- Cycle along car-free paths reserved for bike riders and walkers
- Discover the beautiful Catalan countryside on two wheels
- Enjoy several opportunities for swimming in the Mediterranean Sea
- Visit the medieval towns of Besalu, Begur and Pals
- Visit a winery for a wine-tasting session
Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast
7 Days
Excluding Flights
7 Days
from
Cycling
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Classic
Itinerary
Barcelona Besalu
Fly to Barcelona; transfer to hotel
Fly to Barcelona where we start our adventure. We enjoy a guided walk of the city centre before a trip briefing and our first meal as a group.
Accommodation: Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)
Start Barcelona
We start the trip in Barcelona, a captivating city of quirky landmarks and excellent cuisine. Our cycling starts tomorrow but the adventure begins immediately as we take advantage of our time here with a guided walking tour. Stops include La Rambla, La Boqueria Market, the Christopher Columbus statue, Barcelona Cathedral and the Gothic Quarter. After, we get to know each other a little better with a trip briefing and our first meal as a group.
Accommodation: Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)
Transfer to Olot; cycle to Girona; afternoon walking tour
After breakfast, we have a transfer (approximately two hours) to Olot where we fine tune our bikes before we start cycling in Garrotxa National Park. This is the perfect place to get used to our bikes as we follow The Carrilet, a car-free path reserved for cyclists and walkers that follows a disused narrow-gauge railway. Today’s route includes some easy gradual climbing during the first 7.5mi (12km) and then a long gentle descent through the countryside until we reach the medieval town of Girona, a hotspot for cycling pros for more than two decades. This evening, we have a guided walking tour of the town, visiting the old quarter and the Jewish quarter, before ending in La Rambla de la Llibertat, the culture-soaked main street in Girona, where we find somewhere for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia (or similar)
Cycle to Sant Feliu de Guixols; transfer to Calella de Palagrugell
We continue cycling along the car-free Carrilet until we reach the Mediterranean Sea in Sant Feliu de Guixols. We start with a short uphill section to reach Llagostera, where we stop for refreshments, and then enjoy an easy long descent to the Costa Brava coast. We stop for lunch before boarding the bus for a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to our destination for the next two nights, Calella de Palafrugell. Our hotel is within walking distance of the coast, so take the chance for a swim at one of the nearby beaches.
Accommodation: Hotel Alga (or similar)
Loop ride to Palafrugell and Palamos; wine tasting and back to Calella
Today’s ride follows a circular route south of Calella to Palamos and back. During our journey to Palamos, we travel through the colourful market town of Palafrugell, where we stop to check out the local produce and enjoy a coffee while watching the market in action. After, we cycle using another disused railway to the fishing town of Palamos and visit the unspoiled sandy beach of Castell. This afternoon, we cycle back to Calella, stopping at a winery to sample their produce.
Accommodation: Hotel Alga (or similar)
Cycle to Torroella de Montgri
We start cycling after breakfast, leaving the coast behind and travelling inland to the walled medieval town of Begur. Today is one of the most scenic days as we cycle past farmlands, sunflower fields and through the gothic walled towns of Begur and Pals. We have a chance to jump off our bikes to explore both towns, and for lunch we can sample the local paella recipe in Pals. This afternoon, we have a mainly flat route on quiet roads and gravel tracks that will take us through various villages until we reach our hotel in the town of Torroella de Montgri.
Accommodation: Hotel Moli del Mig (or similar)
Cycle to Banyoles; transfer to Besalu
Our final day of cycling will be our most challenging, as we travel the longest distance and have the biggest accumulated climb, but it is also one of the most picturesque as we travel through Catalan countryside using a combination of quieter backroads and gravel tracks. Our first stop is the town of Púbol, where artist Salvador Dalí bought a castle for his wife Gala. We then stop in San Esteban de Guialbes, where we have lunch and the opportunity to try the Catalan dish of snails and butifarra (a type of pork sausage). After, we ride to the town of Banyoles where our cycling ends. We then have a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to our final destination, Besalu. After we check into our hotel and have had a chance to shower, we enjoy a walking guided tour of this medieval town. We will visit the 12th-century bridge, the Sant Pere Monastery and Saint Vincent Church. After, we enjoy our last group meal together and reflect on an incredible week of cycling.
Accommodation: Els Jardins De La Martana (or similar)
Transfer to Barcelona airport; fly home
After breakfast the trip ends with a transfer to Barcelona Airport for your departure flight.
End Besalu; transfer to Barcelona airport
Our adventure ends with a transfer from Besalu to Barcelona airport. If you’ve still got the appetite for a bit more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Barcelona hotel.
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Five days of cycling
- Average distance: 24mi (38km) per day
- Partial vehicle support
- Terrain and route: 50 percent on quiet minor roads and 50 percent on a mixture of cycle paths, non-technical tracks and a few off-road sections
Please note, wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory on this trip.
If you are unsure about tackling five days of self-powered cycling but are keen to experience this trip, we recommend an e-bike (additional charge applies). Our guides are experienced in managing groups with both push bikes and e-bikes, and many of our clients enjoy the flexibility that an e-bike offers. Please speak to us if you would like to add this option to your booking.
