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.
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.
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.- Akron, OH
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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 Dates & Prices tab.
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Set amid an expansive garden, this beautifully converted historic farmhouse blends traditional Catalan design and contemporary style. (pool)
The design and warmth of an alpine chalet in the beautiful Camprodon Valley. (pool, spa)
It's said that "even Salvador Dalí tried to buy this architectural gem," a medieval castle-turned-luxurious boutique hotel. (pool)
There's no better way to find out about Backroads than by hearing it from the people who have traveled with us. For more about the Backroads Experience, read our Guest Testimonials.
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Reviewed by 7 customers
Displaying reviews 1-7
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.
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.
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!!!
Comments about Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour:
This was the best vacation I have taken in many years. Loved it.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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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!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour
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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.
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 1-7
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.
Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
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AVAILABLE TO BOOKi GOING FASTi CONTACT USi PRIVATE TRIP - RESERVEDi
Interested in a Private Trip? Check out the Make It Private tab for private dates available, or call us at 800-462-2848.
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.
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| 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 | 21* | 1400 | ||||||||
| 23 | 1800 | |||||||||
| 2 | 17* | 1800 | 30 | 2100 | 52 | 5800 | ||||
| 3 | 24* | 400 | 38* | 1600 | 45* | 3100 | 63 | 4400 | ||
| Guided Tour of Santa Maria Cathedral (45 Minutes) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 28* | 1500 | 38* | 2100 | 46* | 3200 | ||||
| 5 | 29* | 1700 | 45 | 2700 | 48 | 3100 | ||||
| 6 | 15 | 800 | ||||||||
Note:
* Includes shuttle.
Learn more about how we determine our activity levels 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In addition to the ideal balance of comfort and hospitality in our choice of lodgings, this Casual Inns trip 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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
8 AVAILABLE TO BOOK FOR 8 OR MORE GUESTS 16 AVAILABLE TO BOOK FOR 16 OR MORE GUESTS RESERVED
Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date! i
Invite your family and friends on an adventure that's entirely your own - for your group of 8 or more. Find out more
I simply can't imagine a better way to immerse yourself in the life of a region, to explore hidden corners and appreciate nuances while enjoying the benefits and enormous satisfaction of traveling under your own power. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus. Active travel is, at its heart, a way of connecting more authentically with the world. Sure, Backroads provides amazing leaders, superb accommodations and meals, and opportunities you could never arrange on your own. But all of our comprehensive planning and support is aimed at something far simpler: bringing you the immediate, highly personal satisfaction of discovering a new world on your own terms.
— Tom Hale, Founder & President
