CYCLING THE CAMINO: THE FINAL STAGE TO SANTIAGO

Follow the classic Camino and UNESCO World Heritage trail from León to

Santiago through the contrasting rural landscapes of Northern Spain.

With every turn of the wheel discover medieval villages full of character and charm, sacred monuments,

Romanesque masterpieces and uncover the secrets behind the country’s culinary diversity – welcome to

the Camino de Santiago, a journey of discovery, offering a wealth of memories to last a lifetime.

Your cycle adventure begins in León, capital of the Spanish Kingdom in the Middle Ages and one of the

most significant towns on The Way. From here you will cross the Castilian plains ascending to the

spectacular Montes de León towards the highest point on the trip, Cruz de Ferro.

Continue your journey through the ancient wine valley of El Bierzo before entering the lush green Galician

countryside. Immerse yourself in the camaradie of fellow pilgrims as you stop at rustic villages along the

route, sharing stories and tales of your journey so far.

With the same goal in sight, you will leave the market town of Arzúa behind and enjoy the final ascents

and descents of your cycle adventure. Enter the magical and spiritual city of Santiago on two wheels,

making your way to the grand square of Plaza del Obradoiro, home to the imposing Cathedral of Santiago

de Compostela.

As you cycle through the diverse rolling landscapes you will gain a true appreciation for the authentic

Spanish culture. One of the most pleasant rituals of daily life on the Camino involves savouring and

sharing food and wine, being the perfect excuse to indulge and experience the delicious specialities of

each region.

Your self-guided cycling tour includes 7 nights along the route in hand-picked accommodation

(combination of 3* hotels, rural hotels and hostals) in rooms with private facilities, welcome briefing,

detailed maps, route notes, a comprehensive pre-departure information pack and emergency support from

our team in Spain and the UK. Bike hire, whilst not included, is of course available as an optional extra as

are additional nights at the start or end of your journey, or indeed along the way.

Challenging yourself to complete the final stage and achieving your Compostela

Enjoying tapas and cortos in the narrow streets of Léon’s medieval quarter

The ‘Museo de los Caminos’ at Astorga; Gaudi’s neo-gothic masterpiece chapel

Immersing yourself in the camaradie of fellow cyclists and walkers

Catching your first glimpse of the spires of Santiago; UNESCO World Heritage City

Sampling Galician ‘Pulpo Gallego’ (octopus drizzled with olive oil and sweet paprika) polished off with a glass of chilled Albariňo

SUMMARY

CYCLING THE CAMINO:

FINAL STAGE TO SANTIAGO CAMINO FRANCES FROM LEÓN TO SANTIAGO

HIGHLIGHTS

Tour: Cycling the Camino

Code: CSCLEO

Type: Self-Guided Cycling tour

Price: See Website

Dates: April -October

Nights: 7

Days: 8

Cycling Days: 6

Start: León

Finish: Santiago

Grade: Moderate to strenuous

IS IT FOR ME?

Do you enjoy a sense of adventure, a chal-

lenge, and a true sense of achievement at

the end of your travels? Cycle the thrilling

final stage of the Camino de Santiago and

your Compostela certificate. Enjoy the free-

dom of riding through rural Spanish country-

side combined with authentic villages and

gastronomic excellence - what is not to love!

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Accommodation: The accommodation on most of this section will be in 3 star hotels,

the rest will be a mixture of rural hotels and

hostels all with private rooms and en-suite.

Meals: 7 Breakfasts

Baggage Transfer: Included

Bike Hire: Optional extra (supplement payable)

Information Pack: Comprehensive route directions, information pack and maps

DAY 1

Arrival in León

Your cycling adventure begins in the medieval

city of León which is easily accessed by bus from

Oviedo or by train from Madrid.

Capital of the Spanish Kingdom in the Middle

Ages, León is undoubtedly one of the most

charming and significant cities on the Camino.

Be sure to set enough time aside to explore and

capture the cultural and historic highlights that

make León so fascinating.

Often referred to as the finest Gothic building in

Spain, León’s 13th century cathedral stands

proudly at the site of the old Roman. Also visit

the Basilica of San Isidoro and the Hostal of San

Marcos, both fine examples of Baroque and

Renaissance artwork.

Eat and drink as the locals do in the Húmedo(wet) old quarter. Stroll from bar to bar sampling local delicacies such as morcilla (black pudding) or cecina (cured beef) washed down with a few cortos or vino tintos.

Your welcome briefing and bike fitting will be at

your hotel at 20h00 leaving you free to explore

the delights of León this evening.

Overnight: León

DAY 2

Cycle to Astorga

Standing high above the ochre coloured roof

tops, bid farewell to León as you begin your

cycling journey to Astorga. Embrace the sweet

solitude as you pedal through the rural Castilian

landscapes and the arid plains of The Meseta.

Cross the impressive medieval bridge over the

River Órbigo (one of the longest pilgrimage

bridges in Spain) towards the charming town of

Hospital de Órbigo.

