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For more than 1000 years the Camino de Santiago (or Way of St James / Compostela Trail) has represented the adventure of a lifetime for pilgrims and history buffs alike. While the 790km French route from Roncesvalles to the Cathedral of Santiago has been well trodden by hiking boots and horse hooves through the centuries in more recent times the pilgrimage route has become a natural magnet for cyclists seeking out iconic routes. Beginning in the foothills of the Pyrenees and continuing along the Camino to the historic cathedral city of Leon, this exhilarating ride, which is the first half of the full cycle route along the Spanish Camino, takes in some of the most breathtaking landscapes, unique monuments and typical villages of northern Spain. En route, step out of the saddle to savour the rich Spanish gastronomy, experiencing traditional regional cuisine and excellent wines. Each night you'll stay in atmospheric hotels offering comfort at the end of a hard day's cycle which is intrinsic to this historic adventure.
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25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(227kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Roncesvalles
Famous on the pilgrimage trail, the historic village of Roncesvalles is high in the Pyrenees and only 5km from the French border in northeast Navarre. Make your way to your hotel and at your leisure, visit the famous local church where there are several relics dating from the 8th Century and the defeat of Charlemagne by local tribes. Your bikes will be delivered to the hotel by early evening. *option to start in St Jean Pied de Port in France and walk to Roncesvalles across the Pyrenees before joining the cycle trip. See the Trip Notes 'special notes' for details.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle via Zubiri and Akerreta to Pamplona (42km/26mi)
Today’s cycle takes you through the foothills of the Pyrenees. You’ll pass through the towns of Burguete and Espinal, climb to the top of Erro, and follow the Arga River from Zubiri to Pamplona, the historical capital of Navarre province.
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle via Puente la Reina and medieval Cirauqui to Estella (42km/26mi)
Heading out of Pamplona, you’ll quickly reach Cizur and continue on a short ascent to Zariquiegui and Alto de Perdon. From here there is a decline through Uterga, Muruzábal and Óbanos as you head to the lovely stone built town of Puente la Reina. Leaving Puente la Reina across the bridge, you'll follow paths and tracks to the medieval hilltop village of Cirauqui, which welcomes you with a beautiful arched door. Descend the Roman road to the bridge over the Rio Salado to ride the final kilometres into Estella (Lizarra) via the towns of Lorca and Villatuerta.
Day 4
Via Monjardin Villamayor to Logroño (50km/31mi)
Leaving Estella, you’ll find the famous "Fountain of Wine" and the monastery of Irache. On to Azqueta, between fields and vineyards, and Monjardín Villamayor, with its restored Fuente de los Moros (12th century fountain). From here and up to Los Arcos, you'll ride on undulating, open terrain. Leaving Los Arcos, Sansol is your next destination and from here you descend to the river valley before ascending Linares Torres del Río. Cycle through vineyards, olive groves, almond trees and small villages via Viana and descend to the city of Logroño, capital of La Rioja.
Day 5
Cycle to Santo Domingo de la Calzada (49km/29.5mi)
Leaving Logroño on the historic Rúa Vieja you'll head towards Naverrete. Pass ruins of the ancient pilgrims and ascend Monte de San Anton, where there are views to Nájera. Continuing via Najera’s Monastery of Santa Maria la Real, the road runs along a dirt track to Azofra, situated on a small hill. From here it's an easy ride into the historic village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a beautiful medieval town known for its legend of the rooster and chicken.
Day 6
Cycle to the city of Burgos (72km/44.5mi)
The first part of today's cycle is quite flat. From Granon, past the tiny village of Redicillo del Camino, you head to Belorado. From here there's an ascent to Montes de Oca, where you'll be rewarded with an excellent view. Once in San Juan de Ortega, the route soon leads to Atapuerca. Leaving Atapuerca, you cycle through a number of villages as you head towards Burgos, a provincial capital of Castile and León. Your downtown hotel is within walking distance of Burgos’ charms, including its impressive Gothic Cathedral and Monastery of Las Huelgas.
Day 7
Across the meseta to Fromista (66km/41mi)
Leaving Burgos along the Calle Ferrán Gonzalez you cross the Rio Arlanzón at the Malatos Bridge. You then continue via the towns of Tardajos and Hornillos, and through wheat fields to the town of Hontanas. Next, you’ll see the Convent of San Antón and cycle into the beautiful village of Castrojeriz. There’s a good climb to Mostelares followed by a descent to the river Pisuerga. Historical Frómista lies ahead, along the Canal de Castilla.
Day 8
Cycle to Sahagun (60km/37mi)
From Frómista, you'll cycle towards to Villalcázar de Sirga, with its beautiful church. Soon after you'll reach Carrión de los Condes, with its impressive heritage. It’s a gentle ride from Carrion de los Condes to Calzadilla de la Cueza. From Calzadilla, ascend for a couple of kilometres before heading towards the towns of Lédigos, Terradillo de Templarios and Moratinos. From here you continue to Sahagún, an historical village along the Camino with an impressive church with Moorish influences and a grand city gate.
Day 9
On to historic Leon (56km/35mi)
From Sahagún you cross the Cea river and cycle to Calzada del Coto, where the road forks. Follow the left fork across Bercianos del Real Camino to El Burgo Ranero. From here, it’s an easy pedal to Mansilla de las Mulas, the gateway to León. You will cross the Esla river and then the Porma river at Villarente. After a steep slope you’ll arrive at León, one of the most historic towns of Old Castile and dominated by its cathedral.
Day 10
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast. Leon has much to see and we recommend adding an extra night, or you can continue on the next stage to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a quality mountain bike (MTB), the usual model is Ridley Ignite A (aluminium frame, 29” rims - sizes S, M, L, XL). You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, lock, repair kit and water bottle. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.
Mountain bikes generally have a higher cross bar. Being more robust than standard trekking bikes they are suitable for the terrain.
Supplement applies. Usual models: Ridley Raft XC (full suspension) (size S, M, L)
Supplement applies. Please specify your preference when booking. Usual models: Lapierre Zesty (premium) or Berri Bravo Sport (carbon) - both size M or L.
Supplement applies. Please specify your preference when booking
Standard eMTB usual model: Lapierre Overvolt HT 7.6 (sizes S, M, L, XL)
Premium e-MTB usual model: Haibike All Trail 9 29 (size S, M, L)
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for a rental e-bike is 12 years, minimum height requirement is 150cm / 5ft, maximum height requirement 185-190cm/6ft23. Note: handlebar bags are not supplied with e-bikes.
Blends the speed of a road bike with the toughness of a mountain bike - drop handlebars and lighter weight. Usual model: Lapierre Crosshill 3.0( size M & L). Available on request - supplement applies
GRADE 4 - with daily cycling distances from 42 to 72km/26 to 44.5mi over undulating to mountainous terrain. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a high level of fitness. Minor roads with reduced traffic are customary on this trip and we recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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