Itinerary

Day 1: Midday rendezvous in Ribes de Freser, Spain, nestled at the foot of the Catalan Pyrenees. Visit the Romanesque church and take a warm-up spin along the river. Then we’ll get a real sense of place riding the Cremallera cog railway into the magical Vall de Núria, surrounded by 9,000’ mountain peaks. Catalan specialties star at our welcome dinner.

Day 2: On to the Pyrenees and France! Follow the River Freser en route to Camprodon, birthplace of composer Isaac Albeniz, then ascend along the River Ter to its headwaters and the 4,900’ Col d’Ares. Cross into France for an eight-mile descent through storybook scenery, ending in the medieval walled village of Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, France. Ninth-century texts called the town Prati Asperis in Valis (“the meadow in the wild valley”), and the description still rings true. (47 mi.)

Day 3: A 15-mile downhill passes through steep-walled gorges and Romanesque mountain villages. Stop to visit the fortified Abbaye in Arles-sur-tech and the tempting creperies and Musee d’Arte Moderne in Céret. Along the Route de Vin, plane tree-lined roads frame vineyard views before reaching the Côte Vermeille at Collioure. Look familiar? The Mediterranean setting inspired the art of Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall! (42 or 47 mi.)

Day 4: As the Pyrenees sweep to the sea, our mountainside route rises and falls along the azure Mediterranean, passing terraced vineyards, rocky capes, and seaside resorts. Descend to marsh views and protected parkland, finishing with an easy spin to riverside Castelló de Empúries, Spain. The longer option leads to the picturesque fishing village of Cadaqués and on to Portlligat, where Salvador Dalí had his studio. Relax in style at Casa de la Moneda, a restored nobleman’s house in the ancient Jewish Quarter. (38 or 52 mi.)

Day 5: Visit the Salvador Dalí Teatre-Museu in nearby Figueres. Cypress, sunflowers, and orchards are interspersed with graceful stone masias (farm estates) on our ride across the fertile Empordá plains. In Púbol, admire the castle Dali gave to his wife Gala. Climb through a dense conifer and holm oak forest before descending to lovely Girona, where we’ll settle in for a two-night stay in the Barri Vell (Old Quarter). (38 or 47 mi.)

Day 6: Optional ride through the Vall de Llémena, an idyllic valley lush with boxwood, birdsong, and mountain brooks. Free afternoon to explore Girona’s treasures: Wander the medieval Call (Jewish Quarter), shop and stroll along the lively La Rambla, and savor the views from the top of the city walls. Be sure to pay tribute to la Lleona (the lioness)—locals say that kissing her statue guarantees your return to Girona! (0, 25, 41, or 45 mi.)

Day 7: Pedal the Ruta del Carrilet rail trail to the Mediterranean coast at Sant Feliu de Guíxols, then bike the best of the Costa Brava! The serpentine coast road winds through Mediterranean pines, tops out at clifftop vistas, then dives past turquoise bays and rocky coves. Farewell celebration and overnight in Tossa de Mar, where our Deco-era hotel offers balcony views of Platja Gran beach and the turreted Old Quarter. (40 mi.)

Day 8: Mid-morning transfer to Barcelona Airport.

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