Region Overviews: Spain Travel Guide: Overview
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Biking
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Spanish Pyrenees to Costa Brava Bike Tour
Barcelona, Spanish Flavors, Peaks & Beaches
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Levels 2-5
Casual & Casual Plus Hotels
From: $3,999 - $4,249 pp dbl occ
($600 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.
Spain Pyrenees to Costa Brava Biking Tour
Spain
Start/End Barcelona
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Ignite your love affair with Catalonia's culture, art and architecture in the enchanting gateway city of Barcelona
- Ride scenic routes into the majestic French Pyrenees, where pros train for the legendary Tour de France, and the cycling mecca of Girona
- Enjoy world-class dining—irresistible tapas, fresh seafood, Catalan fusion cuisine and regional white wines
- Spin through dazzling Costa Brava, where the Mediterranean laps against miles of white-sand beaches
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual & Casual Plus Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Get things started in vibrant Barcelona | After reaching the Pyrenees, bike past alpine villages, herds of cows and farmers tending their crops | Sample cava, Spain's beloved sparkling wine which originated in Barcelona | Scenic bike routes—popular training ground for the pros—lead into the French Pyrenees, where 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 and delicious, locally sourced dishes.
Accommodations
Hotel Bernat de So
Llívia
| Casual Hotel Set amid an expansive garden, this historic farmhouse blends traditional Catalan design and contemporary style. (pool)
Day 3
Description
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 the sun-kissed valleys of the pre-Pyrenees | Join our local friend and guide for a village tour of remarkable Girona, one of the most important Middle Age cities in Catalonia and a hub for international pro cycling teams | Are you a foodie or a history buff? Enjoy the best of both in the heart of the town's old quarter.
Accommodations
Hotel Nord 1901 Superior
Girona
| Casual Plus Hotel Located in the historic heart of Girona, this elegantly minimalist hotel features traditional Catalan architecture with modern comforts. (pool)
Days 4-6
Description
Bike over the Gavarres Mountains for panoramic views | Ready for a break? Stroll through medieval towns where red-tile roofs and wooden balconies adorn stone homes | Learn to make traditional tapas in a cooking class in Peratallada | Ride through the stunning Costa Brava, where the Mediterranean laps against white-sand beaches and villages cling to forested hills above hidden bays | Acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood awaits | 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.
Accommodations
Castell d'Empordà
Girona
| Casual Plus Hotel It's said that even Salvador Dalí tried to buy this architectural gem, a medieval castle turned luxurious boutique hotel. (pool)
Dates & Prices
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
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
May 2023
June 2023
July 2023
August 2023
September 2023
October 2023
From our Guests
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Activity Level: 2-5
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Daily Route Options
What's Included
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 bike options specific to this trip (click the arrow to see more). Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package.
$400 rental fee; subject to availability
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- 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
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