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Cycle on, and alongside, the Camino de Santiago on a pilgrimage ride over mountains and through the gorgeous Galician countryside.

Cycle over 300 kilometres/185 miles on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Starting in the Spanish city of Leon, you’ll ride through small villages and cities in the footsteps (kind of) of Saint James. Tackle flats, undulating terrain and mountainous climbs and share a one-of-a-kind experience with the multitude of pilgrims on either bicycle or foot. Trade stories, break bread and drink wine with people all over the world before arriving in Santiago, where the atmosphere and sense of achievement swells from all corners of the city.

Start
Leon, Spain
Finish
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Destination
Spain
Style
Original
Theme
Active Adventures, Cycling
Code
ZMXW
Physical rating
Ages
Min 16
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Share a true cycling pilgrimage along the famed Camino de Santiago.

  • Cycle through the gorgeous Galician countryside, from rolling hills to green tree-lined plains.

  • Avoid dawdling through the less interesting parts of the Camino as it's always faster by bike!

Is this trip right for you?

  • Due to the often small trails that we cycle on, this cycling trip does not have a support vehicle with you at all times - your luggage will be transported for you each day but you will need to carry anything you require for the day with you. Luggage transported by vehicle is restricted to one medium sized bag/suitcase only.

  • On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group.

  • It is also important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle, both solo and in a group environment.

  • While the physical distances on this trip may appear relatively short, make no mistake this is a physically demanding trip. The terrain is such that there are very few flat sections, and the climbs up the hills, and especially in the Leon Mountains, can be considered steep and sometimes long. This can feel compounded by the heat of summer in Spain. Depending on your level of cycling fitness and competence there may be parts of the trail that you may prefer to walk.

  • To successfully complete all cycling sections of this trip you should have a high level of cycling fitness, and be prepared for some long days in (and sometimes out of) the saddle. We recommend partaking in regular long rides (4+ hours), on both gravel and paved roads and preferably in hilly country to be best prepared for this itinerary. As a general rule, the more preparation you can do for this type of trip, the more you will enjoy it.

  • There are regular rest breaks each day, however it is important to note that you will be riding over multiple and consecutive days in a climate and terrain that may be unfamiliar. While it can be tempting to start out riding as hard and fast as you can (we get it!) we recommend taking it easy on the first few days while your body gets used to the rides and the climate.

  • There’s the possibility of a few hiccups along the way, a puncture here and there, but there’s no doubt this is an incredibly rewarding adventure.

  • You'll be spending your nights in guesthouses all the way with a basic level of comfort, but they'll always be authentic and a great opportunity to interact with the locals and fellow travellers alike.

Map of Cycle the Camino de Santiago including Spain

Itinerary
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Arrive in the lively city of Leon, the capital of the Leon Province and a historic city known for its enormous Gothic cathedral. Here you'll see locals, travellers and pilgrims sitting out on the myriad squares and in the winding lanes eating pinxos and sipping on wine. You'll meet your group at 6 pm and though there's no riding today, there's plenty to see on foot if you arrive early including the Cathedral and the Gaudi Museum. 
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Saddle up for the beginning of your cycling pilgrimage. Starting at La Virgen Del Camino, a town just outside of Leon, you'll take a meandering route to Astorga via Villar de Mazarife on a mixture of sealed roads and unsealed tracks. The scenery is beautiful and while the tracks will avoid the road traffic, it's impossible to bypass the foot traffic of a trail of pilgrims walking forever onward. Stop en route in Hospital de Orbigo to see its 13th-century bridge, which overlooks a medieval jousting ground. Ride on to Astorga, a historic walled town that marks the beginning of a mountainous stretch for pilgrims. Enjoy the views from the Cross of Santo Toribio then descend into town where you can perhaps regain your energy at the chocolate museum, or visit Gaudi's Episcopal Palace.

Ride: Approximately 55 kilometres on a mixture of sealed roads and unsealed tracks.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your main bag/luggage will be collected from the hotel this morning and transported by a separate luggage transport service to your accommodation in the next overnight stopping point (e.g. Astorga on Day 2). This process will happen on each day. You need to carry anything you may need for the day with you in a small backpack.

Say goodbye to Astorga and pedal west across the plains towards El Ganso, taking in the view of the hills that await you. From here you'll start ascending to the village of Foncebaddon, a formerly deserted town that has seen a resurgence since the Camino de Santiago has become popular once more. The gradient is challenging but rideable, and there are plenty of places to stop, rest and enjoy the spectacular views. The Cruz de Ferro, or Iron Cross, sits atop the hill, and is a significant point in the pilgrim's journey. A small hill of pebbles sits below the cross, tokens carried by pilgrims from their place of origin that represent a burden to be let go. The tradition is for pilgrims to throw the rock over their back towards the cross, and it's likely you'll see emotional pilgrims taking time to reflect in this area. From here, it's pretty much a downhill ride all the way to the quiet town of Molinaseca where a boccadillo (baguette) and glass of wine awaits.

