Port Vendres PYreneeS CYCle trAverSe
This cycle tour takes in the superb scenery of both the Spanish and French Pyrenees and Mediterranean coast. Leaving Barcelona and the Costa Brava behind, we cycle through foothills with ancient walled towns and volcanic countryside into the Catalan Pyrenees. After a dramatic ascent to Coll de Ares we descend into France, passing verdant countryside and vineyards to the French coast before returning to Barcelona by train.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Flight to Barcelona. Day 2 Costa Brava Cycle the coastal road before heading inland along a peaceful trail to medieval Girona. Day 3 Volcanoes Continue along the quiet converted railway line, steadily upwards towards the Pyrenees. Discover the forest-clad dormant volcanoes of Garrotxa Natural Park. Day 4 Pyrenean pass Today we test our legs and gear up into the high mountains with an ascent to Coll de Ares pass. Freewheel into France on the downhill. Day 5 Amelies-Les-Bain Free to relax or enjoy the beautiful surroundings on a cycle to Canigo Mountain – the holy peak of the Catalans. Day 6 French Mediterranean Cycle the foothills on provincial roads passing Bolou vineyards, Lake Etang de Nazaire and finally reaching the Med at Canet. Day 7 Coastal ride We cycle the route that many Spanish civil war refugees would have trodden along the scenic coast.
Pyrenees Cycle Traverse Ref CPY CANET-EN-ROUSSILLON Etang de Nazaire
FR ANCE P
Canigo 2784m
Coll de Arés
Bas valley Campodron
Volcanic NP SPAIN e GIRONA
Sant Feliu de Guixols
Tossa del Mar Garrotxa Vineyards
AMELIES- LES-BAIN
OLOT Boulou Collioure
Vendres Port Pou
Port A inclusive from
£952 8 DAYS
moderate to strenuous cycling holiday
exploring the Pyrenees
Swim in Port Pou before catching the train back to Barcelona. Day 8 Fly to London.
For detailed information visit
www.explore.co.uk/tours/cpy
DETAILS Ref: CPY
Cycle grade MODERATE/STRENUOUS Comfort
Accommodation and Meals: 7 nights hotels. 7 breakfasts are included.
Included Bike: We provide 24 and 27 gear Conor City 350 hybrid bikes with front suspension – see trip notes for details.
Route and Terrain: On this tour we cycle 412 km over six days (an average of 69 km per day). We mostly follow provincial roads with little car traffic (85% tarmac roads, 15% converted railway line or paths). The most challenging ride is on day 4 when the Pyrenees pass Coll d’Arés needs to be conquered at 1513m altitude (1300m ascent). A support vehicle is available for emergencies throughout the tour. Maps will be provided for cyclists to travel individually or in groups while the tour leader drives the back up vehicle. We have graded the route as moderate to strenuous.
Group Size: Generally 10 to 16. TOUR DATES
The Pyrenees Cycle Traverse tour runs in the following months:
Jan
May Sep
BARCELONA
Barcelona Airport
Mediterranean Sea km
030 Feb
Jun Oct
Mar
Jul Nov
Apr Aug Dec
For full details of the dates and prices visit
explore.co.uk/tours/cpy
TOUR ONLY – 8 DAYS Tour price without flights from £749
or call our experts on 0844 875 1894 flight PYreneeS to the MeD
Ride with us on scenic dedicated cycle paths from the foothills of the Pyrénées to the Mediterranean coast. We pedal through northern Spain’s volcanic countryside and ancient walled villages to the port town of Sant Feliu du Guixos. We also stroll through the Ramblas in Barcelona, explore the medieval back-streets in Girona and enjoy some delicious Catalan cuisine.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Barcelona. Tour of downtown Barcelona. Day 2 Pyrenean foothills Take the train to Ripoll. Cycle along converted railway tracks across the lower mountain slopes to Olot, capital of the Garrotxa region. Day 3 Volcanic cones Ride through Garrotxa Natural Park: a wooded landscape of extinct volcanoes and ancient walled villages. See the Croscat volcanic crater. Day 4 Girona Follow the gentle greenway trail to the Roman town. Roam through the medieval back-streets and climb the city walls for views of the old quarter. Days 5/6 Mediterranean coast Explore Girona’s impressive cathedral and ancient Arabic Baths. Follow bike trails to the Mediterranean port town of Sant Feliu du Guixols. Spend a day relaxing on the beach, enjoying further bike rides or sampling the local Catalan cuisine. Day 7 Barcelona Drive to Barcelona, stopping to explore Antoni Gaudi’s magical Park Güell. Free afternoon in the city. Day 8 Fly to the UK.
DETAILS
Cycle grade EASY Comfort
Accommodation and Meals: 7 nights hotels. 7 breakfasts are included.
Included Bike: We provide 24 and 27 gear Conor City 350 hybrid bikes with front suspension – see trip notes for details.
Route and Terrain: On this tour we cycle 164 km over four days (an average of 41 km a day) and further optional rides are available. We follow undemanding and quiet converted railway tracks and some quiet country roads. There are 2 days with a little ascent (140-220m) and 1 day with a 390m ascent. 85% converted railway or paths; 15% tarmac roads. Maps will be provided for cyclists to travel individually or in groups. There is a back up vehicle for emergencies. We have graded the route as easy.
Group Size: Generally 10 to 16.
Pyrenees to the Med Ref CPM OLOT
F TOUR DATES RIPOLL r T
Old fortified town Explore city ramparts
GIRONA SPAIN
SANT FELIU DE GUIXOLS
Beaches & forests
Catalonian Capital Gaudi Architecture Ramblas
BARCELONA
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
km 0 30
TOUR ONLY – 8 DAYS Tour price without flights from £695
15
Bike trails in Zona Volcanica de la Garrotxa NP
The Pyrenees to the Med tour runs in the following months:
Jan
May Sep
Feb
Jun Oct
Mar
Jul Nov
Apr Aug Dec
For full details of the dates and prices visit
explore.co.uk/tours/cpm
An easy inclusive from
£899 8 DAYS
graded route through Catalonia in
northern Spain Ref: CPM flight
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