LOCATIONs

Alt & Baix Empordà | Catalonia
The Sherry Triangle | Andalusia
Emilia Romagna | Italy (coming soon)
Hampshire & Sussex | UK (coming soon)

– Bacchus on Bikes –

[ cycle touring in spain ]

It was on a cycling tour from La Rochelle to Barcelona in 2013 with my two daughters, Zoe and Annie, that I was lucky enough to discover the hidden gems of the Empordà in Catalonia. We cycled through beautiful parts of France, but it was without doubt the northeastern knuckle of Spain that stuck in all our memories - mountains, coastline, medieval villages, paddy fields, orchards, vineyards, olive groves, dedicated cycling & walking routes and to top it all off, the incomparable pleasure of sitting down to a feast of fresh local food and delicious wine with weary legs after a long day exercising.  

With that sweet taste of the Empordà still in my mouth, I approached Catalan friend, Josep Maria, to set the wheels in motion for Bacchus’ original cycling, walking, wine, olive oil and gastronomy tours - aiming to give friends and family an ‘under the skin’ experience of the region and a chance to get to know the dedicated and enthusiastic characters behind their food and drink.

Two years down the line and after a number of fantastic tours in the Empordà, we are excited to be taking this concept further afield under the leadership of Managing Director, Gareth Davies. With new and exciting destinations on the roadmap, including Andalusia and Emilia Romagna in 2018, we hope you will be able to join us for the ride.

Anthony Wallington OBE

Founder and Executive Chairman, Bacchus on Bikes

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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