Camino de Santiago Self-Guided

• Day 1: León – Individual Arrival

  It’s said your Camino begins as soon as you leave home on your way to León (or wherever you decide to start), a city located northwest of Madrid – 2 hours away by high speed train or about 4 hours by bus. León has abundant architectural richness; we’ll recommend some spots to check out before dinner, which can be enjoyed in one of the many bars located along the narrow streets of the Barrio Húmedo. You can’t miss the León Cathedral, a gem from the Gothic period with awe-inspiring stained glass windows dating back to the 13th century. Upon arrival there will also be time to collect your Pilgrim’s Passport.

• Day 2: León – Astorga | 51 km / 32 miles | 243 m (797 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 you through classic Castilian landscapes, holly oak trees and rolling golden wheat fields. Observe how the landscape gradually grows greener the further west you cycle today. You’ll cross fields full of diverse crops, wheat, corn, hops and even vineyards. Astorga was an important Roman centre, capital of the Maragateria region. It’s home to the Episcopal palace designed by Gaudí which today serves as a Camino de Santiago Museum.

• Day 3: Astorga – Villafranca del Bierzo | 75 km / 47 miles | 802 m (2631 ft) ⛰

  Today’s Camino starts to ascend gently at first, then you’ll reach the first big climb. There’s a lot of history worth stopping to form a part of at the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross), stop for a selfie or to leave a stone as a commemoration. Once you’ve reached the top leaving Foncebadón and the Cruz de Ferro behind, you can enjoy a long downhill ride with picturesque views of Acebo, Molinaseca and the wine country of El Bierzo, finally reaching Villafranca del Bierzo. The town is a historical and artistic monument, it was founded to give refuge and sanctuary to the pilgrims before initiating the most difficult part of their journey.

• Day 4: Villafranca del Bierzo – Sarria | 68 km / 43 miles | 1237 m (4058 ft) ⛰

  From Villafranca ride towards the mythical O Cebreiro pass on what may be the most challenging day of the Camino. In the morning start uphill to the first village in the Galician region, O Cebreiro; today we face the most demanding peak along the western section of the Camino. From the top it’s downhill all the way to Sarria.

• Day 5: Sarria – Arzúa | 70 km / 44 miles | 1173 m (3849 ft) ⛰

  One of the most beautiful stretches awaits you today leaving Sarria over the hills to 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. Several easy and long uphills and downhills traverse rolling terrain, giving you a view of Galicia’s impressive rural landscape before reaching Arzúa.

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

  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. Visit the Pilgrims’ Office where you can obtain your credential that certifies you’re an official pilgrim.

  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. Adjacent to the cathedral, in Obradoiro Plaza is the final meeting point of all roads that lead to Santiago. Drop off your bike at the hotel in Santiago, we’ll take care of the rest. Your hotel’s centrally located, giving you the opportunity to explore the streets and bars of the historic centre after having a rest.

• Day 7: Santiago de Compostela – End of Trip or Extension

  Return to Madrid or extend your trip in Spain or Portugal. The high-speed train ride from Santiago to Madrid is about 5 hours, the bus is between 8 – 10 hours, or you can fly, which takes about an hour.

• Day 1: León – Individual Arrival

  It’s said your Camino begins as soon as you leave home on your way to León (or wherever you decide to start). The itinerary begins in León, a city located northwest of Madrid – 2 hours away by high speed train or about 4 hours by bus. León has abundant architectural richness, we’ll recommend some spots to check out before dinner, which can be enjoyed in one of the many bars located along the narrow streets of the Barrio Húmedo. You can’t miss the León Cathedral, a gem from the Gothic period with awe-inspiring stained glass windows dating back to the 13th century. Upon arrival there will also be time to collect your Pilgrim’s Passport.

