Catalonia: Food, Wine and Bike in the Empordà and Costa Brava

Dates: June 10-17, 2026 (Waitlist)

Price: From $2,500.00

Tour Operator: Pedalo-Radreisefreunde

After a successful inaugural collaboration in 2024, Lifelong Learning and the Outing Club are pleased to announce their third European active adventure, Catalonia: Food, Wine and Bike in the Emporda and Costa Brava. Drawing upon W&L’s strengths in education travel and outdoor education, this specially designed trip offers the opportunity for alumni to combine their love of outdoor physical activity with their pursuit of travel and continued learning. The trip leader is James Dick, director of Outdoor Education at W&L and experienced tour guide.

This varied cycling tour takes us through one of the most beautiful regions of Catalonia - from the historic city of Girona to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. On former railway lines, along the coast and through the green hinterland of the Costa Brava, we discover Mediterranean landscapes, medieval villages and unspoilt nature parks. Whether it’s the colorful cityscape of Girona, the dreamy bays around Calella de Palafrugell or the vast rice fields in Empordà - each stage brings new scenic and cultural highlights. Culinary delights, regional wines and the charm of old fishing villages round off the travel experience. An ideal tour for anyone who wants to combine cycling with enjoyment, culture and nature.

Space for this special trip is limited to no more than 18 travelers and is expected to fill quickly. Reserve your spot now to ensure you are a part (an extended stay in Vienna is possible). The memories of this W&L experience will last a lifetime.

Biking Difficulty Levels

• Level 1: Flat paved paths and traffic-free bike routes with no uphill sections, ideal for a slower pace or entry-level riders.
  • Distance: 8-15 miles
  • Time: 3-4 hours
• Level 2: Minor side roads and paved cycling paths with occasional short steep pitches or longer gentle climbs, requiring more attention in busier areas.
  • Distance: 15-35 miles
  • Time: 4-5 hours
• Level 3: Longer mileage on routes with grades over 8%, frequent climbs, and hilly ascents/descents, requiring confident bike handling and strong fitness.
  • Distance: 25-35 miles
  • Time: 5-6 hours
• Level 4: Steeper, more demanding itineraries for high-fitness level cyclists, featuring fast hilly descents, tight curves, and sections on busier roads with traffic.
  • Distance: 35-60 miles
  • Time: 6-7 hours

Traveling With You

James Dick, Director of Outdoor Education, has served as an educator and mentor for thousands of students at Washington and Lee. He has directed the university’s Outdoor Education Department, which includes the popular Outing Club, for 24 years. James has led backcountry expeditions and adventure programs on four continents. He is also a frequent host of Lifelong Learning tours, including recent trips to the Galapagos Islands, the national parks of the Southwest, and last year’s cycling trip along the Danube.