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Cycling the Camino de Santiago - Roncesvalles to Santiago
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Bicycle Tours in Spain: Cycling the Camino de Santiago - Roncesvalles to Santiago

Selected by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of "50 Tours of a Lifetime, this is truly an experience not to miss.

"A pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is the finest journey in Spain," wrote James Michener in his book Iberia. Join our bicycle tour across northern Spain and you too will discover the magic of the Camino de Santiago. Our tour follows the original guide for the Camino written by a monk in the 12th century. Along the way you'll explore Gothic cathedrals, visit medieval monasteries, pedal through one of Spain's premier wine growing regions - the Rioja - and encounter adventurous travelers from around the world. More than just a bicycle tour, this is an adventure of a lifetime.

If this sounds great but you don't have time for the full 15 days, check out our shorter Cycling the Camino de Santiago - León to Santiago tour.

Day 1: Tour begins in Pamplona - Shuttle to Roncesvalles

Monument to Bike Pilgrim

Highlights: Pilgrim's Passports, introductory dinner, bike fitting

Meet mid-afternoon today in Pamplona, then we'll shuttle as a group to Roncesvalles. There, we'll fit bicycles, visit the 13th-century monastery that is the traditional starting point for the Camino, and pick up our pilgrims' passports. This evening we'll celebrate with a welcome dinner at our hotel.

Lodging: Hotel La Posada

Day 2: Roncesvalles to Puente la Reina

Church of Santa María Eunate

Highlights: Church of Santa María Eunate, historic Puente la Reina

Our journey begins with a downhill ride from Roncesvalles following the Iratí River. Along the way, we'll visit the 12th-century Church of Santa María Eunate. Our hotel tonight is in Puente la Reina, where all the pilgrim's routes from France become one. Dinner together. Distance: 77 km (48 miles).

Lodging: Casa Rural Bidean

Day 3: Puente la Reina to Laguardia

Highlights: Scenic cycling, winery visit, wine tasting

This morning we'll head across the Rio Salado before reaching medieval Estella. From there, we'll head through farmlands and vineyards on the way to our hotel in the walled town of Laguardia. There we'll visit one of the oldest and smallest wineries in Spain, where we'll enjoy a wine tasting, before dinner together. Distance: 85 km (50 miles).

Lodging: Hotel El Collado

Day 4: Bicycle Laguardia to Santo Domingo

Winding Road in Rioja

Highlights: Cycling in Rioja Alta wine region, winery visits

A short detour today leads us to one of Spain's most important wine-producing areas, the Rioja Alta. Along the way, our route passes through the 16th-century town of Haro. Then, it's back to the Camino and on to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where we'll spend the night. Dinner together. Distance: 47 km (29 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Parador de Santo Domingo Bernardo de Fresneda

Day 5: Santo Domingo to Burgos

Highlights: Ancient Burgos, Gothic cathedral

You will enjoy a beautiful ride today as we cross the Oca Hills to the ancient city of Burgos, home of Spain's favorite son, El Cid. Our hotel is in front of the city's famous cathedral - one of the most impressive in Europe - and the tomb of El Cid. Dinner on your own. Distance: 89 km (55 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Mesón del Cid

Day 6: Burgos to Carrión de los Condes

Storks on a Church along the Camino

Highlights: Historic Church of St. Anton, overnight in refurbished monastery

This morning we head across the rolling plains of the meseta to Castrojeriz, where the Camino runs right through the ruins of the Church of St. Anton. We'll finish today's ride in Carrión de los Condes where we'll spend the night in a refurbished monastery. Dinner together. Distance: 99 km (62 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Monasterio San Zoilo

Day 7: Sahugún to León

Highlights: Sahagú, Basílica de San Isidoro

Passing through one of the most famous stops on the Camino, in Sahagún, we'll pedal our way to León today. A former capital of Spain, León is famous for its cathedral and the Basílica de San Isidoro. Since we'll be spending the next two nights there, you'll have plenty of time to explore both. Our hotel is just a short distance from the cathedral. Distance: 109 km (68 miles).

Lodging: Hotel NH Plaza Mayor

Day 8: Rest day in León

The León Cathedral at night

Highlights: Guided walking tour of León museums, shops, Basílica de San Isidoro

Sleep in this morning, as this is a rest day in León. A local historian will lead us on a guided walking tour of the city, then you're free to spend the day as you wish. Explore the local shops and museums. Catch up on your reading. Or just relax in one of the local café. It's your choice. Dinner together tonight, we'll meet anyone joining us on the last part of our trip. Distance: rest day.

