Camino de Santiago Bicycle Tour Itinerary

Day One: Madrid - Leon
After greeting you at the hotel and getting to know your guides, we depart via van from Madrid and head to Segovia.  We stop here briefly for a glance at Segovia and then keep on towards León.  We arrive in the early afternoon at this small city, founded originally by Romans, and head to our accommodations, the Parador San Marcos, a restored monastery which once served as a hospital for pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago.  Upon arrival, we prepare the bikes and take a quick spin to adjust them to your likings.  After getting cleaned up and settled in the rooms, a welcome cocktail is awaiting you to get to know your fellow cyclists and your Duvine Staff.  We have a short visit through the Parador´s Museum, followed by a guided tour of historic León and the Gothic Cathedral.  Following the tours, we stop briefly in the Albergue to get the Pilgrim Passports, and then head back through the narrow, winding streets, and into modern León to arrive at the Parador.  Here we have the presentation followed by dinner.

Meal: Dinner
Destinations visited: Madrid, Leon, Segovia
Distance cycled: 8 km / 5 miles

Day Two: Leon - Villafranca del Bierzo
We start the morning out by van for a 34 mile (55 km) transfer to Castrillo de Polvazares.  After a short stroll through this quaint town, we hop on the bicycles to start the infamous uphill ride to the Cruz de Ferro.  With fellow hikers and bikers alongside, we weave our way up in elevation with views of the green hillsides in the edge of Castilla y León.  We pass through the unique, one-man town of Manjarín, and then start the much awaited for, yet very steep 9 mile (15 km) descent, snaking along the country road and enjoying breathtaking views of the green, lush mountains and valleys, and the towns below.  Lunch is a relaxing stop along the river, with the possibility of a quick dip in this refreshing creek.  Now back on the bikes, we pass through more towns and visit a small hermitage tucked atop a hill, before ending the day in the winery in Camponaraya.  After getting a little taste of this wine from the Bierzo region, we continue by van to drive out to the Palacio de Canedo.  From this winery, we have beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the vineyard. 

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: Manjarín, Palacio de Canedo, Villafranca, Castrillo de los Polvazares, Cruz de Ferro
Distance cycled: 52 km / 33.9 miles

Day Three: Villafranca del Bierzo– Portomarin
We start the morning in the van with a 19 mile (30 km) steep uphill.  Up above and now in the province of Galicia, we stop to visit the Celtic town of O´Cebreiro and enjoy the views of yet another distinct Spain.  We have a short transfer in the van, we return to our bikes, where the route is constantly filled with even more curves, uphills, and downhills.  Along the way we pass by churches and monasteries, cross over several rivers, and wind through the laid back countryside.  We have lunch in a small restaurant along the river in Sarria, and then continue on zig-zagging through the green hillsides of Galicia to end with a several kilometer descent to the Miño River and Portomarín, where we will spend the night in the Pousada de Portomarín.  Dinner is at the Santa Mariña country house, prepared fresh from the gardens along the river.  However the real treat is the Queimada, a specially prepared, traditional Galician ritual, making for a great end to the evening.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: O'Cebreiro, Samos, Sarria, and Portomarín
Distance cycled: 55 km / 33.5 miles

Day Four: Portomarin – Arzua
We hop on the bikes to start the day—and an 8 mile (13 km) climb, cycling through more rural Spain.  We cannot forget that we´re in Galicia, therefore we continue to climb and descend along the whole way.  But the hard work is more than compensated for by the views of the villages, farms, and fields that we pass by.  Just after Palas de Rei, we veer off the Camino to take a small, but much worthwhile side trip.  This scenic back road winds through the open lands of farms and fields before changing to thick woods with a small creek tucked alongside.  As we come out of the woods, the Castelo do Pambre appears, a 14th century castle undiscovered by most.  We are welcomed by a picnic lunch, and when through we weave across more hidden roads until approaching the town of Melide, where we´ll get back on the main road.  The yellow arrows appear again and we find ourselves just 34 miles (55 km) from Santiago.  We pass through more valleys until we reach Arzúa, and after branching off the main street we arrive to tonight’s stay at the Pazo Santa María, an 18th century noble house situated on a 35,000 m estate.  We´ll enjoy a quiet and relaxed dinner in this country house before retiring for the night.

Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic / Dinner
Destinations visited: Palas de Rei, Castelo do Pambre, Melide, and Arzúa
Distance cycled: 50 km/ 31 miles

Day Five: Arzua – Santiago de Compostela
Today we get on the bikes to begin the final stretch, just a mere 25 miles (40 km) from Santiago de Compostela.  However, even though it´s our last day, we aren´t liberated from the typical hills and valleys that define Galicia´s landscape.  We cross over several rivers and wind through multiple towns to eventually find ourselves on our last noticeable ascent.  It´s worth the extra push to the top, as shortly after the Monte do Gozo appears.  Once atop the hill, we´re rewarded by the views overlooking Santiago and we can even spot the towers of the Cathedral—our final destination.  We head down to the city, passing through the urban streets of Santiago to finally arrive to the Cathedral, the traditional reason for the pilgrim´s long endured trek.  Tonight we relax in the Hotel Monumento San Francisco, and since we arrive in the afternoon, you will have time time to explore the city, take a dip in the pool, and rest up for our memorable farewell dinner tonight.

Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner
Destinations visited:  el Monte do Gozo and Santiago de Compostela
Distance cycled: 45 km / 23.5 miles

Day Six:
Say adios to new friends made. After breakfast, we say good-bye to our newfound friends and head our separate ways, whether it be a transfer to Madrid, continued travels through Spain, or an extra night or two in Santiago.

Meal: Breakfast
Destination visited: Santiago & Madrid                
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction!