Catalonia: from volcanoes to the sea with the family

Family cycling trip from Olot to Sant Feliu de Guíxols

Highlights

Short stages, in complete safety, on the "El Carrilet" greenway.
Olot and its volcanic landscapes.
The charm of Girona and its old Jewish quarter, one of the best preserved in the world.
A protected nature, far from the crowds: volcanic region, forests and rivers.
An arrival on the Mediterranean coast for a "relaxing" end of stay.
The delicious Catalan gastronomy.

The riches of Catalonia with the family on the Carrilet cycle path

A discovery accessible to all, from the volcanic massifs to the beaches of the Mediterranean

This cycling trip along Girona’s greenways is designed for families. Its format with short stages each day allows children to follow easily and take advantage of each end of the day to relax and discover Catalonia with complete peace of mind. The route of is particularly accessible, mostly flat or downhill.

You first discover Olot and its 4 dormant volcanoes: Montsacopa, Montolivet, Bisaroques and Garrinada. A former medieval city, the city now boasts a remarkable cultural and artistic life. Girona, nicknamed “the city of 4 rivers”, also has some great strolls in store for you, especially through its fortified enclosure of the Força Vella. Do not miss to discover its Jewish quarter dating from the 13th century or its impressive cathedral.

You cycle through farmlands, forests and typical villages like Cassà de la Selva, Quart or Campllong, where you spend the night. During your visit to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a small authentic seaside town, do not miss its fishing port or its monastery.

You stay in charming little hotels and local farms, some with swimming pools, to the delight of young and old alike. This circuit between volcanoes, forests and rivers is full of beauty and memorable places to discover with children. From the heart of Catalonia, it takes you gently to the Mediterranean coast, immersing you in the heart of the local culture.

 


Information


Three major festive events take place in Girona every year, offering a unique experience:

– Semana Santa: Easter, from 11 to 21 April.
– Temps de Flors: the flower festival that attracts thousands of visitors, from 9 to 20 May.
– Sea Otter Europe: the world famous cycling event held in the city from 18 to 21 September.

During these periods, hotels are in high demand, which means that prices vary according to demand, and you’ll probably have to pay a supplement to stay in Girona.

Niveau EasyEasy or Niveau LeisureLeisure
Day 1

OLOT

With 20 dormant volcanoes, Olot offers one of the most volcanic landscapes on the Iberian Peninsula. Also enjoy a walk through La Fageda d’en Jordà, a breathtaking beech forest.

Day 2

From OLOT to LES PLANES D’HOSTELES 22km Niveau Facile

You start the itinerary for the day by following the cycle path along the old railway line called the “Carrilet d’Olot”. You then take the direction of Les Planes d’Hostoles, passing through the fantastic region of the Lower Valley, with its magnificent landscapes and typical villages, also called Catalan Switzerland. Once you arrive at Les Planes, take your time to enjoy the gorges that border the river.

Meeting with our local guide

Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.

Day 3

From LES PLANES D’HOSTELES to GERONE (Girona) 35km Niveau Loisir

The path taken today is gently sloping and fun, through the countryside. You cycle along the river Ter, one of the most important in Catalonia, in the heart of a valley with a fantastic cultural heritage.

You arrive in Girona. Enjoy the end of the day with a visit to the cathedral, which has the widest nave in Gothic architecture. We advise you to get lost in the narrow streets of the old Jewish quarter, one of the best preserved in the world. We also recommend a walk along the Rambla or the ramparts, offering a superb panoramic view of the city.

Day 4

From GERONE (Girona) to CAMPLLONG 18km Niveau Facile

You reach the villages of Quart, known for its ceramics, and Cassà de la Selva. You then arrive in Campllong, where you spend the night, in the heart of the Spanish agricultural countryside. You can then go to meet the different animals inhabiting the surrounding farms: beautiful moments on the horizon, for young and old.

