Cycling Tour in Catalonia

Spain is ascendant in its reputation as one of the most innovative food destinations in the world. This should not surprise us given the rich array of its culinary influences. Greek, Roman, Goth, Muslim, and Frank (French-German) civilizations have each stood triumphant upon Spanish soil, contributing their particular flavors to Spanish culture and cuisine.

About the Catalonia Region

This tour centers on the northeastern region of Catalonia, tucked beneath the Pyrenees Mountains. We’ll explore four of its most charming towns – Girona, Vic, Cardona and Sitges – and savor the best of Catalan cuisine, an edible mosaic of mountains and sea. We’ll meet a producer of the world-famous jamon (cured ham, one of the signature foods of Spain) and winemakers of vino tinto and Cava, the Spanish answer to Champagne.

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When Greeks and Romans arrived in Catalonia, they called the people they found there Iberians or Hispani. The eighth century saw the arrival of the Muslims and the absorption of Catalonia into al-Andalus or Muslim Spain. In the 12th century, Barcelona entered into a dynastic union with the Kingdom of Aragon and established the Principality of Catalonia, which developed courts and other institutions that would limit the power of kings. (The term “Principality of Catalonia” would remain in use until the Second Spanish Republic in 1931.) Catalonia contributed much to the expansion of Aragon’s trade and military, and the Catalan language flourished.

With the marriage of Ferdinand to Isabella in 1469, and the union of Aragon and Castile, tensions between the Catalans and the Crown grew. The mid-17th century saw a brief proclamation of a Catalan Republic, but King Philip V banned Catalan political institutions and rights, and merged it with Castile, leading to a fading of the Catalan language in political and literary life.

In the 20th century, the Second Spanish Republic cemented Catalan self-governance and the official use of the Catalan language. Like much of the rest of Spain, Catalonia fought to defend the Republic (against Franco) in the Civil War of 1936-1939. Their ultimate defeat gave rise to Franco as a dictator, unleashing a period of harsh repression and ending Catalonia’s autonomy. With Spain cut off from international trade under Franco, industry suffered. With Franco’s death in 1975, the regime ended and the new democracy recognized Catalonia’s autonomy and language. Catalonia regained considerable self-government and is now one of the most economically properous parts of Spain.

In recent years, there have been growing calls for Catalan independence. The referendum vote of October 2017, which the central government attempted to block, led to violence of riot police against Catalan voters. According to Catalan authorities, 90% of voters supported independence, although voter turnout was far lower. In the aftermath of the referendum, Catalonia declared independence from Spain. But its parliament agreed to suspend immediate action in order to engage in a dialogue with the Spanish Government. Later that month, the Catalan Parliament voted in a secret ballot to approve a resolution declaring independence. Citing the Spanish Constitution, the central government in Madrid dismissed the Catalan government and implemented direct rule. Several Catalan politicians were arrested and others fled, which has led to the affixing of yellow ribbons (emblems of solidarity with the politicians and will for independence) on buildings, roads, and bridges across Catalonia.

Catalonia is different from other parts of Spain. Situated in the northeast corner of the Iberian Peninsula, below the Pyrenees, the heavy French influence gives the region its unique charm. A distinctive blend of culture, cuisine, art, history and varied landscapes makes Catalonia a fantastic destination to explore by bike. Te estamos esperando! (We are waiting for you!) Nos vemos pronto! (See you soon!)

Dates & Pricing

Minimum of 6 participants, maximum of 16, with a maximum guide-to-guest ratio of 1 to 8

DATES (8 days),

For more info, dates and availability please contact us.

TOUR PRICE

Per person in double occupancy: from $4,690 | from $4,790 in 2024

Single Supplement: $790

For travel in 2021 and beyond, your tour is carbon neutral! In addition, we donate more than 1% of your trip price to food-literacy and environmental non-profits that share our values. (Details here)

Tour Highlights

Discover wine, Jamon (ham), and olive oil over delectable meals, visits and tastings that demonstrate the best of Catalan culinary heritage
Exposure to local culture and history with native, bilingual, local experienced Tour Leaders
Elegant and traditional accommodation mostly in 4-star hotels and paradors
Unforgettable meals featuring the local cuisine
Discover the must-see towns of Girona, Vic, Sitges and Cardona
Exhilarating rides and opportunities to improve your cycling skills with your Tour Leaders
Traditional, local recipes to bring home with you!

