Catalonia & Girona (Spanish Pyrenees)
- Experience the favourite European cycling spots of the pros in this fantastic region famed for its cycling
- Flexible itinerary to suit most cyclists with daily optional extras for those wanting more of a challenge
- Discover some of the hidden gems of the Vuelta d'Espana: cycle Rocacorba, Coll de Canes, Vallter 2000, and Collada de Collfred
- Spend two nights in Girona, the cycling mecca of Europe
- Stay in comfortable and friendly hotels with experience of catering to cyclists
- Exceptional support from two customised support vans and our two expert, proactive and fun guides, focused on making your holiday the best it can be
Days on the bike
Quote
Good value for money - I can honestly say that I have tried several other companies and without doubt, Marmot have shone above the rest - the guides, the van support and the ready access to food and water on the go is absolutely worth the money.
Introduction
With its temperate climate, laid-back Catalan culture, and a huge variety of traffic-free mountain roads to train on, Girona has steadily become Spain's epicentre of cycling and a firm favourite with the pros for training.
We've crafted the itinerary of this Marmot Classic style holiday with this in mind, so you too can experience the wonderful, almost traffic-free roads that the pros favour. The flexible itinerary caters for a range of fitness levels and aspirations and includes the best cycling this region has to offer. You'll climb on mostly mellow gradients, traverse lush green valleys and enjoy sweeping descents on smooth tarmac through a range of breathtaking scenery, staying in quality hotels each night.
The climate in Catalonia makes this tour an ideal spring and autumn European cycling holiday destination. You'll have the choice of two to three routes each day so it's up to you how much you want to push yourself. We've designed a ‘Classic’ route which, compared to other Marmot Classic style holidays is more manageable and achievable. However, if you're looking for more of a cycling challenge, want to treat this as an early season training week, or an opportunity to test your end-of-season fitness levels, then you'll love the daily ‘Challenge’ route. Whatever your aspirations, this holiday has something for all fit cyclists. With full support from two of our expert, fun-loving guides and their bespoke support vehicles, this is the perfect cycling tour in Catalonia, where all you need to think about is turning the pedals and enjoying your time in and out of the saddle.
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Girona, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! The weather is likely to vary during your trip, and even during fine weather it can be cold in the morning and on descents. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from cold and rain.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable hotels with ensuite facilities, ranging from 2* to 4*. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will typically start with breakfast from around 08:30 with set off time at around 09:45 to 10:15. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 14:00 to 16:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:30. Dinner is usually served at 20:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Travel Documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
Departure Dates & Prices
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included airport transfers (a journey of 2hrs) at scheduled times during the day from Barcelona Airport (BCN) or Girona Airport (GRO) to our start hotel in the lakeside town of Banyoles.
Depending on your arrival time, you can wander into the historic town centre or head out on the bike for a warm-up ride. The beautiful climb to the 12th-century Santuari de Rocacorba (960m) is too good to be ignored. Many pro cyclists who live and train the area use this as a benchmark climb to test their form. A quick nip up this quiet, yet surprisingly challenging 14km climb will likely have you rubbing shoulders with a pro or two. On a clear day, you can see the Pyrenees to the north, which is the direction we head tomorrow ...
Warm-up ride to Rocacorba : 28 KM with 850m ascent [ride profile]
Day 1: Banyoles to Setcases
Today you leave Banyoles behind and head into the Catalan Pyrenees and the volcanic national park of the Garrotxa, twisting and turning your way up favourable gradients on the quiet and bike-friendly roads that this region is famous for. The diminutive Coll de Caselles (623m) is first on the menu, taking you into the town of Olot for some welcome refreshments. From here you're off into the amazing landscape of black volcanic rock, riding between the (now dormant) volcanos and over Coll de Capsacosta (870m).
Your destination for the day is the mountain hamlet of Setcases, located conveniently at the base of the famous Vallter 2000 (2156m) - our optional extra for the day. Vallter 2000 features regularly in both La Vuelta a España and Volta a Catalunya and holds the title of 'the highest road climb in Catalonia'. Now there's a feather for your casquette!
Classic : 73 KM with 1530m ascent
Harder : 81 KM with 2000m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 105 KM with 2900m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Setcases to Ripoll
Being so close to the French border, it's a great opportunity to head over for a visit, and all that stands in your way on our Challenge route is the mountain pass of Col d'Ares (1513m).
Our Classic route today bypasses the Col d'Ares and undulates over Coll de la Buixeda (1092m) and Coll de Pera (790m) . The route has a downhill bias to the municipality of Castellfollit de la Roca, famous for its basalt cliffs and rock formations formed by centuries-old volcanic lava.
