Self-guided cycling
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
13.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Book Early and Save 10%. T&Cs Apply
Rich with medieval villages, historic castles and churches, Catalonia (Catalunya) is contrasted with an impressive rocky coastline, dotted with pretty fishing villages, crystal-clear waters and beautiful golden sandy beaches. Steeped in culture and history, Catalonia's traditions date back over thousands of years.
This holiday is packed with stunning scenery and a wealth of fascinating historical and cultural discoveries that date back to Greek and Roman times. Your holiday starts and ends in the pretty seafront town of Calella de Palafrugell. From here, you'll head north, via Begur, to Torroella de Montgri and its hilltop 13th century castle with panoramic views across the Emporda plain. You'll continue via the coast and Empuries, where you can visit the Greek and Roman ruins, on to Figueres, the famous birthplace of Salvador Dali. Heading west, we follow undulating roads through deep green meadows and cork forests to the city of Girona with its impressive architecture and great dining choices. Your final stretch takes you along an old narrow gauge railway line, now a Via Verde, which heads down to the coast. Continue on past Platja d'Aro and Calonge to Calella de Palafrugell.
The hotels on this holiday are as varied as the scenery, and include the Hotel Garbi, overlooking the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell; the contemporary Hotel Moli del Mig; a converted 15th century mill in Torroella de Montgri and two chic town hotels one which has a small pool.
Arrive in Calella and head to the local 'blue flag' beaches or relax by the hotel pool before dinner. Enjoy your dinner at the hotel or there are plenty of beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy a good view along with your dinner just a short walk away from the hotel.
You stay at Hotel Garbi.
The Hotel Garbi is located on the hillside overlooking the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell with its own extensive gardens, shaded by pines.
The Hotel is family-run and has a warm welcoming atmosphere where its friendly staff will do their utmost to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
The hotel also has a car park-for anyone who would like to drive to this hotel.
Room upgrades: Duplex Superior Room.
Duplex Superior rooms offer the same facilities as a standard room with the addition of a mezzanine level with sofa
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Today's 'warm-up' ride takes you inland through Palafrugell, then on to Begur with its hilltop mediaeval castle remains and its colonial Cuban-influenced villas, built by locals who emigrated to Cuba and returned once they had made their fortunes. Visit the fabulous sweep of beach at Platja de Pals then continue on to Torroella de Montgri for two nights.
You stay at Hotel Moli del Mig.
The Moli del Mig is a beautiful combination of a converted mill from the 15th Century and a newly constructed modernist building with 19 rooms. The restaurant with its large windows offers great views across the 7HA of gardens and fields. There is also a garden terrace and pool with children's pool.
Room upgrades: Superior, Superior with balcony, Junior Suite or Junior Suite with balcony.
Superior room is a slightly larger room at 18m2 (standard room = 15m2). Junior Suite is a larger room at 25m2 & has a king size bed & jacuzzi
Cycle into Torroella and explore the mediaeval centre and walls, originally the Royal Port for the Kings of Aragon, before the River Ter silted up and the port was moved to nearby L'Estartit. You could cycle here for some great beaches or walk up to the 13th century fortress, Montgri Castle, set on the top of the Montgri Massif, overlooking the town and the Emporda plain beyond.
You stay at Hotel Moli del Mig.
The Moli del Mig is a beautiful combination of a converted mill from the 15th Century and a newly constructed modernist building with 19 rooms. The restaurant with its large windows offers great views across the 7HA of gardens and fields. There is also a garden terrace and pool with children's pool.
Room upgrades: Superior, Superior with balcony, Junior Suite or Junior Suite with balcony.
Superior room is a slightly larger room at 18m2 (standard room = 15m2). Junior Suite is a larger room at 25m2 & has a king size bed & jacuzzi
Follow flat country lanes to the coast at L'Escala and explore the ancient Greek and Roman Empuries ruins. The town was founded in 575 BC by Greek colonists, later occupied by the Romans, then abandoned in the Middle Ages due to its exposed coastal position leaving it open to attack. Cycle on to Castello d'Empuries, with its 1,000-year-old church, Santa Maria de Castello, before continuing on to Figueres.
You stay at Hotel Pirineos.
