Level
Beginning in the lush Cantabrian mountains by the sea, the race makes its way across Asturias and Galicia, to finally finish at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral is world-renowned as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, or Saint James Way.
There’s nothing like pedaling on the same roads as the professionals only a few hours before them, and enjoying access to the VIP area, watching the end of the stage from the best location. With front-row seats at the finish line in the exclusive VIP area, all you need to do is sit with champagne in your hand and wait for the excitement as the professionals arrive.
The relaxed atmosphere and accessibility to the pro cyclists and their teams during La Vuelta make it a very special experience. Staying in 4-star hotels, with VIP access to the race areas, and spectacular guided bike rides with our experienced Bike Spain guides, we guarantee this will be an unforgettable trip!
Day 1: Sunday, August 29th
Arrival Day
Each traveler will make their way to the Madrid Hotel, approximately 30 minutes from the Madrid airport. Airport transfer is not included upon arrival. Taxis from Madrid Airport to the center of the city cost approximately 30 euros. After check-in, you will have free time in the city.
A group welcome meeting is scheduled for 8:00pm. We will meet in the hotel lobby.
Hotel: H10 Puerta de Alcala ****
Day 2: Monday, August 30. Cantabria
Our Bike Spain guide will pick you up at the hotel in Madrid and transfer by van to the 4* hotel in Solares, Cantabria (approximately 4 hours). Bike ride around the hotel including some hills and pretty roads.
Access to the Spa is included.
Hotel: Castillo Termal Balneario de Solares ****
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 3: Tuesday, August 31. Cantabria
Professional cyclists begin stage 16, the last opportunity for the sprinters.
We cycle from the hotel to join the same route of the race, passing by Puente Viesgo and the pretty valley of Pas. We then ride towards Torrelavega and along the coast to finish the day in Cruz de Bezana. We’ll watch the end of the stage in the VIP area and once the stage has ended, we will return back to the hotel by bus.
Hotel: Castillo Termal Balneario de Solares ****
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Stage: https://www.lavuelta.es/en/stage-16
Day 4: Wednesday, September 1. Oviedo
After a van transfer (30 minutes), we will start our ride in Llanes, a pretty coastal fishing town in Asturias. We’ll come across the first climb to Mazueco, a snaky road, and the perfect place for cyclists. We’ll continue on to the valley of Cangas de Onis and head up the famous climb of “Lagos de Covadonga”. When we get to the top, you’ll be able to see the famous lakes and the stages finish line. We’ll have time to change our clothes and shoes, enjoy the stage on the TV screens with snacks, and after the stage, we’ll take a van transfer to our hotel in Oviedo. We might even have the chance to see the pro teams and talk about the stage with your favorite riders before dinner.
Hotel: Eurostars Reconquista *****
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Stage: https://www.lavuelta.es/en/stage-17
Day 5: Thursday, September 2. Oviedo
Today we will witness the queen stage of La Vuelta. The Gamoniteiro is a new Vuelta climb that was included in the race after some convincing by the locals. You’ve probably heard of the Angliru! The Angliru became the colossus mountain climb in la Vuelta that reached up to 20% elevation. The Gamoniteiro is in the same mountain range, but even higher than the Angliru.
After a 20km warm-up, we will arrive at Riosa and start the “Hell”. Take it easy, go slowly, our Specialized TARMAC road bikes have enough gears (34×30) to face the climb and reach the top. Our guides will be there to help you if necessary.
Hotel: Eurostars Reconquista *****
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Stage: https://www.lavuelta.es/en/stage-18
Day 6: Friday, September 3. Pontevedra
We have a 3 hour long transfer to Monforte de Lemos, where the stage finishes today. From there we will cycle to the ravine of Ribera Sacra, a marvellous panoramic ride with vineyards on both sides of the canyon made by the river Sil. We’ll watch the stage from the VIP area and then continue by van for 2 hours to Pontevedra. Pontevedra is a stop along the Portugese Way of the Camino de Santiago, and well known for the Triathlon championships. With its walkable city center you’ll really enjoy the next 2 nights.
