Camino de Santiago

• Day 1: Burgos

  It’s said your Camino begins as soon as you leave home on your way to the starting point. On the first day of the tour, we’ll meet you at the airport in Madrid when you arrive or at your hotel at 10AM. From there enjoy a comfortable ride in our VW minibus to Burgos, just 3 and a half hours with a short break to stretch or have a coffee. Dating back to 884, Burgos rises from the banks of the River Arlanzón and offers stunning examples of Spain’s gothic architecture. We’ll enjoy an excellent lunch in Burgos when we arrive, later we’ll have time to stroll around the city, visit the cathedral and collect our Pilgrim’s Passports by bike. You can choose to join us for dinner in Casa Pancho, serving tapas and typical Castilian cuisine, or explore the city on your own.

• Day 2: Burgos – Carrión de los Condes | 86 km / 53 miles | 430 m (1411 ft) ⛰

  Every morning you can count on a hearty breakfast to prepare you for the day’s stage. Following a buffet breakfast this morning, the route takes us towards the villages of Hontanas, Castrojeriz and Boadilla del Camino, passing the famous 12th century Fitero Bridge over the River Pisuerga. Lunch stop in Hontanas and we continue cycling to Frómista with its church dedicated to San Martín, one of the finest examples of the Spanish Romanesque style. In Carrión we’ll have supper and spend the night in the Hotel Real Monasterio de San Zoilo, a spectacular place with gothic cloister and an intimate church. This small town houses three national monuments, including the Iglesia de Santiago.

• Day 3: Carrión de los Condes – León | 48 km / 30 miles | 178 m (2579 ft) ⛰

  Today’s Camino heads first to Sahagún, pausing along the way to check out some small villages. We’ll have lunch and hop in the minibus to arrive to León, founded in the year 68 AD. Here we’ll stay at the magnificent Hotel Parador Hostal San Marcos (pending reopening in early 2020), with is splendid Renaissance façade behind which sits a convent and pilgrims’ hospital dating back to the 16th century. León has abundant architectural richness, we’ll have ample time to stroll around this ancient city and to have a drink in one of the many bars located along the narrow streets of the Barrio Húmedo. Also not to be missed is the León Cathedral, a gem from the Gothic period with awe-inspiring stained glass windows dating back to the 13th century. Tonight we’ll dine at the Parador, which offers an excellent choice of the regional cuisine.

• Day 4: León – Villafranca del Bierzo | 65 – 85 km / 40 – 53 miles | 912 m (2992 ft) ⛰

  Morning trip by minibus to Astorga, an important Roman centre and the meeting point of two original pilgrim routes, the French Way and the Vía de la Plata (the Roman Route). It’s home to the Episcopal Palace designed by Gaudí which today serves as a Camino de Santiago Museum. We’ll visit the palace, the cathedral and the pilgrim’s hospital. From Astorga, we get on our bikes and start to ascend gently, then reach the first big climb. There’s a lot of history worth stopping for at the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross), take a selfie or leave a stone as a commemoration. Once you’ve reached the top, you can enjoy a long downhill ride with picturesque views of Acebo, where we’ll stop for a hearty farmhouse lunch; Molinaseca and finally Ponferrada. After visiting the main spots we ‘ll proceed to Villafranca to spend the night at the Hotel Parador Villafranca del Bierzo. The town is a historical and artistic monument, created to give refuge and sanctuary to pilgrims before initiating the most difficult part of their pilgrimage.

• Day 5: Villafranca del Bierzo – Portomarín | 60 – 80 km / 38 – 50 miles | 1093 m (3586 ft) ⛰

  From Villafranca we’ll cycle about 29 km / 18 miles towards the mythical O Cebreiro pass stopping at the foot of the most demanding peak along the western Camino, in Las Herrerías. Head to the top by bus or earn your lunch, hearty regional specialties which we’ll enjoy accompanied by exceptional views of Galicia. Digest lunch as we ride in the minibus to Monte de Poio and get back on the bikes for a route taking us through Atlantic forests scattered with small villages, before finally arriving in Sarria. End the day with a short ride by bus and a beautiful stretch of scenery before arrival at Portomarín. Old neighbourhoods once belonged to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, but now lie submerged by the waters of the Miño River dam. We will be lodged in the new village overlooking the reservoir and the green valley of the Miño River.

