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6-Night Camino de Santiago / Way of St James

Self-Guided Tour

Pilgrims have travelled this route now for centuries. During the last few years, it has seen a revival of its popularity with pilgrims and travellers coming from all over the world to walk or ride to Santiago. Our route begins in Castile in the fine city of León and then crosses over into Galicia. The route is dotted with many monuments such as old hospitals and lodgings for the pilgrims, often reminding us that this is the oldest, most celebrated and frequented route in Europe. The landscapes are varied and breathtaking and we pass through picturesque villages and monumental cities, taking the opportunity to enjoy fine wines and cuisine. The climax of the tour is the arrival in Santiago itself with its fine cathedral and beautiful medieval streets.

Route of Iberocycle's tour on the Camiino de Santiago de Campestela

Trip Code - SAT6CS

Night One León
Night Two Astorga
Night Three Villafranca
Night Four Portomarín
Night Five Arzúa
Night Six Santiago de Compostela


Day 1 Transfer to León

Leon Cathedral at the start of the Camino de Santiago de Compestela The León Cathedral at the start of our trip

Everything you need for the tour will be ready at your hotel: your touring bike with all accessories, detailed documentation with maps and a road book.
Founded in 884 AD, León has abundant gastronomic and architectural riches - dinner is best enjoyed by having tapas in the atmospheric bars located along the narrow streets of the Barrio Húmedo. The cathedral is a gem from the Gothic period.

Day 2 León - Astorga

Astorga
The Episcopal Palace of Astorga

Today's route takes us through classic Castilian landscapes, complete with holm oaks, golden wheatfields and gentle ups and downs. The landscape in the first half of the route is relatively dry, but gets greener the further west you get; you'll cross fields full of diverse crops, such as wheat, corn, hops and wine grapes. You will see geckoes, birds of prey and lot of dairy cows!
Astorga is home to three national monuments and one of the best Romanesque facades.
49 km - 31 miles

Day 3 Astorga - Villafranca

Taking a break at a cafe enroute
Taking a break at a cafe enroute to Santiago

From Astorga, the Camino starts to climb gently until it meets the first mountain on the way. Once you've reached the top of Foncebadón, take it easy and enjoy the sweeping downhill ride and the gorgeous views on the ride through wine country to Villafranca.
The town of Villafranca del Bierzo is a historical and artistic monument, was created to give refuge and sanctuary to the pilgrims before initiating the most difficult part of their pilgrimage. The monastery cloister is a Renaissance jewel.
Distance 75 km - 47 miles

Day 4 Villafranca - Portomarín

Biking on the Camino de Santiago
Biking on the Camino de Santiago

The most challenging day. From Villafranca you ride slowly towards the mythical O'Cebreiro pass, the most demanding peak along the western section of the Camino. With a little patience it's more than possible to reach the top, but in any case, the sag van (or a taxi, for those on the self-guided trip) is there to avoid it. Then it's downhill all the way to Sarria, and onward via a rolling route to Portomarín.
The older neighborhoods once belonged to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, but now lie submerged, covered by the waters of the Miño River dam.
Distance 85 km - 53 miles (30 km less if taking the taxi transfer option)



Day 5 Portomarín - Arzúa

Ponferrada Castle on the Camino de Santiago
Ponferrada Castle — One of the monuments on our tour.

This day provides a lovely alternative 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.
Distance 51 km - 32 miles

Day 6 Arzúa - Santiago de Compostela

Santiago Cathedral
A view of Santiago Cathedral.

Today we reach our goal - the Pórtico de la Gloria of 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. Accommodation is centrally located, giving you the opportunity to 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 world-wide renown, and each year thousands of travellers come to visit its treasures.
38 km - 24 miles

Day 7 Departure from Santiago de Compostela

Dates 2010

28 March / 17 April / 9 May / 22 May / 13 June / 27 June / 3 July / 19 July / 28 August / 26 September / 9October (groups of 6 or more persons can specify own start dates)

 

Trip Details
Prices (per person in double share)
1 person in double share - 740 €
1 person in single room - 900 €
Bike hire - 150 €
Included Accommodation in double, twin or single room with en-suite bathroom (see price list for prices and single supplement)
Buffet style breakfast
Information Pack with Route Guide and maps
Luggage transport between hotels

 

Not Included Lunch & dinner
Bicycle hire (see price list)
Holiday extension
Terrain / Gradients The cycling is generally of an intermediate level - there are some good ascents. Distances vary from 38 - 85 km per day.
Arrival & departure points Airports - arrival León / departure Santiago. León is linked to Madrid and Barcelona by air. Santiago has different connections, including RyanAir. Both León and Santiago are linked to Madrid by train and bus. An interesting option is to arrive at Bilbao and take the old La Robla narrow-gauge railway line to León. Details on request. RyanAir fly to London and Liverpool from Santiago.
See our Getting There page for links to airline and ferry companies.
Holiday extensions Take a look at the possibility of spending extra days in Spain at any one of our holiday extension destinations.

Holiday extensions Take a look at the possibility of spending extra days in Spain at any one of our holiday extension destinations.

Links

Independent Newspaper Video - Simon Calder visits León and Astorga.