Hotel: Hotel Parador de Pontevedra****
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Stage: https://www.lavuelta.es/en/stage-19
Day 7: Saturday, September 4. Pontevedra
This is the final chance for the strong riders on the mountains before the last time trail tomorrow. There aren’t any long climbs, but with the short and tough climbs, this stage will prove to be very strategic for teams and riders. Given the difficult terrain, only a few riders might be able to advance and pull away from the tired peloton. We ride along the Atlantic coast and clear only two of the five climbs of the stage.
Hotel: Hotel Parador de Pontevedra****
Meals: Breakfast
Stage: https://www.lavuelta.es/en/stage-20
Day 8: Sunday, September 5. Santiago de Compostela
Opposed to previous years, the final day will not serve as a tribute to the rider wearing La Roja. Instead, professional cyclists will face a decisive time trial stage in Santiago.This is a bout for the specialists. The 33,7 km route and the terrain will be perfect for those time-trial specialists who survived the mountains and can keep some power on the hills of this route.
We will begin with a transfer to Padron. From there we will be able to ride the same circuit, cut off from traffic, while the pros are warming up. You’ll feel like a real pro rider, arriving in Santiago among the crowds applauding you, and reaching the Cathedral of Santiago by bike. Later, we’ll change clothes and walk back to the VIP area to see the last battle. We will enjoy the proximity of the cyclists and an extensive gourmet buffet with exquisite food and drinks. This is undoubtedly the ideal way to end the VIP experience of La Vuelta.
Hotel: San Francisco Monumento ****
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Stage: https://www.lavuelta.es/en/stage-21
Day 9: Monday, September 6. Santago de Compostela
Departure day
Santiago de Compostela is a charming city with many interesting places for sightseeing. It combines modern infrastructures with a great cultural and artistic heritage, a legacy of several centuries of history. There is also a variety of shops offering traditional momentos and prominent stores offering the best international brands.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel H10 Alcalá
This hotel was entirely renovated in 2016 and offers a quality stay
The H10 Puerta de Alcalá is located about 100 meters from the Retiro Park in Madrid and the subway station Principe de Vergara. It offers elegant rooms with wooden floors, minibar and pillow menu.
Hotel Balneario de Solares
Castilla Termal Solares Spa, situated in a vast park of centenarian trees, is a historical and emblematic building that was declared the first thermal station of Cantabria at the beginning of the 20th century.
Preserving its classical architectural style, the building hosts the spa hotel complex of 4 stars status, where they have 113 rooms fully equipped, 5 of them are junior suites and 7 are high quality double rooms. Also, the Solares Hotel spa provides a wide range catering services, a lobby bar, a terrace and the great “El Manantial” restaurant.
Hotel Eurostars Reconquista
The combination of art, culture and knowledge comes into its own every year with the presentation of the Prince of Asturias Prizes.
The Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista is found at the point where the historic quarter and the financial district meet. Tradition, luxury, nobility and more than 200 years of history have made of it an international icon in Asturias.
Parador de Pontevedra
You will be welcomed by a stately carved stone staircase.The building is decorated with beautiful antiques and classic furniture.
The Parador, once the residence of the counts of Maceda, is located in the old quarter of the magnificent city of Pontevedra. It combines regal, noble and stately styles with charming rural elements. The surrounding area invites you to visit coves and beaches, and to enjoy fine seafood and excellent wine.
Hotel San Francisco Monumento
Heated swimming pool and jacuzzi with views of Monte Pedroso and historic sites, will make your stay an unforgettable memory.
Located 150 m from the Cathedral, right in Santiago de Compostela’s historic city centre, San Francisco Hotel Monumento offers its clients the tranquility and silence of an 18th-century Franciscan convent combined with all the services and comforts of a 4-star hotel.
2.950,00€
I rate our experience a 10. Niki an Luis really made our trip one we will never forget. The choices for us about cycling routes, restaurants and hotels were all excellent. Niki and Luis were truly a pleasure to be around. They gave 100% to making sure we had a memorable cycling trip. Thank you to everyone at Bike Spain for your efforts. The Bike Spain team is a superior group. They took care of everything. They gave us great information, took care of any issues that came up. They were always friendly and courteous.
Road Carbon
