For any traveler interested in history, art, and culture, the Camino de Santiago certainly ranks as one of the most spectacular trips in the world today. From the 10th Century to the present day, pilgrims have come (by foot and now bicycle) from near and far to experience this enigma of Spain. For riders of this trail, you can choose between a paved or off-road route as it threads its way across Spain. The scenery is breathtaking with lots of cultural and historical sights along the way. For those with the time, we highly recommend that you consider our classic route; we maintain that this journey has the potential to change your life (in good ways). For those wishing a shorter journey we also offer the trip beginning in Leon. On both trips you stay in the best hotels available, ranging from traditional inns to luxurious paradors.
Location
Pamplona
Pamplona, Spain
Day 1
Estella
Estella, Spain
Day 2
Logrono
Logroño, Spain
Day 3
Santa Domingo de la Calzada
Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain
Day 4
Burgos
Burgos, Spain
Day 5
Carrion de las Condes
Carrión de los Condes, Spain
Day 6
León
León, Spain
Day 7+8
Rabanal del Camino
Rabanal del Camino, Spain
Day 9
Villafranca
Villafranca del Bierzo, Spain
Day 10
Sarria
Sarria, Spain
Day 11
Leboreiro
Leboreiro, Spain
Day 12
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Day 13+14
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
13 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 3 dinners
Luggage transfers
Use of a high quality mountain bike and accessories
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
EVENT DATES
Any dates between March to November
TOTAL DAYS
ARRIVE / DEPART
ACTIVITY LEVEL
TERRAIN
COST
Casual/B&B Accommodation: US$2475
Single Supplement: US$825
Classic Accommodation: US$2675
Single Supplement: US$965
Luxe Accommodation: US$2975
Single Supplement: US$1250
Getting there
For the 14 day trip staring in Pamplona, most people arriving to Spain fly into Madrid.
Trains for Pamplona depart Madrid daily and take 3 to 4 hours.Day 1
Arrive to Pamplona
Most people arrive via Madrid; there are flight, train and coach options into Pamplona. You’ll stay in a three-star hotel in the city center, where you can walk through the old town.
Day 2
Pamplona to Estella
Leaving Pamplona you’ll climb towards the foothills of the Sierra del Perdon, reaching Puenta la Reina, with its famous Romanesque bridge and charming town. You’ll spend the night in Estella, near the beautiful 12th century Palace of the Kings of Navarre.
Distance: 47 km, elevation gain 820 m.*
Day 3
Estella to Logrono
You’ll start the day with a stop at the winemakers ‘Bodega Irache’, where a free-flowing wine fountain welcomes thirsty pilgrims. The ride takes you through vineyards and past castles before crossing the great Puente de Piedra into Logrono, a bustling town with an interesting history, architectural jewels, cafes and music. Your hotel is in a beautifully renovated historical building with all amenities.
Distance: 49 km, elevation gain 750 m.*
Day 4
Logrono to Santa Domingo de la Calzada
Your goal today is to reach a town long linked to the pilgrimage. The town’s namesake, St. Dominic, was a hermit who devoted his life to helping pilgrims on their way to Santiago. Among other deeds, he built a pilgrims bridge, hospital and much of the medieval road (which we ride) that still survives from the 11th century. The other reason to stop here is to stay at the extraordinary Parador Hotel that is one of Spain’s best.
Distance: 50 km, elevation gain 730 m.*
Day 5
Santa Domingo de la Calzada to Burgos
The riding today is superb through bell heather on rolling trail. Arriving in Burgos, you could visit the Gothic Cathedral, one of the most outstanding artistic monuments in Spain. After dinner, for those wanting a little nightlife, there are plenty of tapas bars and clubs to tempt you!
Distance: 67 km, elevation gain 660 m.*
Day 6
Burgos to Carrion de las Condes
The riding through most of the Castilian stages is on more level terrain allowing you to comfortably cover more distance. Although no less beautiful, the scenery changes dramatically through this region. You’ll want to have lunch today in the curious town of Hontanas, where the barman drinks wine in a most unusual way. Your destination, Carrion de las Condes makes for a relaxing town, between the bustling cities (and nightlife) of Burgos and Leon.