• Day 2: León – Astorga | 51 km / 32 miles | 243 m (797 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 you through classic Castilian landscapes, holly oak trees and rolling golden wheat fields. Observe how the landscape gradually grows greener the further west you cycle today. You’ll cross fields full of diverse crops, wheat, corn, hops and even vineyards. Astorga was an important Roman centre, capital of the Maragateria region. It’s home to the Episcopal palace designed by Gaudí which today serves as a Camino de Santiago Museum.

• Day 3: Astorga – Ponferrada | 53 km / 33 miles with climb to Cruz de Ferro | 786 m (2579 ft) ⛰

  Today’s Camino starts to ascend gently at first, then you’ll reach the first big climb. There’s a lot of history worth stopping to form a part of at the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross), stop for a selfie or to leave a stone as a commemoration. Once you’ve reached the top leaving Foncebadón and the Cruz de Ferro behind, you can enjoy a long downhill ride with picturesque views of Acebo, Molinaseca and finally Ponferrada.

• Day 4: Ponferrada – Las Herrerías | 45 km / 28 miles | 369 m (1211 ft) ⛰

  Departing from Ponferrada you’ll ride through the wine country of El Bierzo to Villafranca del Bierzo, where you may choose to stop for lunch. 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. From Villafranca ride towards the mythical O Cebreiro pass stopping overnight at the foot of tomorrow’s climb, Las Herrerías.

• Day 5: Las Herrerías – Sarria | 58 km / 36 miles | 1515 m (4970 ft) ⛰

  In the morning start uphill for about 9 km (5 ½ miles) to the first village in the Galician region, O Cebreiro; today we face the most demanding peak along the western section of the Camino. From the top it’s downhill all the way to Sarria.

• Day 6: Sarria – Arzúa | 70 km / 44 miles | 1173 m (3849 ft) ⛰

  One of the most beautiful stretches awaits you today leaving Sarria over the hills to 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. Several easy and long uphills and downhills traverse rolling terrain, giving you a view of Galicia’s impressive rural landscape before reaching Arzúa.

• Day 7: Arzúa – Santiago de Compostela | 47 km / 29 miles | 511 m (1677 ft) ⛰

  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. Visit the Pilgrims’ Office where you can obtain your credential that certifies you’re an official pilgrim.

  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. Adjacent to the cathedral, in Obradoiro Plaza is the final meeting point of all roads that lead to Santiago. Drop off your bike at the hotel in Santiago, we’ll take care of the rest. Your hotel’s centrally located, giving you the opportunity to explore the streets and bars of the historic centre after having a rest.

• Day 8: Santiago de Compostela – End of Trip or Extension

  Return to Madrid or extend your trip in Spain or Portugal. The high-speed train ride from Santiago to Madrid is about 5 hours, the bus is between 8 – 10 hours, or you can fly, which takes about an hour.

Departure is available any day of the year, as this is a self-guided tour. 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 a support vehicle with driver and team. Our cozy VW Transporter, seating 8 passengers, is available in the Camino de Santiago Guided Tour and our other guided tours in Spain.

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

What’s Included in the Self-Guided Camino Bike Trip?

• Duration

  7 days | 6 nights  OR  8 days | 7 nights

• Included

  – 6 or 7 nights accommodation in the hotel class selected

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

  – 2 dinners in the hotel’s restaurant, confirmed in your welcome package

  – Daily luggage transport from hotel to hotel, 1 piece per person (max 20kg | 44lbs). Leave any additional luggage secured in our office in Madrid for the duration of your trip, if you choose.

  – 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]

  – Delivery of bikes to your hotel in León at the start of your trip, and convenient pick-up in Santiago de Compostela

  – Welcome pack and gift, Camino guide, maps and hotel vouchers

  – 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!)

  – Mechanical support on the Camino

  – 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:  Advanced

  In departing from León we encounter stages ranging from 5 – 6% at some points, mainly on asphalt, gravel roads and trails with daily distances of 45 to 85 kilometers (28 – 53 miles). The rolling terrain includes two strenuous climbs to Cruz de Ferro and O Cebreiro. The routes are well adapted for road cycling.

  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

   

• 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%.