Level
Our Camino de Santiago guided bike tour from Burgos covers over 500 km along the spiritual route of the St.James Way towards the final destination of Santiago de Compostela.
Along the way you will visit the well-known historic sites of northern Spain and enjoy the vast changing scenery on some of the most awe-inspiring parts of the pilgrim journey.
On this active holiday, with the support of our experienced Bike Spain guide, you will cover the entire Camino from Burgos by bike and van transfers. You will cycle the great distance, stopover in historically renovated luxury Paradors (hotels) and sample the finest food and wines of Castile-Leon and Galicia.
Day 1: Burgos
Accommodation: Hotel AC Burgos
After meeting you at your hotel (or airport) we’ll travel to the city of Burgos, founded in 884 and one of the key communities along the Camino de Santiago. After fitting the bikes and having a chance to walk around the city, we’ll have a traditional Spanish dinner at a restaurant facing the Cathedral. We’ll also get our Pilgrim Credentials – the all-important document that shows our pilgrim progress – at the main pilgrim hostel in Burgos.
Day 2: Carrion de los Condes
Route: 55.2 km Elevation: +273m
Accommodation: San Zolio
After breakfast we’ll head to the village of Castrojeriz with our van. We’ll begin the day’s riding from Castrojeriz and cross the twelfth-century Fitero bridge, which guided pilgrims across the Pisuerga River. Then we’ll head through Fromista, with its Spanish Romanesque architecture; and go through several other small villages before stopping for the evening in Carrion de los Condes. Carrion is the final resting place of Saint Zoilus (Zolio in Spanish), who was executed in Cordoba under Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). His relics have been enshrined, along with those of nineteen other martyrs, in the twelfth-century Renaissance Benedictine monastery of San Zoilo de Carrion, our hotel for the night!
Day 3: Leon
Route: 46.1 km Elevation: +246m
Accommodation: Parador de Leon GL
From Carrion de los Condes, we’ll ride to the town of Sahagun. Known as the “Spanish Cluny” for its association with King Alfonso the Sixth, who worked to reform the Church in Castile. Considering its small size, Sahagún contains some of the most important Arab-influenced church architecture in Castile. After having lunch in Sahagún, we’ll travel by van to the historic city of León, founded by the Romans in 68BC and home to the cathedral with largest set of stained-glass windows ever made. We’ll spend the late afternoon visiting the cathedral and wandering around the quaint streets of the Barrio Húmedo (known for some of the best tapas bars in Castile). At the end of the day, we stay in the exclusive five star Parador de León, with its 16th century monastery, cloisters, and chapter house on the grounds.
Day 4: Villafranca
Route: 59.7 km Elevation: +805m
Accommodation: Parador de Villafranca
The serious climbing begins after our van transfer from Leon to Astorga. After visiting Astorga’s cathedral, pilgrim’s hospital and Episcopal Palace (designed and built by Antoni Gaudi), we’ll take to the road and ride to the highest point on the Camino, a gradual climb of 800 metres/2,624 feet. Of course, the most rewarding part is the 12 kilometer downhill ride that follows as we head into the town of Ponferrada! After visiting the Templar Castle in Ponferrada, we’ll travel by van to the town of Villafranca del Bierzo, where we’ll stay in the renovated, comfortable and modern Parador of Villafranca. You’l be able to soothe the aches of your day in their sauna and swimming pools before heading over the mountains in the morning.
Day 5: Monforte de Lemos
Route: 38.1 km Elevation: +277m
Accommodation: Parador Monforte de Lemos
Though the climb on day 4 is the highest on the Camino, it isn’t necessarily the toughest. Camino fanatics all agree that the worst climb is today´s ascent to O Cebreiro, which we will accomplish with the heaven-sent minivan. After visiting the restored village and its mountaintop chapel (one of the legendary resting places of the Holy Grail, with astounding views when skies are clear) we’ll get on the bikes and enjoy the 23 kilometer-long pedalling-optional descent into Triacastela. We’ll visit the Benedictine monastery of Saint Julian in Samos, whose foundations date all the way back to the 6th century, and follow country roads through pine and eucalyptus forests on towards Sarria (where we’ll have our lunch break).
From Sarria we will have a van transfer to the Parador in Monforte de Lemos, which is a charming little town with excellent wines.