• Day 6: Portomarín – Santiago de Compostela | 47 km / 29 miles | 511 m (1677 ft) ⛰

  The minibus will take us as far as Arzúa, where we will begin bicycling the last 28 miles of the Camino. Don’t let the distance fool you – today’s final stage is short, but rather demanding! After about four hours of riding, finish your pilgrimage upon arriving at the Pórtico de la Gloria (Façade of Glory) at the Santiago Cathedral. The breathtaking view of the cathedral is an image you won’t soon forget. Adjacent to the cathedral, in Obradoiro Plaza is the final meeting point of all roads that lead to Santiago. Visit the Pilgrims’ Office where you can obtain your credential that certifies you’re an official pilgrim. Our accommodation is at the Hotel Palacio del Carmen or the Parador Hostal Reyes Católicos (both 5⭐). Santiago de Compostela was historically the third most important pilgrimage city, after Jerusalem and Rome, and still attracts pilgrims from all over the world to this day. Our hotel is centrally located, giving you the opportunity to explore the streets and bars of the historic centre after having a rest. Later we dine at the Parador restaurant to celebrate each other and our journey’s adventures.

• Day 7: Santiago de Compostela – Madrid

  After breakfast, we return to Madrid by minibus, stopping for lunch around mid-day. The approximate travel time is 7 hours. Our evening on arrival in Madrid is free; if you’re up for it we’ll recommend all the best places to explore on your last night.

• Day 8: Madrid – End of Trip or Extension

  Breakfast at the hotel and airport transfer available for groups, or extend your trip in Spain. Consider joining us for free on our Madrid City or Parks Tour today.

Departure is available on the following Sundays in 2020:

• • April 26th
  • May 17th
  • June 14th and 28th
  • September 6th and 27th
  • October 11th

Tour departures guaranteed with a minimum of six participants. Groups of six or more any time of the year! Discounts available for large groups. We do recommend that you travel between the beginning of April and the end of October due to weather conditions. Bear in mind that the months of July and August are quite crowded on the Camino, and temperatures are higher.

Best months to travel are May, June, September and October.

• Example of Hotels

  2 or 3 ⭐ Hotel Example:

  Smart Boutique Hotel Literario San Bieito 3⭐
  

  

  The hotel is centrally located in Santiago de Compostela, and features WiFi, a 24 hour front desk, and an all-day long breakfast buffet with coffee, fruit and snacks. The rooms have smart televisions and a free minibar, private bathrooms with shower and hairdryer. Its ideal location is welcome at the end of your journey, just 450 meters from Plaza Obradoiro. Make use of the massage service at an extra charge. Also enjoy use of a tablet during your stay. Laundry is available for a fee.

  Google rating: 4.5 ⭐ (303 reviews)

• Example of Hotels

  3 or 4 ⭐ Hotel / Parador Example:

  Parador of Villafranca del Bierzo 4⭐

  

  The Parador in Villafranca is the leading choice for accomodation in the area, nestled in the village surrounded by mountains replete with cherry and fig trees, chestnut trees and poplars. Clad in stone and slate, the hotel is instantly welcoming as you step inside into the elegance, class and comfort that paradores are known for. There’s a large restaurant, café and lounge for guests. Breakfast is also included. The rooms offer breathtaking views of the El Bierzo region, WiFi is available; indoor/outdoor swimming pools and a sauna await you.

  Google rating: 4.4 ⭐ (647 reviews)

Early bird discount available on reservations made now! Ask us about discounts for larger groups. Bravo Bike also offers other guided tours in Spain. Our cozy VW Transporter, seating 8 passengers, awaits your next adventure.

Please note: the León Parador will be reopening in Winter 2020.

What’s Included in the Guided Camino Bike Trip?