Relax by the banks of the river enjoying a bite to

eat before your gradual climb to the perched

walled town of Astorga.

Situated at the crossroads of Via de la Plata and

the pilgrims’ road to Santiago, Astorga is rich in

architecture and home to the Episcopal Palace.

Built by the Catalan architect, Antonio Gaudi, this

neo-gothic fairy-tale chapel now houses ‘Museo

de los Caminos' (Museum of the Ways).

Cycle: 54km, 5-6 hrs

Overnight: Astorga

DAY 3

Cycle to Ponferrada

A challenging yet rewarding start to your day as

you leave the Castilian plains and commence the

ascent through the Monte's de Leon to Cruz de

Ferro on a mixture of asphalt and dirt tracks.

Soon you will come across a fairly humble

monument, an iron cross that sits 1505m above

sea level. Tradition is for pilgrims to stand with

their back to the cross, then throw a stone

brought from home towards the cross, to

symbolise your journey.

Continue your cycle towards Ponferrada making

a stop at the pretty mountain village of El Acebo.

The village hosts a selection of restaurants and

bars offering a very welcomed stop to pilgrims.

Enjoy the delightful descent into Molinaseca, one

of the most picturesque towns en route as you

make the final stretch towards the historic town

of Ponferrada, the main city in the region of El

Bierzo.

Dominating the historic quarter, the impressive

11th Century Castle of The Templars is definitely

worth a visit. Of course no visit to Ponferrada is

complete without a traditional hearty stew such

as ‘cocido’ (chickpea and pork stew) paired well

with a glass of wine from the Bierzo valley.

Cycle: 53km, 6-7 hrs

Overnight: Ponferrada

DAY 4

Cycle to O’Cebreiro

Sheltered by the mountains of the Castilla y

León, cycle the undulating landscape of the

Bierzo valley, an ancient wine region until you

reach Villafranca del Bierzo.

So far, the stage from Ponferrada has been

mainly flat, with slight ups and downs, but now

you shall test your physical abilities as you face

one of the most mythical climbs of the Camino as

you ascend towards O’Cebreiro (400m ascent

over 9km).

Somewhat mysterious yet magical, the village of

O’Cebreiro has some unusual claims to fame.

Take their ‘pallozas’ for instance; round stone

houses with straw roofs scattered through the

village or their fresh dairy, a rich oily cheese

made in the shape of a hat.

Cycle: 53km, 6-7 hrs

Overnight: O’Cebreiro

ITINERARY:

Day Route Km

1 2 3

4

5

6 7

8

Arrive in León Cycle León to Astorga Cycle Astorga to Ponfer-rada Cycle Ponferrada to O’Cebreiro Cycle O’Cebreiro to Portomarín Cycle Portomarín to Arzúa Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela Onward Travel

54

53

53

63

53

39

CYCLING THE CAMINO:

FINAL STAGE TO SANTIAGO CAMINO FRANCES FROM LEÓN TO SANTIAGO

DAY 5

Cycle to Portomarín

Enter the lush green countryside of Galicia;

green wooded valleys dotted with agricultural

villages. Make a stop at the village of Triacastela

and experience the local gastronomy first hand.

From Triacastela you will pedal towards the

historical town of Sarria. Lined with antique

shops the town is a magnet for antique-lovers.

We recommend a visit to the Convento da

Magdalena and the Tower of Batallón.

Your cycle today finishes in Portomarin, a town

rich in history. In the 1960s the Miño River was

dammed to create the Belesar reservoir, putting

the old village of Portomarín under water.

Nowadays, the town is famed for its tarts and

liqueurs.

Cycle: 63km, 5-6 hrs

Overnight: Portomarin

DAY 6

Cycle to Arzúa

Several easy and long up and downhills lie

ahead today as you cycle through rural rolling

Galician farmlands towards the lively market

town of Arzúa.

Soak up the atmosphere in the quaint, rustic

villages along the way, watching fellow pilgrims

as they come and go. Many small villages on this

stage have bars and restaurants.

Tonight you will overnight in Arzua, best know for

its smooth velvety cheese, Arzua-Ulloa. Still

made by hand, it is one of the classic, traditional

cheeses of Galicia. On the first Sunday of March

cheese-lovers flock to the town for the annual

cheese festival, ‘Fiesta de Quiexo’, with over

100,000 cheeses on display.

Cycle: 53km, 5-6 hrs

Overnight: Arzúa

DAY 7

Cycle to Santiago de Compostela

Today will fill you with joy and excitement as you

take the final stretch to Santiago to gain your well

–deserved Compostela.

A moderate day’s cycling lies ahead, involving a

few ascents and descents as far as Monte do

Gozo, known as Mount of Joy, an ideal place to

stop and reflect as the spires of the Cathedral of

Santiago de Compostela come into view.

A steep downhill cycle towards the sacred city of

Santiago is all that stands between you and your

final destination. Arriving at the Cathedral

grinning from ear to ear you will savour every

moment of this monumental achievement.

