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 ride.
For those looking to explore natural landscapes, small villages and culturally rich scenery, will also benefit 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 Pamplona’s corners, enjoy a coffee at the main plaza in its iconic cafe!

Day 2
Pamplona to Estella Road: 52 kms – 32 miles > Gain: 700 m – 2297 ft
Pamplona to Estella Off-Road: 47 kms – 29 miles > Gain: 870 m – 2857 ft

Day 3
Estella to Logrono Road: 47 kms – 29 miles > Gain: 550 m – 1804 ft
Estella to Logrono Off-Road: 50 kms – 31 miles > Gain: 790 m – 2592 ft

Day 4
Logrono to Santo Domingo de la Calzada Road: 50 kms – 31 miles > Gain: 605 m – 1985 ft
Logrono to Santo Domingo de la Calzada Off-Road: 50 kms – 31 miles > Gain: 700 m – 2297 ft

Day 5
Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Burgos Road: 69 kms – 43 miles > Gain: 650 m – 2133 ft
Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Burgos Off-Road: 72 kms – 45 miles > Gain: 920 m – 3018 ft

Day 6
Burgos to Fromista Road: 73 kms – 45 miles > Gain: 360 m – 1181 ft
Burgos to Fromista Off-Road: 65 kms – 40 miles > Gain: 520 m – 1706 ft

Day 7
Fromista to Sahagun Road: 61 kms – 38 miles > Gain: 250 m – 820 ft
Fromista to Sahagun Off-Road: 57 kms – 25 miles > Gain: 290 m – 951 ft

Day 8
Sahagun to Leon Road: 54 kms – 34 miles > Gain: 215 m – 705 ft
Sahagun to Leon Off-Road: 57 kms – 25 miles > Gain: 220 m – 722 ft
Day 9

Rest Day

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

Day 10
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 11
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 12
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 13
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 14
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 Pamplona and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia’s region capital.
Both Pamplona and Santiago Airports, have connecting flights with Madrid Barajas.

Public Transport:

From Madrid to Pamplona, trains take around 4h > more info on www.renfe.com
From Santiago to Madrid, domestic flights 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 throughout northern Spain varies and depends on the region, time of the year, altitude, etc. In general, summer brings warm weather, it can be particularly warmer and drier in the Meseta. During Fall and Winter, chance of rain is higher, temperatures can drop below zero in some areas.

Spring:

Temperatures tend to be mild, especially in lower altitude areas, still there are chances of precipitation.
Nature begins blossoming as life slowly returns to the fields.

Summer:

Temperatures warm up with dry heat conditions in the Meseta.
There are more pilgrims, especially towards the end of summer.

Autumn:

Temperatures start to drop, usually very pleasant for cycling.
Landscapes change from lush green to yellow.

Winter:

Temperatures drop and there is more chance of rain and occasional snow in higher altitude areas.
The Camino in winter is a time for quiet seclusion.

Eat & Drink

Spain is a diverse country with each region featuring unique cultural traces;
Which reflects in the gastronomy as well.
Tapas or Pintxos, a small savory dish or Jamon, cured ham can be found throughout the country.
In the Castille-Leon region, meat is a great part of the majority in traditional dishes,
Including 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
Also, the Pulpo a la Gallega, sliced octopus over potatoes, drizzled with olive oil and paprika traditionally served on a wooden plate.

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

For Tapas, especially in Galicia, try the Pimientos de Padron, small mild green peppers, sautéed in olive oil and sprinkled with coarse sea salt.

With its origins in Santiago, the Tarta de Santiago, a cake made with almonds, eggs, sugar and a touch of lemon zest, can be found throughout Spain.

Rioja Region, with over 600 wineries produces fresh and fruity light wines.
Once in Galicia, Albarino grapes from Rias Bajas produce great young wines.

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.