Overview
Cycle, self-guided, along the iconic pilgrimage route, the Camino de
Santiago.
Our holiday starts here at the seat of Spanish Kings, Leon is full of soaring
cathedrals and hushed convents. The route then builds through the Galician
countryside to a spectacular finale at Santiago de Compostela’s majestic
Baroque cathedral, the last resting place of St James the apostle.
Highlights
* Cycle along one of the world’s most famous UNESCO pilgrimage routes
* Stamp your pilgrims passport in the villages, chapels, churches and
cathedrals.
* Visit the architecturally stunning cathedrals of Leon and Santiago de
Compostela.
Itinerary
Day 1 Array
Arrive at the Posada Regia hotel, perfectly located in the centre of Leon.
Explore the picturesque old quarter, the Barrio Humedo, which boasts narrow
alleyways, traditional Spanish tavernas and breath-taking plazas.
Day 2 Array
After your morning briefing, discover the highlights of Leon, including the
Panteon Real, the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo and the 13th-century Catedral
de Leon, reputed to be one of the most beautiful in Spain. You can choose to
take a guided tour of Leon (available for a supplement.) A late afternoon
transfer takes you to to Hotel Via de la Plata in Astorga where the Episcopal
Palace was designed by Gaudi.
Day 3 Array
Cycle into the Maragateria area, a wooded mountainous region where beautiful
villages dot the landscape. Climb to the highest point of the tour, passing
the stone cross at 1,510m, where traditionally each pilgrim leaves a stone
they have brought from their homeland. Later descend into the rich valley of
the Bierzo before arriving at the Hotel El Palacio in medieval Molinaseca
Day 4 Array
Cycle through the Bierzo valley, which produces excellent wines, fruit and
vegetables before reaching the historic town of Villafranca del Bierzo. On to
the foothills of the O’Cebreiro, a pastoral village between the mountain
ranges of O Courel and Os Ancares where you have a traditional tapas dinner
at the Hotel Capricho de Josana.
Day 5 Array
A transfer takes you to the top of the steep O’Cebreiro mountain with breath
taking views. Descend into outer lying woods and mountains, cycling through
the small town of Samos where you can visit its ancient Middle Age monastery
and is still inhabited by monks to this day. Cycle alongside streams and
rivers arriving at the restored parsonage Hotel Rectoral de Goian in time for
your included dinner.
Day 6 Array
Today cycle on narrow secondary roads through one of the most beautiful
sections of the Camino. Pass through peaceful woodland and green pastures
before arriving at Hotel A Parada das Bestas for your included dinner.
Day 7 Array
Time stands still in many of the pretty villages you cycle through today,
each one a hidden gem with stone-built houses and quaint narrow streets.
Dinner awaits at Hotel O Muio de Pena
Day 8 Array
The final few miles of your epic pilgrimmage takes you into the heart
Santiago de Compostela, the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. We
cycle into this unique city of pilgrims and onto the Plaza de Obradoiro
overlooking the Cathedral built in honour of Saint James before arriving at
the Virxe da Cerca on the edge of its legendary historic centre.
Day 9 Array
Enjoy Santiago and the cathedral before taking a taxi to the airport (pay
locally approx 15 euro). Alternatively, stay on for extra nights to explore
this beautiful historic city. Walking through the old streets of Santiago is
a fantastic way to spend your time here, with Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque
buildings lining the old town’s streets and plazas.
