Discover the secrets of the Catalonia region. Ride through the mountains where the old bandits hid, immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the most traditional villages and enjoy their rich cuisine.
Style
Road cycling
Gain
5254 m
Distance
282 km
Level
Medium
Tour overview
SECRET GEMS AND HIDDEN CLIMBS
This five-day Hidden Secrets of Catalonia Cycling Tour departs from Vic in Barcelona, a historic city known for its large market square and abundance of churches and convents in its old town. The hotel is a former cloistered convent that has been converted into a comfortable four-star hotel. From here, you’ll take the mythical Bracons road, explore the lovely Vall d’en Bas, and marvel at Collsacabra’s imposing views. In El Lluçanès, soak up the Montseny atmosphere and relax among the meadows.
An epic guided cycling tour for lovers of authentic experiences that will take you to the most hidden corners of inland Catalonia. Make your reservation today!
Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com
Pedal Catalonia's hidden gems!
Highlights of your cycling trip
Guided Tour with Experts
Catalonia Bike Tours have become local legends after organising cycling tours in this region for over a decade. Expect professional guiding and expert advice from cyclists who love riding here the entire way.
Exceptional Experience
We are getting you to experience one of the world's greatest cycling spots. Excellent empty roads, jaw-dropping beauty and vibrant Catalan culture is a recipe for an outstanding riding holiday. Prepare for an experience of a lifetime.
Excellent Accommodation
Each hotel is carefully selected in dreamy locations. You'll feel well rested after each day in the saddle throughout your trip. Every hotel is a 4* standard with fantastic facilities to make the trip even more memorable.
Tour destination
CATALONIA
Catalonia is where the love of biking knows no bounds. Explore the Terra Alta or Girona's greenways, or hit the magnificent mountain passes for a spot of MTB. Catalonia is the land of great cyclists. It gives you roads, paths and greenways for a bicycle excursion perfect for all levels. For decades, the hundreds of cycle touring associations in the country have been creating space in the Catalan local road network. On weekends, the curvy roads and steep hills are the perfect places for bike-lovers to cruise around with friends for the sheer pleasure of the sport.
Catalonia has plenty of warm Spanish sun. Fresher rides can be found north of the peninsula during the spring and autumn months. Bring a gilet for wind and rain protection and sun cream for the rest of the time.
Terrain
Catalonia is an incredibly rugged region! There aren't many flat locations. Mountains and hills predominate with the Pyrenees marking the northern border. Then there's the ridge along the water's edge. Inland is also surprisingly hilly, including notable locations such as Montserrat Mountain, which is ideal for climbing.
Culture
Catalan culture boasts a huge history as well as its own unique traditions and cuisine. Take the time to discover some authentic Catalan traditions to make your trip to Catalonia even more enjoyable. And of course, cycling is a big deal here.
41.5912° N, 1.5209° E
There's even more to discover
Further Afield
A big day out on the bike taking in the Gavarres and Serra de Rodes Mountains on a route to the crystal blue waters of the Med. You will definitely earn your stripes with this one! It’s a ride through true Salvador Dali country - although this experience will be firmly rooted in reality.
A ride that will burn itself solidly into the memory banks. Twisting gentle climbs, grin-inducing descents, views for miles, turquoise seas, a cycling experience for the soul. If you are cycling in Girona this is a must ride, you won’t regret it. Head to the coast!
Rocacorba has been used for over a decade by many local pros as a test of form, the famous mountain is a challenge to anyone and everyone. The 10.7 km climb has a deceptive overall gradient of 7%. Starting teasingly gentle before levelling off, disciplined pacing will pay off.
Formerly a cloistered convent, Hotel Les Clarisses has been beautifully converted into a four-star hotel. Located in the city’s heart, close to Sant Pere Cathedral, the Episcopal Museum, the Roman Temple, and the Plaça Major. Thanks to its central location, our guests can easily access all of the city’s most interesting tourist and leisure attractions.
Getting from your lodging to the nearest roads is never a hassle. All of our lodging has been chosen for its bike safety and proximity to the routes on your itinerary.
Tour itinerary
Your guide to a perfect cycling tour
Welcome and gear set up
WELCOME TO CATALUNYA!
We will start the trip at our hotel in Vic, where our team will be waiting for you in the hall to welcome you at 6:00 p.m.
If you prefer, and if you plan to arrive before the scheduled time, you may check-in at the hotel reception desk by mentioning your reservation name
Our staff will provide an informative tour briefing following check-in and room distribution. Then, for those who have rented a bike, we will set up the bicycles. If you arrive early enough, you could even go for a ride to warm your legs up for the coming days.
We will end this first day of travel with a magnificent welcome dinner with the entire team at the hotel.
VIC - JOANETES - VIC
Distance
108 km
Climb
1827 m
We will leave through the quiet roads of the Plana de Vic heading north. Far away, on the horizon, we will see the infinite massif of the Pyrenees. Closer, a first wall of mountains draws the silhouettes of the Puigsacalm peak and the Collsacabra mountain range, our objectives today.
The Bracons pass, the first of the day’s passes, will lead us to Puigsacalm, in the mountain range that separates the Osona and La Garrotxa regions. The beauty and harshness of the port will occupy our senses along the way until we reach the summit, which will provide us with spectacular views of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. We’ll find ourselves in the small town of Els Hostalets d’en Bas, which looks like it’s been plucked from a postcard. Surrounded by volcanoes, it provides a peaceful setting for us to relax and enjoy the scenery while sampling the region’s delicacies.
