Guided Costa Brava and Emporda Food, Wine and Bike Tour
This guided bike tour through Catalonia blends scenic riding, rich history, and unforgettable food and wine into a relaxed yet immersive experience. Beginning in the vibrant medieval city of Girona, you will ride quiet backroads and coastal paths through the heart of the Costa Brava and the Empordà wine region.
Each day brings a new landscape, from rolling countryside and vineyards to dramatic seaside cliffs and charming fishing villages. With expert local guides leading the way, you can focus on enjoying the ride while learning about the region’s culture, history, and cuisine along the route. Comfortable hotels are arranged each night, luggage is transported for you, and a support vehicle is always nearby.
This tour balances active days on the bike with plenty of time to explore, taste local flavors, and unwind. It is an ideal way to experience Catalonia at a thoughtful pace with great company and full support.
Guided
Casual+ hotels
Girona
Figueres
easy
37 km / 23 mi
6
Min. 2, Max. 14
Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
Highlights

Expert Local Guides
Ride with knowledgeable local guides who bring the region to life. They share insight into Catalan history, culture, and daily life, adding depth and context to every ride and stop along the way.

Scenic Cycling Routes
Pedal along quiet backroads, coastal paths, and countryside lanes that showcase the best of Catalonia. From medieval towns to dramatic seaside views, each day offers a fresh and memorable landscape.

Food, Wine, and Local Flavor
Experience Catalonia through its cuisine and wine culture. Ride through the Empordà wine region, enjoy regional specialties, and spend time in charming villages and lively town centers.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | Casual+ Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Girona | Hotel Gran Ultonia Girona (4-Star) | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Sant Feliu de Guíxols | Hotel S'Agaró Spa (4-Star) | B | 41 km / 25 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Calella de Palafrugell | Hotel Alga (4-Star) | B | 29 km / 18 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Torroella de Montgrí | Hotel Moli del Mig (4-Star) | B | 29 km / 18 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Castelló d’Empúries | Hotel Palau Maceli (4-Star) | B | 38 km / 24 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Castelló d’Empúries | Hotel Palau Maceli (4-Star) | B | 39 km / 24 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Figueres | Hotel Pirineos (4-Star) | B,D | 45 km / 28 mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Girona
Arrive in Girona and settle into your centrally located hotel. Girona is known for its beautifully preserved medieval old town, Roman walls, and vibrant food scene. In the evening, meet your guides and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing, where you will review the route, bike fitting, and safety details for the week ahead.
The rest of the evening is free to explore the city or enjoy dinner at one of Girona’s many excellent restaurants.

Day 2: Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Your first day of riding begins in Girona, leaving the city on quiet backroads that wind through farmland, forests, and small Catalan villages. The route is gently rolling and offers a relaxed introduction to cycling in the region. As you approach the coast, the landscape begins to change and Mediterranean views appear.
The ride finishes in the lively seaside town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where you can enjoy time along the waterfront or explore the harbor before settling in for the night.
Elevation: 275m

Day 3: Calella de Palafrugell
Today’s ride showcases the classic scenery of the Costa Brava as you follow coastal roads north toward Calella de Palafrugell. The route features a mix of gentle climbs and descents with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, rocky headlands, and small fishing villages along the way. There are opportunities to stop for photos, coffee, or a swim in one of the region’s picturesque coves.
Arrive in Calella de Palafrugell in the afternoon, where whitewashed houses and sandy beaches create a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Elevation: 280m

Day 4: Torroella de Montgrí
Leave the Costa Brava behind as you ride inland toward the Empordà countryside. Today’s route follows quiet rural roads through farmland, wetlands, and small villages, offering a contrast to the previous coastal scenery. The landscape opens up as you approach Torroella de Montgrí, set near the Montgrí Massif and the Ter River.
Arrive in the afternoon with time to explore the historic town center or relax at your hotel after the day’s ride.
Elevation: 264m

