Difficulty Rating : 9 Start : Girona Finish : Girona Daily Average : 119km (climb 1316m) Weekly Average : 565km Tour Type : Self Guided, Sportive Terrain : Mountainous, as with all our Sportive tours this is a challenge Teaser : This week-long itinerary provides amazing scenic routes while enjoying excellent accommodation and food
  • Overview

  • Trip Outline

  • Trip Includes

  • FAQ

  • What people say...

  • Pricing

  • Travel

  • Accomodation

  • Resources

  • Booking

The great tour of the Empordà starts in the magnificent city of Girona and offers a complete itinerary across the Empordà, one of the most beautiful landscapes of Catalonia.

Cyclists will have a fantastic view of this region, both of the inland and the coast. In few kilometers, riders will see a great variety of landscapes, such as medieval villages, little coves or traditional fishing villages. It’s a challenging route for medium level cyclists, due to its gradients that include safe mountains passes between 5 and 10km. This route also takes you to Cap de Creus National Park, the most eastern point of the Iberian Peninsula.

No details found.

A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Dossiers Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Girona

There is plenty to see and do in this magic historical city. Spend the day visiting the Cathedral, which has the broadest single nave of Gothic architecture in the world and getting lost through the narrow streets of the ancient Jewish quarter, one of the best preserved in the world. We also recommend a stroll along the Rambla or the medieval walls, which gives you a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

Day 2

Loop ride Girona – Ter river - Dalmai (49,7 km 473m+)

Your tour begins with a welcome meeting at our office, where we’ll go over the routes and key details. If you’re renting bikes with us, this will be followed by a bike fitting to ensure you’re all setup for your ride.

This route takes you through the peaceful inland countryside of the Llémena Valley along the Ter River, where you’ll pass by impressive ancient farmhouses scattered across the landscape. You’ll leave Girona heading west, following the river until you reach Bonmatí, where you’ll cross to the opposite bank.
From there, the route continues south with a 3.8 km climb, followed by a series of rolling roads through beautiful rural scenery. A gentle descent leads you to the ancient volcano of La Crosa—one of the region’s unique geological features. You’ll finish the ride by weaving through the open fields surrounding Girona, making your way back into the city.

Day 3

Girona – Sant Feliu de Guixols ( 53km 444m+)

The second stage begins on the Vies Verdes (Greenways), former railway lines now transformed into dedicated bike paths. From Llambilles, you’ll head out onto the Girona plain, riding through cornfields and past traditional farmhouses and small rural churches—such as the Mare de Déu del Remei, located between Campllong and Sant Andreu Salou.
In Llagostera, you’ll rejoin the Greenway and follow it all the way to today’s destination: the coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols.

Day 4

Sant Feliu de Guixols – Torrella de Montgri ( 53km 678m+)

You’ll start the day heading north along the coast to the traditional fishing village of Palamós. From there, you’ll climb to Cap Roig, home to stunning botanical gardens overlooking the sea.
Next, you’ll descend into Calella de Palafrugell, widely considered one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava. From this picturesque coastal spot, the route turns inland, taking you through a series of charming medieval villages such as Pals and Gualta, before arriving in Torroella de Montgrí.

Hard version: Distance: 54 km | Elevation Gain: 600 m
Today, you have the option to take a route with more climbing. This variant turns inland earlier and takes you up to Puig Cargol, a peak in the Les Gavarres range. After reaching the top, you’ll enjoy a long and scenic gravel descent.
The route then continues through a series of charming medieval villages, including Pals and Gualta, before arriving in Torroella de Montgrí.

Day 5

Torroella de Montgri – Casstello d‘Empuries ( 47 km 343m+)

This is a mostly flat stage with just one climb along the route. You’ll begin the day riding alongside the Ter River, following it all the way to a stunning beach where the river meets the sea.
From there, you’ll head north toward L’Estartit, where the route’s only climb begins—through the Parc Natural del Montgrí. At the top, take a moment to enjoy the sweeping views of the Mediterranean from Punta del Milà.
You’ll then descend into L’Escala, and from there it’s a flat and easy ride to Castelló d’Empúries.

Day 6

Castello - Figueres (46 km 327m+)

You’ll leave Castelló d’Empúries and head first to Empuriabrava, a unique village known for its extensive network of navigable canals. Your next stop is Roses, with its long sandy beaches and the option to visit the impressive Citadel of Roses.
At this point, you can choose between a shorter route or a longer, more adventurous option. The longer route takes you into the Cap de Creus Natural Park, climbing the gravel road up Puig Alt. After a well-earned descent, you’ll ride through a scenic plain dotted with vineyards and olive groves.
You’ll pass through the villages of Pau and Vilajuïga, both home to several local wine cellars, before continuing on through Peralada and finally arriving in Figueres.