Day 5

From CAMPLLONG to SANT-FELIU-DE-GUIXOLS 30km Niveau Loisir

This stage is flat and easy to navigate. A slight slope leads to the town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, with its magnificent fishing port and monastery. As for the rest of the day: the turquoise waters and the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean are waiting for you! They are well deserved!

Day 6

SANT-FELIU-DE-GUIXOLS

End of your stay after breakfast.

Comfort Range with family rooms

The price is based on one family room for 4 people, 2 adults and 2 kids from 8 to 12 years old., please contact us if you need another type of rooms. Free for young children (0-2 years) with a baby bed in the room.

Starting from 767€/adult in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.


Quote on request | Contact us

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.


Quote on request | Contact us

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 5 nights in a Family 4 participants room
  • 5 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Application fee
  • Tourist tax
  • The routes described on the following media:
    • An application to follow the routes step by step
    • A practical and descriptive road book in English including all our recommended addresses.
  • Additional services included:
    • Day 2 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to do a bikefitting and receive your travel documents.
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
    • Drinks during dinners (unless otherwise stated)
    • Visits that are not listed in The price includes
    • All other personal expenses

    A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in Catalonia:
    • Routes selected with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked, removed from traffic
    • Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
    • A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
    Local support :
    • A personalized reception at the beginning of your trip by a local partner giving you the travel documents at the first hotel (reception in your choice of French or English or German)
    • Telephone assistance 7 days a week  from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
    • Local telephone assistance 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m
    • Luggage transfer service
    A simplified route tracking:
    • A road book to find all the useful addresses and tourist information, maps and a description of the circuit km by km.
    • A mobile app to follow the routes step by step ( smartphone not provided)
    • GPS tracks available for your device (optional option to rent a GPS device)
    And also:

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
    Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.


    Trekking Bike

    Alloy frame. 11 speed transmission, disc brakes, 28 inch wheels. Rear rack (absent on the picture).

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 20 liter rear bag
    • helmet
    • map holder
    • odometer
    • water bottle
    • basic repair kit
    • lock

    Ebike

    Alloy frame, front suspension, 650B x 2.3 tires, Disc brakes
    Gear: SRAM NX 1×11 speeds
    Motor: Specialized 2.0 /70Nm / 710Wh

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • bag
    • helmet
    • map holder
    • odometer
    • water bottle
    • basic repair kit
    • lock

    Child Bike

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • helmet
    • water bottle
    • lock (one for 2 bikes)

    Getting here

    Departure city : OLOT

    Coming by car

    • at 9h from PARIS
    • at 5h30 from BORDEAUX
    • at 5h30 from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Girona train station - 6h from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Barcelone Airport
    • Girona Airport

    Arrival city : SANT-FELIU-DE-GUIXOLS

    Coming by car

    • at 9h from PARIS
    • at 5h30 from BORDEAUX
    • at 5h45 from LYON

    Coming by plane

    • Barcelone Airport
    • Girona Airport

    *Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    How to get back to the starting point

    • Return by car in 1h15 to your starting point
    • Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
    • 18 to 30-speed transmission
    • 26- to 29-inch wheels
    • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
    • Disc brakes recommended
    • 2 bottle cages
    • Bell
    • Front and rear lighting

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
    • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
    • Suitable cycling clothing:
      • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
      • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
      • Breathable windbreaker
    • Thermal or fleece jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
    • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
    • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
    • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
      • Padded bib (chamois)
      • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
      • Neck warmer and cap

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

    Other

    • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
    • Street clothes
    • 1 pair of evening shoes
    • Fleece jacket for the evening
    • Toiletry bag
    • Telephone and charger

    Terms of payment and cancellation

    The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/

    Booking and payment

    • Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
    • Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.

    Cancellation of the Contract

    You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:

    Cancellation periodFees
    From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of

    100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer

    Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme 

    10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of

    120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer

     

    Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of

    150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer

    Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses)
    Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme75% of the total cost of the trip (including options)
    Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme100% of the total cost of the trip (including options)
    No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme

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