Self-guided Bike tour

Tour description

Day 1 Arrive Leon

Day 2 48 km To Astorga

Day 3 49 km To

Day 4 30 km To Villafranca

Day 5 29 km To O Cebreiro

Day 6 47 km To Sarria Cycling the Camino in Spain

Day 7 52 km The , otherwise known as the Way of St James, is a series of pilgrim To Palas de Rei routes leading to his shrine at the Cathedral of in Galicia, north- west Spain. These routes, which traditionally ran from one’s home to Santiago, were Day 8 31 km once embarked on as a sign of penance. Today, they are a part of a popular network of To Azura trails, and are used by all. Day 9 40 km To Santiago de Compostela More than a pilgrimage, the Camino is an unforgettable experience and unique journey. This particular cycling route starts in Leon and passes and through Villanfranca, Sarria Day 10 and all through the gorgeous countryside to your destination. Your way will clearly be Tour ends marked by the yellow arrows and the traditional scallop shells, the symbol of the Camino. We ride from 27km to 55km through ever-changing scenery, taking in the open plains and fields of wheat in Castilla, to the rolling green hills and colourful vineyards of Galicia. Tour Details See the splendid historical monuments, explore the charmingly authentic villages, taste Daily from April to October the delicious local cuisine. Many have experienced this trip, truly an adventure of a life- Cost: $1695 per person time. Single Supplement: $425 Solo Traveller: On Request Fast Facts Bike Rental: $250 • Luggage transfers, route note and E-Bike Info : Length: 10 days / 9 nights services of local office

Grade: Moderate /Intermediate • Lovely accommodations throughout ♦ E-bike rental: $375 the journey hand-picked for charm ♦ Starts: Orviedo Limited supplies and personality with breakfast ♦ Reservations recommended Ends: Santiago de Compostela • Breakfast and 4 dinners included

Active Journeys Contact: 11----800800800----597597597----55945594 or 416416----236236236----50115011 Email: [email protected] ITINERARY Day 1: Arrival in León Travel on your own to Léon. If you have me, visit the cathedral, a master- piece of the Gothic style.

Day 2: From León to Astorga (48 km) 250 m ascent Aer the rental bikes have been delivered, tested and adjusted, you start with a gentle ride of 48km through the plains of Caslle to Astorga, a town of Roman origin, where the Camino crosses the Via de la Plata.

Day 3: From Astorga to Molinaseca (49 km) 850 m ascent Today is a challenging uphill day of riding as you cycle from Astorga (at 880m altude) through the hills of the Bierzo area to the Cruz de Fierro (at almost 1507m altude) and then down to the village of Molinaseca. Most desolated rural area of the enre Camino, but there are small villages with some café’s.

Day 4: From Molinaseca to (30 km) 260 m ascent With every hard day, one welcomes a leisurely ride to the city of Vilafranca del Bierzo. On your way you pass , which was also founded by the Romans because they exploited coal mines in the nearby hills. The most impressive historic monument is without any doubt The Templar castle of 8000 square meters, built in the 12th century. Aer Ponferrada you cycle through an undulated area to Villafranca del Bierzo.

Day 5: From Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro (29 km) 800 m ascent Today the toughest climb of the enre Camino awaits as you cycle into Gali- cia; first along the old naonal road and then 6km steeply up along a dirt road to O Cebreiro (this secon can be avoided by following the old naon- al road to the pass Pedrafita and then following a paved road to Cebreiro). It is a remarkable small village, full of legends and stories related to the Camino. It has a Romanesque church from the 11th century well worth a look.

Day 6: From O Cebreiro to Sarria (47 km) 200 m ascent You start with a short ascent, but the next 35km will be mostly downhill through dense woods and the lush green Galician countryside. On your way today you will see the Monastery of Samos, which was founded in the 6th century and was connuously renovated.

Day 7: From Sarria to Palas de Rei (52 km) 600 m ascent During this long day you will accomplish a total ascent of 600 m, but never more then 200m on one climb; oen less. The landscape is rural and enter- taining; connuously changing and with plenty of villages, café’s and res- taurants where you can share experiences with fellow pilgrims. To reach the charming rural hotel for tonight you’ll have to make a small detour near Palas de Rei.

Day 8: From Palas de Rei to Arzúa (31 km) 400 m ascent An easier day over rolling hills from one village to the next, all focused on diary producon and services for pilgrims. Again you will stay at a very charming rural hotel, in a typical Galician manor house.

Day 9: From Arzúa to Sanago (40 km) 310 m ascent A ‘glorious’ day as you will finally reach the “Puerta del Perdón” of Sana- go’s cathedral. The standard route goes via the airport and the Monte del Gozo through the outskirts of town. If you prefer a more scenic route, you cycle via Touro (50km). Day 10: End of tour Aer breakfast your cycling tour ends.

What to Expect Getting There

What will the weather be like? ♦ The nearest airports are Oviedo (also The weather in this region is definitely Mediterranean, so cooler spring and fall known as Asturias airport), Santander mornings and evening, but can get hot during the day. We tend to avoid July and Bilbao. From these airports there and August due to larger crowds and very hot weather. Mornings in the moun- are good bus connections to city cen- tains will definitely be cooler, jacket recommended. tre bus stations, where you can catch a connecting bus to your destina- How many hours of cycling a day? tion (ALSA bus company, see time Be prepared to be active between 3 to 7 hours daily, everything will be at a tables at www.alsa.es ). moderate /intermediate level. This is not a supported tour, so you should be able to ride the minimums required each day. ♦ It is wise to book your bus tickets and taxi transfer in advance, especially if How fit do I need to be? you're travelling in summer or on The fitter the better, as you will enjoy the holiday more. This is a moderate trip weekends. Bus tickets can be pur- with some options. Keep in mind that that the first few days will be very hilly. chased in advance on the ALSA web- On the 2nd half of the tour, there will be rolling hills, so not as challenging. site. www.alsa.es

What are the hotels like? ♦ At the end of your trip, the return jour- We use a wide mixture of accommodations carefully selected for their location, ney is from Santiago de Compostela. atmosphere and/or unique services. Hotels and guesthouses are small and There is a local airport or return by charming with private facilities. train the city.

How to book your holiday

• Contact our office to make sure there is space available. One of our travel planners will walk you through the entire pro- cess.

• Download the reservation form from our site and send in completed form by fax or email. Once this is done, your space is confirmed and a pre-departure packet will be sent.

• A deposit is required immediately, and final payment is due 60 days prior to the trip departure. Terms & conditions are outlined in our Reservation Form.

• Plan your air travel as soon as possible.

• We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either through us or a travel insurance provider directly.

• Ensure you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact us, for more information on vaccinations, inoculations, and fitness requirements.