The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage of great historical, cultural and spiritual significance which continues to be shared by pilgrims from all walks of life. It is the only long-distance route to have been awarded World Heritage recognition.
The Camino is more than a journey across the Spanish landscape. It is a personal journey which unites people from many parts of the globe, all of whom decide to undertake this pilgrimage.
Day 1: Arrival to Astorga
Make your way to Astorga, where you will have the chance to explore this fascinating city which is known for its walled city centre, and the episcopal church designed by Gaudi. It is also well worth taking the time to visit the beautiful Cathedral.
Day 2: Astorga to Molinaseca
Distance: 30 miles (49 km). Climb: 2320 ft (707 m).
Today, on your bicycle, you will head into the Maragatería area . This wooded and mountainous region is known for its beautiful villages, with red stone houses, dotted around the landscape. On this, your first ride, you will climb to the highest point of the tour. Here you will pass the stone cross at 1.510m, which is a traditional pilgrimage site. Each pilgrim leaves a stone which they have carried with them, all the way from their homeland. If you want to, you too could bring your own small pebble with you! Later you will descend into the rich valley of the Bierzo.
Day 3: Molinaseca to O'Cebreiro
Distance: 30-37 miles (49-59 km). Climb: 2201-4498 ft (671-1371 m)
For today's ride you will cycle through the flat, cultivated landscapes of the Bierzo valley, an area known for producing excellent wines, fruit and vegetables. Around midday, you will reach the mountains, as you pass through the historic town of Villafranca del Bierzo. Depending on which hotel you are spending the night in, you might have to climb the famously steep O´Cebreiro mountain pass, which separates the regions of Castilla and Galicia. Alternatively you will be staying in the foothills tonight and will take on the climb the tomorrow morning. Either way you get to the top, the views you will be rewarded with are definately worth the effort!
Day 4: O'Cebreiro to Sarria
Distance: 34-28 miles (54-45 km). Climb: 3143-846 ft (958-258 m)
Today will take you iinto a new region, where you will find a very different climate, vegetation, and people. Galicia is a greener part of Spain. It is wooded and mountainous. On your route you will descend into the small town of Samos, where you will find an ancient monastery, dating back to the middle Ages. It is still remains inhabited by monks in the present day. Don't miss the opportunity to visit it! The remainder of the route meanders along streams and rivers, flowing from the mountains, down to the town of Sarria.
Day 5: Sarria to Palas de Rei
Distance: 30 miles (48 km). Climb: 3665 ft (1117 m).
On today's adventure, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sections of the Camino in Galicia.You will find yourself travelling on narrow, but quiet roads, through woodland and green pastures. You will discover a small slice of heaven and area of peace and tranquility, as you pass tiny villages where the locals live off the land, as they have done for generations.
Day 6: Palas de Rei to Rua
Distance: 37 miles (60 km). Climb: 3862 ft (1177 m).
Today you'll be tempted to stop at every one of the charming villages you encounter. Each one is a hidden gem, with stone-built houses and narrow streets that will transport you back in time! You can breathe in history as you pedal along, and can only imagine how many thousands of people have shaped this legendary route.
Day 7: Rua to Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 17 miles (27 km). Climb: 1965 ft (599 m).
Today, take time to enjoy the final kilometres of your adventure. The Camino now leads you into the very heart of the city of pilgrims, the unique Santiago de Compostela, and into the Plaza de Obradoiro which overlooks the Cathedral, built in honour of Saint James. It is a city shrouded in centuries of legends, you will arrive elated, surrounded by the echos of the pilgrims who have come here before you. With a buzz of satisfaction, at having completed your week's rides, and a smile on your face, you should arrive with enough time to get your “Compostelana” or Pilgrim’s Passport. The city is filled with many important landmarks which you can enjoy. History can be found round every corner and there is always an incredible atmosphere. You won't want to say goodbye!
Day 8: Departure or extra nights
Departure day. Why not linger in Santiago a little longer, to enjoy a few days of rest and sightseeing. How about a touch of Luxury in the 5***** Parador?
Difficulty: Moderate +
Longer distances and hilly terrain, with perhaps three or four ascents per day.
You will need to be in good health and reasonably fit. These trips may contain elements that are quite active, but not too hard.
Total distance cycled: 286 km
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
We recommend flying to Madrid or Santiago airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
How do I get back? From Santiago airport back home directly or via another airport.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner
to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Camino de Santiago cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
- 7 nights accommodation (bed and breakfast) in twin or single rooms with own bathroom.
– Luggage transfers between hotels.
– Detailed maps and roadbook with your trail clearly marked, instructions to find the hotels each night and recommendations.
Not Included
This cycling holiday uses hybrid bikes with gearing suitable for the local terrain. All bikes are regularly maintained and offer comfort along with good quality components.
You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag with a good capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump.
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly.
Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.
E-Bike Upgrades:
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
Our hotels are conveniently positioned very near or on the Camino and are always the best quality on offer along the way. They are typically of 3 star grading.
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
The hotel list below is subject to change and should be used as a guide. We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival. |
|
Camino de Santiago | Sample Hotel List |
Astorga | Hotel Astur Plaza |
Molinaseca | Hotel Palacio O'Cebreiro Hotel Capricho de Josana |
Sarria | Hotel Roma |
Palas de Rei | Hotel Casa Benilde |
Rua | Pension Residencial Platas |
Sanitago de Compostela | Hotel Avenida |
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 01.04.– 30.10.2021 | Daily |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: | £615 |
Bike Rental: | £85 |
E-Bike Upgrade: | £170 |
GPS Hire: | £30 |
Single Room Supplement: | from £140 |
Half Board Supplement: | £85 (not in Santiago) |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | 3* Rural Hotels |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Supplement Price SGL/BB |
Astorga: | £85 | £65 |
Santiago: | £85 | £70 |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
01 April 2021 | 30 October 2021 |