FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE SUN 24 SEP | WELCOME
Arrive in Girona, ready to meet your guides around 11:00am in the hotel lobby. They will finalise bike fit for those who have hired bikes and assist with bike assembly. There will be a light lunch and introductions, followed by an afternoon ride to stretch the legs after travelling. A stroll in beautiful Girona before a delicious Welcome dinner and Tour Briefing.
DISTANCE | 40KM | 25MI
ELEVATION | 600M | 2000FT
DAY TWO MON 25 SEP | GIRONA LOOP
Extremely pleasant roll to the Costa Brava and charming villages of Peratallada and Torroella. There may be time to visit Empúries, near L'Escala, a very important archaeological site, and one of the few Greek colonies found in the north Mediterranean. Enjoy the flat while it lasts!
DISTANCE | 104KM | 64MI
ELEVATION | 800M | 2600FT
DAY THREE TUE 26 SEP | GIRONA TO RIBES DE FRESER
Today we ease into climbing mode. A great ride through the lush volcanic natural park of La Garrotxa, with more than fifty dormant craters. A brief pause in Olot before the long climb to Ripoll, and beyond to Ribes de Freser. Nothing too steep, as we arrive at the gateway to the Pyrenees.
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 1400M | 4600FT
DAY FOUR WED 27 SEP | RIBES DE FRESER TO LA SEU D'URGELL
A stunning 30km gradual climb to the famous Spanish ski resort, La Molina. This ascent is often used in the Vuelta, and we ride parallel to the Pyrenees in the wild Serra del Cadi. A great ride to get into your rhythm ready for the challenges ahead.
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 1200M | 3900FT
DAY FIVE THU 28 SEP | LA SEU D'URGELL LOOP TO ANDORRA
One of the more recent inclusions in the Vuelta, we ride the Coll d'Ordino, in the principality of Andorra. For those that would like a little more, we can easily accommodate you. Remember, there is a long day tomorrow.
DISTANCE | 85KM | 53MI
ELEVATION | 1400M | 4600FT | MAX 18%
Optional extras:
Extensions along the way include La Rabassa, included in the 2017 and 2018 Vuelta, 17km ascent, average 6.3%, max 11% | Collada de la Gallina, a Vuelta Cat 1 climb, 11km ascent, average 8.5% | Loop to Arcavell, 7km ascent, 570m elevation.
DAY SIX FRI 29 SEP | LA SEU D'URGELL TO VIELHA
Long, challenging ride close to the French border in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees. The area around Vielha is isolated, beautiful and attracts outdoor extreme adventurers. That's you! Two long classic Vuelta climbs - the Coll de Canto (26km) and Puerto de la Bonaigua (23km).
DISTANCE | 127KM | 80MI
ELEVATION | 2400M | 7900FT
DAY SEVEN SAT 30 SEP | VIELHA LOOP TO COL DU PORTILLON
Fantastic loop ride into France for our first ascent of the Col du Portillon, a favourite in the Tour de France line-up.
DISTANCE | 94KM | 58MI
ELEVATION | 1600M | 5200FT
DAY EIGHT SUN 1 OCT | VIELHA TO SANT LARY
Possibly one of the most scenic rides of the tour. Today we tackle the Col du Portillon from the other side. The Col du Portillon has featured in the Tour de France some 18 or so times. It's then onto another grand tour icon, the Col de Peyresourde.
DISTANCE | 68KM | 42MI
ELEVATION | 1600M | 5200FT
Optional extras:
Extensions include loop to Col d'Azet, 40km, 1000m elevation | Out and back to Col de Peyresourde climbing the side you descended this morning, 50km, 1400m elevation.
DAY NINE MON 2 OCT | SANT LARY LOOP TO COL DU TOURMALET
The final challenge to the mythical Col du Tourmalet, via the Col d'Aspin and back by way of the Hourquette d'Ancizan, a recent addition to the TDF. Epic day and celebratory dinner to finish the tour.
DISTANCE | 91KM | 57MI
ELEVATION | 2900M | 9500FT
DAY TEN TUE 3 OCT | GOODBYE
Group transfer to Barcelona, a drive of 4.5 hours. We recommend to schedule departing flights from late afternoon onwards.
Time to say farewell, until next time!