Camino de Santiago by Bike (shorter)

April through September 2008 ● 8 days/7 nights

 

Cycle the last 200km of the 1000 year old pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago, to gain your Certificate of Pilgrimage/Compostela. Available as a private, custom tour only, for 4+ cyclists, on your dates.

Arrive León independently. Afternoon, walking tour of the old Roman city, with visits to the frescoes in San Isidoro Church and to the Cathedral. Welcome drinks in the pilgrim’s wet quarter, so called for its many bars in the Middle Ages. Dinner in a 17th century inn. Overnight: Parador San Marcos     D

 

 

Shuttle this morning to the old Bishopric of Astorga, on the Silver Route. Sample the local pastries before beginning your ride at Rabanal, cycling on past the Knights Templar castle at Ponferrada and into El Bierzo wine country. Stay in a palace and from the balcony enjoy a wine tasting with vineyard views before dinner. Overnight: Palacio de Canedo B L D

 

Your first stop is Villafranca's Door of Forgiveness, after which you begin a gradual ascent to the shrine at O Cebreiro; part way option to leave the bikes in the sag wagon and hike the rest of the way along the Camino trail. Sandwiches en route. Stay at the summit in a thatched village, with wonderful views over the Galician mountains. Dinner in the village. Overnight: Posada Cebreiro B Picnic D

 

After a brief ascent, you descend to Sarria, an old market town with palaces and castle along the Camino. Tour nearby Samos Monastery with the monks-see the frescoes and try the honey. Transfer to the town of Portomarin, above the dam over the River Miño. Walking tour of Portomarin, then continue to a farm outside town. Relax by the lake before dinner at the farm. Overnight: Casa Santa Mariña B D

 

Continue along the Camino on the penultimate stage to Melide, with its old quarter of San Pedro and Romanesque church frequented by the medieval pilgrims. Stay in a small family inn outside town. Dinner at the inn. Overnight: Casa de los Somoza B L D

 

Continue on the last stage of the Camino; pass Baroque pilgrimage crosses en route into the Holy City. Stop at Lavacolla, the traditional bathing place of the medieval pilgrim before entering Santiago. On arrival, you'll continue to the Pilgrim's Office, to obtain your Compostela, then relax at your manor house hotel or in a cafe. Galician Tapas dinner. Overnight: Hotel San Clemente B D

 

After a morning tour of the Cathedral, enjoy free time in this UNESCO World Heritage city, until a special farewell dinner.
Overnight: as above B D

 

After breakfast transfer out to airport. B

INCLUDED: Hotels or similar, based on double occupancy, with breakfast Meals per itinerary Tours & entrances per itinerary English-speaking guide/driver & support van Bikes & bike equipment* including snacks	Madrigal to the City of Santiago            — Federico Garcia Lorca It rains in Santiago, my sweet love. White camellia of the air shadowy shines the sun. It rains in Santiago, In the dark night. Grasses of silver and of sleep cover the empty moon. See the rain in the street, lament of stone and crystal. See in the vanishing wind shadow and ash of your sea. Shadow and ash of your sea, Santiago, far from the sun. Water of ancient morning trembles in my heart.

PRICES:

From $3850 per person based on 6 passengers.

Contact us for smaller or larger groups.

 

*Detailed bake equipment list on request

 

 

All prices subject to currency fluctuation adjustment.