Costa Brava Explorer

Highlights include the incredible coastal roads into France via Collioure and the panoramic road between Sant Feliu de Guixols and Tossa de Mar, as well as famous training routes in the area. Three nights are spent in the old part of the provincial capital Girona. This is an area famous for cycling and the proving ground of many professional riders. In Girona, one can find the new and the old - with a city built up around a very long history, the old city offers narrow cobblestone streets that have been preserved and yet all the modern conveniences available.

For stronger riders, there is an option to add 2 more ride days into the Pyrenees from this day. This makes the trip a 8 night & 9 day trip and you ride another 125 miles; finishing back in Girona.

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. You have the rest of the day and night to explore Girona and its fantastic Old City. Enjoy the rest in the historic town of Girona with its charming old quarter including the former Jewish quarter and the Cathedral. The city is the home of many cycling champions, and the former home of a certain Texan rider. Dinner on your own - we'll give you several suggestions among the many good options available. We suggest any day to start except Mondays or Tuesdays.

Day 2 | Circular route Girona to Sant Hilari Sacalm - 106 km with option to add 28km

Orientation at 9:30 AM this morning at your hotel before you go off to ride. The first day on the bike provides riders with a chance to acclimatise and settle in to their bikes with a climb to over 800m in altitude to the mountain town of Sant Hilari. The climb to the town is approx. 15km and is an excellent training climb with its slack gradients but long distance (elevation gain around 1.000m). Riders then have a thrilling 18km descent to the town of Santa Coloma. This is famous training ride used by hundreds of both local and foreign riders. Today's route level is medium. Return to your Girona hotel and dinner included.

Day 3 | Girona to Sant Feliu de Guixols - 97 km

The second day is a harder ride taking riders south to the Costa Brava coast and a 100km blast on some of the finest cycling roads in the world containing three climbs as the road winds over the mountains to the Costa Brava. The first climb starts right outside Girona and brings riders into the Gavarres Mountains to complete the iconic Els Angels climb, made famous by the US postal team, which was based in Girona. The second climb up to Santa Pellaia pass is another challenge and offers fantastic panoramic views. The last and easiest climb brings us to the coast at Tossa de Mar where we finish the day with one of the most breathtaking coastal roads between Tossa and Sant Feliu. Today's route level: Medium-Hard. Lodging is 4 star ocean side hotel, dinner included.

Day 4 | Sant Feliu de Guixols to Platja de Pals (Pals Beach) - 60 km

Today, Day 4, takes riders through the hilly back country and the route crosses the Gavarres via the beautiful village of Romanya de la Selva until reaching the town of La Bisbal d Emporda famous for its production of ceramics. Then continuing on route to a number of historic villages including Peratallada, Pals and Palau-Sator. You arrive at your hotel near the walled medieval town Pals, a top quality deluxe hotel on the beach. Today's route level: Medium-hard. Dinner included.

Day 5 | Platja de Pals (Pals Beach) to El Port de la Selva - 77 km with 40km option

In the morning you cross the Ter River and have gentle cycling along the Montgri massif until entering the long Bay of Roses allowing riders to warm up before the exciting climb to the 10th century monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes at 532 m with breathtaking views to the coastline below. The route then descends dramatically to the old fishing villages of El Port de la Selva and our hotel. Optional extension to Cadaques and Portlligat, the former home of Salvador Dali and even further to the lighthouse at beautiful nature reserve Cap de Creus crossing the protected area and easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. Dinner included.

Day 6 | Port de la Selva to Colliure (France) to Figueres - 96 km

Today riders cross over the French border along the coastal road to the charming town Colliure with its rich medieval heritage. Riders return to Spain over the pass of Banyuls and passing through the stunning olive groves and vineyards around the town of Espolla, finishing in the city of Figueres, home of Salvadore Dali. Todays route level: Medium-hard. Nice 3 star hotel in Figueres with dinner included at the hotel tonight.

Day 7 | Figueres to Girona - 67 km short or 117km long

Take your time to visit the world famous Theatre-Museum Dali, still the most visited tourist sites in Spain. Today riders can choose between a shorter and easier tour and another one that enters the foothills of the Pyrenees. The ride takes us from the Alt Emporda south crossing the Fluvia and Ter rivers. This route passes through Pubol, famous for the House-museum Gala-Dalí castle. The route continues with another climb to the mountain top Monastery of Mare de Deu dels Angels at 484m giving a last challenge before riders return to Girona. (B)

OPTION: for stronger riders, there is an option to add 2 more ride days into the Pyrenees from this day. This makes the trip a 8 night & 9 day trip and you ride another 200 km; finishing back in Girona.

Day 8 | Departure Day

You are free to take your time in the morning, breakfast included. Leave your bikes at the hotel for us to collect later. Trains for Barcelona depart all day long. We are available to help with add-ons, please inquire.

We can arrange stays in Barcelona as well if booked in advance.

What's Included
- 7 nights total; 4 star lodging on five nights and 2 nights excellent 3 star hotels
- Breakfast daily,
- 4 top quality dinners
- Luggage transfers daily
- Local Girona based emergency support throughout the tour
- Orientation and bike set up on Day 2
- Bike return, road books with riding route maps and cue sheets
- Suggestions for visitation and dining.

Lodging
Accommodation: 7 nights in excellent 3 and 4 star hotels. The rooms include a mix of junior suites, superior and standard rooms in deluxe hotels. All lodging offers private bathroom and a variety of other amenities. Hotels include:
- Hotel Historic****, Girona (3 nights)
- Hotel S'Agaro****, Sant Feliu de Guixols
- Hotel Sa Punta****, Pals beach
- Hotel Portocristo****, El Port de la Selva
- Hotel Duran***, Figueres
- Hotel Calitxo***, Molló (extended route version)