Best of Catalonia (Combined Cycling & Walking)
€1,550.00
A combined cycling and walking holiday that includes cycling the ‘Carrilet’ the converted railway that runs for 135km from Ripoll in the Pyrenees to Sant Feliu de Guixols on the Mediterranean Sea.
Prices are starting indications, per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Please make a booking enquiry for a confirmed price based on your chosen dates and exact requirements.
Description
The riding starts in the mountain town of Ripoll cycling along the ‘Ruta del Ferro’ to the village of Sant Joan de les Abadesses. Once we have passed through the town we climb up and over the beautiful mountain pass of the ‘Col de Santigosa’ before descending into Olot, which is the capital city of the volcanic region of ‘La Garrotxa”.
From Olot to Girona the riding takes place on the converted railway that is known as the ‘Carrilet’. It is a gentle descent for about 60 km into Girona through stunning scenery. The following day’s section of the Carrilet between Girona and Sant Feliu de Guixols is approximately 40 km and covers a diverse range of scenery from the undulating farmland around Girona to the Pine and Cork forests of the coastal region.
From Sant Feliu de Guixols the itinerary switches from the ‘saddle to the shoe’ as we join the beautiful ‘Cami de Ronda’ coastal walking path as it hugs its way along the stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline towards the hilltop town of Begur.
Highlights of this section of the Cami de Ronda walking route include:
- strolling through the S’Agaro estate that was designed by the Catalan architect Rafael Maso
- visiting the Cap Roig Botanical gardens with stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea
- walking through the iconic Costa Brava bays of Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc and Tamariu
- staying in the beautiful hilltop village of Begur
From Begur you will continue by bike following the well signed Baix Emporda Cycle Network through the timeless Medieval Villages area, stopping off for a coffee and lunch en-route as you pass through the charming villages. Your destination is a lovingly restored 4 star hotel in the village of Monells, one of the prettiest of the medieval villages in the region.
On your second day in Monells you will cycle through more of the medieval villages, including a visit to the Salvador Dali Castle Museum in Pubol. In addition, there is the opportunity to eat lunch in a 14th Century Castle that was once owned by a captain on Christopher Columbus’s fleet.
On your final day you will be transferred to Girona train station to return to Barcelona by direct train after an incredible 10 days of exploring the very best of the cycling and walking on offer in this part of Catalonia, Spain.
Itinerary
Example itinerary:
- Olot – Morning arrival by train from Barcelona to the Pyrenees mountain town of Ripoll. After the tour briefing and bike setup cycle to Olot, cycling over the mountain pass of the ‘Coll de Santigosa’. (approx 40km)
- Girona – Cycle along the “Carrilet” (converted railway line) from Olot to Girona, cycling through the beautiful ‘La Garrotxa’ volcanic region. (approx 60km)
- Sant Feliu de Guixols – Cycling ‘The Carrilet’ from Girona city to the Mediterranean Sea. The old converted railway line snakes its way from the plains of Girona down to the pine forests of the coast. (approx 40km)
- ‘Cami de Ronda’: Sant Feliu – Palamos – A beautiful headland walk that follows the ‘Cami de Ronda’ (the old smugglers paths) coastal path along some of the most picturesque bays of the Costa Brava. (approx 13km walk)
- ‘Cami de Ronda’: Palamos – Llafranc – A stunning coastal walk that takes in some of the best coastal scenery on the Costa Brava. Llafranc is one of the prettiest coastal villages in the area and has maintained its charm without bowing to the pressures of development. (approx 13km walk)
- Free day – Llafranc – A day to explore at your leisure the beautiful surroundings of Llafranc. A walk along the Cami de Ronda to Tamariu is a stunning option.
- GR 92 – Walking Route: Llafranc – Begur – Following the ‘Grand Route 92’ walking route that starts to meander inland away from the coast through the Pine forests towards the medieval village of Begur. (approx 10km walk)
- Monells – Cycling through the charming medieval villages of the Baix Emporda. (approx 30km)
- Monells – Exploring more of the Medieval villages following the Baix Emporda cycle network, including visiting the Salvador Dali Castle Museum. (approx 40km)
- Departure to Girona city – Return to Girona with the option to cycle up and over the challenging ‘Els Angels’ monastery route that is one of the favourite rides of many of the pro riders who live in Girona. (approx 30km)
Your Bike
Cycle Touring
The new Radon Scart 7.0 is the ideal touring bike for the combination of roads and cycle trails you will encounter. Equipped with the ever-reliable Shimano Deore drivetrain, Shimano disc brakes and a Suntour suspension fork, the Scart has a comfortable riding position and a triple (48/36/26) chainset – perfect for long days enjoying the delights of the region.
There is the option to upgrade to an Electric bike for our Cycle Touring holidays. The bike option is the ever reliable Scott E-SUB Active Unisex.
This unisex electric bike is the classic trekking style and is perfect for leisurely rides. The bike has got many features including an efficient electric motor centrally mounted to maintain a low centre of gravity, ideal for stability and control.
- Bosch E.DRIVE motor
- SR Suntour NEX HLO suspension fork with lockout.
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Shimano Deore 10 speed
- 28” Wheels with 140 km 400Wh battery drive.
All our bikes come equipped with puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, water bottle, pannier (Cycle Touring) and helmet.
If you wish to use your own pedals, your own bike, or have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The Walking
The average walking time per day ranges from 3 – 5 hours. The terrain encompasses both flat open beaches as well as hilly headland and forest sections. All trails are marked with the GR-92 Red and White walking symbol.
Suggested clothes to bring for walks:
- good quality walking shoes and walking poles.
- lightweight and breathable jacket.
- light, comfortable and ‘breathable’ layers to either put on or take off depending on changing weather conditions.
- a small day pack and water bottle.
