Trace the steps of ancient travellers and make your way along the legendary Camino de Santiago over 7 glorious days. The Camino is said to be the first great European tourist route. Travelled by pilgrims from around the world for over 1000 years to the site where it is said that St. James the Apostle’s relics are buried. The Camino received UNESCO’s accolade as a World Heritage Site because of the journey’s incalculable cultural, historical and artistic value. Your cycling route follows the true Camino Frances as much as possible along forest tracks and country paths, quiet roads and farmers’ trails, crossing countless villages and towns.
It’s hard to find a better way to enjoy Spain than cycling the Camino de Santiago. Pedalling from the historic city of Ponferrada, you will journey west over 200 Kms, through the Bierzo Winelands, over the Sierra de Ancares and deep into lush, forested Galicia to the pilgrim journey's end in the stunning granite city of Santiago de Compostela. Get your pilgrim's passport or credential stamped along the way and after having cycled more than 200 kms you'll qualify for a pilgrim's certificate, the Compostela - to testify that you have completed the Camino as a pilgrim.
For this holiday you'll be riding mountain bikes, best suited to take on the Camino's naturally varying terrain. Although much of the Camino is leisurely, it will treat you to a few substantial climbs throughout the week and so there is an exclusive E-bike departure for those looking to enjoy the journey with a group of like-minded e-bikers who'd like a little boost up those cheeky hills!
You’ll be riding on different surfaces including back roads, forest tracks and footpaths. More often than not the terrain is forgiving, following well-surfaced tracks and paths. There are various sections along the true Camino that are loose and rocky, which you can either ride or hop onto the road for some fast kms. The trail can sometimes be narrow and once in Galicia, you will encounter corredoiras, beautiful ancient cobbled lanes that can’t be missed, although they are a little rough at times. The Camino does throw up some big climbs throughout the week, but all manageable taken at your own speed. After all those undulations your arrival into Santiago will feel well earned! There is a support vehicle never far away, should you need a snack or a lift on a particular section of the route.