Bike Tour along the Camino de Santiago

Day 1: Individual arrival in Astorga

It’s off to Astorga, a small town in north-west Spain at the foot of Montes de León. The people here have lived from trading for many years – the stony fields not allowing any agriculture. Confectionery manufacture also has a long tradition. Chocolate, hojaldres and mantecados, are just some of the many sweets produced here. In terms of sights – visit the cathedrals and the bishop's palace of Antoni Gaudí.

Day 2: Astorga – Molinaseca, approx. 50 km

Your tour today starts with a challenge: cycling to Montes de León and then up to Cruz de Ferro, a small iron cross that marks the highest point of the Camino Francés. In keeping with tradition, pilgrims leave a stone from their home country here. Next, enjoy a long downhill ride to Molinaseca and the lovely views on the way. Even in Roman times, this town was an important throughway.

Day 3: Molinaseca – O'Cebreiro / Las Herrrerias, approx. 50 / 60 km

Soon after setting off you arrive in Ponferrada whose castle is worth visiting. Very nearby is Las Médulas, a cultural landscape that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through the wine-growing area of Bierzo you cycle on to O'Cebreiro, where, alongside the oldest pilgrim churches on the Way of Saint James, you will also see replicas of the Pallozas, the elliptical huts of the Celtiberians.

Day 4: O´Cebreiro – Sarria, approx. 45 / 55 km

Once in O'Cebreiro you will have arrived in Galicia. This region is quite different to the rest of Spain. In many places you will find traces of Celtic settlements. The countryside, surprisingly green and mountainous, is quite magical. Today's highlight is the downhill stretch to Samos, where one of Spain's oldest and most beautiful monasteries can be found.

Day 5: Sarria – Palas de Rei, approx. 50 km

Today, a pleasant section awaits you through rural areas and small villages. The route mostly takes you westwards along roads lined with trees. You cross the Rio Miño, on the other side reaching Portomarín. In the 50s, this had to give way to the Belesar reservoir and was moved to a 50-higher location. Your destination, the small town of Palas de Rei is full of the spirit of the pilgrims.

Day 6: Palas de Rei – Rua / O Pedrouzo, approx. 60 km

The cycle path takes you through gently rolling countryside to Melide. In this small town, the Camino Primitivo meets the classic Camino Francés, this connecting it to the coastal path. The traditional pub Pulpería Ezequiel is famous among pilgrims for its excellent octopus. The Galician speciality cheese Arzúa-Ulloa is produced all round Arzúa. In Rua you will have reached today's destination.

Day 7: Rua – Santiago de Compostela, approx. 25 km

The last section is only short, to give you enough time to enjoy the end of the Way of Saint James – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But first you must tackle a rather hilly section. From Monte do Gozo, you can set your sights on the majestic cathedral of Santiago e Compostela for the first time.

Day 8: Individual departure or extended stay

After breakfast, your bike tour along the Camino de Santiago comes to an end with your own individual return journey home. We would be happy to extend your holiday in Santiago de Compostela if you like.

For our younger cyclists

Unfortunately no multi-bed rooms can be booked on this trip.

Types of rental bikes

• 24-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with free-wheel
• E-bike

Fittings

Pannier, map holder, milometer, bike lock, repair kit, pump