We spend two days in what many consider Catalonia’s most fascinating town outside Barcelona. Girona is a university town with a vibrant night-life within a jewel box of incredible sights and attractions that line the cobblestone streets and waterways. A constant source of amusement and fascination await you in this delicious village renowned for its culinary arts.

Our first ride begins not far from Girona and passes through a beautiful wooded landscape, dipping around the craters and basalt lava flows that shaped this region thousands of years ago and now form the Garrotxa Volcanic Park. There are over 40 volcanoes located within the park region which accounts for a surreal atmosphere you will surely appreciate. We end our ride at the exotic sculpture park of Can Ginebreda, before transfering back to Girona. You might be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled into an x-rated fairytale as this is no ordinary stretch of woodland and may seem like something dreamed up by Hans Christian Andersen's deviant twin, but in reality it’s the brainchild and life's work of Catalan artist Xicu Cabanyes. Wander among voluptuous stone hermaphrodites and miniature pregnant nudes, all clustered in the thick juniper and pine forest.

Lodging (2 nights): Hotel Ciutat de Girona**** is a beautiful four star hotel located in the medieval center.

Day two’s ride further explores the region near Girona starting from the medieval jewel Besalú. This significant pueblo was home to the movement that started the move for Catalonian independence . The town's most significant feature is its 12th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River, which features a gateway at its midpoint. We give you ample time to wander the town’s arcaded streets and squares and visit the restored mikveh, a ritual Jewish bath dating from the eleventh century, as well as the remains of a medieval synagogue.

An afternoon private city tour of Girona uncovers the fascinating history of a city established by the Romans to later become one of the most significant towns of Catalonia. You will witness and learn about impact of one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Spain. The 12th century saw the Jewish community of Girona flourish, having one of the most important Kabbalistic schools in Europe. Girona also has a vibrant night life and several outstanding restaurants within the medieval center that we stay. 

In September 1908, that Agulló, a journalist born in Girona, coined the rugged coastal waters of Catalonia with the title of “Costa Brava”, but it wasn’t until 1960 that the reference was officially recognized to promote tourism in the region. You get your first look at this magnificent coast via the surreal cork forests that populate the region. We lunch along the sea then arrive early enough to enjoy our hotel along the sea.

Located in the northeast of Catalonia the Petit Empordà region is our destination on day 4 as we ride over a short hill where the cork oak trees soon turn into fruit orchards and rice fields. The rice of Arros de Moli de Pals are renowned and it is this rice that is commonly used to make many local rice dishes including paella. Along the way, a coffee stop and pastry tasting in the town of La Bisbal d'Empordà, before a visit to the Terracotta Ceramics Museum. We pass through several tiny pueblos before reaching our hotel.  

Lodging: 1 night Hotel Costa Brava*** a wonderful 3-star on the Sea & 2 nights Hotel Aigua Blava a 4-star along sea near Begur

On day five we continue our exploration of the region known as the Petit Empordà which was once a legendary wine region; it was here around 600 BC the Greeks first introduced grapes. We take time to explore the many beautifully preserved medieval villages including Ullastret established in the 6th century BC and Pals where the old quarters known as La Pedra offer views over the Empordà Plain.

The area is more than just wine and rice, as you will see. In the medieval village of Torrent we visit the little jam factory, Museu de Confitura. Here over 110 varieties of jams and chutneys are made and a tasting or two is essential….yummy. We stop end at the winery Mas Oller, which belongs to the family Esteva. Carlos Esteva, owner of the prestigious winery Can Rafols Caus, rescued this family estate from ruins, slowly rebuilding the house, and placing the winery in what used to be the cowshed then replanted the vines on the land that used to be one of the most famous and largest vineyards in Pals. Today, nearly 400 years after its construction, Mas Oller has become one of the more prestigious wineries of the area. In 2008 its Oller Plus wine earned 93 points and the Mas Oller Mar received 92 points. No other red or white wine in the D.O. Empordà had ever achieved such a high score. The nicest part of this is that the winery still retains a family farm atmosphere with a warm welcoming ambience.

We skirt the coast before crossing over the River Ter to leave the Emporda region for new horizons. Once over the river the route glides along the quiet roads of an agrarian wonderland dotted with tiny hamlets each offering a unique ambience. From these farming communities vast vistas an agrarian wonderland entertains us along the way to the home region of Salvador Dalí.

We start our day with a short transfer for our last ride that leads to the majestic Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. This monastery tucked away in the coastal range was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1995 and offers visitors an incredible view of the coast as well as a look into the monastic way of life. After visiting we drop down to the stunning coast to explore the picturesque quiet white-washed fishing villages Costa Brava is associated with. At the end of the ride we transfer back to Figueres to tour the amazing museum dedicated to Dalí’s life work and will have enough time to explore town before our farewell feast.

You have a free night and can choose to stay at the hotel to eat or we leave for tapas and an aperitif in Figueres. I am sure you will want to explore Figueres' lively center, shop and mingle with the locals before dining.

Lodging (2 nights): in Figueres*** a 3-star hotel.