Spain: Barcelona & Costa Brava

6 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
The hills along Spain’s Costa Brava are a famous training ground for professional cyclists—and with this innovative self-guided cycling vacation, they’re well within reach for riders of all levels of ability. In medieval Girona, you’ll meet your local Spanish host who gives you an insider’s view of Catalonia—and is available 24/7 if you need support along the...
From$2,395
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Explore Girona’s cultural treasures, including the old Jewish quarter, medieval walls, Gothic churches, and Romanesque architecture.
    • Savor superb Catalan seafood and farm-fresh cuisine, complemented by excellent local wines including sparkling cava.
    • Cycle through history, stopping to view Greco-Roman ruins at Empúries, Gothic gems in Girona, and charming medieval villages.
    • Discover the most important Greco-Roman ruins on the Iberian Peninsula at the coastal archeological site at Empúries.
    • Immerse yourself in authentic Catalonian village life in historic Pals.

What's this trip about?

    The hills along Spain’s Costa Brava are a famous training ground for professional cyclists—and with this innovative self-guided cycling vacation, they’re well within reach for riders of all levels of ability. In medieval Girona, you’ll meet your local Spanish host who gives you an insider’s view of Catalonia—and is available 24/7 if you need support along the way. From there, you’re free to explore at your own pace—winding your way through quaint farming villages, perhaps even challenging yourself to crest some of Spain’s legendary climbs if you choose. Pedal along the legendary Costa Brava, spinning through the coastal pine forest that astounded Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dali with its beauty. In the evenings, return to authentic boutique hotels where you’ll enjoy splendid Spanish wines, seaside sunsets—and a sumptuous, included dinner in a Michelin-recognized restaurant.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIndependent
Age range13 to 80 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityGirona
End CityEmpúries

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Photography

Destinations

Attractions

  • Barcelona

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Wine Tasting
  • Self-Guided & Independent

Trip includes

    • Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
    • Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
    • Support Vehicle
    • Luggage Transportation
    • Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
    • Welcome Reception
    • Facilitated Cultural Experiences
    • Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure

Itinerary

Travel Map
DAY 1: VBT Self-Guided Bicycle Vacation begins / Ride Girona loop

We suggest arriving in Spain at least one day prior to the tour start date as your tour begins at 1:00 p.m. Make your own independent travel arrangements to Girona.

Meet your VBT Local host at 1:00 p.m., along with any other VBT guests arriving on the same day,...

DAY 2: Cycle Girona to Pals / Move on Day

Today you will cycle out of Girona heading east toward the Mediterranean. After winding your way out of the city, you have two options to get to the coast. One option contains a long climb favored by the many cyclists drawn to the region. You’ll quickly see why, as yo...

DAY 3: Pals to Llafranc / Move on Day

Today’s ride leads you to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and Spain’s Costa Brava. You will start your ride along bucolic country roads, passing meadows and fertile farmland. Catalan masias, country houses like the one you stayed in last night, round out this pict...

DAY 4: Llafranc to Empúries / Move on Day

Today’s ride takes you up and over the coastal range, through the gentle plains of the Costa Brava, then north from the Baix (or lower) Empordà to the Alt (or upper) Empordà, with ample opportunity to stop and explore. Your ride begins in a dreamy landscape of medieva...

DAY 5: Empúries / Stay Put Day

Take today to kick back and enjoy your seaside hotel. You can paddle board or relax on the beach, then stroll through the former fishing port of nearby L’Escala. Anchovies were the main catch here and remain central to the town’s annual October festival. If you’d like...

DAY 6: VBT Self-Guided Bicycle Vacation ends

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and depart on your own. Depending upon your destination, it may not be possible to depart for the U.S. on the last day of the tour. Please check airline schedules carefully.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,395
Price per day$399
Last Updated: 5/17/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with VBT Bicycling Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

VBT Bicycling Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
579
Great
42
Average
11
Disappointing
4
Terrible
3
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Absolutely stunning scenery with relatively easy cycling.

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Tour Operator

VBT Bicycling Vacations

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Since 1971, VBT has crafted immersive and authentic biking vacations for active travelers. When you travel with VBT, you’re not just another tourist—you’re a traveler. With us, you’ll experience your destination with the help of a local, bilingual trip leader with a passion for sharing their home with you. You’ll eat in local restaurants, stay in accommodations that have been family-owned for generations and cycle through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages. 


With VBT, you won’t just visit a place—you’ll immerse yourself in it. You might follow a centuries-old pasta recipe while taking a cooking class in Rome—or learn a folk dance in Croatia, followed by sharing a bottle of locally-produced Grk wine with your new friends. Exploring the world on two wheels lets you experience your surroundings on a deeper level.

 

VBT offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. Simply put, no other US-based active travel company offers an experience this rich for such a reasonable price. On our tours, you can see more sights, have more local experiences, and enjoy more delicious, authentic meals—all while staying in high-quality, boutique hotels and charming, family-run inns.

 

All you have to do is show up at the airport—we’ll handle the rest! From tour consultants who help you find the perfect vacation to expert local trip leaders who show you the best place for gelato, we take care of all the little details that make your trip memorable. We book your flights, arrange all your transportation and accommodations, and move your luggage between hotels. Our support vans are available to give you a lift up a hill or quickly fix a flat tire. VBT takes care of your travel details and creates unique itineraries so you can relax and enjoy your small-group vacation from start to finish.

 

Friendly camaraderie, cultural immersion, and casual comforts are the hallmarks of our vacations. Discover delightful people, beautiful hotels, foreign cultures, and fascinating lifestyles that will enrich your life and provide memories for years to come.

What they’re known for
VBT Cycling are renowned for offering exceptional guided and self-guided bicycle tours worldwide.

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Logistics

Accommodation

5 nights in boutique hotels

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

6 meals: 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Age Requirements
13 to 80 years
Additional Information

This tour offers a combination of easy terrain and moderate hills and is ideal for beginner and experienced cyclists. Rides are on flat to rolling paved roads and bike lanes. The Mediterranean landscape of the interior has rolling hills. As you ride closer to the coastal towns, the roads will be flatter but busier. Some historic centers have cobblestone roads. Please verify your bike selection for this tour, as it is not always possible to change bikes once you arrive on tour. Travel with your friends and family—we can accommodate multiple guests on this self-guided vacation. Our 24/7 support system is available as needed.

Daily Mileage: 18 - 31 miles| Biking: 2 - 5 hours

Trip ID
vbt-vbt-SpBa

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