Salamanca to Santiago de Compostela by bike

The route of Paradores hotels: Avila-Salamanca-Zamora-Verin-Bayona-Cambados and Santiago de Compostela

This route, rich in history, links the towns of Santiago de Compostela and Salamanca both renowned for their human heritage. It was once the most important means of communication in the west of Spain (the “Silver Trail”), which later on was extended to connect the Mozarab route with Santiago de Compostela.

This is a route of contrasting beauty which runs through the provinces of Salamanca , Orense, Pontevedra and La Coruña. The Archbishop of Fonseca, a well-known figure of the Renaissance, was the main patron of archaeological and cultural projects, giving his name to several institutions such as the colleges in Santiago and Salamanca.

This trip is varied in its beauty and geography with plenty of monuments along the St James' Way. The people are friendly and the villages are abundant in local architecture. Mediaeval buildings, such as castles and palaces, will be our lodgings for most of the time. At other times, we will be staying at Paradores de Turismo, which always offer first class. These are privileged sites with fortresses, convents and monasteries as well as ancestral homes, which give us all the newest technologies for the modern needs of today's guests and the chance to savour the rich Spanish gastronomy, offering traditional regional cuisine. We shall use the minibus to reach the starting point of each of the routes, facilitating cycling on just those parts of the itinerary which will give you the most enjoyment.

Itinerary

Day 1. Ávila
Pick up at the Airport at the arranged time and transfer by minibus to the Parador of Ávila. (Approximately 2 hours). Time to get acquainted and selection of the bicycle. If you wish, there is also time to stroll around the town. Supper at the hotel.

Day 2. Zamora City tour and 68 km/43 miles by bike
After breakfast, we go in our mini-bus to Salamanca where we will visit its monuments and will have lunch. Then we will be cycling across the Castilian fields on "the Silver route" until we arrive in Zamora. City visit. Lodging and supper at the Parador.
This town was once one of the strongholds along the course of the river Duero, claimed in disputes throughout history by both Christians and Arabs. The Parador is situated in one of the prettiest Palaces of the town.

Day 3. Verín. 75 km/47 miles rolling terrain with some climbing
After breakfast we will start off towards the natural reserve of Sanabria. Then we will have a long ten miles descent, and some more miles to the nice village of "Puebla de Sanabria" where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we will be cycling down hill on the old and now solitary road until we arrive in Verín. Supper and lodging will be at the Parador.
This town is situated on the slope of the Monterey hill, in a valley between Galicia and Portugal. The centre of the village is worth seeing. It is well known for its spas and its medicinal waters, and its castle was once an important mediaeval fortress.

Day 4. Baiona 56 km/35 miles
We start on our way by minibus towards Orense and Ribadavia - the land of the Ribeiro wine - to continue until we arrive in Valenca, Portugal, where we will begin a route along the river Miño. Passing through Tui and Guarda we will arrive at Mount Santa Tegra where we enjoy a splendid view of the Atlantic Ocean, we then continue, either by bike or minibus, along the coast up towards Bayona. Here we will have dinner and spend the night at the Parador.
Bayona is the port where the first news of the discovery of America was carried, on board a ship called “La Pinta". The Parador is at the Montreal castle overlooking the bay.

Day 5. Cambados 45 km Rolly terrain.
We go by minibus to the island of "La Toja ", to start a nice riding around this nice island, seeing small fisherman harbours, small and lonely beaches, seafood warehouse, seagulls and farms. After lunching at a seaside restaurant, we head for the village of Cambados to enjoy the next Parador where we will have dinner.
Cambados is a small fishing village in the bay of Arosa and the Parador recently renewed was a XVII century Palace.

Day 6. Santiago de Compostela 45 km/28 mi rolling terrain
We travel by minibus to take the "Portuguese Saint James way" in Caldas del Rey. On route we go through many small farms, villages and churches until we arrive in Santiago. In the same square, (Plaza del Obradoiro), and opposite the Cathedral, we will be spending the night and will have supper in this five star and very luxurious Parador.
This was one of the most important towns in the middle ages. Nowadays, it attracts a multitude of people every year and its cathedral is a universally renowned marvel of architecture. The Parador was once a hospital built by the Catholic Kings in 1501.

Day 7 . Madrid
In the morning we will be setting off for Madrid where we will arrive in the evening after 6 hours´ journey. We will stop for a lunch break on the way.
Flying back (at clients´ expense) is also a possibility.

Day 8. End of trip
Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

¡Hasta pronto y buen viaje!

 

WHAT´S INCLUDED IN THE FULLY SUPPORTED BIKE TRIP

Price per person	EURO 2045 in a double room at 6 different luxurious Paradores de Turismo. Single supplement Euro 275
Other options	EURO 1745 in 3 & 4-star hotels double occupancy. Single supplement Euro 225 Flight back to Madrid from Santiago by Ryanair
Departure dates	2013 departures on Sunday October 6th or at any time with a minimum of 6 participants
Difficulty level	B (Intermediate) and C (Advanced). 5 routes of 35-55 km/23-38 miles per day Lenth of stages can be adapted to the groups´bicycling ability
Days/nights	8 days/7 nights
Included in the price	7x nights accommodation in Paradores or 3 & 4-star hotels in dbl. occupancy All buffet breakfasts and VAT taxes, 5x suppers with wine in the hotel Parador 6x menu lunches drinks included Local tour guide in English Modern support minibus w/English speaking driver New 27-gear bicycles, individually adapted, helmets Tecnical supportTransfers Madrid-Avila and Santiago-Madrid Transport of luggage Daily refreshments and fresh fruit Admission fees to monuments Our fantastic 3-hour Madrid city tour either at the beginning or end of your tour if your time allows it Documentation and welcome gifts All about Bravo Bike, team, bicycles, vehicles
Supplements/ options	For extra nights or further information before or after the trip, please consult us
Discounts	Bigger groups please ask for discount