The Hotel Pirineos, originally built in 1961 has been completely renovated in 2016. It has a great location in Figueres just a short walk from the Dali Museum. It has been always run by the Pelegri Family and is now run by Joan Pelegri, the son of the original owners. It's 54 rooms are decorated in a modern airy fashion and feature all mod-cons. It's on site restaurant offers superb Catalan food, due to its location it is also easy to choose one of the many bars and restaurants in Figueres.
Explore Figueres today. Stroll along La Rambla and discover the old town's mediaeval squares and arches. As the birthplace of Salvador Dali, the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dali, designed by the artist himself, is a must-see. Also visit the 18th century Sant Ferran Castle, a large military fortress (the largest monument in Catalonia), built with a pentagonal plan and sophisticated construction techniques for the time.
You stay at Hotel Pirineos.
The Hotel Pirineos, originally built in 1961 has been completely renovated in 2016. It has a great location in Figueres just a short walk from the Dali Museum. It has been always run by the Pelegri Family and is now run by Joan Pelegri, the son of the original owners. It's 54 rooms are decorated in a modern airy fashion and feature all mod-cons. It's on site restaurant offers superb Catalan food, due to its location it is also easy to choose one of the many bars and restaurants in Figueres.
Heading further inland, we follow an undulating route through deep green meadows, cork forests and tiny charming hamlets. Then follow the Rivers Ter and Onyar into the region's capital Girona.
You stay at Hotel Ciutat de Girona.
The Hotel Ciutat de Girona is located in the historic centre and the beating heart of Girona and is just a 10 minute walk from the train station. The majestic Girona cathedral with the widest nave in the world is only 2 minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel has been decorated with iconic images of Girona's past, the historic pictures sit well with the modern decor of the hotel. The restaurant of the hotel if you decide to eat there prides itself on serving food using local products all of which come from a 62.1 mile radius.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Explore this stunning city, dating back to pre-Roman times. Walk the city walls for a different perspective of the sights: discover the Placa de la Independencia, the impressive cathedral, the Jewish Quarter and the Onyar River's picturesque bridges and painted houses. A regular fast train can take you to Barcelona for a day in the Catalan capital. Or cycle to Catalonia's largest natural lake 'Estany de Banyoles' the venue for 1992 Olympic rowing events.
You stay at Hotel Ciutat de Girona.
The Hotel Ciutat de Girona is located in the historic centre and the beating heart of Girona and is just a 10 minute walk from the train station. The majestic Girona cathedral with the widest nave in the world is only 2 minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel has been decorated with iconic images of Girona's past, the historic pictures sit well with the modern decor of the hotel. The restaurant of the hotel if you decide to eat there prides itself on serving food using local products all of which come from a 62.1 mile radius.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Ride out of Girona on the Via Verde, an old narrow-gauge railway line that heads, mostly downhill, all the way to the coast. Continue around the coast past Platja d'Aro and Calonge to the seafront town of Calella de Palafrugell.
You stay at Hotel Garbi.
The Hotel Garbi is located on the hillside overlooking the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell with its own extensive gardens, shaded by pines.
The Hotel is family-run and has a warm welcoming atmosphere where its friendly staff will do their utmost to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
The hotel also has a car park-for anyone who would like to drive to this hotel.
Room upgrades: Duplex Superior Room.
Duplex Superior rooms offer the same facilities as a standard room with the addition of a mezzanine level with sofa
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Please note that cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Spain. As we cannot provide these, we strongly recommend you bring your own. Please see our Planning your holiday page for full details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Gallery Hotel, Barcelona; Hotel Ciutat de Girona, Girona.
Located in the centre of Barcelona, the Gallery Hotel has 25 years of experience to take care of you during your stay. The rooms are bright and have lots of home comforts included. The hotel also boasts a roof top pool and garden terrace.
The Hotel Ciutat de Girona is located in the historic centre and the beating heart of Girona and is just a 10 minute walk from the train station. The majestic Girona cathedral with the widest nave in the world is only 2 minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel has been decorated with iconic images of Girona's past, the historic pictures sit well with the modern decor of the hotel. The restaurant of the hotel if you decide to eat there prides itself on serving food using local products all of which come from a 62.1 mile radius.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £225.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Barcelona airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided cycling
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
13.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire