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information | PHOTOS | RESERVATIONS | WEATHER

 

St James' Way self-guided bicycling tour - Cycle the Camino de Santiago on your own departing Léon

This is the best of self-guided bike tours for any experienced bicyclist wanting a taste of the traditions and history of the "Camino de Santiago". For centuries, it has been used by pilgrims. One needs no religious beliefs, just curiosity and the wish to learn. On the route, the pilgrims are united by their course.


St James' pilgrimage Way or "Camino de Santiago" is listed as the main European Cultural Itinerary and scattered with delightful monuments such as old pilgrims' hospitals in Leon and Santiago de Compostela, we are constantly reminded that this route is the oldest, most celebrated and most frequented in Europe. It crosses the north of Spain beginning from the Pyrenees and provides views of breathtaking landscapes in the following regions of Navarra, Castile and León and Galicia, ancient monuments and most typical villages and cities from Pamplona to Burgos, Leon and to Santiago. Your accommodations are charming 2 and 3-star hotels, you may also choose some of the the highest quality: of three state-run Paradores on the bicycle route, two are very luxurious and the other hotels are of superior quality with a special charm. Savor the best of Spanish cuisine, traditional to the regions and accompanied by excellent wines from La Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions. Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel.

You will get to know Spain´s most spectacular landscapes, historical monuments and charming villages pedaling on a bike.


Map from Leon

FULLY SUPPORTED BIKE TOUR ITINERARY:

Day 1. Madrid-Léon
Meeting point our office in Juan Alvarez Mendizabal, 19 (The exact map location of our office will be sent to you) There, we give the bikes and provide transfer to the bus station in Madrid. All the necessary documents and information to do this memorable trip will be also given: a complete package including hotel vouchers, your touring bike with all accessories, detailed documentation with maps and a road book. Léon is 327km (207 miles) northwest of Madrid.
The bus ride takes 4 hours and a half.
León has abundant gastronomic and architectural richness - dinner is best enjoyed by having tapas in the bars located along the narrow streets of the Barrio Húmedo. The cathedral is a gem from the Gothic period with the 125 awesome stained-glass windows dating from the 13th century. Léon today is the gateway to the north-western routes of Galicia. Upon arrival there will be time for a stroll around the city, visiting the cathedral and collect our Pilgrim's Passports by bike accompanied by a glass of good regional wine.

Day 2. Astorga
49kms (31 miles) flat & rolling terrain.
Following a solid buffet breakfast, we leave today´s 49-km route takes us through classic Castilian landscapes, abundant in helm oaks, golden wheat fields and gentle ups and downs.
It is hard to get lost: the route never strays far from the N120 highway. The landscape in the first half of the route is relatively dry, but gets greener the further west you get; you will cross fields
full of diverse crops, such as wheat, corn, hops and wine grapes.
Wildlife is not a big feature of this first part of the trip, though you will see geckoes, birds of prey and lot of dairy cows!
Astorga was an important Roman centre, capital of the Maragateria region had as many hospitals as the much bigger city of Burgos. It hosts the Episcopal palace designed by Gaudi and today the pilgrim´s museum.
It is also worthwhile to visit the cathedral.

Day 3. Villafranca del Bierzo
75 kms(47miles) first big climb, rolling terrain.
Bicycling start after breakfast, we head from Astorga to Rabanal del Camino. There, the Camino starts to climb gently until it meets the first mountain on the way. Once you've reached the top leaving behind Foncebadón and Cruz de Ferro, you will enjoy a memorable downhill ride enjoying fantastic landscapes first to the mountain village of Acebo, then Molinaseca and finally Ponferrada. From there you will ride through the wine country of El Bierzo to Villafranca del Bierzo, where you will stop for the night.
The town is a historical and artistic monument, it was created to give refuge and sanctuary to the pilgrims before initiating the most difficult part of their pilgrimage. The monastery cloister is a jewel of the Renaissance.

Day 4. Portomarín
85 kms(53 miles) strenous uphill, descent and rolling terrain.
This is the most challenging day.
From Villafranca you ride slowly towards the mythical O'Cebreiro pass, the most demanding peak along the western section of the Camino. With a little patience it's more than possible to reach the top, but in any case, a taxi, for those on the self-guided trip can be an idea. From the top it's downhill all the way to Sarria, and on a rolling route you will reach Portomarín.
The older neighbourhoods once belonged to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, but now lie submerged, covered by the waters of the Miño River dam.

