Costa Brava Deluxe

Riders start in the charming province capital Girona. The first bike tour goes from Girona to the coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guixols along the El Carrilet, a former narrow gauge railway route converted into a trail for pedestrians and cyclists in the late 1990's stretching over 100 km's, coming from the Pyrenees. From Sant Feliu de Guixols the route takes riders north along the coast to the beautiful Castell cove and stay in the nearby Hotel La Malcontenta, an old mansion. The next day you may visit a family run winery in the mountain range Les Gavarres and enter fascinating area of l'Empordanet. Pals is one of the best preserved Medieval villages and known for its careful restoration. From here we cycle through the unique landscape of the rice fields of Pals. Both Hotel Mas de Torrent and Castell d'Emporda are located within the rolling hills of l'Empordanet near some of the best medieval villages. In the middle of a dreamy countryside you find an oasis of tranquility and luxury amidst hotel gardens, pools, stone architecture, and gastronomic restaurants.

Day 1 | Arrival in Girona

Arrival in Girona at the train station or airport and transfer on your own to your deluxe 4 star lodging in the historic old town. The lodgings are all located a short walk or taxi ride from the station in the town centre. There is plenty to see and do in this interesting and vibrant city. Girona is famous for having one of the best preserved Jewish old towns in the world, the Cathedral boasts one of the largest stone vaulted spaces in Gothic architecture and the walk along the cities ancient walls is a recommended highlight. This combined with hundreds of restaurants and bars and a thriving coffee culture makes Girona a great place to spend a few days. Dinner on your own - we'll give you several suggestions among the many good options available. Room category: Junior Suite.

Day 2 | El Carrilet Greenway to Sant Feliu de Guixols - 45 km

After breakfast, we will meet you at 9:30 AM for an orientation, bike set up, and get you on your frist ride. The first bike tour brings you to the Mediterranean Coast following the converted railway line called "El Carrilet". The bike path ends in Sant Feliu de Guixols with its wonderful seaport and old monastery. Lodging at the wonderful beach Sant Pol. Dinner included. Room category: Suite.

Day 3 | Sant Feliu de Guixols to Hotel La Malcontenta - 18 or 37 km

Day 3 takes riders north along the coast visiting the main port town Palamos, secluded cove Platja de Castell before arriving to our hotel, La Malcontenta. The longer cycling option takes you over a scenic mountain road involving a 5km-climb to the tiny village Romanya de la Selva at 300m and after that a rewarding and gentle descent back to the coast. This climb is the only significant challenge on this tour, contact us for the profile. Dinner included. Room category: Gran Suite.

Day 4 | Hotel La Malcontenta to Hotel Mas de Torrent - 34 km

Start the day with a swim at the Castell beach before visiting the family run cellar Can Sais. Cycle along the short and new Greenway rail conversion: Ruta del Tren Petit, another great cycling path connecting Palamos and Palafrugell with its adjacent beach resorts. Visit the fishing villages Calella de Palafrguell and Llafranc with its beaches and the Botanical garden Cap Roig. Dinner included. Room category: Garden Suite.

Day 5 | Torrent Loop Ride - 35 km

This could be a rest day by the pool combined with a ride through the rice fields and to the beach. En route you may visit the splendid medieval village of Pals, situated on top of a little hill with beautiful views over the Empordà and surrounding coastal area. This deluxe spa hotel offers numerous services and dining options. Dinner included again tonight. Room category: Garden Suite.

Day 6 | Ride from Torrent to Madremanya - 40 km

This route takes us right through the marvelous area “Empordanet”, a rolling countryside with a large number of medieval settlements: Palau-Sator, Peratallada and Rupia. You will arrive in a village of Madremanya and a small but charming hotel; La Placa. After feedback last year of a nearby castle hotel that was lacking in service, our guests loved this place instead. The ambiance is different than all other hotels so far in this tour; but your Suite is spacious and dripping with charm - a unique and marvelous way to finish; including the very decadent "Tasting Menu" included for your dinner!

Day 7 | Loop ride Medieval Villages - 38 km

On the last bike tour and your ultimate challenge on the bike you are invited to visit one of the local pottery shops with typical ceramics in the small town La Bisbal d Emporda. Explore the countryside in depth including some small but very charming medieval villages such as Monells, Madremanya and Pubol. In Pubol you can visit the Gala Dali Castle and discover the surrealist world of the prominent Catalan artist Salvador Dali. Return to Madremanya. Return to the same hotel, dinner included.

Day 8 | Departure Day

We are able to book a cooking class if you wish to stay an extra day; or in lieu of your ride on Day 7 above, we can book a cooking class on that day.

Other options: wine tasting with private guide, stop overs in Girona, Barcelona, and other activities. Please inquire in advance.

What's Included

- 7 nights 3 and 5 star lodging in suites as noted
- Deluxe buffet breakfast daily
- 6 gastronomic multi course dinners or 'tasting menus'
- All luggage transfers between hotels
- Local Girona based emergency support
- Orientation and bike set up, departure transfers,
- Road books with riding route maps and cue sheets, suggestions for visitation and lunch, info for sites to visit.

Additional services and stays can be arranged separately. A complete pre-travel set of documents will be sent upon completion of final payment and we are available to help book other services in Spain prior to or after your cycling tour.

This is our most expensive tour and was made to be the BEST accommodations possible. The sites could not be better and the rooms are among the best in the entire hotel. Dinners are top - gastronomic affairs with multiple courses prepared by professional chef teams using the best ingredients from the region. This is meant to be a high end package - the best of the best!

Lodging

Accommodation: all nights in deluxe hotels, in superior level rooms; only the first and last hotel are not 4 or 5 stars; but are superior to a nearby château hotel rated higher - service and personal ownership touch make the difference and feedback has confirmed it! This tour was built around these top quality establishments. The riding is left intentionally shorter to give you time to relax and enjoy all the amenities offered at these places: beach, spa, pool, gardens, gastronomic dining, live music, etc. Hotels include:

- Hotel Historic*** Jr Suite, Girona
- Hostal de la Gavina***** Suite, S'Agaró
- Hotel Malcontenta***** Grand Suite, La Fosca (Palamós)
- Hotel Mas de Torrent***** Masia or Garden Suite, Torrent
- Hotel La Placa*** Suite, Madremanya