SpainBARCELONA & CAVA VINEYARDS
Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
SpainBarcelona & Cava Vineyards
Self-Guided Cycling Tour
Length: 5 Days
Level: 
Price: from €1,440 EUR
This self-guided cycling holiday explores some of the best riding in the Barcelona region. Discover the amazing history, beautiful scenery and charming towns on the doorstep of Barcelona; all while staying in some of the finest boutique hotels in the area. The route crosses the Penedás region, renowned for its cava vineyards. You can sample the local wine, as well as the fantastic Catalan cuisine. The cycling follows very quiet country lanes, away from traffic, and also visits Medieval castles, ancient ruins and beautiful historic villages.
The tour is suitable for riders of all levels. Below you can find a detailed itinerary; click on the tabs to see more highlights, as well as all the practical information about the holiday.
We also run a guided version of this tour.
Day 1 - Sant Llorenç
We collect you from Barcelona airport and transfer you to the beautiful hotel on the edge of Sant Llorenç. Here you can enjoy a cava wine tasting or relax by the pool.
Depending on your arrival time, there is the possibility to do a short circular ride in the surroundings of the village.
Depending on your arrival time, there is the possibility to do a short circular ride in the surroundings of the village.
Riding through the Cava Vineyards
Day 2 - Sant Sadurni & Cava Tasting
The riding today begins by follow quiet country lanes through the vineyards towards the town of Sant Sadurni - the home of Cava wine.
In the town of Sant Sadurni you visit one of the region's best known wineries for a tasting of the local Cava.
From there you continue along back roads to the town of Vilafranca del Penedès, where we stop for lunch, before arriving at your stunning 5-star hotel on the edge of the town.
Shorter Route: 25km (16 miles)
Long Route: 33km+ (20 miles+)
In the town of Sant Sadurni you visit one of the region's best known wineries for a tasting of the local Cava.
From there you continue along back roads to the town of Vilafranca del Penedès, where we stop for lunch, before arriving at your stunning 5-star hotel on the edge of the town.
Cycle Route:
Shorter Route: 25km (16 miles)
Long Route: 33km+ (20 miles+)
You stop for a cava vineyard tour and tasting in Sant Sadurni
Day 3 - Penedés Region
Today you do a circular ride around cava wine country. Your route again follows gently rolling back roads between the vineyards, passing through some of the charming villages that dot the region.
Highlights also include visiting an impressive gorge, known for its birdlife. You can stop off for lunch in Vilafranca or one of the neighbouring villages, before returning to relax at your 5-star hotel in Vilafranca.
Short Route: 25km (15 miles)
Long Route: 32km (20 miles)
Highlights also include visiting an impressive gorge, known for its birdlife. You can stop off for lunch in Vilafranca or one of the neighbouring villages, before returning to relax at your 5-star hotel in Vilafranca.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 25km (15 miles)
Long Route: 32km (20 miles)
The routes are on quiet lanes or well surfaced cycle routes like this - largely free from traffic!
Day 4 - Castellet & Foix Reservoir
The ride today begins by heading towards the Foix Reservoir. This extremely scenic natural area is also home to the charming village of Castellet, where you can explore the
10th century castle complex.
A fun downhill route takes you back into the Penedés wine region, where the day finishes in another stunning hotel housed inside a reformed 17th century mansion.
The Route: 25km (14 miles)
Long Route: 33km+ (19+ miles)
A fun downhill route takes you back into the Penedés wine region, where the day finishes in another stunning hotel housed inside a reformed 17th century mansion.
Cycle Routes:
The Route: 25km (14 miles)
Long Route: 33km+ (19+ miles)
We visit the Medieval castle at Castellet
Day 5 - Olerdola Castle & Via Augusta
The final day in the saddle begins with an optional climb up to the hilltop Iberian settlement of Olerdola. Dating from pre-Roman times, this offers a glimpse into the ancient Iberian culture, as well as offering stunning views of the surrounding area,
After a quick descent, the ride follows part of the Via Augusta, an old Greco-Roman road which linked towns along Iberia's Mediterranean coastline.
The tour comes to an end in the village of Subirats. Here you will leave the bikes and can take the regular local train directly into the heart of Barcelona.
No accommodation is included this day as we understand that you may prefer to book your own accommodation to spend multiple nights in Barcelona or on the beach. If you would like us to arrange this for you, please let us know and we would happily book the extra nights for you.
Short Route: 32km (19 miles)
Long Route: Various Options
After a quick descent, the ride follows part of the Via Augusta, an old Greco-Roman road which linked towns along Iberia's Mediterranean coastline.
The tour comes to an end in the village of Subirats. Here you will leave the bikes and can take the regular local train directly into the heart of Barcelona.
