TOURS & ITINERARIES
We specialize in self-guided cycling tours in Catalonia, with different itinerary lengths, terrain types, and accommodation categories. Customization is available in some cases depending on season and availability.
In general, we do not offer guided tours, but we can try to arrange a freelance guide for private groups if given enough notice and depending on availability.
No. All our tours are available for solo travelers, couples, families, and larger groups.
Yes. All our tours have flexible start dates, but we recommend checking with us in advance, especially during high season.
Yes! We offer customization based on your preferences (e.g., distance, surface type, elevation). Custom itineraries are subject to a €250 per stage customization fee. Please note that custom requests may lead to less optimal routes and sometimes include busy roads.
It depends on your cycling experience, fitness level, and what kind of adventure you’re looking for:
- Leisure Tours are ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed pace, enjoy scenic countryside routes, and prefer to ride mostly on quiet roads, smooth gravel paths, and bike trails. These tours are perfect for casual riders, couples, and even families. Distances are moderate, and e-bikes are available for added comfort.
- Road Tours are designed for experienced cyclists seeking a more physically demanding ride. You’ll ride longer distances on fully paved roads, with steeper climbs and faster descents. These tours are great if you’re used to riding regularly and enjoy a more athletic challenge.
- Leisure Tours: Mix of paved roads, greenways, and gravel paths. Mostly flat or gently rolling.
- Road Tours: Paved secondary roads. May include mountain passes or longer climbs.
Yes! On most tours we offer:
- Standard and Shorter routes
- Challenging options for experienced riders (on select days)
Leisure tours mostly follow dedicated trails or very quiet roads. Road tours use secondary roads, some with light traffic depending on the day and region.
Yes. Our leisure tours are designed to be safe, scenic, and accessible, often following quiet roads and smooth, well-maintained gravel paths. They are perfect for beginners, families, or travelers seeking a relaxed ride. We also recommend e-bikes for added comfort.
Our standard leisure tours are best suited for teenagers aged 14 and up. For families with younger children (ages 9–13), we recommend our Costa Brava Self-Guided Family Tour, which is specially designed for families with sporty and adventurous children.. This itinerary features shorter stages (maximum 20 km per day), family-friendly accommodations, and suggestions for fun activities to enjoy together along the way.
A self-guided tour is a great option for travelers who enjoy independence and flexibility on the road. However, we recommend choosing this format only if you’re comfortable handling basic mechanical issues, such as fixing a flat tire or adjusting a chain.
While we provide on-call assistance and a list of nearby bike shops along your route, there’s no dedicated mechanic following you. We do supply a repair kit with your bike, and if you’re confident making small fixes yourself, a self-guided trip can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
If you run into an unforeseen situation—such as a mechanical issue or needing emergency transportation—we’re here to help. Our on-call assistance is available every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
While we don’t provide direct roadside mechanical support on self-guided tours, we will assist you by contacting a local transport company to arrange pickup and transfer to your next hotel if needed. We also provide a list of trusted bike mechanic shops along your route, available through the Ride with GPS app under your Experience Guide. Please note that any costs related to transport or repairs will be settled directly with the service providers.
Absolutely! Each tour includes suggestions for off-the-bike experiences like guided walks, winery visits, or kayaking. These are included in your digital guide.
BOOKINGS & PAYMENTS
The prices shown on our website are per person and accommodation category (Explorer, Comfort or Luxury). These prices are based on double occupancy and do not include bike rental, single room supplements, or optional upgrades. The final trip cost may vary depending on the chosen itinerary, accommodation level, type of bike, and any customizations or additional services such as transfers or extra nights.
All our self-guided tour packages include the following standard services:
- 🏨 Accommodation in double occupancy rooms with breakfast included.
- 🧳 Luggage transfers between hotels.
- 🚴♀️ Bikes delivered to and picked up from your hotel.
- 📱 Digital travel guide with restaurant and activity recommendations, tourist advice, and turn-by-turn navigation through a dedicated mobile app.
- 🏥 Health insurance for the duration of the tour.
- 📞 On-call assistance for any issues or emergencies during your trip.
- 🗺️ Personalized tourist advice to help you make the most of your stay.
No. These must be paid directly at the hotels. Amounts range from €0.50 to €2 per person per night, depending on the municipality.
