Spanish Camino by Bike: The Pyrenees to Leon

Spanish Camino by Bike: The Pyrenees to Leon

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10 Days From

$2250

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure with the "Spanish Camino by Bike: The Pyrenees to Leon" tour. This self-guided journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of Spain, starting in the historic village of Roncesvalles and ending in the vibrant city of Leon. Along the way, you'll visit iconic cities like Pamplona, Burgos, and Leon, and explore charming pilgrimage towns and villages. Highlights include the famous local church in Roncesvalles, the medieval hilltop village of Cirauqui, and the "Fountain of Wine" at the monastery of Irache. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travelers on the trail while staying in a range of carefully selected hotels. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Cycling from the Pyrenees

  • Visiting Pamplona, Burgos, and Leon

  • Exploring interesting pilgrimage towns and villages

  • Experiencing the terrific sense of camaraderie on the trail

  • Visiting the famous local church in Roncesvalles

  • Discovering the medieval hilltop village of Cirauqui

  • Seeing the "Fountain of Wine" and the monastery of Irache

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Roncesvalles

Location: Roncesvalles

Accommodation Name: hotel

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.
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Day 2 : Cycle Via Zubiri And Akerreta To Pamplona (42Km/26Mi)

Location: Pamplona

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 3 : Cycle Via Puente La Reina And Medieval Cirauqui To Estella (42Km/26Mi)

Location: Estella

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Heading out of Pamplona, you’ll quickly reach Cizur. A short ascent follows before a continued decline through Uterga, Muruzábal and Óbanos to the lovely stone built town of Puente la Reina. Leaving Puente la Reina, 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)

Location: Logroño

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Location: Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Location: Burgos

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Location: Frómista

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Location: Sahagún

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 (58Km/36Mi)

Location: León

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Location: Leon

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

  • Accommodation
    9 nights in hotels

  • 9 breakfasts, 8 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

  • 9 nights in hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. (it is possible to start this tour in St Jean Pied de Port, on foot from St Jean to Roncesvalles across the Pyrenees - a supplement applies, see 'special notes' on the Trip Notes for detail

  • 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

  • Pilgrim's Passport

  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Roncesvalles and from Leon

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

  • Travel insurance - mandatory

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What's Not Included

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

    Any meals and drinks not specifically listed as included are excluded.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.

  • 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 not listed as included are excluded.

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Any transfers not specifically listed as included are excluded.

  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are excluded.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the 20kg limit.

  • Toe clips, gel saddle, SPD pedals

    These items are available for an additional charge.

  • Helmet purchase

    Helmets are available for purchase if you prefer not to use the rental helmet provided.

  • Handlebar phone holder

    Handlebar phone holder is not included.

  • Hotel taxes if applicable

    Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Any items of a personal nature are excluded.

  • Lunches and beverages

    Lunches and beverages are not included.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are not included.

  • Entrance fees to sights and museums

    Entrance fees to sights and museums are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Excess baggage charges

    Excess baggage charges apply for more than one bag weighing a maximum of 20kg.

  • Helmets

    Helmets are available for purchase or you can bring your own.

  • Helmet rental

    Helmets are available for rental or you can bring your own.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees are not included.

Accommodation

9 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

The cycling is moderate to challenging (4) grade 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. ...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 Roncesvalles and from Leon. Mountain bike rental (standard model, or hybrid touring bike on request) with helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle & pump.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type 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 9 breakfasts and 8 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 a pasta dish. ...more ...less

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

    A standard model mountain bike or a hybrid touring bike on request will be provided, along with a helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump. Gel saddle, toe clips, SPD pedals, and bike upgrade options are also available.

  • Is luggage transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included. You can transfer 1 piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Is there any emergency support available during the tour?

    Yes, you will have access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the tour.

  • What is a Pilgrim's Passport and is it included?

    A Pilgrim's Passport is a document that you can get stamped at various points along the Camino to show that you have completed the pilgrimage. It is included in the tour.

  • What should I carry during the cycling day?

    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.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?

    The cycling is moderate to challenging with daily cycling distances from 42 to 72km (26 to 44.5 miles) over undulating to mountainous terrain. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a high level of fitness.

  • Are helmets mandatory for the tour?

    Yes, for safety reasons, cycle helmets are compulsory and must be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

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

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included in the tour and will be at your own expense.

  • 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

A. Briggs(Derby, United Kingdom)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: The Pyrenees to Leon

8 Oct 2024

Considering the things / fear of things that could have gone wrong, absolutely nothing did with everything running smoothly and as planned.

D. Jimenez-Ekman(Chicago, USA)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: The Pyrenees to Leon

26 Aug 2022

Two of us completed this self-guided portion of El Camino by bike starting the week of 8/8/22. Overall, this was an amazing experience--the countryside is out of a fairy tale and the different towns along El Camino were amazing gems with friendly people and unique old quarters. I would do it again, and also want to do the second half of the trip to Santiago. The selected hotels were as advertised, a mix of more upscale properties in larger cities with amazing, family-run gems. The food was very good, although somewhat repetitive at times. The local travel provider was very attentive to our needs and went above and beyond to help us. Being among the "peligrinos" was a very interesting and--to Americans--unique experience. Overall, a perspective- (if not life-) changing trip. Do it if you are lucky enough to be able to! ...more ...less

M. Minogue(Pennant Hills, Australia)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: The Pyrenees to Leon

2 Oct 2024

The trip notes were easy to follow and maps good. We found the 1 and 2 star hotels excellent. Food was great.

James McE.(Kortenberg, Belgium)  

Spanish Camino by Bike: The Pyrenees to Leon

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

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Monday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025
$2250 (USD)

Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
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Monday - Wednesday

Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025
$2250 (USD)

Tuesday - Thursday

Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025
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Wednesday - Friday

Mar 19, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
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Thursday - Saturday

Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
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Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
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Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025
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Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 23, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
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Monday - Wednesday

Mar 24, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025
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Tuesday - Thursday

Mar 25, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025
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Wednesday - Friday

Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
$2250 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$2250 (USD)

Friday - Sunday

Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
$2250 (USD)

Saturday - Monday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025
$2250 (USD)

Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025
$2250 (USD)

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025
$2250 (USD)

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: The Pyrenees to Leon

10 Days Starting in Roncesvalles, Spain and ending in Leon, Spain

Visiting: Roncesvalles, Pamplona, Estella, Logroño, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Burgos, Frómista, Sahagún, León, Leon ...more ...less

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

CMB

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Small Group

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $2250 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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