The Camino de Santiago across northern Spain is one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes. Gothic cathedrals, medieval monasteries, and miles of unspoiled rural scenery are just some of the attractions that draw visitors from around the world annually to make this historic trek.
We designed our ride from León to Santiago for those of you who don't have the time to commit to our longer Roncesvalles to Santiago 15-day ride along the Camino; it is also a slightly easier tour with a 301 level rating.
* 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 private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Cathedral of St. James, Spanish castles and cathedrals, Continue a Thousand-year-old tradition, León, Basilica de San Isidoro, Pilgrim's Passport
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Though we try and arrange dinners together as early as possible in Spain this means 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. There are times when we will divert from the traditional Camino route because it is gravel, or because we've chosen a more scenic way with less traffic.
Includes
8 days, 7 nights accommodation, meals as noted in itinerary, and the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
Arrive / Depart
Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) / Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) or Madrid
Highlights: Former capital of Spain, visit the Cathedral without Walls, introductory dinner
We'll meet this afternoon at our hotel in León, just a few meters away from the "Cathedral without Walls." This splendid example of Spanish Gothic architecture is renowned for its marvelous stained glass windows. After fitting bikes this afternoon, you can explore town and visit the local sites. Then, we'll gather this evening for dinner together in a traditional Spanish wine bodega and meet others of the group.
Highlights: Visit to cathedral and palace designed by Antonio Gaudí
On your way to Astorga you will cross the Puente de Orbigo, one of the oldest and longest bridges on the Camino. Astorga is home to the 15th-century cathedral and neo-Gothic palace designed by the famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí.
Highlights: Scenic cycling through the Spanish countryside, Cruz de Ferro (don't forget to bring your pebble 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.
Highlights: Countryside of Galicia, historic Villafranca del Bierzo, optional hiking opportunity
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. There is the opportunity to cut the ride short and do an optional 8km (5 miles) hike so be sure to pack sneakers or light hikers if you are interested as the trail is fairly steep.
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.
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.
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.
We'll offer a tour in Santiago this morning. You might also want to stick around for the Pilgrim's Mass at noon at the Cathedral. If you would like to participate in these activities, schedule flights after 3:30 p.m. Buen viaje!
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
Meeting time 2 p.m. on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on your itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
The closest airport is the Leon airport (LEN). The Madrid airport is about a 3.5-4 hr train ride.
From the LEN airport or Leon train station to the Day 1 hotel:
Taxi (20 min/EUR 15-20)
Look up Spanish train schedules at Renfe.com or Trainline.eu. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.
Day 8: Departure Information
Tour ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
The tour ends on the final day after a tour of Santiago this morning. You may also want to stick around for the Pilgrim's Mass at noon. If you would like to participate in these activities, schedule flights after 3:30 p.m.
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
We recommend flying out of the Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ).
A train or bus to Madrid or Barcelona is at least a 9-hour trip.
Iberia airlines provides one-way flights to numerous destinations from Santiago.
Flying out of SQL
Taxi from the Ending Hotel to the airport (20 min/EUR 21)
Look up Spanish train schedules at Renfe.com or Trainline.eu. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.
Keep in Mind
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Though we try and arrange dinners together as early as possible in Spain this means 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. There are times when we will divert from the traditional Camino route because it is gravel, or because we've chosen a more scenic way with less traffic.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To do right after you booked!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation and After you Book Information (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Classic Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.
Thank you!!!!! After every tour I say "this was the best ever!" But truly, the Camino was the best ever!!!!
Charlene R., Fort Collins, CO - August 2018
This tour provided the best experience of the Camino. The chalk arrows made the tour very enjoyable and easy to follow the route. I was never lost or confused. That is a big selling point. I''ve been on a dozen or more tours with other companies and the little maps and notes they provide are hard to follow.
Bill M., Fort Worth, TX - May 2018
I think this tour exceeded my expectations in all aspects. A really well thought out tour in every aspect-accommodations, food, route, support.
Emma S., Sydney, Australia
The perfect combination of exertion, culture and scenery.
Erika G., Sugar Hill, GA
Outstanding experience. The guides were exceptional.
Jose A., Miami, FL
The most important trip I have ever taken! Whether it is Spain or any other area...you can''''t go wrong with Experience Plus! "the experience of a lifetime"....I so badly want to go again. I loved the evening meetings...the history of the area shared...the stories and entertainment were beyond GREAT...just their compassion and sincere caring of each and every person was superb! Our bikes were wonderful, they were fit to each of us that our biking would be trouble free...I always thought my bikes were great, but these were the BEST! Our accommodations were special, each night...food unbelievably good as well as the wine!
Jeanne L., Ft Collins, CO
I think National Geographic really summed it up - trip of a life time.
Jan M., Independence, MN
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
Riding the Camino every day,
the amazing food every evening,
leaving rocks at the cruz de ferro
arriving in Santiago,
the incredibly amazing guides. Amazing, A must-do, Incredible. You spoiled me and I wouldn''t use another tour group for fear of disappointment. The arrows were the best!
Cathy E., Edmond, OK
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
The beautiful scenery and seeing the walking pilgrims, chatting with other pilgrims along the way. I enjoyed hearing the residents wish us well.
Betsy M., Colorado Springs, CO
The Camino really is a trip of a lifetime. History, scenery, food ... everything about the trip makes it memorable. The chalk arrows are absolutely brilliant. They take all the worry out of riding and let me go completely at my own pace. On the Camino, they were the Way! I can''t imagine a better experience.
Pam K., Stanford, CA
We absolutely loved every minute of the tour. Thank you to our guides for making sure that Mike had all of the gluten-free food that he needed. They made it a stress free vacation.
Carolyn O., Littleton, CO
I loved the people, the trip, the place, the guides. Fantastic experience!
Garrett E., Donnybrook, Ireland
[My favorite part?] Riding through endless rolling hills day after day in beautiful weather. Encountering at least two quaint and unique villages each day. I can think of nothing I disliked about the trip!
Sara G. Portland, OR
I loved being so well taken care of by the leaders. The arrows on the street were great. There was no fear of being lost so we could enjoy the country side and really appreciate what was in front of us.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Rolling hills
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