Beyond Cycling in Girona, Spain

We will shuttle approximately two hours from Girona centre (meeting point Girona train station at 10:00) to the Hotel Spa Resguard dels Vents in Ribes de Fraser. After a welcome briefing, bike fitting, and a light lunch at the hotel, you can choose to join your guides on a 22 km out-and-back ride through the Vall de Núria, a valley cutting through the crest of the Pyrenees and surrounded by mountains of up to 3,000 meters in height. If you choose not to ride, you can still see the valley and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria by rack railway (€31 round trip, includes basilica visit, must reserve in advance) or take in the mountain views from the hotel's spa. Your guides will host a welcome social to give you an overview of the tour on the terrace of the hotel prior to dinner.

Eat: Lunch and Dinner

Sleep: Hotel Spa

Cycle: Vall de Nuria - 22 km, 900m

Today we will tackle the Vallter 2000, the highest road climb in Catalunya, ascending to over 2000 m in altitude (hence the name). The climb has been used in both the Vuelta a España and Volta a Catalunya professional cycling races. Although it is only 12 km in length, it is a challenge that is considered a bucket list for climbing aficionados. The ascent is particularly scenic on a clear day when you can see the majestic Pic de la Dona towering over the border between France and Spain. After reaching the summit, you'll be rewarded with a picnic lunch prepared by your guides. You'll end the ride with a descent through the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees to Llanars, a village nestled in the meadows of the l'Alta Vall de Ter centered around the Romanesque church of Sant Esteve. The hotel's pool, spa, and jacuzzi will be particularly welcoming after such a challenging day!

Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Sleep: Hotel Spa

Cycle: Ribes de Freser - 83 km, 1820 m

Today we leave the Pyrenees behind and make our way south down a winding road through a series of medieval villages - immaculately preserved Beget, cliff topping Castellfollit d'en Roca, and magnificent Besalú. We'll have lunch overlooking the impressive Romanesque bridge, absorbing the vestiges of the town's rich Jewish history and its leading role in Catalan history. The ride continues to the Pla de l'Estany and our beautiul hotel. Spend the afternoon swimming in the panoramic pool or relaxing in the abundant gardens of our hotel, an estate of fields and oak forests.

Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Sleep: Hotel and Villas

Cycle: Llanars to Ollers - 85 km, 1450 m

Our journey continues to Banyoles Lake, the largest in Catalunya. You may be tempted to take a refreshing swim, but watch out for El Drac de Banyoles, the mythical water dragon said to inhabit the depths of the lake! After riding around the lake we set a course north east towards the town of Figueres. At our boutique hotel a variety of pools and a spa await to revive you! In the afternoon we'll visit the Salvador Dalí's Theatre Museum in the centre of Figueres.

Eat: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Sleep: Hotel Boutique and Spa

Cycle: Ollers to Figueres - 48 km, 650m

Today we explore the landscape that inspired Dalí to create so much striking and bizarre imagery. This loop route is the highlight of our tour for those who enjoy the dramatic interspersion of wooded coves, high cliffs, beautiful beaches and deep blue water. You'll enjoy rolling roads as you get your first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea and begin a climb to the the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. One of the most sophisticated examples of Catalan Romanesque architecture, Sant Pere de Rodes stands on a peak of the Serra de Rodes, a mountain range overlooking the Cap de Creus. The breathtaking descent takes us to the whitewashed seaside town of El Port de la Selva, clinging to the butresses of the Serra de Rodes. We'll cross the border into France and enjoy lunch à la française in the delightful seaside town of Banyuls-sur-Mer, located around the Cote Vermeille, a natural bay. Finally, we'll climb back into Catalunya through the terraced vineyards of the Alt Empordà. Dinner tonight is at one of our favorite restaurants of the tour - guests rave about the exquistively prepared cuisine and attentive service!

Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Sleep: Hotel Boutique & Spa

Cycle: Costa Brava loop - 78 km, 1900 m

Today's route winds through the Baix Empordà, passing by bell towers, towers, fragments of walls, characteristic of the medieval villages that are scattered amongst the territory. The last challenge of the tour awaits us--another classic climb of Girona, up to the Santuario de la Mare de Déu dels Àngels. Built at the one of the highest points of the Gavarres massif, this important pilgrimage center offers an extraordinary panoramic view of Girona, the Baix Empordà, the Medes Islands, the Pyrenees, the Montseny and the Guilleries. Salvador Dalí and his muse Gala were married there in 1958. Your ride will finish in the elegant, provincial capital of the province, Girona. It's most well known feature is a beautiful walled medieval quarter, Barri Vell, perched on a hill above the city. Girona is a delight to explore a delight to explore, with narrow cobbled alleyways, shady little plaças, and pastel-hued houses clinging to the banks of the Ríu Onyar. Right in the center of it all is the Eat Sleep Cycle flagship store and cafe, where we will have lunch. Take some time to explore Girona's historic core, and see if you can spot all the locations used during the filming of Game of Thrones before our farewell dinner in one of the city's celebrated restaurants.

Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Sleep: Hotels

Cycle: Figueres to Girona - 89 km, 1200 m

Today we will say adéu as you choose to depart Girona at your leisure. Hopefully you've planned a few more days to immerse yourselves fully in the cycling mecca. However, if your time in Girona must come to an end, the train station is a ten minute walk from the hotel and provides connections to Barcelona and all other regions of Spain. Your guides will be happy to assist with offering suggestions for your onward travel. We hope you have enjoyed your tour of Girona and beyond with Eat Sleep Cycle!

Eat: Breakfast