Lodging: Hotel NH Plaza Mayor

Day 9: León to Astorga

Highlights: Visit to cathedral and palace designed by Antonio Gaudí

Our destination today is Astorga, home of the 15th-century cathedral and neo-Gothic palace designed by the famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí. Distance: 63 km (39 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Via de la Plata

Day 10: Astorga to Cacabelos

Ponferrada Medieval 13th Century Castle

Highlights: Scenic cycling through the Spanish countryside, Cruz de Ferro (Don't forget to bring your pepple from home!)

Leaving Astorga today, we head toward the hills that separate the provinces of León and Galicia. As we pass through tiny hamlets and monuments untouched since early Christianity, it's easy to imagine the awe that original pilgrims making this trek must have felt. By mid-afternoon, we'll arrive at our destination in Cacabelos. Dinner together. Distance: 76 km (47 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Villa de Cacabelos

Day 11: Cacabelos to O'Cebreiro

O'Cebreiro from above

Highlights: Countryside of Galicia, historic Villafranca del Bierzo

We head into the green fields of Galicia today. On the way, you'll pass through the old Camino town of Villafranca del Bierzo, founded by French pilgrims as a place of absolution for those too weak to continue their pilgrimage. Our hotel this evening is on top of O'Cebreiro, a historic mountain on the Camino, where we'll enjoy dinner together. Distance: 43 km (27 miles).

Lodging: Hotel Alfonzo IX

Day 12: O'Cebreiro to Portomarín

Group picture leaving O'Cebreiro

Highlights: Galician culture and countryside

You will get a real taste of Galicia today - a region with a culture and musical style reminiscent of Ireland - as we pedal our way to Portomarín, where our hotel overlooks the Minho River. Dinner together. Distance: 69 km (43 miles).

Lodging: Hostal Santa Mariño Portomarín

Day 13: Portomarín to Touro

Highlights: Quiet & scenic roads, stay in a country manor

One of the prettiest rides on the tour awaits you today as we meander along forgotten country roads through the beautiful Galician countryside. Rolling hills and green pastures lead us to our destination for the evening near Touro, where we'll stay in one of the traditional country houses (similar to B&Bs) that dot the landscape. Dinner together. Distance: 79 km (49 miles).

Lodging: Pazo de Andeade

Day 14: Arrive in Santiago de Compostela

Cathedral at Santiago

Highlights: Arrival in Santiago, Cathedral of St. James, farewell dinner

Today's ride is a fitting end to the Camino, as we pedal along rural roads through woodlands and pastures to Santiago. Once in town, you'll have plenty of time to look around the famous Cathedral of St. James that forms the city's heart. Tonight, we'll celebrate our journey's end with a great farewell dinner together. Distance: 43 km (27 miles).

Lodging: Hotel San Francisco

Day 15: Tour ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Highlights:

Remember that you may not get to Santiago in time for the Pilgrim's Mass at noon on Day 14 so if you'd like to participate plan travel accordingly. After breakfast this morning, it's time to say goodbye to the historic Camino and to begin your own pilgrims' trek to wherever your journeys may lead you. Buen viaje!
  • Highlights
    Follows the route of the Codex Calixtinus , 1000 years of history in along the Camino de Santiago, Keep a Pilgrim's Passport
  • Includes
    "The Usual" plus... Use of a quality 27-30 speed bicycle; 15 days, 14 nights accommodation, 10 dinners with wine, 14 breakfasts
  • Countries
    Spain
  • Begin/End
    Roncesvalles/Santiago de Compostela
  • Arrive/Depart
    Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Pamplona Airport (PNA) / Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
  • Total Distance
    893 km (558 miles)
  • Daily Distance
    43-109 km (27-68 miles)
  • What to Expect
    "A pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is the finest journey in Spain," James Michener.
  • Rating
    401
    Varied terrain throughout the trip, days with longer mileage (50 to 65 miles) have less climbing. There are 3 days with sustained climbs of 5 to 8 miles.
  • Notes
    If this sounds great but you don't have time for the full 15 days, check out our shorter Cycling the Camino de Santiago - León to Santiago tour
  • Terms
    Terms & Conditions
Dates Price Single
Supplement*		 Notes Next
Step
May 31 - Jun 14, 2013 $5350 $600 Confirmed. One Space Just Opened Up. Book It
Jun 21 - Jul 05, 2013 $5350 $600 Sold Out. Wait List Available. Book It
Aug 23 - Sep 06, 2013 $5350 $600 Two Spaces Available. Book It
Sep 13 - 27, 2013 $5350 $600 Sold Out. Wait List Available. Book It
*We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
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Click on the "pins" for details about each day's highlights.