We recommend that you spend an additional few

days to experience the festive character and

charm that Santiago represents. Please contact

us as it is possible to add extra nights at any

point of your Camino cycle.

You may also wish to stay on and take the bus

(or walk—contact us to make arrangements!) to

the coast at Finisterre, as seen in the film, The

Way.

Cycle: 39km, 4-5 hrs

Overnight: Santiago

DAY 8

Onward Travel

Your cycle adventure ends in Santiago after breakfast.

Additional Nights and Extensions

You can add additional nights at any point

before, during or after your tour; just contact our

Camino experts to make arrangements.

Accommodation

The accommodation on most of this section will

be in 3 star hotels, the rest will be a mixture of

rural hotels and hostels all with private rooms

and en-suite. They all offer a warm welcome to

cyclists, traditional hospitality and delicious local

food. We do recommend that you book this trip

early as the area is always popular and the

hotels and inns do fill up early.

Single Rooms

Single rooms are available although a

supplement is payable.

Solo Cyclists

This trip is available to solo cyclists; as you will

meet fellow pilgrims, walkers and cyclists en

route, this is a great trip to take if you are

travelling on your own. A solo cyclist supplement

is payable (as accommodation is then in rooms

for single occupancy).

Grade

This cycle tour is graded moderate to strenuous.

The six cycling days vary from 39 - 63km in

length. The terrain and conditions vary from day

to day. You will cycle on a combination of narrow

roads, dirt roads and sometimes on uneven/

rocky surfaces. Some of the tracks, for instance

when cycling into/from towns, are busier than the

majority of the route as there will be traffic, and

you should take extra care on these sections.

You will experience gradual ascents and

descents, along with way as well as some

difficult and demanding slopes. The route is

challenging at points and we ask that you are in

very good physical shape.

TOUR INFORMATION

CYCLING THE CAMINO:

FINAL STAGE TO SANTIAGO CAMINO FRANCES FROM LEÓN TO SANTIAGO

Compostela/Pilgrim’s Passport

The Pilgrim’s Passport is available in many

churches/pilgrim offices on the route and these

are clearly marked in your guidebook. You need

to get the passport stamped in churches,

restaurants and hotels along the Camino.

Navigation

We supply you with detailed route descriptions

and maps so you can easily find your way.

Baggage Transfer

Baggage transfer is included. Please ensure your bags are ready for collection in the reception area of your hotel by 9.30am. The will usually be at your next destination between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.

Rental Bikes

Mountain bikes are available with different frame

sizes allocated according to your height and our

local bike hire partners will choose the

appropriate bicycle for you.

All bicycles are 24 speed and included in your

hire is a front bag, water bottle and holder,

helmet, lock and a repair kit.

Rear Bags and panniers are not included,

however can be hired for an additional fee.

For hygiene and health and safety reasons, we

suggest you bring your own helmet with you.

Travelling to León

Air: Oviedo is the closest airport and is serviced

by easyJet from London. There are 8 buses a

day from Oviedo to Leon which takes 1hr30.

Timetables and fares can be viewed at Alsa

Alternatively, Madrid airport is serviced by the

majority of major airlines which may be a more

suitable option for our international passengers.

Or you can fly into Leon Airport itself which is

6km from the city (and reached by taxi).

Train: León can easily be reached by train

from Madrid which takes 2hr45. Timetables and

fares can be viewed at Renfe.

Getting back from Santiago:

Air: Direct flights are available from Santiago

de Compostela Airport to London Stansted and

Gatwick airports. Alternatively connecting flights

via Central European hubs such as Madrid and

Barcelona is also a good option.

Train: It is also possible to take the train from

Santiago to Madrid (approx. 7-8hrs). Timetables

and fares can be viewed at Renfe.

Travel Insurance

Adequate travel insurance is a pre-requisite for

all bookings.

Availability

This cycling holiday can be booked to start daily

between April and October. You will find up to

date availability on our website.

Included:

Accommodation in small rural hotels and

hostals, with private facilities.

7 Breakfasts

Detailed information pack with route notes, maps and useful information

24/7 emergency telephone support

Excluded

Travel to León

Travel back from Santiago

Drinks, snacks, lunches and dinners

Bike hire - can be booked as an option

Personal equipment

Travel insurance

Entrance fees to museums and attractions

Taxi transfers or public transport should you

need to skip a stage

Optional

Additional nights accommodation

Single room or solo cyclist supplement (if applicable)

Bike Hire

When you are ready to book you can book securely online at www.macsadventure.com or

by phone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886

ABTA Member Statement

Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA.

ABTA and ABTA Members

help holidaymakers to get the

most from their travel and

assist when things don’t go

according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a

high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code

of Conduct. For more information on ABTA, the

Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme

available to you if you have a complaint, contact

ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020

3117 0581 www.abta.com

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

TRAVEL INFORMATION

HOW TO BOOK

CYCLING THE CAMINO:

FINAL STAGE TO SANTIAGO CAMINO FRANCES FROM LEÓN TO SANTIAGO