Yes, we will do our best to accommodate room preferences, though they are subject to hotel availability, especially with short notice.
We provide basic health insurance for riders during the trip. This policy covers:
- Emergency health assistance (up to €6,000)
- Rescue and salvage expenses (up to €12,000)
- Accidental death or disability benefits
Coverage applies only during the official tour dates. Travel insurance (including trip cancellation or lost baggage) is not included but highly recommended.
Yes, we strongly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance. While our tours include basic health coverage during the trip, travel insurance can protect you against unforeseen events before or during your tour, such as:
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Personal liability
- Medical expenses outside the tour dates
- Flight delays or missed connections
Breakfasts are included at hotels. Lunch and dinner are not, but we provide a Restaurant Suggestions Guide with handpicked options for every location along your route. We recommend booking in advance, especially during high season, to ensure availability.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, let us know in advance so we don’t allocate a rental. Note this doesn’t change the trip price.
Yes, we can add extra nights before, during or after your tour at most destinations. Let us know your preference and we’ll check availability and send an updated quote.
To start the booking process, please confirm the following details: your preferred itinerary, starting trip date, accommodation level, number of participants, and bike rental preferences, including riders’ heights if applicable. Once we have this information, we’ll check availability and send you the payment instructions to secure your booking.
In most cases yes — but only if there is availability on your new preferred model.
We accept bank transfers and credit card payments (1.5% processing fee applies). Cash payments are also accepted for bike rentals or rental accessories when applicable.
To secure your reservation, a 25% deposit is required once we’ve confirmed hotel and bike availability for your selected itinerary and travel dates.
Final payment is due 60 days before the trip start date. For bookings made on shorter notice, full payment may be required upfront.
You can view our full cancellation policy here. Depending on the cancellation date, you may receive a refund or credit toward future travel.
Yes. In compliance with European regulations, Catalonia Bike Tours (Tourmalet 2015 SLU) holds an insolvency protection policy with Seguros Catalana Occidente, S.A. (Policy No. 8-6.714.675-Z).
This ensures:
- Full refund of any payments made in case of insolvency before your trip
- Repatriation if insolvency occurs during your tour and transport is included
ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES
- Explorer: Budget-friendly 3* hotels and apart-hotels
- Comfort: Upscale 4* hotels offering the perfect setting to relax and enjoy every comfort.
- Luxury: 4*–5* boutique hotels with premium amenities
Yes, all accommodations include private ensuite bathrooms.
Yes, all categories include air conditioning.
Yes. All accommodations offer secure bike storage, early breakfasts, and basic repair facilities.
Yes, single rooms are available upon request for an additional surcharge. While our standard pricing is based on double occupancy, we understand that some travelers prefer the privacy and comfort of their own room. If you’re traveling solo or simply wish to have a private room, just let us know and we’ll include the single room supplement in your custom quote. Please note that availability may vary depending on the tour dates and accommodation category.
Yes, upgrades are available on request (subject to availability and surcharge).
Most of the hotels we work with do offer laundry service. However, please note that turnaround times are typically 24 hours or more. For this reason, we recommend bringing a change of cycling clothes for each riding day. If packing space is limited, a good alternative is to bring a small amount of travel laundry detergent—many guests choose to hand-wash their gear in the bathroom.
Yes, luggage is transferred daily between hotels.
All our rental bikes come fully equipped for your self-guided adventure. Each bike includes:
- Rear light
- Flat tire repair kit and tools
- Pedals (flat, Shimano SDP Mountain, Shimano SPD-SL or LOOK KEO)
- Bottle cages
- GPS/phone mount
- Bike lock
- Battery charger (for E-bikes and models with Di2 electronic shifting only)
- Rear rack and panniers (only on compatible models such as E-touring and hybrid bikes)
Bikes are delivered to your hotel on the arrival day, typically between 4:00–7:00 PM, followed by a 60-minute welcome briefing.
Yes. We strongly recommend downloading WhatsApp before arriving. It’s our primary channel for real-time communication during your tour. We’ll create a group chat with you for easy updates and support.
Yes. We offer private van transfers on request.
NAVIGATION
We use the Ride with GPS mobile app to provide you with all the navigation tools you’ll need during your tour. It includes turn-by-turn directions, interactive maps, and useful guide pages – all available offline once downloaded.
