests: from $5,498 pp dbl occ
2 - 3 guests: from $6,398 pp dbl occ

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date

8 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
16 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
Reserved

C Classic Tours

Dates

C Classic Tours

2018
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep

View Scheduled Dates
View Private Dates

Prices

From $3,298 - $3,498 pp dbl. occ.
6 days / 5 nights

(+$530 for sgl. occ.)

Reviews

Read the Reviews
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Casual Hotels

Hotel Bernat de So

Llívia (2 nights)

Hotel Grèvol

Llanars (1 night)

Castell d'Empordà

Girona (2 nights)

See Lodging Details

Activity Level

This trip is rated Levels 2-5

See Daily Route Options

What's Included

Services and equipment are included.

See how we include more

Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Pyrenees and Costa Brava

Find out What sets us apart

More On This Trip

Watch videos

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour

5.0

(based on 9 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Reviewed by 9 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-9

10/9/2017

5.0

Spectacular scenary!!

By Leepa

from Toronto

Comments about Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour:

Another great backroads experience! The trip leaders and support were superlative as expected. There were some challenging rides, but there were many options for each day and an option for use an e-bike for those who are less experienced cyclists or didn't have the time or inclination to do the training for the challenging hilly days. With these options the trip was suitable for a range of fitness levels from the moderately active to the experienced cyclist. The roads were well paved and quiet with very little traffic.

7/17/2017

5.0

Fantastic experience on every level.

By Chuck

from Darien, CT

Comments about Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour:

Exceeded all expectations! The cycling was epic and the scenery, food, culture and accommodations were terrific. And the leaders catered to every whim. One of the best vacations ever.

6/5/2017

5.0

An invigorating vacation and a sense of accomplishment and

By Kim

from Akron, OH

Comments about Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour:

This was our first Backroads trip, and it will not be our last, for the experience was outstanding. The bike rides were challenging but well worth the effort for the spectacular views afforded by the carefully planned routes. The guides were professional, knowledgeable, and truly entertaining. Each ride was supported with more food, water, and mechanical support than I would have thought possible. The guides supported riders of all skill levels, and everyone was able to ride to the level of their own ability and comfort. Afternoons and evenings were relaxing and filled with (well-earned) fantastic meals, drinks, and company. I cannot remember the last time I came home from a vacation feeling so invigorated and accomplished. We eagerly await our next opportunity to travel with Backroads.

3/14/2017

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Just another trip of a lifetime biking experience!!

By BikerMary

from Mundelein, IL (NW of Chicago)

Comments about Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour:

I have grown to expect no less than a "10" level experience from Backroads and this trip did not disappoint me! My husband and I have done 5 trips with Backroads in the past 4 years, and plan to do many more. Backroads always provides cultural experiences that we would never even think of or find on our own. The biking portions of the trip are set up such that a couple with varying abilities can each be happy and bike as much as they want every day...some of it together and always having lunch together; Backroads will accommodate the weakest rider such that they don't feel bad or feel like they missed out!! The scenery and food and wine along the Costa Brava trip was fantastic. One of my favorite lunches was eating paella along a beach on the Mediterranean Sea and taking a dip after lunch....then biking onward and upward for incredible views of the sea.

3/13/2017

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

The Pyrenees to Costa Brava trip one of the best trips!

By Glen

from Seattle, WA

Comments about Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour:

The Pyrenees to Costa Brava trip exceeded my expectations. The riding in the Pyrenees was absolutely breathtaking climbing the mountains, the winding and twisting descents, and maneuvering through the many small towns. The location, culture, food, riding, and more importantly the people. Bar none the best biking trip! We had awesome trip leaders in Kelsey and Tim and support from Javier. Backroads you have done it again!!!

3/13/2017

5.0

Best trip ever

By JK

from Toronto, Canada

Comments about Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour:

This was the best vacation I have taken in many years. Loved it.

3/13/2017

5.0

Great trip - highly recommend!

By Brian

from San Mateo, CA

Comments about Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour:

Our first Backroads trip and a wonderful experience! I don't think it could have gone better. From the guides to the rides, bikes, food and accommodations, we absolutely loved it!

3/13/2017

5.0

The trip was beyond our expectations.

