DESCRIPTION

Ripoll, located in the heart of the Pre-Pyrenean valleys, is known for the preservation of several Catalan traditions and festivals celebrating its cultural and agricultural heritage.

The city is relatively outside of the radar of international tourists, which makes it an even better as introduction to the real lifestyle of the Catalan inhabitants. However, there is plenty excitement to be found in this region at the foot of the great mountains that divide us from the rest of Europe.

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DESCRIPTION

The first stage of the tour heads from Ripoll to Camprodon, a town at the heart of the Pyrenees. Charming villages, gastronomical delicacies, beautiful high mountain landscapes and valleys, contribute to make this route one of the most magical rides in this tour. 

This route starts with the mountain port of Vall Foga, a small and spectacular ascent before descending through Coll Santigosa and entering the Camprodon Valley. There is no need to linger here as you will be back after the ascend and descend of the second port of the day, the port of Vallter 2000, featured in the cycling competition of la Volta Catalunya. After, you will ride back to Camprodon.

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DESCRIPTION

Today’s landscape is the home of diverse wild life and beautiful valleys. The ride goes up to the border of France before heading down to the Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park and its capital, Olot.

You have two options in this stage, you can either take a detour to Coll d’Ares, a mountain port that crests in the frontier between Spain and France, or continue Beget, a place where time stopped many years ago to preserve the beauty of the streets and stone houses.

Descending the Coll del Buc and the Coll de Camporiol, you will arrive at Castellfollit de la Roca, a village perched on a 50-meter cliff next to the River Fluvià before making your way to Olot.

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DESCRIPTION

This OPTIONAL STAGE will test your endurance. Warm up while cycling pass the cute town of Hostalets d’en Bas, before climbing up La Salut. La Salut is an easy but long road which contains two mountain passes, Coll de Condreu and Coll de Bac. In the middle of these two mountain passes is located Rupit, awarded Best Tourism Village of the World 2022 by the ONU due to its fairy tale looks.

Before heading back to Olot, your last challenge awaits, Coll de Bracons. This last climb is hard, but has perfect views of Vic’s plain and it’s the perfect way to finish this stage.

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DESCRIPTION

Today’s route starts with a beautiful ride to the Fageda d’en Jorda, a fairy tale leafy forest that has inspired famous poets of the region. A short climb up crossing the beech forest will take you to the medieval village of Santa Pau, that holds one of the best preserved arcaded squares in Catalonia.

From there, you will head to the sunny village of Banyoles, one of the preferred spots for local and international triathletes to train, since it has the largest natural lake of the Iberian Peninsula, before heading back to Girona.

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In the morning you will leave Girona heading to Platja d’Aro through one of the most beautiful cycling sections in Catalonia. The first challenge of today’s stage will be the unforgettable Sant Grau climb, from where you can take in the panoramic views over the wooded mountains and down to the sea as well as enjoy a coffee on the courtyard of its monastery.

Descending the mountain you will reach Tossa de Mar with it’s lovely Castle, old town, marina, and beach. Further along the trail you can’t miss Sant Feliu de Guíxols just before reaching S’Agaró – Platja d’Aro, the main tourist spot in the Costa Brava.

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In the second OPTIONAL STAGE of the tour you will enjoy three classic climbs in the Gavarres Protected Natural Area massif, all of them of great cycling interest. During today’s stage keep a watch out for your favourite professional cyclists living in Girona!

The first climb of the day is Alt de la Ganga and it’s also the easiest one. It connects the coast with the inland town of La Bisbal d’Empordà, home of the pottery industry in Catalonia. Leaving the city behind, you will ride up to Alt de Santa Pellaia while soaking the wonderful views of the Gavarres massif.

Puig d’Arques is the last climb of the stage and the steepest and most challenging one and very much worth it, due to the wonderful views from the 360º viewpoint on top. Enjoy it!

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The seventh stage of the trip will let you discover why the wild and rugged landscape of this coast is named ‘Brava’ (fierce).

You will start passing by the fishing village of Palamós and its most famous cove “La Fosca”. You will continue heading north until reaching Calella de Palafrugell, considered one of the most beautiful fishing towns in the Costa Brava.

Next section it’s a challenging sequence of short and step climbs that will test your cycling skills. From the top of those ascencions you will enjoy amazing panoramic views of the sea. Before reaching Torroella – l’Estartit, you will pass by Begur and the Natural Park of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà (Empordà Marshlands).

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DESCRIPTION

Departing from Torroella you will head to a huge number of medieval towns through a flat section of quiet secondary roads and apple tree fields.

We suggest you to take your time to visit the most important ones: Ullastret and it’s fortified old town; Palau-Sator with its famous clock tower; Pals, perhaps the most visited medieval town in the Costa Brava; Peratallada, with his imposing town walls and picturesque streets; Monells and it’s spectacular main square.

On the last section of your trip you will ascend the mythic Els Àngels climb that will offer you amazing views over Girona: the best way to say goodbye to this incredible adventure!

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