Cycle the Camino de Santiago

Cycle the Camino de Santiago

714 Views
8 Days
From

$2923

$2640

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:

Exodus

Tour code:

MWC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate / Challenging

Age range:

16 to 99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Active

Interests:

Cultural, Photography

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$2923
$2640 (USD) Operator discount: -$283

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Visit impressive Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals

  • Follow the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago 

  • Enjoy the varied and beautiful landscapes of Castilla and Galicia 

Itinerary

Expand All
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

  • All breakfasts

  • Local bike hire

  • All accommodation

  • London flights (if booking incl. flights)

  • Airport transfers

What's Not Included

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • 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.

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Check out our Q&As

  • 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 children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • 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 flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • 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

Cycling the Camino de Santiago

This was a great trip and I was happy to give it 5 starts (I don’t give every Exodus trip 5 stars either). I was not sure about of number of things before setting off but the trip ticked all of the boxes – great cycling, excellent leaders, a fun group, excellent weather (most of the time), fantastic and cheap food and a beautiful part of the world. What more could you ask for from 1 week in Spain.

Camino de Santiago

An excellent trip with glorious weather - we were so lucky! 2 fab guides, great cycling, amazing food and mucho vino tinto! Thoroughly recommended and brilliant off road on the camino at times made for a different experience.

MWC180527

Great ride which was excellently managed by Alfonso. I had a fall and my cuts were attended to by Alfonso in a quick and efficient manner. He continued to check with me that all was okay which was very much appreciated.

Cycling the Camino de Santiago

A fantastic trip in beautiful scenery from mountains to vineyards. The guide was amazing (Jose) endless knowledge and tireless in answering our questions, helping out and generally great company. The ride was challenging in parts, but overall manageable, with plently of stops for coffee.

Fabulous cycle trip

A fantastic week in this beautiful part of Spain with a great bunch of people. Despite the wintry conditions (hail in May at one point !) we had a terrific week. The Camino is a fairly tough ride due to some big ascents , but you are well rewarded with fantastic views and some great downhills . The tour leader , Alfonso , was great ; he was patient , knowledgeable and really a pleasure to be with for the week. Jose transported bags and supported on snacks and water en route and was great.

Camino de Santiago

Loved this trip. All-round, this is one of my favourite holidays for quite some time. Great country, great food, great cameraderie, some challenging riding, plus the sense of a journey which makes the trip really special. And we were lucky with the weather.

CYCLE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Great trip, great guides

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

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

Well what a great trip. Very exhilarating and a complete endorphin high as this was my first cycle trip ever. My training for the trip was about 3 times a week doing 15-20kms on roads with hills and flat sections for 4 months before the tour started. I was able to finish most of the tour except for the last 20kms due to time pressure of my flight out of Santiago de Compostella.

Read all 36 reviews

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

May 04, 2024 - May 11, 2024
$2923 $2700 (USD)

Operator discount: -$223 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 08, 2024
$2923 $2640 (USD)

Operator discount: -$283 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024
$2925 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
$2923 $2775 (USD)

Operator discount: -$148 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$3375 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$3375 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$3375 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$3375 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$3375 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$3375 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$3375 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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