Shortly before your trip, we’ll send you a shortcut code or QR code. To access your tour:
- Download the Ride with GPS app (free on the App Store or Google Play).
- Tap “Open Shortcut” on the app’s home screen.
- Enter the shortcut code or scan the QR code we provided.
- Tap “Download” when prompted – this will save all your maps, routes, and guide content offline.
No further downloads are needed unless you uninstall or clear the app’s data.
No. Once the tour package is downloaded, you can access all the routes, maps, and guide content without an internet connection – ideal if you’re in airplane mode or have no signal.
The app uses your phone’s GPS, which can consume more battery than usual during longer rides. To stay safe and connected throughout the day, we recommend:
- Bringing a power bank for on-the-go charging.
- Installing the app on two phones—use one for navigation and keep the second fully charged as a backup for emergencies.
- iPhone: iOS 11.2 or higher
- Android: OS 5.0.x or higher
You can choose from a wide range of models including:
- Road Bikes
- E-Road Bikes
- Gravel Bikes
- Hybrid Bikes
- E-Touring Bikes
- Kid’s Bikes
You can review each model specifications clicking here.
All our rental bikes come fully equipped for your adventure. Each bike includes:
- Rear light
- Flat tire repair kit and tools
- Bottle cages
- GPS/phone mount
- Bike lock
- Battery charger (for E-bikes and models with Di2 electronic shifting only)
- Rear rack (only on compatible models such as E-touring and hybrid bikes)
We use rider height to assign appropriate sizes. You’ll receive a pre-rental form to confirm your height and preferences.
No, helmets are not included by default. They are available for €5/day. We’ll need your helmet size in advance.
We provide flat pedals for free. Riders should bring their own shoes and clip-in pedals if required.
Yes! We offer optional clip-in pedals for a €5 surcharge per bike. Available options include:
- Shimano SPD (mountain)
- Shimano SPD-SL (road)
- LOOK KEO (road)
Yes! We offer panniers as an optional add-on for €5 per day. They’re a great choice if you want to carry extra gear, snacks, or personal items comfortably during your ride. Just let us know in advance so we can have them mounted and ready for you.
No, the minimum rental period is 2 days.
In most cases yes — but only if there is availability on your new preferred model.
Yes, all bike rentals require signing a Bike Rental Agreement at the time of delivery. To streamline the process, we kindly ask for a copy of your ID before your arrival. This allows us to prepare the agreement in advance and ensure a smooth handover when you receive your bike.
Yes, a cash deposit is required upon delivery. The amount ranges from €200 to €500 depending on the bike model. It will be refunded at pick-up unless there is damage. In the event of damages, we will deduct the repair cost and refund the difference. If repairs exceed the deposit, the remaining balance will be charged.
The renter is responsible for theft or damage. We recommend bringing personal travel insurance with theft/damage coverage.
Bike delivery and pick-up in Girona are free of charge for bookings over €499. For any rental under that amount, a minimum surcharge of €75 applies. Please note that the minimum order for delivery in Girona is €350.
Unfortunately, bike pick-up or return at our headquarters in Vic is not possible. However, deliveries and pick-ups within Vic are free of charge, including directly to your hotel or accommodation.
Once booked and confirmed, bike rentals are non-refundable. However, depending on the moment of cancellation, we offer a voucher for future use equivalent to 50%, 75%, or 100% of the rental amount. This voucher can be used toward any of our services and is valid for two years from the date of issue. For full details on cancellation timelines and conditions, please refer to our policy page here: Bike Rentals Cancellation Policy.
If you need real time, in-ride support (like roadside assistance for flats, SAG, etc), or a lot of "hand-holding", this probably won't be your best fit. But if you're relatively experienced, self-sufficient, can change a flat tire and do other basic roadside troubleshooting, and prefer a custom experience at a reasonable price, I can highly recommend Gerard Monells/ Catalonia Bike Tours.
We would definitely hire CBT again!!
We especially loved the stops by the sea for swims and long lunches, and every restaurant Gerard recommended was bang on. His communication and organisation throughout the whole process were faultless, which made the trip seamless and stress-free.
We are hooked—and already planning to be back next year for more! Highly recommend Gerard and his team for anyone looking for a premium, personalised cycling holiday.