Day 5. Arzua
51 kms(32 miles) Rolling terrain.
This day provides a lovely alternative to the previous day's hard work. Several easy and long up hills and down hills go through rolling terrain, giving cyclists a view of Galicia's rural landscape.

Day 6. Santiago de Compostela
40kms (25 miles) rolling terrain
Don't let the short length fool you; the final stage is short, but rather demanding! After approximately four hours of riding, cyclists become pilgrims upon arriving at the Pórtico de la Gloria ("The Façade of Glory") at the Cathedral of Santiago. After taking a breath (and celebrating with others arriving by foot and on horseback!), you can visit the Pilgrims' Office where you can obtain the "Compostela" Certificate which certifies you as an official pilgrim. Accommodation is centrally located, giving you the opportunity to explore the streets and bars of the historic centre after dark.
This city, without any doubt, is the most important of the Christian Middle Ages. It is world-wide renowned and each year, thousands of travelers come to visit its treasures.Santiago de Compostela, in the middle ages, the third most important city of Pilgrimage after Jersualem and Rome, attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Thousands of travelers come to visit its treasures each year. The now luxurious Parador, once a pilgrim´s hospital, was built by the Catholic Kings in 1501. It is adjacent to the Cathedral, in the Obradoiro Square which is the final meeting point for all roads that lead to Santiago.

Day 7. End of trip
Return to Madrid by bus or night train. Approximate transit time is 9 to 10 hours by bus.

Day 8. Madrid
Why not book on one of our exciting half-day Madrid City Tours or full day tour with the time you have to spare before your departure!

Total bicycling distance of the tour 298 kms (186 miles)

! Buen Camino!

Compostela credential

 

Self-guided tour departing from Léon from EURO 840 in 2 & 3-star hotels
APRIL, 2013 Departure at anytime
MAY Departure at anytime
JUNE Departure at anytime
JULY Departure at anytime
AUGUST Departure at anytime
SEPTEMBER Departure at anytime
OCTOBER Departure at anytime

WHAT´S INCLUDED IN THE SELF-GUIDED TRIP:

Option A

Price in 2&3-star hotels WITHOUT luggage transport

7 days & 6 nights EURO 840 person, in charming 2 & 3-star hotels, double occupancy. Single supplement EURO 145

OR

8 Days & 7 nights EURO 930 per person, double occupancy Single supplement EURO 165

Possibility to store your luggage at our office in Madrid

Option B

Price in 2&3-star hotels luggage transport included

7 days & 6 nights EURO 975 per person, in charming 2 & 3-star hotels, double occupancy. Single suppl. EURO 145

OR

8 days & 7 nights Euro 1065 per person in dbl occupancy single supplement EURO 165

INCLUDING Luggage transport from hotel to hotel

Price in 4-star hotels & Paradores

7 days & 6 nights EURO 1175 per person dbl occupancy Paradores & 4-star hotels.

Single supplement EURO 255

OR

8 days & 7 nights Euro 1275 per person in dbl occupancy. single supplement EURO 375

Paradores are at Léon, Villafranca & Santiago de Compostela or 5-star hotel if latter is not available

Early booking is recommended for the paradores in Léon Villafranca and specially the one in Santiago de Compostela

Other options
  • The tour may be further lengthened or shortened to suit your needs. Please contact us for further details.

  • Optional: Flight back by Ryanair from Santiago de Compostela airport (SOQ) to Madrid Barajas (MAD) at own expense. There is a night train leaving Santiago for Madrid which allows transport of bicycles reserving a sleeping cabin. Cost of the sleeper train cabin for 2 people aprox. Euro 140
    Bravo Bike also offers support and logistics for larger groups with a driver, there is availabilty of two vehicles. Two VW transporters seating eight passengers plus driver, and two trailers for the transport of bicycles & luggage
Departure dates
As this is a self-guided tour the departure date is up to you. However it is recommended that you travel between the months of April and October. The months of July and August are really crowded, also temperatures are high. The most recommendable bike season for this trail are the month of May, June, September and October

ITINERARY FOR ADVANCED CYCLISTS

7 days/6 nights

Day 1: Madrid -León by bus (4 hour journey by bus)
Day 2: León-Astorga 50km (31mi)
mostly flat
Day 3: Astorga–Villafranca Bierzo 77km/48mi
climb
Day 4: Villafranca-Sarría 68km/43mi
big climb
Day 5: Sarría-Arzua 76km/48mi
many up & downs
Day 6: Arzua-Santiago 40km (25mi)
ups & downs
Day 7: Santiago de Compostela–Madrid by bus

