Day 1 | Arrive in Sant Joan de Abadesses

Arrive from Girona Airport or Ripoll Station (if arriving from Barcelona) and head to the fantastic Rural retreat Les Planes Del Grau - a restored farmhouse dating back over 600 years. Relax, and enjoy the pool here or take a short walk through the valley and its hills. The local town of Sant Joan de Abadesses is just 3km away.

Meals included: dinner

Day 2 | Sant Joan de les Abadesse to Sant Miguel de Pineda | Distance: 44km / 27.3 miles

After a quick meeting in the morning where you’ll receive your bikes, you’re ready to set off on your journey. The first section follows the old carrilet railway originally used to bring ore and coal down from the mines in Ogassa. The route takes you up through the valley to the town of Sant Joan de les Abadesses where you can stop for a leisurely coffee. Onwards now to Olot which lies in the Natural Park of the Volcanic area of the Garrotxa.  The route continues down the old railway south of Olot to just north of Sant Feliu de Palleros. You arrive at La Rectoria, a beautifully restored rectory adjacent to the Vias Verdes cycle path, where you will spend the next two nights.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner

Day 3 | Round Trip: La Valle d'En Bas | Distance: 44km / 27.3 miles

Today you will explore the volcanic region of La Vall D’En Bas. This is a lovely circular route. Make time to stop off at a few Pyrenees medieval villages where you’ll feel like you stepped back in time. The route offers some amazing scenery, rugged landscapes, and rivers.

Along the way, you’ll visit the local Cooperativa de La Vall d'en Bas where the farmers sell their produce. The restaurant there serves a traditional Catalan menu, which is the perfect place to have a late lunch; the menu del dia (menu of the day) is always a treat. Head back to La Rectoria late afternoon for a second evening of fine dining.

Meals included: breakfast & dinner

Day 4 | Sant Feliu de Pallerois to Girona | Distance: 50km / 31.1 miles

This morning you pick up the railway route which descends smoothly from Sant Feliu de Pallerois to Girona . The trail is in very good condition and has been fitted with new bridges, railings and signs. It crosses through magnificent scenery filled with cultural and natural sights. It continues through the Garrotxa and reaches the Ter valley and then you head on to the pasturelands of Salt and Girona. Tonight will be spent in the old town (the Jewish Quarter) of Girona near the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, and just a few minutes walk from some lively tapas bars and restaurants.

Meals included: breakfast

Day 5 | Girona food tour

The Girona food experience is a walking tour through the historic city of Girona including the monumental neighbourhood, the Jewish quarter, the Rambla, the bridges over the Onyar river, plus a visit to specialized taverns to taste the best products that the area offers. In total, the tour is three hours.

Girona has high-quality gastronomic products. One way to enjoy all the delicacies that the area offers is in small portions such as tapas or pintxos. Your guide will accompany you to one of the most specialized tavernas to enjoy these small gastronomic art pieces of Girona and Catalonia.

You will taste local cheeses and sausages, anchovies from La Escala, Iberian ham, the typical desserts from Girona, the Xuixo, and other spectacular treats that will definitely be a highlight of the trip.

All the food is also paired wonderfully with the local wines of the region. There are more than 50 wineries in the province; the D.O (origin denomination) Empordà has become the pride of Girona in recent years. The vineyards produce white, rosé and especially red wines of excellent quality.

Meals included: breakfast

Day 6 | Girona to the Coast | Distance: 50km / 31.1 miles

After leaving Girona, the route crosses the Selva depression which is characterised by a patchwork of croplands and forests. On a clear day you can enjoy a panoramic view of the eastern Pyrenees, before crossing the Ridaura valley and skirting the edge of the Gavarres. This is an area covered in beautiful, unspoilt forest. The route runs gently down to Castell d’Aro then on to the fishing town of Palamos where you will stay for the next two nights, overlooking the beach and the port.

Meals included: breakfast

Day 7 | Coastal rest day

Today is based in and around Palamos. There will also be a ride to the neighbouring towns of Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc. Tonight, explore the town and eat in one of the local restaurants or experience one of the many Tapas bars.

Meals included: breakfast

Day 8 | We say adéu as you head home today.