Distance: 80 km, elevation gain 550 m.*
Day 7
Carrion de las Condes to Leon
Although one of your longer days, the gentle grade should allow you to take your time and enjoy the ride. We recommend a picnic lunch at a beautiful site on the river Esla in Mansilla de las Mulas; afterwards you’ll continue into Leon with its impressive monuments including the 13 C Cathedral. Your hotel for tonight is located in the historical district, steps from the cities best shopping and restaurants.
Distance: 95 km, elevation gain 450 m.*
Day 8
Leon
Best visited with a walking tour, we will arrange to have Rafael Gallego, our local expert take you to see the sites. Raphael is extremely knowledgeable about the city’s monuments and the camino and we are sure you will find this a wonderful experience.
Day 9
Leon to Rabanal del Camino
Riding out of Leon you could visit Hospital del Orbigo, arriving in time for lunch in Astorga. For Epicureans, Astorga is known for mantecadas, one of the famous delicacies in Spanish pastrymaking. You will overnight in Rabanal del Camino, one of the more famous pilgrimage sites along the trail.
Distance: 74 km, elevation gain 690 m.*
Day 10
Rabanal to Villafranca
Your route today will begin with a visit to Castrillo de los Polvares, a town immortalized by the writer Concha Espina in her novel The Maragato Sphinx, a portrait of the village and its centuries-old customs. Just before lunch you’ll reach the Cruz de Ferro, one of the most symbolic monuments along the pilgrims’ route. Whenever a pilgrim adds a stone to the pile they become part of an ancient tradition; the Romans called these stone heaps, ‘mounts of Mercury’ after the god of travelers. In Ponferrada, you can visit the impressive Templar Castle, one of the oldest and finest examples of Spanish military architecture. You’ll finish the day in Villafranca, one of the most attractive towns on the Camino. Your hotel for tonight is in a charming 3-star hotel in the center.
Distance: 58 km, elevation gain 820 m.*
Day 11
Villafranca to Sarria
From Villafranca, you will climb through unspoiled countryside of heather and broom, pines, chestnuts and oaks enjoying a magnificent view over the Valcarce valley up to El Cebreiro, famous for its ‘pallozas’, straw-roofed dwellings. In Samos, visit a monastery before continuing on to Sarria and with its Monastery of La Magdelena and its hospitable Mercedarian monks.
Distance: 70 km, elevation gain 1500 m.*
Day 12
Sarria to Leboreiro
From Sarria, the terrain changes again, as you find yourself in a rural part of the country with people living much as they did centuries ago. Have lunch in Portomarin, and then enjoy some of the best biking of the camino on rolling terrain arriving to a little village in the country- side; where you will spend the night at a most charming inn.
Distance: 71 km, elevation gain 1200 m.*
Day 13
Leboreiro to Santiago de Compostella
Start this day with crossings of medieval bridges at Disicabo and at Furelos before reaching Melide, particularly rich in pre-Roman remains. You’ll pass many small hamlets hidden among eucalyptus trees before reaching the environs of Santiago. Your adrenaline will surge as you make your way through Santiago itself, packed with vestiges of the pilgrimage. Nothing quite prepares you though, for arriving at the Cathedral itself, where you can share in the sense that pilgrims have felt since time immemorial. You’ll stay at one of the finest hotels in the city located just 200 meters from the Cathedral.
Distance: 46 km, elevation gain 740 m.*
Day 14
Departure – We recommend a leisurely last day; if you are heading back to Madrid, there are flight, train and bus connections.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Casual/B&B
This casual hotel is managed by a lovely family and is comfortable and close enough to restaurants and cafes that you can walk easily.
A modest 2-star hotel with a friendly proprietor. The hotel has charm, but there is no breakfast room, so you must take desayuno at a nearby café.
This boutique hotel is located in the historical district on a quiet pedestrian street.
This small hotel is modest, but impeccably clean, bright and airy. The service from the owners is friendly and professional.
Located just 100 meters from the Cathedral, this hotel's guest rooms features hardwood floors and a warm welcome.
An atmospheric hotel, recently converted from part of a monastery.
