Freewheel - Camino de Santiago

Camino de Santiago

Spain

From £660 P/P

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.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

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?
Route Overview

Route Overview

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.
Getting There
Getting There

We recommend flying to Madrid or Santiago airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
- MADRID TO ASTORGA. The bus company ALSA runs a daily service from Madrid to Astorga (most buses leave from Madrid south station “estacion sur” but some buses also leave from the airport, terminal 4). There are typically 5 buses each day and they take between 4 and 5 hours and cost is around 25€ per person.
- LEON TO ASTORGA. Several trains (RENFE) each afternoon taking 30mins and costing 10€ per person. The bus company ALSA runs many buses to Astorga, taking 50mins and costing around 4€ per person.
- SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA TO ASTORGA. RENFE run one early morning train (9:25) taking just over 5 hours and costing around 32€ per person. The bus company ALSA runs one early morning bus (8am) taking 6 hours and costing around 27€ per person.
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.
What’s Included?
What’s Included?

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
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Hire and Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless included)
Bike Hire

Bike Hire

About the Rental Bikes

This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.

You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.

Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)

Rental Bike PLUS

E - Bike (Colour may vary)

Accessories

If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.

All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.

You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.

Gearing information available on request.

Frame Sizing

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. 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!

Bike Hire Insurance

This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.

Electric Bike Hire

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. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.

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.
Hotels

Hotels

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.

Date & Prices

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.

2022 Cycling Holiday Dates & Prices:

Season	Date	Prices per person	Arrival Day
Season 1	01.04 – 30.10	£660	Daily
Single Room Supplement	All	£150
Half Board	All	£85

Bike Hire per person:

Bike Type	Price
Rental Bike:	£95
Electric Bike Upgrade:	£180
GPS	£30

EXTRA NIGHT PER PERSON PER NIGHT PRICES (YOU WILL STAY IN THE SAME HOTEL AS PER THE CYCLE TOUR):

Location	Price DBL/BB	Single Supplement Price SGL/BB
Astorga	£85	£65
Santiago	£90	£70

Reference: SYP22

Date From	Date To	Price
01 April 2022	30 October 2022	£0

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