No accommodation is included this day as we understand that you may prefer to book your own accommodation to spend multiple nights in Barcelona or on the beach. If you would like us to arrange this for you, please let us know and we would happily book the extra nights for you.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 32km (19 miles)
Long Route: Various Options
On this cycling holiday you will ride through vineyards and natural parks, and alongside rivers and the Mediterranean coast. But it's not only about the cycling, you will also become immersed
in the history and culture of Barcelona and the Catalan region.
You will visit Roman monuments and Medieval villages, and you will stay in hotels in spectacular settings. You will also have plenty of opportunities to delve into the local gastronomy, bringing you the authentic Catalan experience!
Check out the photos below for just a few of the many highlights:
You will visit Roman monuments and Medieval villages, and you will stay in hotels in spectacular settings. You will also have plenty of opportunities to delve into the local gastronomy, bringing you the authentic Catalan experience!
Check out the photos below for just a few of the many highlights:
Mastinell Winery
Our luxurious accommodation on the second and third nights - you also enjoy a wine tasting here.
Expansive Vineyards
This is real wine country! As well as cava, the region produces excellent red wines.
Calafell Castle
One of many great historic monuments dotted along the routes.
Catalan Rabbit Stew
Enjoying the Catalan cuisine is one of the highlights of the holiday. This is a traditional rabbit stew and is typical of the inland areas. If this isn't to your taste, don't worry, we're sure you will find many other dishes here that you love!
Cava Vineyards
Large parts of the routes follow quiet lanes such as this through the cava vineyards of the Penedes region.
Historic Villages
The rides pass between picturesque villages, which make for pleasant coffee stops.
Cava Wine Barrels
Cava has been made in the region since the mid 19th century. It was initially sold under the 'Champagne' label, before acquiring its own name. The word Cava literally means 'cave' and takes its name from the cavernous underground areas where the barrels are stored.
Wine Tasting
We sample some of the finest Cava at two separate tastings during the holiday.
Quiet Country Lanes
The routes on this holiday follow tranquil back roads.
El Castellet
The charming village of Castellet is dominated by its castle which dates back to over 1,000 years. It provides a glimpse into the region's history as well as offering incredible views of the surrounding area.
Gravel Road
The riding on this tour is mostly on paved roads, but there are some sections on gravel to help as avoid traffic. These are smooth and don't require and specific off-road riding skills.
Foix Reservoir
The scenic Foix Reservoir provides water for many of the vineyards and orange groves in this region.
Romanesque Church
We pass through many charming small villages on the rides.
Via Augusta
Our route often follows the Via Augusta - a Greco-Roman road which linked the Mediterranean coastal towns of ancient Iberia.
Roman Stele
This Roman road marker dates back over 2,000 years. This route is following in the footsteps of ancient historic figures such as Hannibal, Julius Caesar and Charlemagne.
Vilafranca Cathedral
Vilafranca is the largest town in the region and makes for an excellent lunch stop.
Coastal Old Town
The colorful old town of Sitges is fun to explore and an extension option.
Sagrada Familia - Barcelona
Designed by Antonà GaudÃ, this church is probably the most iconic of all Barcelona's monuments.
Included
- ✔ Four Nights Accommodation in luxury hotels (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ Continental breakfast included each day
- ✔ Bicycle Hire (Hybrid or e-bike recommended).
- ✔ Transfers from Barcelona airport to the first hotel in Sant Llorenç
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ Cava wine tasting
- ✔ GPS routes and mobile app to easily follow the routes
- ✔ Detailed information pack about the routes, restaurants and everything to see along the rides
Not Included:
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions (optional extra)
- ❌ Travel Insurance
Bicycles
Bicycle hire is included in the cost of the holiday. We recommend hybrid or e-bikes for this holiday.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required.
Difficulty Level & Roads
We rate this tour as easy level of difficulty if you ride the shorter routes. The daily distances are mostly around 30km (19 miles) and are rolling, with only a couple of slightly longer climbs, which are well worth it for the resulting views!
The ride on the last day is a bit longer, but is mostly downhill so is not really any more challenging.
This is a leisurely cycling tour, with plenty of time built into the routes for you to explore and look around, while riding at your own pace. We believe that this is perfectly suitable for a first time cycling holiday, and also a good option for more experienced riders who want a rounded holiday, with things to do both on and off the bike.
The longer routes are available for those of you who wish to cycle further. These also tend to be rolling rather than hilly, and you can choose on any given day whether to do the longer or shorter route.
The routes are on a combination of quiet country roads and cycling paths. Most of the route is paved, but there are some gravel sections at times, such as through some of the vineyards. These can be avoided though if you wish to do the tour on a road bike.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
The ride on the last day is a bit longer, but is mostly downhill so is not really any more challenging.
This is a leisurely cycling tour, with plenty of time built into the routes for you to explore and look around, while riding at your own pace. We believe that this is perfectly suitable for a first time cycling holiday, and also a good option for more experienced riders who want a rounded holiday, with things to do both on and off the bike.
