Days start with a buffet breakfast at the resort, then a ride into one of the mountain ranges near the coast. Most rides finish back at Cambrils Park in time for lunch; on the longer days the group stops in a village for a quick bite on the road. You then have a few hours free in the afternoon before meeting for dinner, which is local food either in town or at the resort's buffet restaurant (two dinners are eaten on site).

The riding is the point. Day 2 heads north through Falset into Priorat, one of Spain's best-known wine areas, past vines and hazelnut orchards, with a series of ups and downs leading to the foot of the Montsant escarpment — 120 km and 1,740 m, finishing with a 30 km descent back to the coast. Day 3 is a 71 km loop through the Serra Llaberia with two climbs, Colle de Fatxes and Colledejou, and two descents, passing almond, cherry and olive orchards. Day 4 goes deeper into the mountains: 100 km and 1,700 m, opening with a 10+ km climb of switchbacks above the Mediterranean to 1,000 m near the abandoned village of La Mussara.

What separates this from a generic Spanish cycling holiday is the base. Cambrils Park Resort is a sports resort that in spring is given over to cyclists, from camps like this one to pro teams training for the season. You get modern apartments with air-conditioning in every room, a kitchen, living area and large terrace, plus a spa with sauna, hot tub and indoor pool, a gym, a big pool with a bar and chill-out area, and a supermarket for anything you forgot.

The guides are the owners. Gerry and John run 44|5 Cycling Tours themselves and ride with the group, backed by a support van carrying bars, gels, snacks and water. Guests who have ridden with them describe the pair as knowledgeable, professional and good company, with a strong local knowledge of the roads and villages.

The location does a lot of the work. The Costa Daurada sits about an hour south of Barcelona, with a mild winter and early-spring climate and miles of quiet, challenging roads. Airport pick-up and drop-off at Barcelona (BCN) is included, with the pick-up at 12:00. A two-night Girona add-on — two rides including Rocacorba, two nights at Hotel Ciutat, two breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner — may be offered; pricing was still to be confirmed.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation - All breakfasts, lunches and dinners - Energy bars, gels, snacks and water on rides - Pick-up and drop-off at Barcelona Airport (BCN) - All ground transport - Owner-operator guides - Support van on the road with assistance and nutrition

What's not included

- Transportation to Spain - Alcohol with meals - Hotels before and after the tour - Personal expenses such as mini-bars, telephone or souvenirs - Bikes (rentals can be arranged)