Day 6: Santiago de Compostela
Route: 34.2 km Elevation: +523m
Accommodation: Parador de Santiago GL
The final day of the tour is short but tough. After a quick van transfer to the town of Arzua, we’ll bike the final kilometers through rolling countryside, past the Lavacolla hill where pilgrims would tidy themselves up before reaching Santiago. From there it’s on to the Monte do Gozo, where, in medieval times, pilgrims would catch their first glimpse of the Cathedral of Santiago. After that it’s a quick ride into Santiago where we’ll wind through the narrow streets to reach the Praza do Obradoiro, home of both the Cathedral of Santiago and the Parador, the former Palace of the Catholic Kings. In the evening we’ll have a farewell dinner and a walk through the lamp lit streets of the Old Town.
Day 7: Departure
Whether your plan is to return home or continue your travels in Europe, Santiago is a great stepping off point. Its small but new international airport is very well connected to Spanish destinations and to nearby European cities like London and Paris. Flights out are generally very well priced for those who plan in advance. Meanwhile, for those of us who do not choose to part ways in Santiago, after breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to our Camino adventure and return to Madrid by van (7 hours). Our route whisks us through the mountains of southern Galicia, through Ourense and back across the golden plains of Castilla-León.
OPTIONAL: One extra day to the Galician coast. Finesterre was thought to be where the world ended when the sunset on the horizon over the Atlantic. It has remained significant over the centuries for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Surrounded by brilliant blue waters and an authentic fishing village, Finesterre and its lighthouse is the km 0 of Camino. It is a valuable reward to end your trip by including an extra night in the Parador Santiago. Ask for a price quote.
Hotel AC Burgos – Marriott
The AC Hotel Burgos is one of the best accommodation options in the city.
All rooms are light-filled bringing in the natural glow of daylight. Located right in the city center and close to the Gothic Cathedral, the river, and Las Huelgas Monastery.
Hotel Real Monasterio San Zoilo
San Zoilo, a former convent, offers a unique break to unwind in the same rooms various Courts and Councils from Castile’s Kingdom once did.
This repurposed historic building offers 54 comfortable rooms all throughout the Monastery, the gardens or the seminary. There are about 60 different species of trees that make the Real Manasterio of San Zoilo a green oasis.
Parador de León GL San Marcos
Located in Leon’s historical center, directly in the heart of one of the most impressive Roman complexes of the Peninsula.
The convent of San Marcos is one of the greatest architectural gems of the Spanish town of Leon, together with the Cathedral, the San Isidoro Basilica or the Casa Botines. It has now become a Parador and is one of the most important monuments of the Spanish Renaissance.
Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo
Villafranca del Bierzo is a town full of churches, monasteries and convents. Right at the town entrance stands this converted historical building, known as a Parador in Spain.
The leading tourist accommodation in the fascinating El Bierzo district. It is surrounded by mountains covered with cherry and fig trees, slopes dotted with chestnuts, poplars and small farms.
Parador de Monforte de Lemos
The historic site of San Vicente do Pino is located in the uppermost part of the town of Monforte de Lemos.
San Vicente do Pino Monastery and the palace of the counts of Lemos houses the Parador de Monforte. The monastery dates back to the 9th century, although the current structure was built in the 17th century in the neoclassical style.
Parador de Santiago-Hostal Reis Catolicos
The Parador de Santiago is a blend of history, art and tradition. It is the emblem of the city and the prefect nights rest for pilgrims.
The hotel is located in Obradoiro Square near the cathedral, creating an area of spectacular beauty in one of the most visited provincial capitals of the world. A stay at this Parador means a visit to a truly unique and exclusive location.
3.720,00€
Our Camino de Santiago guided bike tour from Burgos covers over 500 km distance along the spiritual route of the St. James Way towards the final destination of Santiago de Compostela.
Minimum group size for guaranteed departure at this price: 4 people.
Other dates and group size options available upon request.
| Dates | 12 May 2024, 9 Jun 2024, 7 Jul 2024, 1 Sep 2024, 29 Sep 2024, 13 Oct 2024 |
|---|
“First factor was how highly rated Bike Spain has been with previous customers
Second factor was the availability for bike routes in the country we wanted to explore
Third factor was the quality of the bikes, and the experience with the desired routes”
