LOCATIONs

Alt & Baix Empordà | Catalonia
The Sherry Triangle | Andalusia
Dorset, Hampshire & Sussex | UK
Priorat | Catalonia (coming soon)

– Bacchus on Bikes –

[ Epicurean Cycle Adventures in spain ]

It is on the flanks of the Empordà, an exquisite corner of Catalonia, where Spain splashes up the side of Pyrenees peaks and rolls into the azure waters of the Mediterranean, that we found ourselves slipping into a soporific post-paella slumber three years ago. Wine might have been the main culprit for this particular siesta, but so too was the enthralling morning spent exploring the honeycomb of country trails and backroads linking medieval villages, vineyards and old monasteries hidden in the contours of this charismatic land.

There’s a clue to the ethos of our tours in our name. Bacchus, a curious character from the mists of Greco-Roman mythology, is the god of vines, winemaking and revelry. We have sat him on a bike and come up with a concept that perfectly combines exercise and epicurean experiences, set in the bucolic and (at times quite literally) breathtaking landscapes of Catalan wine country.

Our time spent in this north-eastern knuckle of Spain, cycling and hiking between family-run vineyards of Alt & Baix Empordà, has always had us hooked. It is a place relatively unknown given its gastronomic, viticultural and olive oil producing heritage – over 2,500 years have passed since the first vines were planted – and herein lies its beauty. Venture into the rolling hills and in minutes you will find yourself off the beaten track, tapping into the fascinating history, culture and cuisine of the Empordà.

"The perfect blend of epicurean experiences and cycle touring in charismatic corners of Europe that have everything – fascinating history, fine wine, delicious food and jaw dropping vistas."

ALT & BAIX Empordà | OUR FLAGSHIP DESTINATION

Dubbed the ‘undiscovered Tuscany’, the Empordà region of Catalonia is an epicurean's idea of heaven. This most northeasterly knuckle of the Iberian Peninsular, relatively unknown given its gastronomic, viticultural and olive oil producing heritage, has been producing wine and olive oil since the Greeks, Romans and Arabs inhabited the area 2,500 years ago.

We love the Empordà for many things, but its fascinating history, jaw-dropping vistas and abundance of epicurean experiences are what set it apart. Medieval villages and national parks combined with the growing number of family-run cellars, olive groves and top-rated restaurants make the potential for wine and olive oil tourism greater than ever.

The classic ‘Pirinexus’ route, which begins in Girona, reaches as far as French Catalonia before wending its away through the beautiful countryside, medieval villages and wineries of Alt and Baix Empordà. It is without doubt one of the most impressive ways to savour the spectacular landscapes and drink in the culture of this region. With its varied terrain and variety of remote backroads, it has become a mecca for touring cyclists in recent years.

baix empordà

Girona

A mecca for touring cyclists and starting point for many Bacchus adventures, this medieval city is overflowing with Catalan culture.

Gavarres National Park

Once the source for one of Catalonia's biggest export industries - cork - this sea of green has become a playground for cyclists.

Sant Grau Hermitage

Nestled in the foothills of the Ardenya Natural Reserve overlooking the Med, picnic lunches with a view don't get much better.

Alt empordà

Can Xiquet

Voluptuous vistas over the Albera and Cap de Creus, sit back and relax with a glass of Empordà wine after a day of discovery.

Cap de Creus

Flanked by glittering Mediterranean waters and the imposing Pyrenees, this is rugged paradise at its most beautiful.

Cadaques

Remarkably unspoilt and undeniably picturesque, this seaside town was home to Catalan surrealist and provocateur, Salvador Dali.

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