The first couple of days of cycling follow disused railway lines, so we cycle on good off-road tracks with some paved sections. The rest of the trip is on quieter paved backroads and some good off-road sections. The most difficult day is the last day of cycling when we cycle the longest distance (37mi/60km) and tackle the biggest accumulated climb. The support vehicle will be available throughout this day, so you can jump in at any point. This trip is ideal for confident cyclists who exercise regularly and have a good level of fitness.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia, C. d’Aragó, 08026 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 932 45 89 05
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Barcelona Airport (BCN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Barcelona
Location end: Besalu
Hotels
Spend six nights in three to four-star hotels, each chosen for their comfort and location. Some hotels have a swimming pool and/or a sea view.
Barcelona: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia
Begin the adventure at this contemporary hotel, just a 15-minute walk from Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia – an icon of the city. If the sun is shining, head to the solarium/pool area for a dip and to make use of the loungers. The hotel also has a gym plus a gastro-bar serving international and Mediterranean dishes, cocktails and more.
Girona: Hotel Gran Ultonia
With a spot in the heart of the city, this 71-room hotel has an ideal location. Post ride, there’s no better spot to relax than the rooftop cocktail bar, which has views of the Old Town, cathedral and, they say, the best sunset in Girona. The next morning, fuel up with the buffet breakfast, which includes local produce.
Calella de Palafrugell: Hotel Alga
Enjoy a post-cycle dip in the pool or relax on a sun lounger when you arrive at the Hotel Alga. Elsewhere, El Càntir restaurant, helmed by chef Pere Malagelada, serves a selection of Mediterranean dishes made with seasonal local produce, plus there’s a snack bar by the pool serving coffee, tea and cocktails.
Torroella de Montgri: Hotel Moli del Mig
Stay in a 15th-century mill revamped and restored into a modern hotel by architect Josep M. Deulofeu. The 32 rooms have been designed to embrace the natural beauty of the rural landscape, while the restaurant makes use of the local produce. Additionally, the hotel has a swimming pool, wellness hub and padel courts.
Besalú: Els Jardins De La Martana
End the trip with a stay at this 11-room hotel, which sits right next to the medieval bridge of Besalú. You can gather as a group to recount your adventures together in the living room or unwind in the wood-paneled library. There’s also a private jacuzzi available to rent (€20 per hour).
Reviews
Add your own reviewFascinating, Fantastic, Fun
I’ve been on a lot of cycle tours. This was my first with Exodus. What an experience! I was impressed by the high level of organization and professionalism. Cycling through medieval villages, beautiful farmlands and some days overlooking the Mediterranean gave variety to each day. As did the multitude of trails and pathways. Each restaurant and hotel was specially chosen to offer a unique and quality experience. The leader had really done his homework and pointed out points of interest along the way. I appreciated the guided walks around each town in the evening. And, most importantly, we had a lot of fun!
Most Inspirational Moment
The town of Besalu with its winding streets, monastery and absolutely breathtaking12th Century Bridge.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was organized, professional, and patient. He was also a wealth of knowledge on each place we visited.
Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast
The trip was excellent from start to finish.
Most Inspirational Moment
2 nights in Calella de Palafrugell, the cycling using cycle lanes, the food, the variety of scenery throughout.
Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast
My Catalonia cycle trip went beyond my expectations.
Most Inspirational Moment
The scenery in the farmlands and the medieval villages.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Sunday
13 Apr 2025 13 Apr 2025
Saturday Saturday
19 Apr 2025 19 Apr 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 2599 £ 2599 Book with £ 649 deposit Book with £ 649 deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 470
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
11 May 2025 11 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
17 May 2025 17 May 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 2599 £ 2599 Book with £ 649 deposit Book with £ 649 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 470
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
01 Jun 2025 01 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
07 Jun 2025 07 Jun 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 2599 £ 2599 Book with £ 649 deposit Book with £ 649 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 470
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
22 Jun 2025 22 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
28 Jun 2025 28 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 2599 £ 2599 Book with £ 649 deposit Book with £ 649 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 470
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
07 Sep 2025 07 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 2599 £ 2599 Book with £ 649 deposit Book with £ 649 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 470
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
12 Oct 2025 12 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
18 Oct 2025 18 Oct 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 2599 £ 2599 Book with £ 649 deposit Book with £ 649 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 470
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
12 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026
Saturday Saturday
18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 2799 £ 2799 Book with £ 699 deposit Book with £ 699 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 520
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
10 May 2026 10 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
16 May 2026 16 May 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 2799 £ 2799 Book with £ 699 deposit Book with £ 699 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 520
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
31 May 2026 31 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
06 Jun 2026 06 Jun 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 2899 £ 2899 Book with £ 724 deposit Book with £ 724 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 520
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
21 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026
Saturday Saturday
27 Jun 2026 27 Jun 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 2899 £ 2899 Book with £ 724 deposit Book with £ 724 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 520
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
06 Sep 2026 06 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 2899 £ 2899 Book with £ 724 deposit Book with £ 724 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 520
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
11 Oct 2026 11 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 2799 £ 2799 Book with £ 699 deposit Book with £ 699 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 520
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast
7 Days
Excluding Flights
7 Days
from