Cycling Level 3 – Antipasto, Primo, and Secondo (Entrée)

What's Included

7 nights of accommodation in mostly 4-star hotels
7 breakfasts and 2 lunches
6 dinners with either a 3- or 4-course menu
Guided walking tour in Girona
Explore Vic, Sitges, Cardona and other small villages
Visits and tasting to a local winery
Visit and tasting to a Jamon (ham) seller
1 cooking demo featuring Catalan cuisine and 1 visit at the salt mines in Cardona
Bike rental (see more info here) and Garmin Touring Edge unit (if you have one, bring yours and we’ll upload the routes onto your unit)
Comfortable transportation and assistance by 9-seat van for all travel on tour as cited in the itinerary
Refreshments, snacks, fruits and other local delicacies during our rides
Two bilingual, professional Tour Leaders
One group transfer to Barcelona airport at the end of tour
Local taxes and gratuities for luggage porters and restaurant servers during tour

What's Not Included

5 lunches and 1 dinner on your own
Alcoholic beverages at group meals (including wine, beer and spirits)
Round-trip airfare and expenses to/from the tour
E-bike, upon request and availability, with $150-250 surcharge depending on the type (see more info here)
Transfer to first hotel from airport
Trip cancellation, baggage loss or travel delay insurance (this optional coverage is highly recommended. See more info here)
Gratuities for your Tour Leaders
Personal expenses, such as, but not limited to, phone calls, laundry, emails, snacks, gifts

Itinerary

Optional Pre-Tour Night in Girona
Day 1 & 2 – Around Girona

Cycling Route Info on Day 1: Main Route: 17mi/1100ft of elevation gain | Extra loop adds: 8mi/620ft

Cycling Route Info on Day 2: Main Route 33mi/2650ft w/ van ride after lunch | Extra loop adds: 20mi/1600ft

Reach Girona from Barcelona airport either via train or taxi.

We begin in Girona for two nights. (Many pro-riders train here in the early part of racing season.) The medieval town center features beautiful facades and an exceptionally well-preserved synagogue, possibly the best anywhere in Spain. The way in which Girona is divided by a river may remind you of Florence. Over our two days, we explore the surrounding area by bike to discover the tranquil countryside of Girona with its sleepy villages.

Other highlights include a guided visit of Girona and a visit and tasting at a local jamon (cured ham) to discover one of the signature foods of Spain.
Day 3 & 4 – Girona to Vic and Montsenat National Park

Cycling Route Info on Day 3: Main Route 30mi/3300ft w/ van ride after lunch | Extra loop adds: 21mi/1850ft

Cycling Route Info on Day 4: Main Route 31mi/2380ft | Extra loop adds: 10mi/1040ft

For our next two days, we transfer to the town of Vic and overnight in an elegant hotel conveniently located in the historic city center. Vic is famous for its Romanesque architecture and its pork, particularly fuet, a form of cured sausage. We’ll take our time exploring the town and riding in Montseny Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teeming with alpine and Mediterranean flora and fauna.

Here in Vic do not miss a walk in the town center and through the scenic Plaza Mayor, the perfect spot for a glass of vino tinto or blanco and some tapas. Feel free to join us for a Spanish language lesson and discover also some words of the local Catalan spoken by almost 10 million people, not only in Catalonia but also in Comunitat Valenciana and Balearic Islands regions, in addition to Andorra, the town of Alghero in Sardinia and part of the southern Pyrenees in France.
Day 5 – Vic to Cardona

Cycling Route Info on Day 5: Main Route 35mi/2880ft w/ van ride after lunch | Extra loop adds: 17mi/2200ft

The next night we spend in the charming castle of Cardona, one of the Paradores hotels of Spain. These elegant accommodations have all been renovated to showcase local culture and tradition, and are usually built around a castle, convent, fortress or palace.

Nearby sits Muntanya de Sal (“Salt Mountain”), an extensive deposit of rock salt with an unforgettable collection of stalactites, stalagmites, and other salt formations. We ensure ample time to explore the historic center of Cardona before heading south to the town of Sitges.
Day 6 & 7 – Cardona to Sitges and Cava Wine Area

Cycling Route Info on Day 6: Main Route 32mi/1680ft after 1-hr van transfer | Extra loop adds: 8mi/800ft

Cycling Route Info on Day 7: Main Route 39mi/2350ft | Extra loop adds: 12mi/400ft

On the next day we gradually lose elevation as we cycle our way to the sea. Passing through colourful vineyards, we reach our destination of Sitges, which is popular with artists inspired by its narrow streets and striking beaches. Our hotel is located by the sea and features an unforgettable view!

Our last ride will feature a loop starting from the sea and heading inland, in the area known for Cava wine, the Spanish equivalent of Champagne that we’ll discover through a visit and tasting to a local producer. Then we celebrate over dinner in town at the end of our journey through this charming region in north of Spain.
Day 8 – Barcelona Airport

To request the itinerary as a PDF or to ask us any questions please contact us today!