Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

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8 Days From

$1720

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago" tour, cycling through the enchanting landscapes of Galicia towards the historic Santiago de Compostela. This self-guided adventure covers nearly 300km, offering a blend of cultural exploration and physical challenge. Begin in León, marveling at its Gothic cathedral and the Basílica de San Isidoro museum, then pedal through the picturesque Castilian countryside to Astorga. Conquer the heights of Foncebadón and Cruz de Ferro, enjoy the descent to Ponferrada with its Templar Castle, and tackle the demanding ascent to O Cebreiro. Experience the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims, culminating in Santiago where you’ll receive your pilgrimage certificate. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and savor local cuisine along the way. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Cycling through the magical landscapes of Galicia en route to Santiago de Compostela

  • Exploring interesting pilgrimage towns and villages

  • Arriving in Santiago and receiving a pilgrimage certificate for cycling almost 300km along the Camino

  • Visiting the stunning Gothic architecture of León Cathedral and the Basílica de San Isidoro de León museum

  • Cycling through the quintessential Castilian landscapes to Astorga

  • Reaching the top of Foncebadón and Cruz de Ferro with sweeping downhill rides and gorgeous views

  • Visiting the impressive Templar Castle in Ponferrada

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive León

Location: León

Accommodation Name: hotel

Make your own way to Leon. Your rental bike with all accessories will be delivered to the hotel lobby at 8pm. Founded in 884 AD, León has abundant gastronomic and architectural riches - take in a pre-dinner drink and snack/tapas at one of the many atmospheric bars located along the narrow streets of the Barrio Húmedo. The cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and don't miss the Basílica de San Isidoro de León museum. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Cycle Through Castilian Landscapes To Astorga (54Km/34Mi)

Location: Astorga

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s route takes you through the quintessential Castilian landscapes of holm oaks, golden wheat fields and gentle ups and downs. As the route closely follows the N120 highway it is an easy day to navigate. The landscape in the first half of the route is relatively dry but gets greener further west. You’ll cross fields full of diverse crops such as wheat, corn, hops and wine grapes. Wildlife isn’t a big feature of the first part of the trip, though you will see geckoes, birds of prey and a lot of dairy cows! The town of Astorga is at the crossroads of the Camino and the Ruta de la Plata (Silver Road), the Roman route used to transport ores and metals extracted from mines in the north to shipping ports in the south of the peninsula, and is known for its impressive architecture including the Gaudi-designed Episcopal Palace.
Accumulated Ascent 340m l Descent 304m

Day 3 : Cycle Up To Cruz De Ferro And On To Ponferrada (53Km/33Mi)

Location: Ponferrada

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From Astorga, the Camino climbs gently until it meets the first mountain on the way. Once you've reached the top of Foncebadón and Cruz de Ferro, take it easy and enjoy the sweeping downhill ride and the gorgeous views as you head to Molinaseca and on to Ponferrada, located on the Sil River. The old town sits below an impressive Templar Castle, which is open daily (except Mondays Oct to Mar) in the late afternoon (entry fee applies).
Accumulated Ascent: 988m l Descent: 1094m

Day 4 : Through Vineyards Before A Demanding Cycle To O Cebreiro (53Km/33Mi)

Location: O Cebreiro

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This is the most challenging day of the cycle. From Ponferrada there are a few ups and downs to Villafranca del Bierzo, an historical and artistic town that was established to give refuge and sanctuary to pilgrims before they undertook the most difficult part of their pilgrimage. The monastery cloister is a Renaissance jewel. From Villafranca you ascend gradually towards the mythical O Cebreiro, the most demanding peak along the western section of the Camino. With some effort (and perhaps a chocolate bar), you'll reach the stone built mountain village atop the pass (1330m). O Cebreiro has several surviving pallozas (thatch-roofed cottages) and a small church which may be the oldest church on the Spanish Camino.Accumulated Ascent: 1064m l Descent 332m

Day 5 : Downhill Via Sarria To Portomarín (64Km/40Mi)

