This is a
7 day / 6 night cycling
holiday that includes cycling the “Carrilet”, the converted railway that runs for 135km from Ripoll in the Pyrenees to Sant Feliu de Guixols on the Mediterranean Sea.
The riding starts in the mountain town of Ripoll (682 metres) and follows the old railway line that connects Ripoll to Sant Joan de les Abadesses (775 metres). This entire section is paved and is an idyllic start to the ride. From Sant Joan de les Abadesses the ride weaves its way through this medieval town before climbing its way up to the Coll de Santigosa at 1,010 metres before descending into Olot. This mountain section of riding is one of the highlights of cycling in Catalonia – truly spectacular.
From Olot to Girona the riding takes place on the converted railway that is known as “The Carrilet”. It is a gentle descent for about 60 km into Girona. The section of the Carrilet between Girona and Sant Feliu de Guixols is approximately 40 km and covers a diverse range of scenery from the undulating farmland around Girona to the Pine and Cork forests of the coastal region. A truly beautiful ride.
The final two days of the cycling
holiday are
spent exploring the beautiful coastline of the Costa
Brava, cycling to the south and to the north from your
hotel based on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The
highlights are visiting the medieval citadel of Tossa de
Mar overlooking the sea as well as having lunch in one
of the quality seaside restaurants in the iconic Costa
Brava bay of Calella de Palafrugell.
Itinerary
Day
Activity
Accommodation
1
Arrival to Barcelona and
explore the city
Barcelona
2
Morning arrival in Ripoll by train from
Barcelona and
cycle to Olot
Olot
3
Cycle from Olot to Girona
Girona
4
Cycle from Girona to Sant Feliu de Guixols
Sant Feliu de Guixols
5
Cycle from Sant Feliu to Tossa de Mar
Sant Feliu de Guixols
6
Cycle from Sant Feliu to
Calella de Palafrugell
Sant Feliu de Guixols
7
Coach to Girona or Barcelona
Description of Itinerary
Day
Activity
1
Arrival to the fantastic city
of Barcelona. Spend the day exploring the city
visiting the many museums, the stunning La
Sagrada Familia or just strolling along the
famous 'Las Ramblas'
2
Morning arrival by train from Barcelona to the Pyrenees mountain town of Ripoll.
You will be met by Creative Catalonia
for your detailed Tour Briefing and Bike Setup
before cycling to Olot along the
'Ruta del Ferro' Carrilet – the
converted railway line that now serves as a
dedicated cycleway.
Approximate cycling distance: 40 km
3
Cycle along the “Carrilet” (converted railway line) from the Volcanic zone of Olot in the foothills of the Pyrenees to Girona city.
Approximate cycling distance: 60 km
4
Continue along the “Carrilet” from the plains of Girona through the Pine forests of the coastal hills to Sant Feliu de Guixols on the Mediterranean Sea.
Approximate cycling distance: 40 km
5
Explore along the coast
south of Sant Feliu de Guixols. A favourite ride is the coastal road between Sant Feliu de Guixols and Tossa de Mar.
Approximate cycling distance: 50 km
6
Cycle north along the coast to
Calella de Palafrugell, one of the jewels of the
Costa Brava.
Calella de Palafrugell is one
of the original Catalan fishing villages that
has maintained its charm over the years.
Approximate cycling distance:
60 km
7
Return coach to either Girona or Barcelona from Sant Feliu de Guixols.
Please note that this is not included in the price of the tour.
Notes:
Creative Catalonia will provide you with detailed route notes, maps, bicycles and locks.
Each bike is equipped with:
a puncture repair kit,
2 spare inner tubes,
a pump,
a water bottle
a helmet.
a pannier
The Bike:
Our bike for this cycling holiday is the fantastic
Corratec X-Vert Cross with front suspension. It is your perfect partner for riding the Carrilet as well as for the
tranquil Baix Emporda Cycle Network routes that you will follow on this unforgettable
cycling holiday in Catalonia, Spain.