Traveller Type [Who is this Tour for?]

Rider

Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders with experience in longer trips.
Comfortable with undulating with longer, steady and occasionally steep climbs.

Traveller 

Either for spiritual, religious or leisure, the Camino is definitely a mystical path.
Perfect to get in touch with nature, with oneself and with other fellow travelers.
While benefiting from the security of a well-traveled route.

Terrain

For the Road option, mostly paved and it includes options with hard packed gravel ways.
For the Mountain Biking option, following the Pilgrims Trail where suitable for cycling.

Day by Day

Day 1
Explore Leon’s historical city center, and admire the elaborate stained-glass windows in Leon’s symbolic Cathedral.

Day 2
Leon to Astorga Road: 49 kms – 30 miles > Gain: 350 m – 1148 ft
Leon to Astorga Off-Road: 50 kms – 31 miles > Gain: 370 m – 1114 ft

Day 3
Astorga to Villafranca del Bierzo Road: 77 kms – 48 miles > Gain: 1100 m – 3609 ft
Astorga to Villafranca del Bierzo Off-Road: 75 kms – 47 miles > Gain: 1050 m – 3445 ft

Day 4
Villafranca del Bierzo to Sarria Road: 75 kms – 47 miles > Gain: 1425 m – 4675 ft
Villafranca del Bierzo to Sarria Off-Road: 68 kms – 42 miles > Gain: 1500 m – 4921 ft

Day 5
Sarria to Arzua Road: 78 kms – 48 miles > Gain: 1450 m – 4757 ft
Sarria to Arzua Off-Road: 75 kms – 47 miles > Gain: 1500 m – 4921 ft

Day 6
Arzua to Santiago Road: 43 kms – 27 miles > Gain: 770m – 2527 ft
Arzua to Santiago Off-Road: 41 kms – 25 miles > Gain: 700m – 2295 ft

Access

This tour starts in Leon and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, capital of Galicia.
Closest airports are Leon Airport and Santiago Airport, both with connecting flights with Madrid Barajas.

Public Transport:

Leon can be easily accessed from Madrid, either by train or bus, with several connections throughout the day.
AVE (high speed) Trains from Madrid to Leon takes around 2h > more info on www.renfe.com
Trains from Santiago to Madrid, take around 5h > more info on www.renfe.com
Domestic flights from Santiago to Madrid take around 1h > more info on www.aena.com

Private Transfer:

We can help you organize a private transfer with a third-party provider.

Weather and what to expect throughout the year

The weather in northern Spain varies throughout the year depending on the specific region and altitude. During winter and in high altitudes you can experience freezing temperatures, in the other hand, summer can be quite warm. Furthermore, during fall and winter the chances of rain are higher.

Spring:

Temperatures tend to be milder, still, there is a chance of precipitation.
Furthermore, the grassy fields are lush and green as nature starts blossoming again.

Summer:

The warmer months, occasionally are dry and warm/hot during the day.
In addition, there are more pilgrims, especially towards the end of summer.

Autumn:

Temperature start to drop, nevertheless, usually still very pleasant for cycling.
The landscapes will change from lush green to golden tones.

Winter:

Temperatures drop and there is more chance of rain and occasional snow in higher altitude areas.
Great time of the year to discover the Camino in solitude.

Eat & Drink

Spain is a diverse country with each region featuring unique cultural traces;
Which significantly reflects in the gastronomy as well.
Tapas or Pintxos, a small savory dish and the Jamon, cured ham can be found throughout the country and certainly are well worth the try!
In the Castile-Leon region, meat is a great part of the majority in traditional dishes, therefore, you can easily find,
the Cocido Maragato (Castilian Stew,) a very satisfying meal, including several types of meat, chickpeas, and cabbage.

Once in Galicia there is an abundance of fresh shellfish, including mussels and scallops.
The Pulpo a la Gallega, sliced octopus over potatoes drizzled with olive oil and paprika, traditionally served on a wooden plate is pretty popular.
Go for the Caldo Galego, an hearty meal, a “sturdy broth”, including meat, potatoes, beans, cabbage and other greens.

For a quick meal, Empanada Gallega, a savory pie, which can have different fillings, like meat, shellfish, greens, etc.

Try some Tapas, especially in Galicia, go for the Pimientos de Padron, small mild green peppers, sautéed in olive oil and sprinkled with coarse sea salt.

Finally, for dessert, the Tarta de Santiago, a cake made with almonds, eggs, sugar and a touch of lemon zest, can be found throughout Spain.

Why choose a Self-Guided Tour?

A Self-Guided Tour brings you the opportunity of an independent trip,
without having to spend numerous hours trying to figure out how to plan a great tour!
Additionally, there is no need to join groups or follow any schedules.

Ride and explore a thoughtfully planned itinerary, researched and tested by our local teams.
Therefore, enjoying the most suitable roads, ways and tracks.
You certainly won’t miss that great spot that so many have never heard of!
We choose hotels that cater for cyclists needs. Being so, we take in consideration their location, comfort and amenities.

You will ride great Bikes, along an amazing itinerary. Ultimately, all you need to do is to enjoy the ride!

Getting Bikes & Gear:

Your Bikes & Gear are delivered ahead to the first hotel and will be waiting for you!
Bikes will be ready to ride straight away, therefore, delivered fully assembled.

Navigating the itinerary:

The Tour tracks are uploaded into the Garmin® GPS unit.
It also includes waypoints along the route as well as the hotels where you will stay.
Being so, all you need to do is follow the tour track line!
To better help those with less experience, we provide instruction on how to use the GPS
You can also check online for some extra tips!

We supply a Region Map and a Tour Booklet with suggestions and info on points of interest along the way.
We do not offer turn by turn directions, GPS navigation is easier and highly effective!

Premium Tour option:

For the Daily Luggage transfer Service, you will need to drop off your luggage at the Front Desk by 08am.

On riding days, enjoy a Welcome Drink at the hotels
Including beverages, fruit and sweets.