Cycle The Camino De Santiago

8 days - from $1790

Ride the passage of the pilgrims from Leon to Santiago de Compostela
The Camino de Santiago de Compostela across northern Spain is one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes. For more than 1000 years pilgrims have made their way to Santiago and in 1987 it was declared the first European Culture Route. Also known as 'The Way of St James', it originated in the region of Galicia where the tomb of the Apostle James the Great was discovered in the 9th Century. It's the gothic cathedrals, mediaeval monasteries and miles of unspoiled rural scenery that make this section of the route so popular. Our ride begins in the charming city of Leon with a wealth to explore through its winding narrow streets. We then cross the Castillan plains gradually climbing to the highest point of the trip, the 'Iron Cross' (1505m), in the mountain range of Leon. Before entering the gastronomic region of Galicia we visit the beautiful village of Castillo de los Polvazares, where the strong orange coloured stone creates the fascinating local architecture. We ride through fertile valleys full of vineyards and rural country on our way to completing this ancient tradition at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. 

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Leon. 2 Ride across the plains of Castille through cultivated countryside and quaint villages to the beautiful walled town of Astorga. 3 Today begins with a gradual climb into the mountains of Leon to the Monte de la Cruz de Ferro before descending through Acebo to Molinaseca. 4 Ride to the beautiful town of Villafranca with stunning views across the green valleys of Galicia and wooded mountains of Leon. A long final ascent takes us to the small village of O'Cebreiro. 5 As we enter Galicia the landscape is dotted with traditional agricultural villages. Before ending the day at Sarria there is time to visit one of the oldest monasteries in Spain at Samos. 6 Cycle along tree-lined paths to the town of Portomarin, which was rebuilt on a hilltop in the 1950s in order to construct a reservoir. After trying the local speciality of octopus we head to Palas de Rei. 7 Our final day involves a number of short ascents and descents as far as Monte de Gozo, where we will have our first views of the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. As the pilgrims have done for centuries, we head straight to the impressive cathedral 8 End Compostela. If you wish to spend an extra day in Santiago, you may want to consider flying back with Ryanair, that operates a Sunday direct flight from Santiago to London Stansted.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 54km (33 miles) No. of days cycling: 6 Vehicle support: 75% - vehicle cannot follow the group on some sections. Terrain and route: 50% on quiet minor roads, 50% cycle paths, non-technical tracks and a short off road sections. Some long climbs are to be expected.
Group size: Normally 8 to 16, plus leader and driver.
Accommodation: 7 nights in rural hotels.
Food: All breakfasts included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $192.50
Trip Reference: MWC
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Local Bike Hire: Orbea Dakar mountain bikes GBP90, paid on booking
Trip Reference: MWC