11 days
Duration
3/5
Activity Level
2-14
Group Size
Burgos
Starting City
€ 5,499
Price

The Mythic Camiño de Santiago Bike Tour in Spain

Follow the French pilgrimage route from Burgos to Santiago de Compostela and share in a unique pilgrimage experience which originated in the 11th century to visit the relics of the apostle St. James. Scallop shells symbols on roadside markers lead through lush green countryside past ancient Celtic settlements and monasteries to the cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela, a World Heritage site since 1993.

Highlights:

  • French route to Santiago: one of the oldest and most travelled pilgrimage routes in the world.
  • Pilgrimage legends and history, certificate of completion.
  • Charming historical accommodations, occasionally in converted monasteries and palaces.
  • Ruins of Celtic settlements.
  • Roman and medieval bridges.
  • Santiago de Compostela: the Cathedral, University, granite architecture.
  • The food: local seafood, soul-warming caldo gallego, pimentos de padrón, Galician country bread, hot chocolate and so much more.

Note: for private group tours contact us about alternative dates and lengths.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION: Hotel in Burgos, Spain
DEPARTURE TIME: Please arrive by 9:00 am for a welcome brief and departure at 9:45 am.
RETURN TIME: Approximately 10:00 am.
WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable cycling gear such as shorts and jersey, shoes with clips if desired.
INCLUDED:
Guide services
Transfers during the course of the trip
Lodging & meals as indicated on the daily itinerary
Wine with dinners
Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and other attractions
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare or transportation to trip starting point
Guide gratuities
Travel insurance
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: € 80 / night (2023)
Day 1

BURGOS

We suggest that you fly to Bilbao. You can visit the Gugenheim museum in the morning of the tour day one. We will pick you up in Bilbao and bring you to Burgos. After we’re all gathered at our hotel, the lovely Hostal La Posada, we will have a short group briefing and fit our bicycles.

Burgos is the crossroads for pilgrims on the camino (road) to Santiago, so we will pick up our pilgrim passports in town, and explore Burgos’ ancient town center and visit the gothic Cathedral. Save some energy for our welcome dinner this evening!

Day 2

CARRION DE LOS CONDES

We take a relaxing ride today through undulating copper-colored fields, quiet tile-roofed villages and over small streams, until we reach Carrion de Los Condes. This beautiful riverside town has several important monuments, including the Iglesia de Santa Maria which depicts the morbid annual tribute of 100 Carrion maidens to the Moorish conquerors. Here w’ll stay in the stunning historic hotel, the luxurious Real Monasterio San Zoilo.

Distance: 59 miles / 95 km

Day 3

LEON

We’ll continue to pedal along the meseta through fertile farm land and past stands of poplar trees to Sahagun an important town for pilgrims thanks to its large pilgrim hospital and of course many churches and sanctuaries. Upon arrival in the cathedral city of Leon, we’ll head for our hotel, La Posada Regia, a magnificent converted 15th century building.

Distance: 51 m / 90 km

Day 4

LEON

We will have a free day to learn about Leon’s rich history (it was once the most powerful city in Spain, and was founded in 69 A.D. – hence its original square layout) and pay a visit to the awe-inspiring Cathedral and the Basilica de San Isidoro.
Day 5

ASTORGA

We’ll get in the saddle again and prepare for a few more climbs as we cycle through small towns and over the beautiful arched bridge of Puente de Orbigo lined on one side by rows of poplar trees. Our destination, Astorga, is a town with a fascinating Roman history as well 15th century Renaissance Cathedral. Take the afternoon to visit the Museo de los Caminos housed in Gaudí’s 20th century neo-Gothic Bishop’s Palace. Tonight we sleep in the Hotel Gaudi.

Distance: 37 m / 60 km

Day 6

MOLINA SECA

With our muscles toned, we’ll start our ascent through the Montes de Leon along a tree lined route taking us to such stone villages as Castrillo de los Polvares, and El Ganso where we begin to see the thatched roof architecture typical of the region and parts of Galicia. Some of village houses also begin to have enclosed balconies as we climb to 1500 meters. and enjoy a great downhill on our way to Molina Seca. Tonight we lodge at De Floriana or the Posada de Muriel.

