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Possibly Europe’s oldest tourist trail! This Camino cycling trip features some of Spain’s most striking scenery and unforgettable architecture: an unbeatable cultural and historical bicycle trip. This “do it yourself” tour bring its down to its essence.
Our Camino de Santiago self-guided tour from Leon allows you to follow the ancient pilgrimage trail at your own pace. Starting at the Gothic Cathedral in Leon you will cycle across the rolling plains of Castile-Leon, once the historic seat of the Spanish Empire, over the mountains and into the more isolated and culturally independent Galicia.
Along the 250 km biking trail from Leon to Santiago you will soak up the history of the region, stopover in exclusive lodging and sample authentic cuisine and wine from the Castilian and Galician regions.
Day 1: BURGOS
Accommodation: AC Burgos
Van transfer from Madrid to Burgos. Upon arrival in León you will receive all the material required for your journey at the first hotel. This includes a complete package of gifts and your road bike with all accessories.
Day 2 and 3: Castrojeriz and Carrion de los Condes
Accommodation: Monastery of San Zoilo
2 classic stages on the plain of Castilla with wheat fileds and sunflowers.
Day 4: Leon
Accommodation: Parador de León
Bike ride to Sahagun and after lunch trasfer to Leon.
Free time to see the cathedral and other monuments.
Day 5: Leon – Astorga
Route: 48.1km
Elevation: +431m
Accommodation: Hotel Via de la Plata
This ride traverses classic Castilian landscapes, complete with holm oaks, golden wheat fields and moderate rolling hills. It’s hard to get lost: the route never strays far from the N120 highway. The scenery along the first half of the route is relatively dry, but gets greener the further west you go. You’ll cross fields full of diverse crops, such as wheat, corn, hops and wine grapes. Wildlife isn’t a big feature of this first part of the trip, though you will see geckos, various birds species and a lot of dairy cows!
Astorga is home to three national monuments and one of the best Romanesque facades.
Day 6: Astorga – Villafranca
Route: 78.8 km
Elevation: +1142 m
Accommodation: Palacio de Canedo
From Astorga, the Camino starts to climb mildly until it meets the first mountain crossing. Once you’ve reached the top of Foncebadón, take it easy and enjoy the sweeping downhill ride with gorgeous views of wine vineyards on either side as you head towards Villafranca. You will stay in the renovated Palacio de Canedo.
The town of Villafranca del Bierzo is was originally founded 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 7: Villafranca – Portomarin
Route: 97.7km
Elevation: +2156m.
Accommodation: Vistalegre Hotel Spa
Get ready for the most challenging day. From Villafranca the ride heads slowly towards the famed O’Cebreiro stage, the most demanding peak along the western section of the Camino. With a little patience it’s more than possible to reach the top. Then it’s downhill all the way to Sarria, and onward via a rolling route to Portomarín. The older neighborhoods of the town once belonged to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, but now lie submerged, covered by the waters of the Miño River dam.
Day 8: Portomarin – Arzua
Route: 54.4km
Elevation: +1012m
Accommodation: Hotel Pazo Santa Maria
Even though the mountain climbs have finished and you gradually loose altitude, the rolling Galician hillside might make you think otherwise. This ride follows the Camino for 55 kilometers (with an optional side trip to a 700 year-old castle) through Galicia’s beautiful countryside. Pilgrams get to visit the Celtic heart of Spain during this stage. At some points, you will have the chance to choose between cycling on minor roads with other pilgrims or on nice trails. You will cycle through small towns such as, Melide, which is known for its specialty – Galician octopus. You’ll have to try it!
Day 9: Arzua – Santiago de Compostela
Route: 40km
Elevation: +647m
Accommodation: Parador de Santiago
Don’t let the kilometers fool you. Although the final stage is short, it can be a bit tough. After approximately four hours of riding, cyclists arrive at the Pórtico de la Gloria (“The Façade of Glory”) at the Cathedral of Santiago. After taking a breath and celebrating with others arriving by foot and on horseback, you can visit the Pilgrims’ Office where you can obtain the “Compostela” the document certifying you as an official pilgrim (good for John Wayne jokes in the future!). Accommodation is centrally located, giving you the opportunity to explore the streets and bars of the quaint historic center after dark.
This city, without a doubt, is the most important of the Christian Middle Ages. It is world-renowned and each year thousands of travelers come to visit.
Day 10: Finisterre – Santiago de Compostela
Route: 40km
Elevation: +647m
Accommodation: Parador de Santiago
Transfer to Finisterre to ride along the coast to the km0 of the Camino. Pretty day at seaside and time to eat fresh fish. After lunch, transfer to Santiago. The guide is coming back to Madrid.
Day 11: Departure
Rest your legs and bask in the glory as you reflect on a truly memorable journey. This is the final day of the tour.
Take a flight to Milano from International Santiago airport.
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.
Hotel Via de la Plata
This modern hotel was built in 2011, over the stones of the convent of San Francisco.
The hotels design gave priority to the space in the rooms, the furniture and the welcoming contemporary decoration. If offers the rest you deserve while enjoying the best location in the historic district.
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.
Vistalegre Hotel Spa
Recently renovated, Vistalegre Portomarín opened its doors in June 2018 to host guests who look for rest and relaxation.
This hotel offers free WiFi and views to the garden. Every room is equiped with flat TV screen, en-suite bathroom, A/C and a desk. They serve buffet breakfast.
Hotel Pazo Santa María
This elegant hotel dates back to the first half of the eighteenth century.
The Pazo Santa Maria complex comprises of various historical buildings which in themselves amount to a small village. Pazo Santa María has 16 lovely bedrooms located either in the main building or in the small individual annex cottages.
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.
We could not have a higher or better evaluation of Bike Spain for the pickup services, transfers, great communication and problem resolution you provided! We were very happy with Bike Spain overall. We truly appreciated the great communication, especially when we were in the midst of our cycling adventure. We felt well supported and encouraged, knowing that Bike Spain responded quickly to any questions or concerns we raised.
Truly you offer a fabulous adventure for a very reasonable cost, we are looking forward to planning our next trip with you
