Girona Gravel in association with Hopper Adventures

Girona, Spain

GV
Girona Velo
  • Email address verified
8 reviews
May 17 - 23, 2023
Group size: 8 - 11
Girona Gravel in association with Hopper Adventures
Girona, Spain

Girona Velo
  • Email address verified
8 reviews

May 17 - 23, 2023
Group size: 8 - 11

About this trip

Girona has been Europe’s cycling mecca since the first pro teams began to arrive back in the early 1990s. In recent years – riders and pros alike, have discovered the abundance of incredible gravel riding opportunities around Girona.You would struggle to find another region of its size in the world with such varied and unique selection of Gravel rides to choose from. 

Heading north east from Girona, you enter into the Emporda region, famous for its chequered history marked by Greek and Roman invaders, lush ancient vineyards, fairytale medieval villages and the beguiling beauty of the Cap De Creus coastline, immortalised by Catalonia’s famous son - Salvador Dali.  To the north west, the landscape couldn’t be more contrasting, as you traverse dirt tracks through the imposing wild beauty of the Garroxta Volcanic region and the Vall de Llémena. Here, sometimes feels like you have been transported into the Alps - with the epic mountain backdrops, the sound of cow bells as the dairy cows graze among lush pastures and the shepherds leading their skinny flock through the rocky hills. 

To the south east - the views can only be described as quintessentially Mediterranean. Terracotta coloured trails through pine scented forests, lead you to the wild rugged beauty of the Costa Brava coastline & its crystal clear turquoise sea. Stopping here for a midway cortado at a bar overlooking a rocky cove is a must. For some the temptation to cool off in the crystal waters is too much to resist! Don’t worry - we’ll bring your towels. Once again the landscape transforms radically when we head south and south west into the beautiful natural thermal spa area of la Selva and Les Guilleries. Known for its charming spa towns and 'balnarios' where 37C sulphuric water can be seen (and smelled) bubbling up from the fertile ground.

It would be amiss not to mention the wonderful food and equally spectacular wines of Catalonia. With this all inclusive experience, we would like to take you to sample some of the exceptional food & drink in our favourite authentic Girona restaurants. Allow us to take you to small family run restaurants to indulge in the typical Catalan favourites like - Fideua, (noodle paella) Embotits, (cured meats) Bolets, (Catalan wild mushrooms) Escalivada, (smoky grilled vegetables) Botifarra,(BBQ mountain sausage) Esqueixada, (salt cod & tomato salad) or simple fresh seafood plucked from the Mediterranean sea! 

In recent years Catalonia has also seen its wines win international acclaim, not only the more famous D.O regions like Penedes and Priorat but also smaller wineries in Emporda, Costers del Segre and Monsant are recognised among some of the best wines in Spain 

But inevitably - the primary take-away from these trips is the genuine camaraderie with fellow riders. Once you’ve been through these shared experiences – you truly establish a special bond with your cycling compadres. We personally believe the highlights are the post ride evenings, sitting around the dinner table, enjoying great local Catalan food & wine and replaying the day’s events with a healthy dose of chatter and humour… there is inevitably always lots of laughter.

Allow us take care of everything – so you can relish these stunning rides, eating beautiful fresh local Catalan food and sharing this unique experience with your fellow riders.

The recipe is very simple – riding through idyllic landscapes with like minded friends, quality ride support & attention, and a generous sampling of the best local food and wine…… what more does anyone need?

What’s included

  • Food & Drink
    All Food and Drink
  • Accommodation
    6 Nights 4 Star Luxury Accommodation
  • Supported Rides
    Fully Supported Rides and Daily Bike tune up
  • Ride Food & Drink
    Energy/Recovery Drinks & Snacks
  • Laundry
    Alternate Day Kit Laundry Service

What’s not included

  • Bike Rental
    Additional cost of 340 Euros
  • Single Room Occupancy
    Additional cost of 399 Euros
  • Flights and Insurance
    Not included
  • Airport Transfer
    Additional cost of 160 Euros

Available Packages

Trip Price
$4,300
Deposit: $1,720

Available options

Itinerary

Day 1 - May 17
Girona

 Welcome to Girona - We transfer to your 4 star luxury accommodation in the heart of Girona. Once settled into our hotel - we invite you to stretch the legs & roll out for a coffee spin to whet your gravel appetite! 

Your Organizer


GV
Girona Velo
8 reviews
An experience that goes beyond cycling - an authentic journey that explores the roads, restaurants, mountains & more. A perfect balance that allows you to push yourself as hard as you choose but also a chance to relax, and soak up the stunning vistas of the regions. For us it’s all in the detail & care - from the moment you are collected at the airport, you will be looked after by us with meticulous care throughout the entire journey - from the daily cleaned and serviced bike, the fully equipped support vehicle & freshly laundered kit.

Reviews

Wow--great cycling. Great organization, accommodations, and food. Warm swims in Lake Annecy and big climbs up Alpe d'Huez (particularly off the back side!) were epic memories. Thanks to Paul and Michale "Chippy" Chipchase for putting on this bonanza of summer goodness.
By Piers B for The Classic Alps Experience on Jun 28, 2023
RA
The gravel experience was one to remember. Paul and Chippy know how to curate a "wholistic" bike adventure...amazing routes, awesome food, top notch service and lots of fun! I felt like a pro for a week!
By Raymond A for Girona Gravel in association with Hopper Adventures on Jun 13, 2023
Girona Gravel was an amazing adventure. Everything from start to finish was world class. The routes were challenging and spectacular. The food was outrageously delicious and the hotels were first class. Nothing like starting a new day with a great breakfast, a clean bike and an extraordinary adventure waiting. Michael, Paul and James are top notch. Can not wait to book another trip with Girona Velo...!!!
By Tony P for Girona Gravel in association with Hopper Adventures on Jun 05, 2023
Paul, Michael, James and Miguel did a fantastic job on this trip. The guest group was limited to 12 people. We had a great base hotel that included a full breakfast every morning. After Breakfast, we would leave the hotel for a gravel bike tour of the local area mid morning. The ride was will supported with two guides, 1 mechanic, and a SAG who would meet us roughly every 20 Km. Typically 4-5 hours of bike riding per day (with breaks), and the country side was amazing Typically ride 80-100 Km per day. The first and last day are shorter rides. The Dinners were top notch, even the "Casual Night" a respite from Formal dinners, was a great European restaurant sitting outside in the square taking in the local culture. Girona is a foodie and biking paradise! The bikes were cleaned and tuned every night, water bottles always full, there were options for laundry service. These folks thought of everything. While this is not a competitive ride, the riders were all competitive, so the pace was strong. Bring your "A" game and you will love this trip....I did.
By Ed F for Girona Gravel in association with Hopper Adventures on Jun 04, 2023
I've been to the Dolomites three times before but the trip with Girona Velo was by far the best. The accommodations were first class, the riders were evenly matched, the food was spectacular and the humor was brilliant! Don't miss out on one of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
By Eric S for The Italian Mountains on Oct 07, 2022
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I've been to the Dolomites three times before but the trip with Girona Velo was by far the best. The accommodations were first class, the riders were evenly matched, the food was spectacular and the humor was brilliant! Don't miss out on one of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
By Eric S on 07 Oct, 2022