This popular 3-star hotel is ideally located on a quiet lane near the Palacio de los Guzmanes. There is an excellent restaurant.
This is the classic inn along the camino that has been welcoming travelers forever. There is a great restaurant here and the town is one of the true gems of the route.
This is a charming distinctive hotel with comfortable rooms located in the historical district on an atmospheric street.
A recently renovated and upgraded 4-star hotel situated on the river with a good restaurant. There is a new outdoor swimming pool to enjoy.
We have stayed here many times over the years and is a fine inn with a warm welcome from Javier.
Classic
A 3-star hotel with all amenities. We like this hotel for its location, literally steps from superb tapas bars and cafes.
This 4-star boutique hotel boasts a 17th century building that has been restored with just 14 rooms. It combines an historic property with modern amenities.
This former palace from the 16th century is now a boutique hotel with just 12 rooms. It has been thoughtfully restored, with contemporary design.
What was once a pilgrim’s hospital from the 12th century is now one of Spain’s finest paradors.
Located just meters from the Cathedral and right in the historic center of town, the guest rooms have been nicely renovated and the breakfast room has one of the best views of the city.
An atmospheric hotel, recently converted from part of a monastery.
This popular 3-star hotel is ideally located on a quiet lane near the Palacio de los Guzmanes. There is an excellent restaurant.
This charming inn was built using centuries old stone in the traditional style and is managed by a lovely father and daughter team.
This is a charming distinctive hotel with comfortable rooms located in the historical district on an atmospheric street.
A recently renovated and upgraded 4-star hotel situated on the river with a good restaurant. There is a new outdoor swimming pool to enjoy.
Situated in the historical city centre just 150 m from the Cathedral, this 18th century Franciscan convent has been renovated into a luxurious, historic 4-star hotel with heated swimming pool and jacuzzi with views of Mt. Pedroso.
Luxe
Built in the 18th century, this 4 star luxury boutique hotel is located right in the historic center and is facing the Palace's inner courtyard.
This 4-star boutique hotel boasts a 17th century building that has been restored with just 14 rooms. It combines an historic property with modern amenities.
This former palace from the 16th century is now a boutique hotel with just 12 rooms. It has been thoughtfully restored, with contemporary design.
What was once a pilgrim’s hospital from the 12th century is now one of Spain’s finest paradors.
This hotel occupies a former palace and is just across the river from the Cathedral. Excellent breakfast.
An atmospheric hotel, recently converted from part of a monastery.
One of the most luxurious hotels in Spain, you’ll feel like you are sleeping in a museum (in a good way). The historic building offers beautifully decorated rooms and a restaurant with local specialties.
Built in the 18th century as the Earl of Tepa's residence, this hotel has just 10 rooms and a large 19th century garden. Astorga is a lovely city to overnight in, with Gaudi castles to explore and fine restaurants to enjoy.
A recently renovated and upgraded 4-star hotel situated on the river with a good restaurant. There is a new outdoor swimming pool to enjoy.
This hotel is one of the world's finest - and its oldest! It has all the fine touches and attention to detail that distinguishes world-class hotels. The public areas of the hotel include four cloisters of immense beauty and a dining room that can be described in no other way than regal.
This hotel is one of the world's finest - and its oldest! It has all the fine touches and attention to detail that distinguishes world-class hotels. The public areas of the hotel include four cloisters of immense beauty and a dining room that can be described in no other way than regal.
Tour Reviews
This is the trip of a lifetime — so difficult, so rewarding, so much Spain. Our guides — Daniele V. and Juan (Joan) — made the trip. “Ok, today was tough, but tomorrow will be even more difficult.” Every day. We loved every minute of it.
“It was an exceptional trip – the camino was incredible. We loved the cycling and had a fantastic time. Some trails were challenging, but we were happy every day. The hotel in Santiago was outstanding, Beautiful, lovely breakfast and the proprietor was exceptionally helpful in every way. All in all the hotel were great and our luggage arrived each day with no problem.”
“The bikes were good – we were on the trails almost the entire way, so we needed the suspension and mountain bike tires. The walking tour in Leon was great. Our tour was really good – the luggage was forwarded without a hitch, the hotels worked out fine overall and we had a great experience.”
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