Distance: 30 m / 48 km

Day 7

O' CEBREIRO

Today we’ll cycle up and down through forested scenery first past the picturesque city of Ponferrada, and by medieval fountains and bridges. The landscape changes as we make our steep ascent to O´Cebreiro, a historically important village due to its famous miracle. In addition to having a 9th century hospital for pilgrims beside this sanctuary the village is also know for its pre-Roman style circular thatched houses (pallozas).

Distance: 34 m / 55 km

Day 8

PORTOMARÍN

Its a rolling day! We will coast through rolling countryside with green fields and woods of chestnut trees, to our destination of Portomarín, a handsome town in the Celtic region of Galicia. This Spanish province retains its own language, closely related to Portuguese, and a music and culture reminiscent of its distant Celtic origins. Tonight we rest in the Posada de Portomarín.

Distance: 51 m / 83 km

Day 9

CASTAÑEDA

The winding pilgrimage route takes us through forests of majestic chestnuts and oak trees, and to the Romanesque village church in Vila de Donas where the Knights of Santiago lie in their tombs. After pedalling to Castañeda, we’ll thoroughly enjoy the sumptuous comfort of the Hotel Pazo de Sedor and prepare for tomorrow’s arrival in Santiago de Compostela.

Distance: 30 m / 48 km

Day 10

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

All roads now lead to Santiago! We´ll cycle through the green fields typical of Galicia, past original Celtic villages to the towering spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Its time to visit the Cathedral and watch the massive swinging incense burner and pick up our Compostela pilgrim certificate. Afterwards you will have time to relax in one of the many hip university cafes and delight in the amazing Galician tapas made with seafood from the nearby coast, before our farewell dinner.

Distance: 16 m / 25 km

Day 11

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

After breakfast at the historic Hotel San Francisco, we will offer a morning transfer to the airport for those leaving Spain. For those who plan to stay, we will give tips and suggestions on what to see and where to go.

  • Quality charming hotels and inns throughout the tour
  • All breakfasts, all dinners with wine except one and one picnic lunch
  • Full use of high-quality, aluminum Trek 7.3 FX bicycles with GPS with routes, a front pouch and an under the seat pouch.
  • Guilt-free mini-van support and highly experienced and enthusiastic trilingual guides / mechanics.
  • Gratuities for all accommodations and group meals.
  • Entries for specific monuments, events or points of interest
  • Baggage transfers and handling.

Please contact us for available dates.

map b6 mythic camino de santiago bike tour

Mythic Camino de Santiago Bike Tour
Mythic Camino de Santiago Bike Tour
Mythic Camino de Santiago Bike Tour
Mythic Camino de Santiago Bike Tour
Mythic Camino de Santiago Bike Tour

Tour Reviews

4.00 based on 3 reviews
June 18, 2021

Perfection in All Aspects of the Tour
Greatest, most fun, best planned and organized adventure I have ever had. Every minute was rich with cultural mind openers, and pleasures of all sorts. I could not ask for more from Terracotta Journeys; I wouldn’t have any idea how to improve on such a wonderful experience.
– Tim S.

June 18, 2021

You Made us Feel Part of the Terracotta Journeys Extended Family
We simply cannot thank you (Eva, Pedro and Jorge) for the gift of an unforgettable week. Every aspect of the tour, from the routes, to the equipment, from the accommodations to the meals was outstanding. We will recommend you WHOLE HEARTEDLY to every biker or would-be biker we know and we will come again! With every best wish for your continued success!
– Charles and Naomi K.

June 18, 2021

Top-notch!
I have taken biking or hiking trips with more than ten different companies, and Terracotta Journeys is top-notch. The routes offered great scenery with minimal traffic; the hotels were distinctive and charming; and the food was marvelous. Terracotta Journeys confirms the wisdom of selecting a company that specializes in a region.
– Pat W.

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