Join Artu for the cycling tour of a lifetime: a seven-night trip cycling through medieval villages, over the elevations of the Pyrenees, down the caverns of the Valter Valley, into the lusciousness of La Garrotxa Natural Park and alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Banyoles.
Price per person from 2960.00 EUR
Artu, Can Terrades
Artu, Can Terrades
Day 5 - 135 km
Day 1 - Mare de Déu del Mont - 1,125 m
We will meet you at our Lodge in the afternoon.
Once you’re checked in, our mechanics will build your bike, ensuring it’s ready for riding over the next few days. If you’re renting a bike, it'll be fitted to you and perfectly prepared for riding.
A warm-up ride consisting of a few short loops will give you time to stretch your legs out and get used to your bike.
At the end of the ride, we’ll go through the beautiful town of Besalu over the impressive medieval bridge and through the gatehouse into the town, where you can enjoy some fresh drinks.
Over dinner, we’ll outline what to expect over the next few days of riding.
Today's ride we will start by climbing ‘Mare de Déu del Mont’, one of the most magnificent mountains in the area. Literally translated, it means the ‘mother of God mountain’ and, on a clear day, affords views of the coast on one side and the higher Pyrenees towards Andorra on the other.
This ride is a truly memorable way to wrap up this cycling tour and one you won’t forget in your lifetime - it’s well worth the early rise!
After accomplishing the main challenge of the day, our ride will be mostly flat and we will quickly pass through the medieval villages of the Emporda region.
Once you're back at Can Terrades, you can treat yourself with a refreshing dip in the pool. Or take some time to unwind and relax those tired legs of yours in the sauna. It's the perfect way to recharge and feel rejuvenated.
Today, our ride will start by riding thru the beautiful old towns and vineyards before heading to the coast.
Keep your energy as we will face the two main uphill sections at the end of the ride. As you reach the top of the second climb, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the coast and the charming white town called Cadaqués, which will be your final destination for today.
We will enjoy a delightful meal at a seaside restaurant known for its delicious local cuisine and scenic location. This eatery has significant historical value as it was regularly visited by Dali. Following lunch, you will have some leisure time to explore the town or optionally visit the Dalí House for a short tour.
It will take about 1 hour to transfer back to Can Terrades.
Today is the perfect day for you to take it easy and give your legs a break. Our suggestion for you is to go on an easy gravel ride.
At the House, we have MOOTS gravel bikes that you can use. We'll guide you along picturesque routes to Lake Banyoles. We can pause here and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of our favourite spots, right in front of the lake.
We'll be back in time for lunch at Can Terrades. After that, you'll have plenty of options to unwind and enjoy yourself. You can chill by the pool, or if you're up for it, take advantage of our yoga, gym, or sauna facilities.
If you're feeling adventurous, we can provide you with some easy hiking routes starting from the house.
Alternatively, we are organising the Winery Tour to indulge in some wine tasting in Perelada.
Today’s loop - the Queen Stage - will take you into the Pyrenees and the Oix and Valter Valley. It is a beautiful hilly landscape where you will find a variety of exuberant vegetation that will lead you to the Natural Park of La Garrotxa. Deep valleys enclosed by long cliffs and walls of rock are what give the area its name: les garrotxes are “rough lands of bad tracks”.
You’ll be pleased to know that our route has no bad tracks today.
We will make a loop through the region, passing through Castellfollit de la Roca, a village built at the top of a cliff, making it a perfect location to survey the valley.
Winding roads with no cars will take you to Beget, a medieval, hidden town in the middle of the Camprodon Valley. You will have a coffee stop here, looking at the beautiful surroundings. You will be close to the border with France here. The loop will continue through Camprodon, where we will stop for lunch to taste local tapas overlooking its stunning medieval bridge. After lunch, we will continue the ride to the next valley and Olot town. We will have a small climb and a long descent to the valley and back to Can Terrades.
Today it is time for us to embark on our long gravel ride, heading towards the coast. You will observe a noticeable alteration in the surroundings.
Today's ride will take you up in the hills above Lake Banyoles (site of the 1992 Olympic rowing events) before arriving in Girona. We can stop for a coffee in one of the cycling cafes.
Then you will ride over Els Angels, the 10 km climb which starts directly outside the city of Girona. Don't worry, though. It is a steady gradient and even has some downhill sections to ease the legs. Once at the top, the views from all sides are spectacular. The famous impressionist, Salvador Dali, was married in the sanctuary at the top and bought his wife a castle in one of the charming villages below.
Some flat and fast riding through the beautiful villages of the Empordá area takes us on the equally beautiful climb of Santa Pellaia, a steady 6km climb drops you back down to the Selva valley. All that remains are small lanes and quiet roads which take you back towards Girona, where you can enjoy a well-earned fresh drink and lunch at one of the cycling cafes - Hors Categorie.
After you explore the town we will have a short transfer back by car back to Can Terrades.
Start your day with a nourishing breakfast, appreciate the beautiful view, and make full use of the provided facilities at Can Terrades. Prior to your departure, our bike mechanic will carefully pack your bicycles before the transfer to the airport for your journey back home.
WORLD-CLASS CYCLING
Catalonia is home to many professional cyclists. An excellent climate, unrivalled variety of road and gravel routes and spectacular scenery all give way to two of the region’s most iconic climbs: Rocacorba and Mare de Deu del Mont. Both are literally within view of Can Terrades, with the peaks of the Pyrenees and Andorra just beyond.
The perfect launchpad for challenging, inspiring days on the bike, fully supported by our team of expert guides and mechanics, and revitalising days off the bike, recharging within sight of the next day’s challenge.With the world's finest riding, endless roads and trails and phenomenal all-year weather, there couldn’t be a better base.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Below, please take a look at the various room types available, as well as the payment options. If you decide to pay a deposit, the entire payment needs to be made 90 days prior to your arrival.