Our return trip up to the Col de Condreu will take us to Rupit and Tavertet, two authentic hidden treasures in the heart of the stunning Sierra del Collsacabra. We cannot miss the spectacular suspension bridge in the mediaeval town of Rupit, and from the rocks of the picturesque town of Tavertet, we will enjoy spectacular views of the most hidden Catalonia before descending to Vic.
VIC - EL MONTSENY -VIC
Distance
91 km
Climb
1904 m
On this day, we will cycle around the Montseny Natural Park, a must-see cycling destination in the Barcelona region. Our tour will take us to the most typical roads and landscapes of the Volta a Catalunya, as well as the peaks of Turó de l’Home and Matagalls.
We will begin by warming up our legs on the Mansa pass, which will bring us closer to Viladrau, at the foot of the natural park and birthplace of the most famous Catalan bandit, Serrallonga. Leaving the town behind and surrounded by the chestnut and beech forests that this legendary bandit ran through, we will ascend to Santa Fe del Montseny on one of Catalonia’s most beautiful cycling ascents.
We will descend through a lush beech forest to a fork in the road that will take us to the top of the Santa Helena pass, where we will enjoy spectacular views of Barcelona. The bravest will be able to face the final and most difficult kilometres that lead to the top of Turó de l’Home, the natural park’s roof at 1,705 metres above sea level.
To finish the stage, we have two long descents interrupted by the mythical ascent to Collformic, at the foot of the famous Matagalls peak and the gateway to the Vic region, our host city.
VIC - PERAFITA - VIC
Distance
83 km
Climb
1523 m
On our final day, we will ride to the northwest to visit the plateau of El Lluçanès, a region full of quiet roads to ride and small rural towns to visit.
We’ll begin our journey through the Plana de Vic’s farms and pastures. At the foot of the iconic sanctuary of La Gleva, we will begin to meander the mythical height of La Trona, the site of historic motor races and exciting cycling stages.
Taking a breather, we’ll enter Perafita, where the aroma of coca – a traditional Catalan sweet cake – emanating from an old workshop in the town square will beckon us to pause.
Before beginning the final ascent of the day, to Fontfreda, we will stop in the small town of Oristà, where Perot Rocaguinarda, another legendary popular bandit, was born in 1582.
A few kilometres from Vic, we will make a mandatory stop in Santa Eulàlia de Riuprimer to enjoy the best gastronomy in the area in a mythical restaurant that serves as a meeting point for cyclists from all over the region. Its exquisite dishes will be the perfect end to this unexpected tour.
Optional recovery ride and onward travel
This magnificent experience will come to an end after a few intense days of cycling. We trust you would have had as much fun with it as we did.
Remember that you must leave the hotel by 12:00 noon, and that if you hire a transfer service to your destination, they will meet you in the hotel lobby at the agreed-upon time.
Adios! We hope to see you soon!
Getting there
Information to help you book your flights and get around.
Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]
Flying in
Fly in airport: Barcelona or Girona
When best to fly in: in the morning or early afternoon on the first day of the camp (before 14:00)
Transfers: airport transfers are not included in the price of this trip; contact us if you need any assistance or need to organise a private transfer so you can arrive from your flight hassle-free
Flying out
Fly out airport: Barcelona or Girona
When to leave: in the morning on the last day of the tour
Transfers: scheduled airport drop off’s are not included in the price of this trip; let us know if you want to add this on so you can take your flight hassle-free
Tour essentials
What’s included in your cycling trip.
Half Board Accommodation
Standard accommodation is shared with one other person on the tour with ensuite facilities and half board meals (lunch and dinner)
Guided cycling
Professional multilingual guide on bike to lead the group, assistance vehicle available in cases of emergency
Experienced Mechanic
Mechanical service in case of breakdowns (does not include spare parts in customer bicycle repairs)
GPS Tracks Access
Access to tracks of the route through the RIDE WITH GPS mobile application
Heath Insurance
Medical sport accident insurance covering any cost up to €6000 is included on this trip
What’s not included in your cycling trip.
Flight
The best airport to fly to is Barcelona or Girona. We will then organise for you and your bike. If you have any questions on how to best organise your flights, contact us for more information.
Extra
Bike rental
From only €240 for the entire trip
It’s not always easy travelling with a bike but fear not, high quality disc brake carbon bikes are available for rental for the duration of the tour. To make sure you get the maximum from your bike for your trip, we’ve partnered with some of the best brands in cycling to give you the latest choice of equipment.
Choose a lightweight Canyon Endurace Road bike or a CANYON Endurace:ON E-road bike to suit your needs for your tour.
With a variety of sizes available, we can ensure your bike fits you perfectly. All rental bikes are mechanically checked and adjusted before each and every tour so you can have peace of mind that your bike will be running smoothly from start to finish!
You can select this option when you proceed to checkout.
Canyon Endurace CF7 with Sram Rival
Fitted to you and ready to ride!
More things to maximise your cycling trip
EXTRA
Single accommodation
€240 for the tour duration
By default, you'll share a room with a rider of your gender. If you wish to stay in a single room, you will be able to select this option for €240 per person when you proceed to checkout.
Booking options
Choose when you want to travel
Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.
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