Volta a Catalunya (Catalonia) road cycling trip

The Volta road cycling trip is exciting and full of contrasts. 

Our journey will takes us from magnificent Mediterranean coastal roads to the highest pass in the Pyrenees. 

We will tackle many climbs recently featured in the Vuelta Espana and the Tour de France. 

Based mainly in Catalunya with forays into France and Andorra, this trip will pack in seven days of unforgettable riding through varied landscapes. 

This trip will start in Girona, home to many pro cyclists and the perfect launchpad for this adventure.

Each day of this trip you’l ride between 90 and 150 kilometres, climbing 1500 – 3500 metres. 

Cycling in Catalunya (Catalonia), the schedule

Saturday, May 6

Arrival day – we pick up from Girona airport or Barcelona airport.

• Girona Airport is 15 minutes (airport transfer included).
• Barcelona is just over an hour away (small additional cost).

We can collect you and get you settled into the hotel in the centre of Girona. 

Sunday, May 7

Girona to Olot. 
125 kilometres and 2200 metres of climbing. 

Our first day of riding takes us deep into the rural heart of Catalunya. 

A relatively easy and long climb up and beyond St Hilari followed by a stunning descent towards Vic. 

Our second main climb of the day is the very pretty Collada de Bracons.

Monday, May 8

Olot to La Seu d’Urgell. 
135 kilometres and 2500 metres of climbing. 

You will be quickly into climbing today as we head up the steady climb of the Coll de Canes. 

Lots of valley riding to follow, which leads us into our biggest climb of the day; the Coll de la Creueta.

The Coll de la Creueta provides spectacular open views of the region. 

A swift afternoon as we ride predominantly downhill to our hotel in La Seu.

Tuesday, May 9

La Seu d’Urgell to Soldeu. 
89 kilometres and 3500m climbing. 

Not the longest of days but perhaps the toughest! 

We head into the Principality of Andorra, where major climbs await us, all used recently in the Vuelta and the Tour. First comes the tough Collada de la Gallina. 

We’ll then scale another tough climb, Collada de Beixalis. Next comes the Coll d’Ordino offering stunning views across the whole principality. 

A short descent is followed by a relatively short climb up to the ski station of Soldeu where we’ll spend the night.

Wednesday, May 10

Soldeu – Puigcerdà.
47 kilometres and 900 metres of climbing (minimum).

A flexible and potentially much shorter day to give some respite halfway through the trip. 

The day will begin with the ascent of the Port d’Envalira which is 9 kilometres. This takes us to the highest paved pass in the Pyrenees at just over 2400 metres. 

We then exit Andorra and ride into France. 

Our descent to Puigcerdà is punctuated by the very short climb of the Col de Puymorens. 

Our minimum ride today is 47 kilometres and 900 metres of climbing. 

For those looking for more, we’ll offer a beautiful circuit of the Cerdagne Valley to top up the statistics.

Thursday, May 11

Puigcerdà to Camprodon. 
135 kilometres and 2650metres of climbing. 

Our day begins with the long but gentle climb of the Collada de Toses. A superb, long descent follows as we make our way towards Ripoll.

We’ll head towards Camprodon with an up and back to the ski station of Vallter, posing a big challenge to our afternoon legs.

Friday, May 12

Camprodon to Roses.
155 kilometres and 2400m of climbing. 

Another big day as we head east to the sea. 

Our biggest climb of the day comes immediately in the shape of the Col d’Ares, perched on the open slopes of the French border. 

40 kilometres of glorious riding in France will follow before we cross back into Catalan territory.

We’ll hit the coast just north of the Cap de Creus peninsular and enjoy well-earned sea views. 

A visit to the beautiful whitewashed Cadaques before heading to our hotel on the beachfront in Roses.

Saturday, May 13

Roses – Tossa de Mar. 
120 kilometres and 1500m climbing. 

A stunning last day, with the incredibly spectacular coast road to Tossa de Mar providing an incredible climax to our trip.

Sunday, May 14

Departure day.

Alpine Cadence takes you and your bike to Girona airport or Barcelona airport for flights departing midday or later.

Who will enjoy this trip?

The Volta a Catalunya trip is challenging and will suit medium to stronger riders. 

Challenge-wise, it will be on par with our TransPyrenees and TransAlpes trips. 

As with all our trips, contact us to discuss whether this trip will suit you and your abilities.

What we include

• Eight nights twin share accommodation in a selection of 2, 3 and 4-star hotels, Spanish Paradores and guesthouses.
• Eight breakfasts and six evening meals.
• Transfers to and from Girona airport.
• Barcelona airport transfers are available at extra cost.
• Seven guided rides with full vehicle support.
• Informal evening lectures from a qualified coach.
• Gels/energy bar welcome pack.
• Energy drink, pastries, bananas.

What we don’t include

• Travel insurance.
• Drinks, snacks, lunches, and two evening meals.
• Flights.

Contact us to learn more or to book.  

IMPORTANT

We include transfers to and from Girona airport in the package. We are flexible on pick-up times. 

Barcelona airport collection is possible at a small additional cost. 

Please contact us before booking flights. We like to ensure your flight times result in us being able to collect you promptly.

Can’t make it for the whole tour?

Let us know if you’d like to join us for part of the ride.

Usually, we can accommodate riders to join us for shorter trips or those who would like to arrive/depart on different days.

Our Girona trip comes just before this Volta Catalunya cycling trip. 

You could mid-week for the Girona (Gerona) Camp and enjoy a few days in Girona before embarking on the Volta.