ITINERARY FOR ADVANCED CYCLISTS

8 days/7 nights

Day 1: Madrid-León by bus
Day 2: León-Astorga  50km/31mi mostly flat
Day 3: Astorga–Ponferrada 53km/33 mi 1 long climb
Day 4: Ponferrada-O´Cebreiro 53km/33 mi 1 big climb
Day 5: O´Cebreiro-Sarria 43km/27mi steep climb
Day 6: Sarría-Arzua 71km/44 mi up and downs
Day 7: Arzua-Santiago 45km/28 mi up and downs
Day 8: Santiago de Compostela - Madrid by bus

Difficulty level
C (Advanced). From Léon 5 mixed routes mostly paved with some dirt tracks with no tecnical difficulty of 45-75 km rolling terrain with two demanding ascents (Cruz de Ferro on the second day and O Cebreiro in Galicia on the 3rd day. Routes are also perfect for road bikers although roads are subject to much more traffic towards Santiago de Compostela. Important:NO BICYCLE LANES into Santiago de Compostela!!! This self-guided tour is NOT recommended for beginners! WE ARE PLEASED TO OFFER YOU OUR GUIDED TOUR!
Included in the price
  • 6 or 7 nights choosen accommodation in excellent, clean 2, 3 and 4-star hotels or hotel paradores
  • All reinforced continental breakfasts (4-star hotels and paradores buffet breakfast)
  • VAT taxes
  • Transport with bike from Madrid to Léon and back from Santiago to Madrid (departure by bus to León from Moncloa district which is only 5 minutes away from our office) bus operator ALSA
  • 27-gear mtb bicycle (Trek 4300) individually adapted Important to know: a surety is required against theft of bikes on the form of a cash deposit or credit card imprint
  • Bicycles are equipped with rack and panniers (20kg each) and front handlebar bag
  • Tube repair kit, pump, water bottle, locks, spare inner tube, multi tool and helmet (if required)
    Option A excess luggage may be left at Bravo Bike shop in Madrid for free
  • Option B Luggage transport (1 bag, max. 20kg) from hotel to hotel
  • Documentation & maps, hotel vouchers
  • Bravo Bike welcome gifts
  • Our fantastic and highly recommended 3-hour Madrid city tour either at the beginning or end of your tour if your time allows it
Not included
  • Llunches and diners
  • Personal insurance
  • Bike and travel insurance
  • Mechanical support en route
  • Transfers to and from airport and bus stations
  • Extra days Bike hire at Euro 15 per day
Optional extras
SENDING the bicycles by courrier directly to the starting point and back to Madrid has an extra charge of EURO 55 one way
Extra nights Madrid
4-star hotel Euro 80 pp*
3-star hotel Euro 55 pp*
Santiago de Compostela
4-star hotel Euro 80 pp*
3-star hotel Euro 55 pp*
*Price ppin dbl occupancy breakfast included. Please ask us we will offer you the best price/quality solution
Discounts

For larger groups please ask for discounts for bike tour and hotels

Bicycles pick-up Office Bravo Bike S.L., calle Juan Alvarez Mendizabal, 19, E-28008 Madrid near Plaza de Espana (town center)
Accommodation is available at our neighbour hotel Suites Viena aparthotel, calle Juan Alvarez Mendizabal, 17 for overnight stays
How to get from the airport to theBravo Bike office

Metro line 10: Plaza de España or line 3: Ventura Rodriguez
from the airport take line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios and then change to line 10 to Plaza de España (direction Puerta del Sur)
New: Train connection C1 leaving from airport terminal 4 brings you to the city centre and Principe Pío train station, there you switch to metro line 10 to Plaza de España 1 stop.
Takes about 35 minutes and costs Euro 4.90 You also can buy a transferable bonus of 10 metro tickets for Euro 12.50
Important advise: Be vigilant for pick-pocketing. Do not keep all your important belongings at the same spot.
By taxi: Euro 35 approx. distance 20 km/14 miles

Recommended season

Best time of the year are at anytime during the month of late April, May, June, September and October. Keep in mind that during July and August the Camino gets extremly busy and temperatures are rather high. Further information about the Camino de Santiago can be found at St James'

Local advise

Should you need any information about anything concerning your stay/travel in Spain, please send us a message


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Phone: +34 91 758 29 45 Mobile: +34 607 44 84 40 · Fax: 91 638 92 47

C/ Juan Álvarez Mendizábal 19 · 28008 · Madrid
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