You head west from here, skirting the town of Olot and climbing on gentle gradients up the side of the valley to the summit of Col de Canes (1121m). Having featured in both La Vuelta a España and Volta a Catalunya, this road is favoured by local riders for its lack of cars and good surface. A flowing descent through lush green countryside leads you to your hotel in Ripoll, a quiet Pyrenean town most famous for its Benedictine monastery and historic iron and coal mines.
Classic : 95 KM with 1500m ascent
Challenge : 123 KM with 2160m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Ripoll to Vic
Leaving Ripoll behind you, you head out to our most westerly point of the week, on mountain roads that get quieter and quieter as you go. Our Classic route takes you over the unassuming Coll de Merolla (1100m) and down its sweeping tree-lined descent, before you turn left and head south onto roads that seem to have been built especially for cyclists! 'Undulations' are the order of the day as you make your way along to Alto de Sobremunt (889m) and on to yet another jaw-dropping descent, to the plains surrounding the town of Vic.
Our Challenge option today takes an early northern detour to the summit of Coll de la Creueta (1935m) before re-joining the Classic route.
You stay in the centre of the ancient Roman town of Vic for the night where we enjoy the serenity of our historic hotel, formally a theological college.
Classic : 99 KM with 1350m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 108 KM with 1780m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 128 KM with 2300m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Vic to Girona - Massif del Montseny
Your destination today is Girona, famous for its medieval architecture, historic walled quarter (Barri Vell) and the Roman remains of the Força Vella fortress. It is, of course, popular with cyclists, and today you'll see just why ...This morning you'll explore the Montseny Massif on tree-lined roads with spectacular views. The Classic route takes in the Collada de Vilar (780m), the Coll de Gomara (891m) and the Alto de Santa Fe - north (1303m). The Challenge route splits off early to take on the Coll Formic (1144m) and the Alto de Santa Fe - south (1303m).
After stopping for refreshments in the pretty town of Sant Hilari Sacalm, you move into the Guilleries Massif to enjoy winding forested roads that undulate downhill to our 4-star hotel in the centre of Girona.
There are many route options today, allowing you the flexibility to choose between time on the bike or an earlier finish. Girona is a beautiful place to explore with a rich cycling culture, so why not head out on foot and explore the back streets, bike cafes and monuments.
Easier : 88 KM with 1200m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 110 KM with 1600m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 137 KM with 2400m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Day Ride from Girona
There are many great rides to be done from Girona, which is why the city has become such a prime cycling destination. Today you have the opportunity to take on the gradients of the Mare de Deu del Mont (1095m), arguably the best climb in the region. It is a narrow and beautiful road through the forest to the highest point around, and the views are well worth the effort once you get there!
On the way back via Banyoles, those wanting a really tough day could detour up to the Santuari de Rocacorba (960m), if you did not get to do it on the arrival day.
The other option today is to have a well-earned rest day off the bike to explore the historic city or relax in one of its famous cycling cafés.
**Tonight’s dinner is not included so you can enjoy one of the many fine restaurants in town.**
Classic : 112 KM with 1500m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 126 KM with 2000m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 149 KM with 2800m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Girona to Tossa de Mar
Cliff-hugging roads, a cool sea breeze and views that stretch for miles are all on the agenda today. You leave Girona on a road ridden by almost every cyclist in the region, to the summit of a climb that is popular with both amateur and professional cyclists alike, Els Angels (475m). It is a steady climb nestled in the trees, ending at a chapel that commands dramatic panoramic views for miles around.
From here you are bound for the coast, but as always there are options! Those of you who want a slightly less challenging afternoon can choose to follow the coast road along to Tossa de Mar, whereas for the rest of you there are some spectacular climbs left to sample!
Following the Classic or Challenge routes will take you up and over the diminutive Romanyà de la Selva (323m) before heading back to sea-level for refreshments. What lies ahead of you from here is one of the prettiest stretches of coast road that the region has to offer - what better way to round off your adventure? Those following the Challenge route head inland again to tick off two last 'hills' before descending back to take on the spectacular coast road for the final time. All that is left to do now is relax, wine, dine, and share stories of a fantastic week on the bike.
Easier : 82 KM with 1150m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 95 KM with 1400m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 139 KM with 2100m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and that's the end of your week in Catalonia with us! We offer transfers back to Barcelona Airport (BCN) or Girona Airport (GRO) at set times, with a journey time of approx.1hr 45min.
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Girona, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! The weather is likely to vary during your trip, and even during fine weather it can be cold in the morning and on descents. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from cold and rain.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable hotels with ensuite facilities, ranging from 2* to 4*. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will typically start with breakfast from around 08:30 with set off time at around 09:45 to 10:15. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 14:00 to 16:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:30. Dinner is usually served at 20:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Travel Documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
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