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Listed as the main European Cultural Itinerary, dotted with delightful monuments such as old pilgrims' hospitals, and sanctuaries, this route reminds us constantly to be the oldest, most celebrated and frequented route in Europe.
Running through two of Spain's northern regions - Castile and Galicia - the Camino gives way to breathtaking landscapes, unique monuments and typical villages in this part of the country. You will savor the rich Spanish gastronomy, offering traditional regional cuisine with excellent wines.
This tour gives you the flexibility to enjoy this historic pilgrimage at your own pace and brings the experience down to its essence: an individual challenge to reach Santiago...!
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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrive in León
On arrival in León you will find the information required for your journey at the hotel: a complete package including hotel vouchers, your touring bike with all accessories, detailed documentation with maps and a road book.
Founded in 884 AD, León has abundant gastronomic and architectural riches - dinner is best enjoyed by having tapas in the atmospheric bars located along the narrow streets of the Barrio Húmedo. The cathedral is a gem from the Gothic period.
Day 2
León to Astorga 48 km
Today’s route takes us through classic Castilian landscapes, complete with holm oaks, golden wheat fields and gentle ups and downs. It’s hard to get lost: the route never stays far from the N120 highway. The landscape in the first half of the route is relatively dry, but gets greener the further west you get; you’ll cross fields full of diverse crops, such as wheat, corn, hops and wine grapes. Wildlife isn’t a big feature of this first part of the trip, though you will see geckoes, birds of prey and lot of dairy cows!.
Astorga is home to three national monuments and one of the best Romanesque facades.
Day 3
Astorga to Villafranca 75 km, a climb
From Astorga, the Camino starts to climb gently until it meets the first mountain on the way. Once you've reached the top of Foncebadón, take it easy and enjoy the sweeping downhill ride and the gorgeous views on the ride through vineyards to Villafranca. You will stay in the renovated Parador of Villafranca.
The town of Villafranca del Bierzo is a historical and artistic monument, was created to give refuge and sanctuary to the pilgrims before initiating the most difficult part of their pilgrimage. The monastery cloister is a Renaissance jewel.
Day 4
Villafranca to Portomarín 85 km, the most difficult day
Get ready for the most challenging day. From Villafranca you ride slowly towards the mythical O'Cebreiro pass, the most demanding peak along the western section of the Camino. With a little patience it's more than possible to reach the top, but in any case, a taxi is there to avoid it. Then it's downhill all the way to Sarria, and onward via a rolling route to Portomarín.
The older neighborhoods once belonged to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, but now lie submerged, covered by the waters of the Miño River dam.
Day 5
Portomarín to Arzua 51 km
This day provides a lovely alternative to the previous day's hard work. Several easy and long uphills and downhills go through rolling terrain, giving cyclists a view of Galicia's rural landscape.
Day 6
Arzua to Santiago Compostela 38 km. 200 mts. gradient (ascent)
Don't let the short length fool you; the final stage is short, but kind of demanding! After approximately four hours of riding, cyclists become pilgrims upon arriving at the Pórtico de la Gloria (“The Façade of Glory”) at the Cathedral of Santiago. After taking a breath (and celebrating with others arriving by foot and on horseback!), you can visit the Pilgrims Office where you can obtain the “Compostela”, the document certifying you as an official pilgrim (good for John Wayne jokes in the future!). Accommodation is centrally located, giving you the opportunity to explore the streets and bars of the atmospheric historic centre after dark.
This city, without any doubt, is the most important of the Christian Middle Ages. It is worldwide renowned and each year thousands of travelers come to visit its treasures.
Tour ends after breakfast the following morning.
For more details please have a look at the tour dossiers.
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2023 SELF GUIDED TOUR
€1380 per person sharing
€1840 single room
Note that in 2023 bike rental is not included in the tour price.
Self Guided Tour Information
Anytime all year round
To Leon: Approximately 3 hours by train from Madrid. Visit www.renfe.es
From Santiago de Compostela: International flights from Santiago Airport.
For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.
As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).
€490 Madrid to Leon private transfer (1-6 people)
LEON
Day 1: Parador de Leon GL San Marcos
ASTORGA
Day 2: Astorga Via de la Plata
VILLAFRANCA
Day 3: Parador Villafranca
PORTOMARIN
Day 4: Vistalegre Hotel Spa
ARZUA
Day 5: Hotel Pazo Santa Maria