The hotels and breakfasts were incredible, what a beautiful spread every morning, so many choses.
My bike fit well and very close to what I ride at home.
I definitely would recommend this tour to avid cyclists 🚴♂️ 👌 😍
Thank you for all your support and kindness 🙏
Some of the things that stood out for me were:
- Personalized service from start to finish - Gerard setup a video call to discuss everything. This put me at ease from the start and this level of individual attention carried through to the end. In fact during the trip when I asked for specific local advice about something, he provided his insights very quickly.
- Customized itineraries - I only had 4 days for actual cycling and Gerard listened to what was important to me and crafted an itinerary to match.
- Routes - Gerard clearly knows the area intimately and has done extensive research to create safe, varied and interesting routes. Almost no main roads at all - instead lots of bike/hike trails (paved, gravel, dirt) from a vast network that exists in the area. And added to this, quiet country roads, forests, medieval villages, lanes, farms, you name it - and of course stunning coastline. Ride with GPS worked well for navigation (mostly lol).
- High Quality Bikes - Gerard didn’t just determine the geometry for my bike he brought with him two options for me to try, on basis I would fit either. The Canyon hybrid I selected was high quality, comfortable and it was perfect for the type of riding I was doing. It was brand new and the range of gearing meant any climb, on any terrain, was no trouble. I was VERY impressed.
- Hotel options - it was great having three options and I selected the COMFORT hotels. They were all amazing and the view from my balcony in the Man Salvi Country Boutique Hotel in Platja d’Aro, as well as access to a gorgeous quiet beach there, simply blew me away.
It’s clear that Gerard and his team value customer satisfaction above everything and and the cycling expertise, local knowledge, support and personal attention means I can’t wait to arrange another trip with them, and recommend them wholeheartedly.
Gracias / thank you Gerard!
accommodations top notch.
Gerard was very conscientious and a great communicator who checked in with us each day to make sure things were going smoothly. He was even able to troubleshoot a minor mechanical problem for us over the phone.
I would highly recommend this company to anyone contemplating a cycling adventure in Catalonia. We hope to return again someday.😎
I can't recommend them enough!
You responded immediately - within 1 hour with this response: "Mahalo for reaching out! It's cutting it close with your requested dates, but we will do our very best to make it happen for you". And that you did. Working all through the weekend - recommending, designing, sending a proposal / itinerary 24 hours later (Sat Oct 5th) with all of the pre-booking confirmed.
Catalonia Bike tours had won our hearts and our trust! And then what an adventure we had!
We were 2 old gals: 67 and 71 – celebrating 50 years of “best-friends forever” history – cycling up those 10- 15% off road Catalonian “hills” - getting off track and dead ending at a beautiful deserted stretch of beach, before recalculating with Bike GPS – and back on the trail, track, road, and always ha ha another hill (I’m a hill climber ), The rural village hamlets, the best cuppa- java stops , the delightful locals, curious & welcoming; farmers in the field with sheep and sheep dogs iconic images, memories, the beautiful eucalyptus trees, and old forest roads. It was way beyond anything we hoped for in a bike tour.
The hotels and services booked by Gerard were 10/10! And he was always available and checking up a couple times to make sure we were ok when the winds got a bit wild (as winds will do).
Ive been on a lot of bike tours in a lot of places around the world but this cycle pilgrimage was the best. And really for me, it was how Gerard and Catalonia Bike Tours made us feel welcomed, and cared for. That’s the secret sauce – how they make you feel. And we felt the loving kindness of how they shared their beautiful Catalonia with us.
Blessings,
May
Gerard was amazing and always reaching out if everything was ok.
Thank you for the experience!
Catalonia Bike Tours did a great job supplying the hire bikes, thoroughly recommend.
Will use again.
I would highly recommend this company .
Unfailing helpful. Sorted out puncture and made great route recommendations.
I would definitely use them again when visiting Catalonia and the Costa Brava. Thank you to the team and great rides around Vic
We took a 5-day trip with 4 days of bicycles, incredible places, wonderful views and very good treatment from our guide Gerard who was always on top of everything. 100% recommended.
We ate local food and stayed in gorgeous locations at very nice hotels.
I highly recommend Catalonia Bike Tours and would book with them again in a second.
