Cycle the Camino de Santiago

Fly to Santiago de Compostela; we transfer to our hotel in León (3h15m). We
may have time to visit the city's beautiful gothic cathedral and stroll
around its charming winding narrow streets.*
*

*Hotel Campus San Mames*

Day 2

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

*Hotel Gaudi *

Day 3

Today's ride is the most beautiful of the trip as we leave the Castillan
plains behind and climb gradually into the mountains of Leon to the Monte de
la Cruz de Ferro (1505m). En route we pass through Castrillo de los
Polvazares, known for its very special architecture created by strong orange
coloured stone. After riding through the charming 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.
*Hostal El Palacio*

Day 4

The highlight today is the ride to the beautiful town of Villafranca with
stunning views across the green valleys of Galicia and wooded mountains of
Leon. After the first easy and mainly flat 25km through vineyards we have a
short climb to Villafranca, which is worth a look for its many monuments and
picturesque town square. Then after having lunch in Villafranca we will
cycle about 20 km to the always green and peaceful rural valley of Herrerias
de Valcarce in the foothills of Monte O’Cebreiro.
*Centro de Turismo Rural El Capricho de Josana*

Day 5

After breakfast we will cycle to the top of the mountain and the small
village of O'Cebreiro.  This climb is one of the most challenging of the
tour as we ascend 650m over 8 kilometres, the climb is a very gentle ascent
with a steady gradient and we will break it up with plenty of stops. At the
top we will be able to appreciate wonderful views of the valleys that
surround this peak and admire the charming slate roofed black houses.

From O’cebreiro, as we enter Galicia, the landscape changes dramatically
and the area is populated by a number of traditional agricultural villages.
Each family has small plots of land, which they cultivate for their own
vegetables and we will pass by many of the locals working the land and
tending to their cattle. As well as a change in culture, landscape and
language, the gastronomy of Galicia is famous for using products of high
quality and preparing them in simple, but delicious ways. We have lunch in
Samos, home to one of the oldest monasteries in Spain, and cycle through
chestnut forests to Sarria.
*Hotel Oca Villa de Sarria*

Day 6

Today's ride runs through beautiful rural Galician countryside and along
tree-lined paths to the town of Portomarin, which was rebuilt on a hilltop in
the 1950's in order to construct a reservoir. After lunch, a 13km climb,
followed by a welcome 12km downhill, takes us to Palas de Rei, a small town
full of the pilgrim spirit. As usual, during the climb there will be plenty
of stops opportunities to take pictures and everyone is welcome to ride at
the preferred pace.
*Hotel Complejo la Cabaña*

Day 7

Our final day involves a number of short ascents and descents towards Monte
de Gozo. From here, as pilgrims have done for centuries, we wind our way
through the city’s streets and crowds to Plaza del Obradoiro, 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).
*Hotel La Salle*

Day 8

After breakfast the trip ends with a transfer to Santiago de Compostela
Airport for your departure flight.