Camino Santiago Guided from León
Description
Our guided bike tour of the Camino de Santiago from León is designed to be completely covered by bike, from one cathedral to the other, with the added guarantee of our experienced guides from Bike Spain Tours, who will provide their support and assistance.
The cycling itinerary follows the ancient Pilgrimage Route, crossing the plains of Castilla y León, the cradle and ancient seat of the Castilian Crown, and then entering the majestic mountains that lead to Galicia, a region of distinct and independent traditions and culture.
Along the 250-kilometre bike route from León to Santiago de Compostela, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the region and enjoy the best examples of Castilian and Galician gastronomy, as well as its excellent wines.
Highlight:
- The impressive Gothic cathedral and the charming old town of León.
- Cycle from the cathedral of León to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
- Establish friendships with pilgrims from all over the world.
- Explore cycling routes along magnificent trails that wind through centuries-old forests.
- Enjoy the delicious gastronomy of Castilla y León and Galicia.
- Experience the millenary ritual of celebrating, together with other pilgrims, the achievement in front of the Cathedral of Santiago.
Itinerary
From Madrid, we travel by van to León. This historic city was founded in 68 B.C. and is home to the cathedral with the most beautiful stained glass windows in Spain. We will make a stop in Rueda, known for its exquisite Verdejo white wine, for lunch. Once in León, we will visit the cathedral, the old town, and the convent of the Madres Carbajales to obtain the pilgrim's certificate before heading to Santiago de Compostela. That night we stay at the Parador de León, a 5-star hotel that was a pilgrim hospital in the 16th century.
Route: 55.3 km
Elevation: +476m
On our way to the western mountains of Castilla, we will pass through small rural towns that have subsisted for centuries thanks to the exchange with pilgrims. We will spend the night in Astorga, famous for its historic buildings, such as the Episcopal Palace designed by Gaudí. We will stay at the Vía de la Plata Hotel, built on the ruins of the Convent of San Francisco.
Route: 59.7 km
Elevation: +805m
After visiting Astorga, we will bike to the highest point of the Camino, a gradual ascent of 800 meters, followed by a 12 km descent that takes us straight to Ponferrada. There, we will visit the Templar castle and then travel by van to Villafranca del Bierzo, where we will spend the night at the Parador, completely renovated and equipped with pools and saunas to relax before continuing the next day towards the mountains.
Route: 38.1 km
Elevation: +277m
This stretch is considered the most challenging due to the steep climb to O Cebreiro. Don't worry, because if you prefer not to climb it by bike, we have the van that will take us up there, and then we can enjoy the 25 km descent to Triacastela, where we will visit the monastery of San Julián in the town of Samos. Then we will continue the route through countryside and pine and eucalyptus forests to Sarria for lunch. A van will take us to Monforte de Lemos, where we will spend the night at the Parador. You also have the option to continue by bike to Portomarín, on the banks of the Miño River, and stay at the "Pousada de Portomarín" with a sauna and pool.
Route: 48.7 km
Elevation: +690m
Central Galicia is full of lush forests that provide shade along the Camino, and small villages with few inhabitants and farm animals. We will have lunch at Pazos de Ulloa, famous thanks to Emilia Pardo Bazán's novel of the same name. That night we will stay at Pazo de Santa María in the town of Arzúa. This hotel was founded in 1742 for pilgrims to rest on their final stretch to Santiago. It is fully restored and offers beautiful views of the landscapes of Galicia and massage services.
Route: 36 km
Elevation: +523m
The last day of the tour is short but challenging. After the van takes us to Arzúa, we will cover the last kilometers by bike, passing through Lavacolla and Monte do Gozo, from where the cathedral was traditionally first seen before arriving. Once in Santiago, we will go to the cathedral and take a walk through Praza do Obradoiro and the Parador (Palace of the Catholic Kings). In the evening, we will have the farewell dinner. For overnight stay, we offer two options: AC Palacio del Carmen, originally a convent of the Oblatas, or the Parador de Santiago, considered the oldest hotel in the world.
Whether your plan is to return home or continue traveling through Spain or Europe, Santiago is a good starting point. It has a well-connected international airport with other destinations in Spain and Europe. For those who decide to stay, after breakfast, we will head back to Madrid by van (7 hours of travel).
Ask about dates, prices and availability for this cycling holiday, for you or your whole group.
Location
- Address : -5.571125660335658
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