Cycle the Camino de Santiago
Cycle the Camino de Santiago
Cycle the Camino de Santiago
8 Days Starting in Leon and ending in Santiago de Compostela
Visiting: León, Astorga, Molinaseca, Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro, Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Santiago de Compostela
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MWC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2923
$2640 (USD)
Operator discount: -$283
NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
The Camino de Santiago de Compostela across northern Spain is one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes. 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. The way is marked by the symbol of the scallop shell and the grooves that join together 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
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start León.
Location: León
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Apartahotel Exe Campus San Mamés
Meals Included: No Meals
Trip starts in León; here we may have time to visit the city's beautiful
gothic cathedral and stroll around its charming winding narrow streets before
having a trip breifing and our first meal as a group.
Day 2 : Ride Across The Plains Of Castille Through Countryside And Quaint Villages To Astorga.
Location: Astorga
Accommodation: Hotel
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 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.
Day 3 : Climb Into The Mountains Of Leon To The Monte De La Cruz De Ferro; Descend To Molinaseca.
Location: Molinaseca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hostal El Palacio
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4 : Ride To Villafranca With Views Across The Wine Region Of El Bierzo And The Mountains Of Leon
Location: Villafranca del Bierzo
Accommodation: Centro de Turismo Rural El Capricho de Josana
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ambasmestas
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5 : Long Ascent To The Village Of O'cebreiro. Enter Galicia's Landscape Of Traditional Agricultural Villages; Cycle Past Samos Monastery On The Way To Sarria.
Location: O Cebreiro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Villajardin
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6 : Cycle Along Tree-Lined Paths To Portomarin, Rebuilt On A Hilltop In The 1950'S In Order To Construct A Reservoir; Continue To Palas De Rei.
Location: Portomarín, Palas de Rei
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arzua
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7 : Short Ascents And Descents To Monte De Gozo; Follow The Pilgrims' Route To The Cathedral Of Santiago De Compostela.
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Loop INN Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast
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).
Day 8 : End Santiago De Compostela.
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast the trip ends in Santiago de Compostela.
What's Included
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All breakfasts
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Local bike hire
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All accommodation
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London flights (if booking incl. flights)
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Airport transfers
What's Not Included
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Travel insurance
Food
All breakfasts are included.
Breakfasts will be continental style with cold cheese, meats and bread, as
well as 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 that mealtimes in Spain are
later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 21:00 and
21.30.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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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.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dates & Availability
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus 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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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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