Cycle the Camino de Santiago

Cycle the Camino de Santiago

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8 Days From

$3375

Cycle the Camino de Santiago

8 Days Starting in León and ending in Santiago de Compostela

Visiting: Spain

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

MWC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate & Challenging

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $3375

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

The Camino de Santiago runs across northern Spain, originating in the Galicia region where the tomb of the apostle James the Great was discovered in the ninth century. Also known as the Way of Saint James, it is marked by a scallop shell symbol and the joining grooves are said to represent the many different routes pilgrims take to reach Santiago. The gothic cathedrals, medieval monasteries and miles of beautiful rural scenery make this section of the ancient route so popular.

Highlights

  • Discover medieval monasteries and unspoiled rural scenery

  • Enjoy the fantastic food and wine produced along the way

  • Follow the pilgrimage route to Santiago

  • Collect stamps for your pilgrim's passport along the way

  • Receive your much sought-after Compostela certificate

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start León

Accommodation Name: Apartahotel Exe Campus San Mamés

The trip starts in León. We may have time to visit the beautiful gothic cathedral and stroll around winding narrow streets before a trip briefing and our first meal as a group.



Accommodation: Apartahotel Exe Campus San Mamés

Day 2 : Ride Across The Plains Of Castille Through Countryside And Quaint Villages To Astorga

Accommodation Name: Hotel Gaudi

Meals Included: Breakfast

We head into the countryside, riding across the plains of Castilla through cultivated countryside and quaint villages with adobe houses and wine caves. We take lunch in Hospital del Orbigo and on entering the village we cross a medieval bridge, which is one of the longest pilgrimage bridges in Spain.). We then ride the final 9mi (15km) to the beautiful walled town of Astorga, with views of the León mountains in the distance.



Accommodation: Hotel Gaudi

Day 3 : Climb Into The León Mountains To The Monte De La Cruz De Ferro; Descend To Molinaseca

Accommodation Name: Hostal El Palacio

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's ride is the most beautiful of the trip as we leave the Castilian plains and climb gradually into the León mountains to the Monte de la Cruz de Ferro (4,938ft/1,505m). We pass through Castrillo de los Polvazares en route, known for its very special architecture created by strong orange-coloured stone. After riding through the mountain village of Acebo (the main street is a straight line of beautiful balconied houses) we enjoy the rest of our descent into Molinaseca with stunning views of the surrounding valley.



Accommodation: Hostal El Palacio

Day 4 : From Molinaseca To Vega De Valcarce

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ambasmestas

Meals Included: Breakfast

The highlight today is the ride to the beautiful town of Villafranca with views across the green valleys of Galicia and wooded mountains of León. After the first easy and mainly flat 15.5mi (25km), passing through vineyards as we are in the wine region of El Bierzo, then we have a short climb to Villafranca, which is worth a look for its many monuments and picturesque town square. Then, we cycle another 15 km to the village of Ambasmestas just in the middle of the picturesque valley of Vega de Valcarce, on the foothills of Monte de O'Cebreiro.



Accommodation: Hotel Ambasmestas

Day 5 : O'cebreiro To Portomarin. Enter Galicia's Landscape Of Traditional Agricultural Villages; Cycle Past Samos Monastery And Sarria

Accommodation Name: Hotel Villajardin

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning will take a transfer up to the mountaintop and the small village of O'Cebreiro. This fairytale village is the first population of Galicia where we can appreciate wonderful views of the valleys that surround this peak and admire the slate-roofed black houses



From O’Cebreiro, as we enter Galicia, the landscape changes dramatically and the area is populated by traditional agricultural villages. Each family has small plots of land, which they cultivate for their own vegetables, and we pass many local people working the land and tending to their cattle. As well as a change in culture, landscape and language, Galicia has a gastronomy that uses high-quality products prepared in simple but very delicious ways. We enjoy lunch in Samos, which is home to one of the oldest monasteries in Spain and afterwards we will cycle through chestnut forests passing Sarria, and then along tree-lined paths to arrive to our destination for the evening, Portomarin.



