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Cycle Northern Spain
8 days, Barcelona to Barcelona
Itinerary Notes
More information about the equipment that we use for this trip, and any specifics about the route or itinerary can be found in the 'Important Notes' section of the Trip Details.
Itinerary
Day 1Barcelona
Arrive in Barcelona at any time.
If you arrive early, spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Spain’s second largest city, known worldwide for its dynamic atmosphere and exciting style.
For nightlife, the highest concentration of young and beautiful locals dancing the night away – both in the bars and on the street – can be found near the intersection of Santaló and Mariano Cubi streets. Here you can always find good music, good drinks, and lots of fun. Another good nightlife spot for meeting the fashionable locals of Barcelona is on the Plaza Francesc Maciá.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Gaudi House Museum
25-35EUR per personMontjuïc Visit
5EUR per personClimb to the top of Montjuïc hill for fantastic city views and a visit to a 17th-century fortress, once used as a prison and execution site.
Gothic Quarter Visit
FreeUncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.
La Barceloneta Visit
FreeTake a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.
La Sagrada Família Visit
17-37EUR per personVisit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.
Casa Batlló
25-30EUR per personDeemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone's trip to Barcelona.
Las Ramblas Visit
See and be seen on Las Ramblas, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people watching and window shopping that ends at the harbourfront facing the Mediterranean Sea.
Parque Güell Visit
10EUR per personGet away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.
Day 2Barcelona/Olot
Begin the journey with a morning train to the medieval town of Ripoll where bicycles await.
Take the Bici Carril, a former railway line that has been transformed into a bicycle route, which leads all the way from the Pyrenees as far as the Mediterranean Sea.
Enter into the Catalan Pyrenees proper, where most of the trip is spent.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Catalonia Cycling Excursion
Leave Ripoll behind and follow the Bici Carril through the lovely village of Sant Joan de les Abadesses on the way to the historic town of Olot for the night.
Enjoy a trail that’s gently graded and easy to follow, which continues through varied rural scenery dotted with small Catalunyan villages and sunflower fields. Pass over a hill approximately 7-8km (4-5 mi), which requires a fairly good fitness level.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Olot
Enjoy time to explore this lovely village and choose from the many optional activities available in the area.
Free Time
Wander around the village, stop in one of the many cafés or head out into the countryside.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Santa Margarida Volcano Trail
10EUR per personAbsorb stunning views and delightful scenery hiking the Santa Margarida volcano trail in the Natural Park of the Volcanic Area of the Garrotxa. Trek up to Santa Margarida’s crater and discover a secluded hermitage sitting in the middle of the verdant landscape.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Olot/Girona
Start the morning on the Bici Carril and cycle along from Olot to Girona.
Many bars and restaurants line Girona’s Calle la Força in the centre of the old city. The areas that surround the Rambla, Libertan, and Plaça del Vi are two of the best areas to grab a bite in the afternoon since they have ample outdoor seating. Another little enclave of restaurants with good menús del dia is over the river in Plaça de la Independencia.
Catalonia Cycling Excursion
Enjoy gentle gradients most of the way as you wind through sunflower fields and tree-lined canopies, crossing rivers and the occasional road until Girona.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Girona
Take a rest from biking and spend a well-earned free day in Girona.
Walk along the Passeig Arquaeologic, located outside the city walls, for an astounding view of the cathedral’s eleventh-century Charlemagne Tower.
Free Time
Free time to see the town or surrounding countryside.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Arab Baths Visit
2EUR per personVisit the gorgeous Banys Arabs, or Arab baths, built in the late twelfth century. Enjoy taking a step back in time wandering the rooms, and exploring the ancient architecture.
Cycling Lake Banyoles
FreeSpend some more time on your bike, if you wish, and take the opportunity to cycle to the nearby Lake Banyoles for some water fun: swim, row or go fishing.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Girona/Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Departing Girona, cycle to the Mediterranean Sea at Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Go for a swim or walk on the beach at the end of an active day. Be sure to enjoy some of the great local seafood for the evening meal.
Catalonia Cycling Excursion
Cycle the rest of the Bici Carril, heading down 40km (25 mi) to the Mediterranean Sea at Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Most of the trail crosses meadows and pine and eucalyptus forests. Enjoy an easily marked trail and a good route for getting to the coast.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Chapel of Sant Elm Visit
FreeVisit the chapel of Sant Elm for impressive panoramic views over the sea. It was rebuilt in 1723 over the remains of a defence tower.
Monastery Visit
FreeLearn about Sant Feliu de Guíxols’ rich culture and history at the Monastery complex, the home of the Cultural Centre and the History Museum, which organizes numerous exhibitions and activities year round and displays art from the town’s past. The complex of the Monastery, built in 1723 by the Benedictine Order, includes the Porta Ferradaj, the symbol of the town, and the Corn and Fum Towers.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Sant Feliu de Guíxols/Barcelona
Enjoy this lovely town, relax on the beach or do some hiking. Depart for Barcelona for a last night on the town with your newfound friends.
If looking for some less strenuous activities, opt to check out the local museum.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Windsurfing
Glide across the water while windsurfing in this prime location for watersports – a great place to give it a shot if you’ve never tried it before.
Kayaking
40EUR per personGrab your swimsuit and tour local waters by kayak. Explore the coastline and its coves and bays, and catch many sites you may have missed on shore.
Quad Biking
85EUR per personHead out on a quad bike to explore the beautiful scenic landscape surrounding Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Sailing
Enjoy sailing off the coast of Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Soak in the amazing nautical views and the fresh sea air.
Skydiving
150EUR per personGo skydiving and gain a bird's-eye view of the scenic local landscape (as well as new bragging rights).
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Barcelona
Depart at any time.
Please note: check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are usually available.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Gaudi House Museum
25-35EUR per personMontjuïc Visit
5EUR per personClimb to the top of Montjuïc hill for fantastic city views and a visit to a 17th-century fortress, once used as a prison and execution site.
Gothic Quarter Visit
FreeUncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.
La Barceloneta Visit
FreeTake a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.
La Sagrada Família Visit
17-37EUR per personVisit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.
Casa Batlló
25-30EUR per personDeemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone's trip to Barcelona.
Las Ramblas Visit
See and be seen on Las Ramblas, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people watching and window shopping that ends at the harbourfront facing the Mediterranean Sea.
Parque Güell Visit
10EUR per personGet away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.