Easier version: Distance: 46 km | Elevation Gain: 300 m
The shortcut option takes out the big climb to Puig Galt, instead in goes northwards from Roses and takes you to Figueres through Pau and Vilajuïga.
This is a mostly flat stage with just one climb along the route. You’ll begin the day riding alongside the Ter River, following it all the way to a stunning beach where the river meets the sea.
From there, you’ll head north toward L’Estartit, where the route’s only climb begins—through the Parc Natural del Montgrí. At the top, take a moment to enjoy the sweeping views of the Mediterranean from Punta del Milà.
You’ll then descend into L’Escala, and from there it’s a flat and easy ride to Castelló d’Empúries.

Day 7

Figueres – Girona (55 km 495m+)

On the final stage of the tour, you have two options: you can end on a high note with a challenging climb to the Sanctuary of Els Àngels, or opt for a more relaxed, flat route that follows the River Ter back to Girona.

You’ll leave Figueres riding through open fields and charming villages such as Vilamalla, Siurana, and Camallera. The route continues across the countryside until you reach Colomers, where you begin to follow the Ter River. Cross the river and head toward Sant Martí Vell to take on the final challenge—the climb to the Sanctuary of Els Àngels. Enjoy the spectacular views from the top and enjoy the descend into the centre of Girona.

Easier version: Distance: 55 km | Elevation Gain: 460 m
Instead of crossing the river for the final climb to the Sanctuary of Els Àngels, you can choose to follow the river for a more relaxed ride all the way to the centre of Girona.

Day 8

Girona

Tour ends after breakfast. Its possible to add extra nights in Girona for an extended holiday.

• 7 nights accommodation in chosen category (standard hotel 2-3* / premium hotel 4*)
• GPS garmin with tracks and maps or Ride With GPS app
• General information of the area
• Luggage transfer between hotel to hotel
• Hotline assistance during the trip from 8 am to 8 pm
• Bike delivery in Girona
• Tourist tax of €7.00 ( standard hotels ) and €10.50 ( premium hotels )

Services on request, not included:
• Flight and/or train tickets
• Transfers from/to the Barcelona or Girona airport
• Bike rental
• Add-on nights
• Laundry, Massage service, personal requests

Bike rental:
€315 Gravel 2 Spezialized, carbon frame
€380 Gravel 3 Spezializes, carbon frame, full suspension
€380 E-gravel bike, Alloy frame, alloy rims and disc brakes, Specialized motor / 50Nm / 320Wh

No Details Found

Tab content goes here

2026 Pyrenees & Costa Brava Self Guided Tour

Low Season (1 March - 2 April, 1 - 30 November)
€1070 per person sharing
€280 single room supplement
€965 third adult in triple room

Mid Season (3 April - 23 June, 1 - 31 October)
€1130 per person sharing 
€305 single room supplement
€1020 third adult in triple room

High Season (24 June - 30 September)
€1220 per person sharing
€360 single room supplement
€1100 third adult in triple room

Option to upgrade to Premium Accommodation:

Low Season (1 March - 2 April, 1 - 30 November)
€1345 per person sharing
€380 single room supplement
€1210 third adult in triple room

Mid Season (3 April - 23 June, 1 - 31 October)
€1550  per person sharing
€500 single room supplement
€1395 third adult in triple room

High Season (24 June - 30 September)
€1665  per person sharing
€600 single room supplement
€1500 third adult in triple room

All details are in our tour dossier or please email us for more information.

Self Guided Tour Information

This tour can start any day from 1st March to 16th November

How to get to the start point in Girona:

Girona Airport is the closest airport. Barcelona International airport is approx 110km away.

To Girona: by bus it takes 25 minutes.
To Girona by taxi takes 25 minutes.

Barcelona to Girona by bus: There are 6 buses/ day from Barcelona Airport to Girona city, it takes 2hours 30 minutes.
By train: T1-T2 shuttle bus schedule is from 5.30 hr to 24.00hr every 6 or 7 minutes approximately, and from 0.00 hr to 5.30 h. every 20 or 25 minutes. This bus is free and takes about 10 minutes. When you arrive in T2, you should take a train to Barcelona Sants, and then another one to Girona.

Also, we can arrange airport transfers. As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

Girona

Hotel Peninsular 3* (night 1, 2 & 7)

Girona image 1Girona image 1

 

Castelló d’Empúries

Hotel Canet 2* (night 5)

Castelló d’Empúries image 1Castelló d’Empúries image 1

Figueres

Hotel Ronda 3* (night 6)

Figueres image 1Figueres image 1

 

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available

Book now

Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

Section Divider

Other members of your group if applicable.

Please indicate below how many people are in your group including yourself.

Second person details

Third person details

Fourth person details

Fifth person details

 

Sixth person details

 

Seventh person details

 

Eighth person details

 

Ninth person details

 

Tenth person details

 

Section Divider (copy) (copy)

Accommodation

There are a few options available for your accommodation.
Please select your preference below

Section Divider (copy) (copy) (copy)

Other Information

Section Divider (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

Section Divider (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €300.00 non refundable deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The balancing payment is required two months prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The full payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

Hide Terms and Conditions

Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.