Accommodation: Hotel Villajardin

Day 6 : Cycle Through Beautiful Rural Galician Countryside To Palas De Rei; Continue To Arzua

Accommodation Name: Hotel Arzua

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we will start with a 13km climb to arrive at the best preserved Celtic settlement in northern Spain. Then afterwards we have a downhill section from Ventas de Naron to Palas de Rei, a small town full of the pilgrim spirit. Then we cycle along a picturesque stretch of the Camino, as we cross several Roman bridges and cycle past Medieval churches to get the town of Melide, which is renowned for its octopus with potatoes dish, and end our day in Arzua, well-known for its cheeses.



Accommodation: Hotel Arzua

Day 7 : Short Ascents And Descents To Monte De Gozo; Follow The Pilgrims' Route To The Cathedral Of Santiago De Compostela

Accommodation Name: Hotel Loop INN Santiago

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our final day involves several short ascents and descents towards Monte de Gozo. From here, as pilgrims have done for centuries, we wind through the city streets and crowds to Plaza del Obradoiro, which is dominated by the impressive cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.



We then move onto the Pilgrim's Office for those who wish to obtain the compostela (certificate of accomplishment).



Accommodation: Hotel Loop INN Santiago

Day 8 : End Santiago De Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to the group and start your return journey home.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts

  • All accommodation

  • Airport transfers

  • Local bike hire

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • E-bike hire

Food

All breakfasts are included.



Breakfasts will be continental style with cold cheese, meats and bread, plus pastries, tea and coffee.



Vegetarians: Please be aware that a meat and fish diet is the norm in northern Spain. Many vegetarians have not experienced any problems; however, please be prepared to be flexible. Please note, mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Accommodation

In the smaller villages, we stay in characterful family-run casa rurales and in larger towns we stay in larger hotels. All have en suite facilities and are situated beside the Camino de Santiago.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

CYCLE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

This trip was fantastic! Really good route with a mixture of on and off road cycling. Beautiful area of countryside with a good amount of attractive towns and villages. Superb guides with excellent command of English, good local knowledge and great entertainment.

CYCLE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Best cycle holiday yet.  Excellent company and well paced itinerary.  

Cycling the camino

Well organised trip staying almost completely on the camino route, with good hotels, good guides, and a great group of people.

CYCLE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

A fabulous experience, with a fabulous group of people of a wide age range!

CYCLE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

A really good group of people and a trip I'd wanted to do for a few years but which seemed to have disappeared from the brochure for a couple of years before being re-introduced.  Cycling was harder than expected; although rated 'moderate' this trip was harder than other 'moderate' trips I've done in the past; in fact only two of our group actually cycled the whole way without spending any time in the support vehicle. 

CYCLE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Just got back from the Camino de Santiago cycling trip and am filled with enthusiasm for all things Spanish, and all things cycling. Had a wonderful time, with a lovely group of people, and a guide and driver who did so much to make our week fun and enjoyable. The cycling was harder than we expected. There are no flat days, one day was slightly easier than the others but there were strenuous climbs almost every day. The days were long and there was very little 'down time'. There are lots of rough tracks and steep descents on tricky terrain. A few of us felt that the holiday description should give more of an idea of what to expect. To complete every day requires a good level of fitness, determination and cycling experience

Captivating Camino

Week long bike adventure was the perfect mix of intense physical activity and sightseeing / touring.

Camino de Santiago

A challenging trip with many hills & steep descents but very enjoyable.

Cycling to Santiago

A great week cycling the Camino from Leon to Santiago. The weather was fantastic, the scenery beautiful and we all got on very well as a group. Compared to some tours its not a high number of miles a day, the longest day being day 6 at 41 miles. This means you dont have to start too early (9am or 9:30am) and there are plenty of stops for refreshments with the food and drink being relatively cheap. The cycling gets tougher as the week goes on though its manageable with a good level of fitness, the highlight being the 8km climb up to O'Cebreiro (the border between Castille and Galicia). The accommodation is a good standard with a few of the hotels having a bath which felt great after a hot days cycling.

CYCLE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Fantastic holiday with a great group of people, enthusiastic guide, wonderful scenery, good food and comfortable hotels. This was a very special week following the last 200 miles of the Camino de Santiago. All this together with challenging and exhilirating cycling made for an unforgettable trip.

Read all 37 reviews

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Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

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    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

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    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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