Ride: approximately 50 kilometres on quality, unsealed tracks. Elevation gain approximately 700 metres.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Note that on the Camino it is generally recognised that walkers have right of way over cyclists. Where the path is too narrow cyclists should be respectful, dismount and cycle again when is possible, or ride on the road which most of the times goes parallel to the path.

Today is hilly. Embrace it. Follow the Camino for the short ride into the city of Ponferrada, a popular starting point for many walking pilgrims, and check out the 12th-century Knights Templar castle before rolling through vineyards and hills to reach Villafranca del Bierzo. From here, the first real challenge begins as you continue onwards and upwards to the tiny village of O Cebreiro, a distance of approximately 30 kilometres ascending 800 metres. This village is home to traditional mountain dwellings called 'pallozas', which are unique to this region. The views are astounding and, if you have the energy left, walk up the hill behind town to the Cross that looks over the village and valleys. Alternatively, stay in the village and try Queixo do Cebreiro, the local soft, creamy cheese made using traditional artisan techniques – it’s delicious – and a Galician stew.

Ride: approximately 65 kilometres on quality, unsealed tracks. Elevation gain approximately 1100 metres.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Wake to impressive views of the valleys below and get the legs working with a couple of small uphills before a thrilling descent of almost 20 kilometres to Triacastela. Named for the three castles that once stood there, Triacastela now marks the spot where the hills subside and you'll continue cycling through the river valley to Samos. This town is dominated by the 6th-century Benedictine monastery of St Julian of Samos, which is now a museum and well worth visiting while you're there. It also houses a small albergue (pilgrim's hostel) run by volunteers. In the afternoon, you'll have some time to relax. Perhaps kick back with a glass of vino tinto or take a walk around the area.

Ride: approximately 40 kilometres on quality sealed and unsealed tracks. Mostly downhill, with an overall elevation gain of approximately 270 metres.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Cycle through the gorgeous, green Galician countryside and you'll understand why the region identifies so strongly with its (admittedly disputed) Celtic heritage. With the morning dew and misty green forests, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in Ireland. The first stop today is the city of Sarria, a key point on the pilgrim trail as it marks 100 kilometres until Santiago de Compostela. This is the minimum distance required for walking pilgrims to receive their 'Compostela', a certificate proving they completed the pilgrimage, and you'll see a real influx of pilgrims from this point on. Continue from Sarria and climb again along tree-lined paths and quiet country roads, crossing a series of small hills before descending to Portomarin, a charming town on the banks of the Rio Mino. As a cyclist, you'll have the pleasure of avoiding the 60 stairs at the entrance to the town, but you still have around 400 metres of elevation to tackle. The road flattens out for the final section of today's ride, arriving in the modern, charming town of Palas de Rei.

Ride: approximately 60 kms on quality sealed roads and unsealed tracks. Undulating with an overall elevation gain of approximately 1000 metres.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today marks your final day on the bike as you pedal towards the holy city of Santiago de Compostela. Though pilgrims can walk further to the coastline, Santiago is the official endpoint of this particular camino and there's a palpable buzz in the air as pilgrims march closer and closer to the city. It's an enjoyable ride today through undulating terrain and green fields on small, rural roads. Enjoy the fresh air of the woodlands and Galician countryside and drink in your first sight of the cathedral's spires as they come into view. Cycle into the cobbled Old Town and on to the Cathedral, the end point of your cycling odyssey. Here, pilgrims kneel in front of the Cathedral, take photos or just sit for hours, gazing at the building and reflecting on the journey they've just completed.

Ride: approximately 70 kms on quality sealed roads. Undulating with an elevation gain of approximately 1100 metres.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your trip ends today and there are no rides planned, but Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city full of local Galician delicacies like 'pulpo' (octopus). We recommend spending a few days soaking up the vibe in town and mingling with pilgrims and hearing their often incredible stories. Ask your booking agent about reserving further accommodation in this city after the tour ends.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transport

Bicycle, Luggage transport vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nights), Guesthouse (6 nights)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Cycle the Camino de Santiago trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. Due to the often small trails that we cycle on, and Camino regulations, this cycling trip does not have a support vehicle with you at all times - your luggage will be transported for you each day but you will need to carry anything you require for the day with you.
2. Luggage transported by vehicle is restricted to one medium sized bag/suitcase only.
2. A Single Supplement is not available on this trip.
3. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so as we can organise a suitable sized bike.
4. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
5. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group.
6. This a new trip for 2019. While we have thoroughly researched every detail of the itinerary we sometimes find it's necessary to make changes after the first few trips have run. Changes are always based on feedback from past travellers and our ground staff. For Cycling trips these changes are usually around finding even better roads to ride on, which can alter the distance/time we spend riding on a day to day basis, but can sometimes even extend to overnight accommodation stops or included activities if needed.
7. Due to the physical nature of the trip, and no support vehicle, the minimum age on this trip is 16 years of age.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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