Location: Portomarín

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From the pass it's downhill all the way to Sarria and onward via a rolling route to Portomarín. Portomarin's older neighbourhoods once belonged to the Order of St John of Jerusalem but now lie submerged, covered by the waters of the Miño River dam. The town was moved in the 1960s to its current location, including the church in the main square, which was moved stone by stone.
Accumulated Ascent: 801m l Descent 1770m

Day 6 : A More Relaxing Cycle Through Galicia's Rural Landscape To Arzúa (53Km/33Mi)

Location: Arzúa

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This day provides a lovely contrast to the previous days. Cycle uphill to Castromaior then there are several easy uphills and downhills through rolling terrain giving you a view of Galicia’s rural landscape.
Accumulated Ascent: 1068m l Descent 976m

Day 7 : A Short But Demanding Cycle To The Cathedral Of Santiago (39Km/24Mi)

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Whilst the distance today is relatively short, this final stage is surprisingly demanding. After approximately four hours of riding, you finish your cycle trip upon arriving at the Pórtico de la Gloria ("The Façade of Glory") at the Cathedral of Santiago. After taking a breather (and celebrating with others arriving by foot and on horseback!), you can visit the Pilgrims' Office where you can obtain the "Compostela" certificate which certifies you as an official pilgrim. Leave your bike at your centrally located accommodation and explore the streets and bars of the atmospheric historic centre. This city, without any doubt, is the most important of the Christian Middle Ages. It has worldwide renown and each year thousands of travellers come to visit its treasures. The are many restaurants and bars in the old centre to eat at tonight.
Accumulated Ascent: 637m l Descent 792m

Day 8 : Trip Concludes Santiago De Compostela

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip concludes after breakfast. Bask in the glory of completing your Camino and reflect on a truly memorable journey. Arrangements conclude after breakfast, or if you'd like to stay an extra night or two, or continue to Cape Finisterre on the Atlantic for a day trip, we can assist with reservations - please ask for our rates.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in hotels

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish or a pasta d

  • 7 nights in hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities - (optional upgrade available to superior hotel in Arzua (recommended) and Santiago - supplement applies)

  • Mountain bike (MTB) rental (standard model) with helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle & pump. Bike options available on request, supplement applies: gravel, Premium MTB or electric MTB - standard & premium models. Premium & eMTBs have dual sus

  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess

  • Digital information pack with route notes & GPX/navigational app

  • Welcome briefing at the bike delivery (8pm on day 1)

  • Pilgrim's Passport

  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Leon and from Santiago de Compostela

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

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What's Not Included

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

    Lunch daily, 1 dinner and all beverages (except at breakfast) are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included in the package.

  • Premium MTB or electric MTB, helmet purchase

    Supplement applies for premium MTB or electric MTB, and helmet purchase.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday, so no guide is included.

  • Solo traveler or single room supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees not listed as included

    Entrance fees to sights and museums are not included.

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.

  • Excess luggage

    Supplement applies for excess luggage beyond 1 piece maximum 20kg.

  • Toe clips, gel saddle, SPD pedals

    Please ask for our rates if you require toe clips, gel saddle, or SPD pedals.

  • Helmet purchase

    Helmets are available for purchase or you can bring your own. If you wish to purchase, please let us know at the time of booking to ensure supply of a helmet.

  • Handlebar phone holder

    We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the GPX files.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal items are not included in the package.

Accommodation

7 nights in hotels. During the trip you will be accommodated in a range of hotels from simple rural hotels to charming boutique style hotels, to 3 and 4 star city hotels. All have been chosen for their character, quality and location.

Grading

GRADE 4 - with daily cycling distances from 39 to 62km / 24.5 to 39mi 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. ...more ...less

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing

Mode of Transport

Travel to Leon and from Santiago de Compostela. Mountain bike rental with helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump. Luggage transfer for 1 piece up to 20kg.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    During the trip, you will be accommodated in a range of hotels from simple rural hotels to charming boutique-style hotels, to 3 and 4-star city hotels. All have been chosen for their character, quality, and location.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish, or pasta.

  • What kind of bike will be provided for the tour?