Map Key

Green pinStart
Yellow pinCity (on route)
Red pinEnd
Other city dotCity (not part of route, provided for reference)
It is not just a bike trip, it is a journey, a pilgrimage. You will feel exhilarated, contemplative, spiritual, exhausted, happy.
Julie S., Blue Island, IL
I have already recommended ExperiencePlus! to people I was traveling back with on the plane. My first time with you....I would look no further for another bicycle touring company.
Jane M., Nome, AK
A must do! An opportunity of a lifetime. You have a wonderful business model of care, quality, providing incredible opportunities for cyclists, wonderful tour leaders and staff. Keep up the excellent work. We would not use anyone else.
Laurie U., Fort Collins, CO
Every day brought new, wonderful experiences, each special in its own way. Thank you! It was an awesome trip. I''m a peregrino now, and life is a camino.
Dana S., Fairpoint, NY
Outstanding selection of the route, hotels, food, bikes...Best biking tour we have ever taken.
Milan S., Fairport, NY
The scenery was beautiful and the route followed hundreds of years of Spanish (European) history.
Steve M., San Diego, CA
Truly a tour of a lifetime, hard to imagine that anything will match it again.
Catherine S., Melbourne Australia
If you go into this tour with an open mind to religious/spiritual opportunity, you will find whatever religion works for you. Very moving experience. The whole trip was great. The climb to O'Cebreiro was incredible.
Bob L., Fort Collins, CO
The best bicycle tour I have taken -- it will be hard to top this one.
Guy C., Vallejo, CA
What was your favorite experience on this trip? The friendship, the scenery, the culture, the food, the history, the.... just everything. We loved our trip and would do it again tomorrow.
Gordon B., Calgary, Canada
Any future tours will be difficult to compare to our Camino de Santiago trip. It was expertly planned and executed. Communication before and during trip was consistently excellent and satisfyingly personal. I am a lifelong casual athlete but have never been so physically challenged (delightfully so!) as on this bike tour. Spiritually, I was continuously nourished the entire trip. Tour leaders Rick, Fabio and Maria Elena worked as a well-oiled machine - superlatives are inadequate. I will forever savor the memories and friendships of this grand adventure.
Heidi H., Longview, WA
Fantastic tour with incredible guides who had excellent knowledge, language and guiding skills as well as a wonderful experience on the Camino. Impressed with your company!!!
Annie I., Olympia, WA
What a great tour! The experiences, and attention to detail were so appreciated. From the places we stayed, to the wonderful meals to a perfect cycling itinerary, all was done superbly!
Carla A., Eastchester, NY
What was your favorite experience on this trip? On Day 13 we road through beautiful farmland on quiet tree lined roads. We stayed that night in a lovely manor house and had another wonderful meal. Complete with music by our fellow riders. I could have stayed for a week!
Nancy L., Calgary, Alberta
This tour ranks among the top in my cycling resume, an 'ExperiencePlus'!
Gerrie H., Fresh Meadows, NY
Just a brief note about the trip on the Camino with ExperiencePlus!. In a word. Great.
Colin C., Calgary, Alberta
Great trip! I'm so glad that we did it! It truly was the trip of a lifetime. I'll never forget it!
Kathy C., Portland, OR
What was your favorite experience on this trip? 1. Learning about the Camino and its history 2. Great tour leaders and good cycling 3. The climbs-Laguardia and to O'Cebreiro.
Rich H., Cheyenne, WY
What was your favorite experience on this trip? The whole trip was really wonderful! Dinners maybe get my vote; or tied with our guides! We loved our trip and can't wait for the next one! Thanks for everything!
Sue S., Mesquite NV
Thanks for putting together this great tour! It's great to have high expectations for a cycling vacation and to never be disappointed! Our favorite part was O' Cebreiro! After the physical challenge of the mountain, coming upon that beautiful little town, the warm taberna, the great food, it was a sensory overload!
Lani M., Fort Collins, CO
Out of the 6 trips we have done, we think this is the best we've taken. We loved leaning about the Camino and seeing the pilgrims.
Kathy P., Fort Collins, CO
It couldn't have been more fun for my family (7 out of the 15 on the trip!) to be together for the 2 weeks of the ride. And I can't thank you all enough for making it so special for Jerry and me. It was our 10th trip, so a FREE one, and we were treated royally! Many times we were given the best room, or one of the best, and I'd forgotten until reminded one day that this was company policy: we had been on more trips than anyone else, and we were the eldest on the trip, (and we were responsible for half the participants signing up?) and we happened to celebrate our 42nd anniversary during the trip. For many reasons, a very special 2 weeks!
Heidi & Jerry L.
Boulder CO
June 2006
We found your office staff to be efficient and courteous, and quite willing to answer any of our pre-tour questions.
Donna & Ray B.
Happy Jack, AZ