The longer routes are available for those of you who wish to cycle further. These also tend to be rolling rather than hilly, and you can choose on any given day whether to do the longer or shorter route.
The routes are on a combination of quiet country roads and cycling paths. Most of the route is paved, but there are some gravel sections at times, such as through some of the vineyards. These can be avoided though if you wish to do the tour on a road bike.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
Arrival and Departure
The arrival point is Barcelona airport. Barcelona has a large international airport serving many destinations throughout the world.
It also has regular train connections to most of Spain and France, as well as ferries to Mallorca, Sardinia and Civitavecchia (Rome).
We will pick you up from Barcelona airport and transfer you to the hotel.
The departure point is Subirats train station. From here there are regular local trains to Barcelona; it is not necessary to book the ticket in advance. Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information about the options.
It also has regular train connections to most of Spain and France, as well as ferries to Mallorca, Sardinia and Civitavecchia (Rome).
We will pick you up from Barcelona airport and transfer you to the hotel.
The departure point is Subirats train station. From here there are regular local trains to Barcelona; it is not necessary to book the ticket in advance. Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information about the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse through some of the frequently asked questions about this cycling tour. If you have any further questions, or would like any more information, please contact us and we will answer by email.
Should I do the longer or shorter routes?
This depends entirely on you! The longer and shorter routes all start and finish at the same place, and so you can decide on any given day which you would prefer to do. There is no need to commit until the day of the ride itself.
On the longer routes you see more and are able to visit more places, while the shorter routes are more relaxing and ideal if you like to take your time and go at a slower pace.
If you would like to visit the extra towns and monuments on the longer routes, but are worried about the distances, then we recommend hiring an e-bike, which will give you more flexibility.
What is the weather like?
The Barcelona region is mostly dry and sunny throughout the year, with little rain.
The best temperatures for riding are from late March to June and from September to November. Daytime temperatures during these months are usually between 20°C (68°F)
and 25°C (77°F), which is very pleasant for cycling.
But it is possible to go on this holiday at other times of the year. In July and August temperatures are regularly above 30°C (85°F), and so we would only recommend doing the tour at this time of year if you have experience of riding
in hot conditions. Winter is also a possibility, with daytime temperatures averaging around 15°C (60°F): not exactly t-shirt weather, but also not unpleasant for cycling.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes, we would be happy to arrange any tour extensions for you. The most popular option is to spend extra nights in
Barcelona.
But we can also help you to extend the trip if you wish to visit Madrid,
Valencia, the Costa Brava, or elsewhere.
Do you run this as a guided tour?
Yes, for more details, check out the guided version of this holiday.
Why book with us?
We are a small and independent company who are locally based, which offers several advantages:
- We have a lot personal experience of all of our tours, which have been refined over many years. We believe we are genuine experts in the regions where we run tours, and we are also close at hand to offer support and a personalized service.
- We are flexible and can tailor our itineraries to suit your requirements.
- We have low overheads. We don't spend money on advertising and don't use third party agents. We only sell our tours through this website.
By cutting out the middle man, you can be sure that more of what you pay is
being spent on the important things: like hotels, equipment and other services.
- We are a registered and fully bonded tour operator in accordance with EU regulations.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full cancellation policy can be found in our terms and conditions.
Where can I find more information about the region?
We have plenty more detailed information on the website.
Check out our page on Barcelona for more information about the city itself.
Hotel Can Canyes
We spend the first night in this boutique 4-star hotel in Sant Llorenç, surrounded by Cava Vineyards. The stylish rooms are very comfortable, while the pool and gardens are great for relaxing.
Hotel Mastinell
One of the finest hotels in Catalonia, We spend two night in the stunning 5-star boutique Mastinell. The hotel has won awards for its architectural design, with each room shaped like a cava bottle, and offering views looking out over the surrounding vineyards.
It is a great place to relax at the end of a day's riding.
It is a great place to relax at the end of a day's riding.
Bolet Casa Modernista
This is another spectacular boutique hotel, with its own cava vineyards. The building originally dates from the 17th century and has been renovated in a very elegant 'modernist' style.
The hotel counts on a large pool and gardens, as well as offering its own cava tasting.
The hotel counts on a large pool and gardens, as well as offering its own cava tasting.
To find out more about how we select our hotels, please see our accommodation page.
| Starting Date of Tour | Price (per person)¹ | Single Supplement | Bike Hire | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st July - 8th September | €1,590 EUR | €630 EUR | Included | |
| All other Dates | €1,440 EUR | €560 EUR | Included |
¹Price is based on two people sharing a double or twin room. If you would prefer to stay in a single room, the single supplement is applicable.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
Similar tours that you may be interested in:
SpainGuided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level:
Price: €1,490 EUR
*Bike Hire Included
SpainSelf-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: 
Price: from €1,590 EUR
*Bike Hire Included
SpainSelf-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level:
Price: from €1,620 EUR
*Bike Hire Included