By Lori

from Boston, MA

Comments about Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour:

The trip was beyond our expectations. We loved the group, trip leaders, and rides. We are definitely planning another Backroads trip when money permits.

3/13/2017

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Most fun I ever had

By Andrew

from Jericho, NY

Comments about Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour:

Everything was well executed and the trip was a fantastic experience for all. The rides were well planned, the choice of locations for the lunches were perfect. The organizaton of the rides was well thought out with the challenging rides early on and the easier rides towards the end of the trip. The food, the locations, the routes and the way the leaders were always there making sure we were taken care of made the trip stressfree, carefree and fun.

Displaying reviews 1-9

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Next: Lodging

Casual Hotels

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.

Hotel Bernat de 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)

Previous: Reviews

Next: Activity Level

This Trip Is Rated Levels 2-5

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 (drag to see full )

Day	EASYGOING				ACTIVE				AVID
Daily Route Options
	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			21*	1400
1			24	1800
2			17*	1900	30	2300			51	5000
3			31*	600	38*	1600	45*	3100	63	4400
3	Guided Tour of Santa Maria Cathedral (45 Minutes)
4			28*	1500	38*	2100	46*	3200
5			29*	1700			45	2700	48	3100
6	15	900

Note:

* Includes shuttle.

Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.

Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources (such as Map My Ride and Garmin devices) may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies. Readings from a Garmin or a smart phone are influenced by other factors such as air pressure.

Previous: Lodging

Next: What's Included

Meals

All breakfasts, 4 dinners, 3 lunches

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day’s ride is a bike that’s perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip or view our full bike fleet in further detail.

Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)

Our custom-built titanium bikes are specially designed for you—and we offer different models for varied terrain so your bike is ideally suited to the region. Our custom-made bikes are included in your trip price.

Touring Bike (Included)

Road Bike (Included)

For trips departing before 4/15/18, please see available bike options here.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price)

Wishing for a little extra assistance up those hills? Our custom Backroads Electric-Assist Bike lets you experience the thrill of exploring on two wheels while providing a boost when you want it. We've modified a selection of our great Titanium Bikes with the intuitive BionX "pedal-assist" system.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included)

Specialized S-Works Roubaix & Ruby ($400 rental fee)

Ride like a pro with the new top-of-the-line S-Works bike featuring ultrasmooth Shimano Di2 electronic shifting. Faster and smoother than any other bike out there, this race-ready carbon machine delivers phenomenal acceleration and handling in an ultralight, ultrapowerful package—perfect for experienced riders. The Specialized S-Works Ruby is a light, agile speed machine precisely designed for women. You can upgrade to a Specialized S-Works Roubaix or Ruby on your trip.

Specialized S-Works Roubaix (Upgrade)

Specialized S-Works Ruby (Upgrade)

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem ($400 rental fee)

Do you prefer to spin in tandem with your partner? You'll love the Co-Motion Periscope Torpedo tandem on your Backroads trip. You can upgrade to a Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem on your trip.

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem (Upgrade)

Also Included

Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
Snacks and beverages between meals
Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
Park and other entry fees
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
Select coach transfers
Baggage transfers and porterage

Previous: Activity Level

Next: Why Backroads

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Previous: What's Included

Next: Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Pyrenees and Costa Brava

We Join the Mountains to the Sea

Only Backroads offers a biking trip that takes you from the high valleys of the Spanish Pyrenees down to the sunbaked beaches of the Costa Brava, all in one expertly crafted itinerary. Along the way, you ride among the green foothills of the Garrotxa region, renowned for its superb cheeses – made from the milk of the goats who watch you pass.

A Variety of Routes Each Day

In Pyrenees and Costa Brava you head off each morning after choosing among several expertly designed routes—all with detailed directions, mileage and shuttle options. Unlike trips with one fixed daily route (or worse, one guide that everyone's obliged to follow), you're free to enjoy the best of the region at your pace, stopping wherever you want to explore further.

Great Bikes Included (or Upgrade)

Choose a Backroads Custom Titanium or Custom Electric Assist bike—both are included in your trip price. Maybe a Specialized carbon-fiber pro model is more your speed or go for double fun on a tandem. Our fleet is the best in active travel, so you don't have to roll the dice on this vital trip component. Learn why our titanium bikes are ideal for most riders. See the bike options for this trip.