    A standard mountain bike or a hybrid touring bike (on request) will be provided, along with a helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump. There are also options to upgrade to a Premium MTB or electric MTB, and additional accessories like a gel saddle, toe clips, and SPD pedals are available for a supplement. ...more ...less

  • Is luggage transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included for one piece of luggage up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • What should I carry during the cycling days?

    During the cycle day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

  • Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?

    Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.

  • What happens if I need to skip a stage during the tour?

    Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage, but these are not included in the tour price.

  • Will I receive any documentation for completing the pilgrimage?

    Yes, upon arriving in Santiago, you can visit the Pilgrims' Office to obtain the 'Compostela' certificate, which certifies you as an official pilgrim.

  • What kind of support is available during the tour?

    An emergency hotline is available for support during the tour. Additionally, you will receive a digital information pack with route notes and GPX files.

  • Are there any optional upgrades available for accommodation?

    Yes, there is an optional upgrade available to a superior hotel in Arzua and Santiago, but a supplement applies.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

J. Tedstone(Whistler, BC, Canada)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

19 Oct 2018

This cycling trip was more demanding than we expected but the Galicia portion of it goes through some very pretty country, worth the effort. The lodging and meals were well-chosen and better than we expected. The trail is very easy to follow but the supporting documentation was well-prepared and comprehensive. A moving experience to arrive in Santiago with all the other "pilgrims". ...more ...less

Craig Brown(Swanbourne, WA, Australia)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

9 Jul 2024

Highlights of the trip were the beautiful Spanish countryside, historic churches and interesting people we met along the way. All of the hotels we stayed at were clean and comfortable and offered a good meal at the end of the day. Parts of the trail are challenging, even on an ebike, so worth getting your bike fitness up before you do this trip, but it’s highly recommended. ...more ...less

George Nickerson(Cambridge, CA)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

05 Nov 2016

Our arrival on Day 1 was delayed due to travel issues. My friend's bike was available at the hotel. All information was forwarded by hotel staff in a friendly, efficient way.

N. Hanrahan(Newtown)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

24 May 2022

Overall it was a really great self guided tour. Glad we upgraded to ebikes, as we were not anticipating the mountainous terrain. Everything ran smoothly, our luggage was picked up and ready waiting for us at our next destination. Would recommend the hotel upgrades. The maps and guidebook provided were very helpful. The only challenging thing we found was finding our way from hotel to the Camino in some of the larger towns, and knowing when to take the road over the Camino (probably more to do with us!). Generally the Camino was well marked and very easy to follow. The food was quite good, not a huge selection to choose from, but then we were only pilgrims! May was perfect weather for us - not too hot and only rained on the last day as we rode into Santiago. ...more ...less

V. Fiala(Roseville, Australia)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

3 Oct 2023

Fantastic trip with excellent bikes, clear information, interesting quality hotels and delicious food. Requires reasonable fitness. Highly recommend!!

N. Hopkins(Auckland, New Zealand)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

4 Oct 2023

Fascinating journey on the Camino trail from Leon to Santiago do Compostela. Full of beautiful scenery and historical locations.

S. Morris(CA, USA)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

12 Jul 2022

Accommodations and bikes were nice. Appreciated the route.

James McE.(Kortenberg, Belgium)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

25 Sep 2019

I needed to organize a b-spoke trip of the Camino de Santiago since I wanted to use my own bike for the trip. Fortunately, I came across the services of UTracks. They listened to my special needs and designed a 2 week trip for me that was perfect ! The hotels and B&B’s were very comforting, well located and were always ready to secure my bike and offer help for any special requests. Riding the Camino is magical ! Thanks UTracks for helping make this a wonderful experience ! ...more ...less

M. Langridge(Bassendean, Australia)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

31 May 2023

Well organised but would recommend with a few tweaks to this trip.

D. Jones(Burnaby, BC, Canada)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

16 Oct 2019

The trip was challenging as expected. Overall I really enjoyed this trip. The scenery, culture, food and people were awesome. Really quite spectacular!

Read all 11 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago

8 Days Starting in Leon, Spain and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Visiting: León, Astorga, Ponferrada, O Cebreiro, Portomarín, Arzúa, Santiago de Compostela

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

UHC

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $1720 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 28-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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