• Duration

  8 days | 7 nights

• Included

  – 7 nights accommodation in the hotel class selected

  – All transfers beginning the first day in Madrid and ending the last day, back in Madrid; daily luggage transport between hotels

  -:- Includes trip from Madrid to Burgos, and return voyage from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid in our comfortable cruising VW minibus

  – Reinforced continental breakfasts, buffet breakfasts in 4-star hotels and paradores

  – 6 x sitting lunches with traditional Spanish set menu, including drinks

  – 4 x 3-course dinners except in Burgos and León, including a drink, extra drinks payable on site

  – Bilingual tour guide / local expert, speaking Spanish, English and also available in French and German

  – Support vehicle with trailer, driver providing technical support

  -:- Snacks and beverages along the Camino, including water, juice, cereal bars and fresh fruit

  – Rental bicycle, mountain bike or hybrid style; electric bicycles and road bikes available at an additional charge

  -:- Equipped with rear rack and panniers (12kg | 26lbs cap. each), front handlebar bag

  -:- Includes tube repair kit, spare tube, pump, multitool, Bravo Bike water bottle, locks, helmet [we recommend you bring your own helmet to ensure proper fit]

  – Welcome pack and gift, Camino guide, maps and hundreds of photos to browse through when you’ve finished the tour (we’ll be documenting everything from the moment we start the road trip from Madrid together)

  – Our 3 Hour Madrid City Bike Tour

  – All applicable taxes

• Not Included

  – All lunches and dinners not mentioned above and any personal expenses

  – Health insurance and travel insurance (ask us about the plans we offer!)

  – Transfers to and from the airport, bus stations or train stations

  – Deposit required for week-long bike rental, 150€ (cash or credit card hold)

  -:-15€ per day additional bike hire after Camino trip (65€ per week)

• Difficulty

  Category: Intermediate and Advanced

  5 biking routes of minimum 45 – 85 km (25 – 55 miles) per day. Adaptable to the groups’ skill and physical fitness level. Routes may also be adapted to suit road bikers. One 10 km (6 mile) climb to Cruz de Ferro and one optional 11 km (7 mile) climb to O Cebreiro. Our support van is available at any time.

  Unfortunately there is not yet an entrance to Santiago de Compostela for pilgrims arriving by bicycle. This self-guided itinerary is not recommended for beginners.

• The Bikes: Trek 7200

  

  Trek 7200

  Aluminium frame, front suspension, 24-speed (triple crankset)

  Sizes Available: S, M, L

   

   

   

   

• The Bikes: Trek Émonda Road

  

  Trek Émonda Road

  Carbon frame, Shimano 105 components

  Sizes Available: 54

  Note: extra fee applies for road bike rental

   

   

   

   

• The Bikes: Btwin Hybrid

  

  Btwin Hybrid

  Aluminium frame, front suspension, 9-speed, disc brakes

  Sizes Available: M, L

   

   

   

   

   

• The Bikes: Trek Neko+ | Orbea | Kettler Electric

  

  Kettler Electric Cruiser

  

  Trek Neko+ Electric

  

  Orbea Electric

  
  

  Aluminium frame, front suspension (Trek | Kettler), 9-speed, disc brakes (Trek | Orbea), electric assist

  Sizes Available: M, L, XL

  Note: extra fee applies for electric bike rental

   

• Notes

  – There’s also the option to fly back from Santiago de Compostela airport (SOQ) to Madrid (MAD) at own expense

  – Other departure options include Roncesvalles / Pamplona, 13 day Camino, or from León for 7 days (see Self-Guided Camino for sample itinerary)

  – We also offer self-guided tours from any other starting point in Spain. Self-guided tours can be started daily from April to the end of October. Please ask for more information.

  – For any extra nights or further information before or after the trip, please consult us. We consider ourselves local experts and it’s our pleasure to share that knowledge with you so you can make the most of your Spanish holiday!
  

• How to Reserve This Tour

  To reserve your Camino de Santiago, a 25% deposit is required per person and final payment 6 weeks before departure. Credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard or AmEx do carry an additional fee of 2.5%.