More Leaders to Support You

On our Pyrenees and Costa Brava trips we have an extra leader supporting you along the road—for a total of three, compared to the industry standard two. So we can be in more places at once, giving personal attention to guests traveling at their own pace. Here's more on our Trip Leaders.

Navigate Your Way in Pyrenees and Costa Brava

Your ride comes equipped with a Garmin Edge Explore 1000, the best bike-touring GPS device on the market. This is a Backroads exclusive, and it's included with your bike in Pyrenees and Costa Brava . If you prefer to bring your own device, we also have downloadable GPS files and of course, our good old paper directions are always available. Read more on why our navigation options are the best.

The Value of Casual Hotels

In addition to the ideal balance of comfort and hospitality in our choice of lodgings, this trip featuring Casual Hotels includes nearly all of your meals, plus everything from cocktail receptions to the best snacks along the road. So there's rarely a need to reach for your wallet – we've got you covered.

A Second Van When You Need It

Backroads is the only active travel company providing two support vans in Pyrenees and Costa Brava —because we know it's essential to ensure a truly great travel experience. It doubles our ability to be there when you need us to offer hydration, lighten your load or give you a lift if it's time to take a break. Read more on why two vans make all the difference.

The Best Leaders in Pyrenees and Costa Brava

Backroads has the best-qualified people to lead your trip in Pyrenees and Costa Brava , and our guests back that up, rating our Trip Leaders an average of 9.75 out of 10 for all-around quality of performance. Get the facts (and no fluff) on how we recruit and develop the very best people for your trip.

We Speak the Language

If we told you many companies' leaders can't actually speak the language where they lead trips, you'd say incroyable... ridicolo... không the tha thú. At Backroads, fluency in the local language is a given. Find out more on the best leader recruitment, training and development in the business. (And by the way, that was "unforgivable" in Vietnamese.)

Experts with Secrets to Share

In choosing the ideal experts to enrich your travel experience, we look for people with a wealth of local knowledge, but also the ability to convey their insights in English. Too often travelers find themselves smiling politely, not quite understanding what they're being told. Our experts share intriguing facts, anecdotes and inside stories that stay with you forever.

The Right Local Pairings

Our Trip Leaders combine deep local expertise with a firm grasp of North American expectations around quality of service. By the same token, we pair experienced Backroads leaders with local guides who know how to cater to your needs while cracking open the culture or natural history in ways that are meaningful, memorable and often magical.

Signature Backroads Picnics

Guests rave about our picnic spreads. Enjoy a welcome break in a scenic spot, or a quick refuel stop if you don't want to lose momentum. And because we have two vans, one can host lunch while the other is out providing support along the route.

Previous: What's Included

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour

Spanish Peaks to Beaches

From $3,298 - $3,498 pp dbl. occ. | 6 days / 5 nights

We're here to help

Spain

Highlights

Spain

Itinerary

C Classic Dates

2018 May

2018 June

2018 July

2018 August

2018 September

2018 Private Trip Pricing

C Classic Tours

2018 June

2018 July

2018 August

2018 September

Dates

C Classic Tours

Prices

Reviews

Casual Hotels

Hotel Bernat de So

Hotel Grèvol

Castell d'Empordà

Activity Level

What's Included

Why Backroads

More On This Trip

Casual Hotels

Hotel Bernat de So

Llívia (2 nights)

Hotel Grèvol

Llanars (1 night)

Castell d'Empordà

Girona (2 nights)

This Trip Is Rated Levels 2-5

Daily Route Options (drag to see full )

Meals

Available Bike Options

Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price)

Specialized S-Works Roubaix & Ruby ($400 rental fee)

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem ($400 rental fee)

Also Included

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

Why Travel with Backroads in Pyrenees and Costa Brava

We Join the Mountains to the Sea

A Variety of Routes Each Day

Great Bikes Included (or Upgrade)

More Leaders to Support You

Navigate Your Way in Pyrenees and Costa Brava

The Value of Casual Hotels

A Second Van When You Need It

The Best Leaders in Pyrenees and Costa Brava

We Speak the Language

Experts with Secrets to Share

The Right Local Pairings

Signature Backroads Picnics

Videos

Our Expert Leaders

Backroads Bikes

The Backroads Experience

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