GIRONA GRAVEL EXPEDITION

Day 1 — Welcome to Girona

Arrive in Girona, build bikes and settle into one of the city’s premier cycling hotels. After a short shakeout ride and expedition briefing, enjoy your first evening in one of Europe’s great cycling cities while meeting fellow riders and preparing for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 — Sau Gorge, Rupit & Tavertet

The expedition begins by leaving Girona on some of the region’s famous flowing gravel roads, heading west through forests, farmland and quiet countryside towards the dramatic landscapes of the Sau valley.

After reaching the shores of the Sau reservoir, the route follows one of Catalonia’s most spectacular gravel sectors, tracing the edge of the water as the valley gradually narrows into a dramatic gorge. Surrounded by towering cliffs, forests and turquoise water, this is an unforgettable introduction to the landscapes that define the region.

A steady climb then leads towards the beautiful medieval village of Rupit, where riders can enjoy a relaxed lunch and soak up the atmosphere of one of Catalonia’s most picturesque towns.

From Rupit, it is just a short ride to Tavertet and the expedition’s first overnight stop. Perched high above the cliffs overlooking the Sau valley, the hotel offers spectacular views, excellent food and the perfect opportunity to relax before the bigger mountain stages still to come.

Day 3 — Into the High Pyrenees

Leaving the cliffs of Tavertet behind, the route heads north through the heart of Catalonia towards the Eastern Pyrenees. Quiet backroads, flowing gravel tracks and historic villages gradually give way to bigger landscapes as the mountains begin to dominate the horizon.

As the route climbs higher, riders reach one of the expedition’s defining highlights: a spectacular high-altitude gravel traverse above 2,000 metres. Remote mountain tracks wind across open plateaus surrounded by endless views, where wild horses and grazing cattle roam freely across one of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire mountain range.

A long descent eventually leads to Llanars, a traditional mountain village near Camprodon, where riders can relax and recover at a gravel-friendly hotel complete with excellent food, spa facilities and spectacular mountain views.

Day 4 — Across the Pyrenees into France

Today is the expedition’s biggest mountain day and one of its defining stages.

Leaving Llanars behind, the route climbs once more into the high mountains, passing through Setcases before turning onto a beautiful gravel climb used in TRAKA 560. Remote tracks, mountain passes and wide Pyrenean views lead riders towards the French border.

After crossing into France, the landscape gradually transforms from rugged mountains to rolling valleys, vineyards and historic villages as the route heads towards the Pyrénées-Orientales.

The day ends at an extraordinary private château surrounded by vineyards, where exceptional food, local wine and a well-earned evening of relaxation await.

Day 5 — From the Château to Cadaqués

After breakfast at the château, the route leaves the vineyards of southern France behind and heads back towards Spain through quiet roads and gravel tracks beneath the Eastern Pyrenees.

Crossing the border once more, the landscape gradually changes from mountains and forests to the rugged coastline of Cap de Creus. Following sections inspired by the TRAKA 360 route, riders head east towards the Mediterranean before reaching Port de la Selva for lunch overlooking the sea.

The afternoon brings one final coastal challenge before descending towards Cadaqués, one of the most iconic towns in Catalonia. With its whitewashed buildings, narrow streets and dramatic coastal setting, Cadaqués feels almost Mediterranean-island-like, tucked between the mountains and the sea.

Spend the evening exploring the waterfront, enjoying fresh seafood and soaking up one of the most beautiful overnight stops of the expedition.

Day 6 — Costa Brava & Return to Girona

Wake up in Cadaqués and enjoy breakfast by the coast before setting out on the final riding day.

Leaving the whitewashed town behind, the route follows beautiful flowing gravel along the eastern Costa Brava, linking coastal trails, hidden tracks and spectacular viewpoints as it heads south through the Cap de Creus and Empordà regions.

By lunchtime, riders arrive at Rustik, a cycling-specific café run by our friend Albert, where excellent food and a warm welcome await.

The afternoon threads through medieval villages, classic Girona gravel roads, forests and rolling countryside before arriving back into Girona from the east side of the city.

That evening, the group celebrates the completion of the expedition with a final dinner in Girona. Our team will also help with bike packing and departure logistics.

Day 7 — Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Girona before packing bikes and preparing for onward travel.

Depart with unforgettable memories, new friendships and the satisfaction of completing a remarkable journey through Catalonia, southern France and the Eastern Pyrenees.