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Trip Highlights
Cycling through the magical landscapes of Galicia en route to Santiago de Compostela
Exploring interesting pilgrimage towns and villages
Arriving in Santiago and receiving a pilgrimage certificate for cycling almost 300km along the Camino
Experiencing the terrific sense of camaraderie on the trail
Soaking up the hospitality of family run hotels
Trip Summary
For more than 1000 years the Camino de Santiago (also called the Way of St James or Compostela Trail) has represented the adventure of a lifetime for pilgrims and history buffs alike. The 783km French route from Roncesvalles to the Cathedral of Santiago has through the centuries been well trodden by hiking boots, horse hoofs and more recently bike tyres. Beginning just over half way along the route in the historic cathedral city of Leon, this exhilarating cycle takes in some of the most breathtaking landscapes, unique monuments and typical villages of northern Spain. En route, savour the rich Spanish gastronomy, experiencing traditional regional cuisine and excellent wines. Accommodated in atmospheric hotels, comfort at the end of a hard days cycle is intrinsic to this historic adventure.
Trip Grading
The cycling is moderate to challenging (4) grade with daily cycling distances from 38 to 85km / 23.5 to 53mi over undulating to mountainous terrain. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a high level of fitness. Minor roads with reduced traffic are customary on this trip and we recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.Travel to and from Leon / Santiago de Compostela
Lunch daily, dinners in Santiago de Compostela and beverages
Items of a personal nature
Transfers
Entrance fees to sights and museums
Travel Insurance
Toe clips - allow approx. EUR7
Day 1 : Arrive Le贸n
On arrival in Le贸n, you will find the information required for your journey at the hotel: a complete package including hotel vouchers, detailed documentation with maps and a road book. Your touring bike with all accessories will be delivered to the hotel lobby at 8pm. Founded in 884 AD, Le贸n has abundant gastronomic and architectural riches - take in a pre-dinner drink and snack at one of the many atmospheric bars located along the narrow streets of the Barrio H煤medo. The cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
Day 2 : Cycle Through Castilian Landscapes to Astorga (48km/30mi)
Today鈥檚 route takes you through the quintessential Castilian landscapes of holm oaks, golden wheat fields and gentle ups and downs. As the route follows closely near to the N120 highway it is an easy day to navigate. The landscape in the first half of the route is relatively dry but gets greener further west. You鈥檒l cross fields full of diverse crops such as wheat, corn, hops and wine grapes. Wildlife isn鈥檛 a big feature of this first part of the trip, though you will see geckoes, birds of prey and lot of dairy cows! The town of Astorga is at the crossroads of the Camino and the Ruta de la Plata (Silver Road), the Roman route used to transport ores and metals extracted from mines in the north to shipping ports in the south of the peninsula, and is known for its impressive architecture.
Day 3 : Gentle Uphill to Top of Foncebad贸n, Cycle Wine Country to Villafranca (75km/46.5mi)
From Astorga, the Camino climbs gently until it meets the first mountain on the way. Once you've reached the top of Foncebad贸n, take it easy and enjoy the sweeping downhill ride and the gorgeous views through wine country to Villafranca. The town of Villafranca del Bierzo is an historical and artistic monument. It was established to give refuge and sanctuary to the pilgrims before initiating the most difficult part of their pilgrimage. The monastery cloister is a Renaissance jewel.
Day 4 : Mythical O Cebreiro Pass, Then to Portomar铆n Via Sarria (57.5km or 85km/35.5 or 53mi)
This is the most challenging day of the cycle. From Villafranca you ascend gradually towards the mythical O Cebreiro pass, the most demanding peak along the western section of the Camino. With some effort (and perhaps a chocolate bar), it's more than possible to reach the top - but should you decide to start at the top, it is possible to organise a taxi to take you to O Cebreiro. From the pass it's downhill all the way to Sarria and onward via a rolling route to Portomar铆n. The older neighbourhoods once belonged to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem but now lie submerged, covered by the waters of the Mi帽o River dam.
Day 5 : A More Relaxing Cycle Through Galicia's Rural Landscape to Arz煤a (51km/31.5mi)
This day provides a lovely contrast to the previous day's hard work. Several easy and long uphills and downhills go through rolling terrain, giving cyclists a view of Galicia's rural landscape.
Day 6 : A Short But Demanding Cycle to Santiago's Cathedral (38km/23.5mi)
Whilst the distance today is relatively short, this final stage is surprisingly demanding. After approximately four hours of riding, you become a pilgrim upon arriving at the P贸rtico de la Gloria ("The Fa莽ade of Glory") at the Cathedral of Santiago. After taking a breather (and celebrating with others arriving by foot and on horseback!), you can visit the Pilgrims' Office where you can obtain the "Compostela" certificate which certifies you as an official pilgrim. Leave your bike at your centrally located accommodation and explore the streets and bars of the atmospheric historic centre. This city, without any doubt, is the most important of the Christian Middle Ages. It has worldwide renown and each year thousands of travellers come to visit its treasures.
Day 7 : In Santiago De Compostela
Santiago has many cultural and gastronomic options to choose from or you can take a bus to Finisterre to see the Atlantic coastline.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes Santiago De Compostela
Rest your weary legs and bask in the glory as you reflect on a truly memorable journey. Arrangements conclude after breakfast.
Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.
Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.
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Adventure South Ltd
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