Day 5: Castelló d’Empúries
Today’s ride continues through the heart of the Empordà, following quiet country roads across open plains and agricultural landscapes. The terrain is mostly flat, making for a relaxed and enjoyable day in the saddle. Along the way, you will pass canals, wetlands, and small farming communities that reflect the rural character of the region.
The ride ends in Castelló d’Empúries, a beautifully preserved medieval town known for its historic center and impressive cathedral. Arrive with time to explore on foot or relax at your hotel.
Elevation: 170m

Day 6: Castelló d’Empúries
Enjoy a scenic loop ride from Castelló d’Empúries, exploring more of the Empordà’s open landscapes and quiet backroads. Today’s route takes you through flat countryside, wetlands, and small villages, offering a relaxed pace and plenty of opportunities to take in the surroundings.
With no hotel change, the ride feels especially unhurried, leaving time in the afternoon to further explore Castelló d’Empúries, visit its medieval center, or simply relax.
Elevation: 213m

Day 7: Figueres
Your final day of riding begins in Castelló d’Empúries, as you set out across the open plains of the Empordà toward Figueres. The terrain is mostly flat and relaxed, making for an enjoyable and reflective ride after the previous days in the saddle. Along the way, you will pass agricultural fields and small villages that showcase everyday life in rural Catalonia.
Arrive in Figueres in the afternoon and check into your hotel. There is time to explore the town center, visit cafés, or simply unwind. This evening marks your final night together as a group.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast at your hotel in Figueres, the tour comes to a close. Taxis can be arranged from the hotel if needed, and your guides are happy to assist with final travel questions.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Accommodation
Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

Hotel Gran Ultonia Girona (4-Star)

Hotel S'Agaró Spa (4-Star)

Hotel Alga (4-Star)

Hotel Moli del Mig (4-Star)

Hotel Palau Maceli (4-Star)

Hotel Pirineos (4-Star)
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
Single Supplement
From US $750
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $175
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

BMC Urban Challenge 257 AL Four or similar
Included in your trip price

BMC Urban Challenge 257 AL Three ST or similar
Included in your trip price

SPECIALIZED Crux Comp or similar
Available at a surcharge

SPECIALIZED Turbo Como 4.0 or similar
Available at a surcharge

SPECIALIZED Turbo Vado 4.0 or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
ARRIVAL
Your tour begins in Girona. The nearest airport is Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO), which is a short taxi ride from the city center. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal and fares to central Girona typically range between €30 and €40. Many travelers also choose to fly into Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) due to its wider range of international flights.
From Barcelona Airport, Girona can be reached by train or private transfer in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. We recommend arriving in Girona by mid afternoon or earlier on Day 1 to allow time for check in and the evening welcome meeting.
DEPARTURE
Your tour ends in Figueres after breakfast on the final day. From Figueres, travelers can easily reach Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) or Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) by train or private transfer. Taxis can be arranged from your hotel if needed, or you may take a train to Girona or Barcelona for onward connections.
We recommend booking flights departing later in the morning or afternoon to allow sufficient travel time from Figueres.
Weather
The best cycling conditions for this Catalonia tour are found from April through October, when weather is stable and services along the route are fully open. Spring and fall are ideal, offering mild temperatures, fresh landscapes, and fewer crowds. Expect daytime highs of 18 to 25°C (64 to 77°F) in April, May, September, and October.
Summer months are warmer, especially inland, with temperatures typically ranging from 26 to 32°C (79 to 90°F), though coastal breezes help keep rides comfortable. Winter months are considered the offseason due to cooler temperatures, shorter days, and limited tour availability.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Best
May
Best
June
Good
July
Mixed
August
Mixed
September
Best
October
Best
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.
For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.
Before Your Tour
When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.
At the Start of the Tour
The setup experience varies by destination:
-
In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.
-
In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.
All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.
During the Tour
You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.
What to Expect
The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:
- You start with the correct frame size
- You can fine-tune your comfort easily
- You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route
It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.
We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.
Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.
To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.
A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.
We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.
For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.
Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.
For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.
Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.
Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.
Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.
It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.
We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.
We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.
For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.
For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.
We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.
We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.
On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.
Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.
We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
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