7-Day Camino de Santiago Bike Tour

Welcome to León, one of northern Spain’s great historic cities and a beautiful place to begin your Camino journey. 

After meeting your leaders and fellow travelers, head out on a guided city tour through León’s ancient streets. This was once the Roman capital of northwest Spain, and you can still see traces of its 4th-century Roman walls as you wander through town. You’ll also have time to admire the Romanesque Basilica of San Isidoro and León’s magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral, considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. 

This evening, gather for dinner and ease into the rhythm of the Camino together. 
Accommodation: NH Collection Leon Plaza Mayor, Leon  
Meals: Dinner 

Today’s ride brings you deeper into the landscapes and stories of the Camino. 

After a transfer from the hotel to Cruz de Ferro, you continue toward Ponferrada, where the impressive Knights Templar castle hints at the region’s medieval past. From there, ride on toward Villafranca del Bierzo, a handsome Camino town tucked among narrow terraces above the plain. 

Take time to explore the beautiful Plaza Mayor and the romantic church of Villafranca del Bierzo. You’ll feel the character of the route shifting here, as the architecture, landscape and culture begin to carry you toward Galicia. 
Accommodation: Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo, Villafranca del Bierzo  
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 32.1 miles (51.6 kilometers)  
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,223 feet (373 meters) ascent, 4,462 feet (1,360 meters) descent  
Terrain: Intermediate  

Your day begins with a ride to Las Herrerías, where the Camino gives you a few ways to shape your ride. You can take the support van to the top of the climb, follow the traditional Camino route on a steep 8.5-mile uphill section or choose a longer, smoother route with a gentler grade. However you get there, the reward is a visit to the Pilgrim’s Monument and a wonderful downhill ride toward Samos. 

In Samos, visit the handsome 6th-century Benedictine monastery before continuing through the green Galician countryside. From here on, the route is marked by mojones, the small roadside Camino pillars that guide pilgrims all the way to Santiago. 

Dinner is together tonight in the small town of Samos. 
Accommodation: Hotel A Casa da Botica, Samos  
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  

Biking: 41.2 miles (66.3 kilometers)  
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3946 feet (1203 meters) ascent, 3863 feet (1177 meters) descent  
Terrain: Intermediate  

Today is a lovely countryside ride through the heart of Galicia. 

Pedal through the pretty Miño Valley, passing small villages, stone chapels and peaceful rural views along the way. The ride leads you into Portomarín, a welcoming Camino town above the river with a fascinating history and a relaxed village feel. 

There’s time to wander, visit local churches and chapels, and perhaps treat yourself to a slice of Torta de Santiago, the traditional almond cake found throughout this part of Spain. Dinner and overnight are in Portomarín. 
Accommodation: Casa Santa Marina, Portomarin  
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  

Biking: 23.8 miles (38.3 kilometers)  
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,995 feet (608 meters) ascent, 2,569 feet (783 meters) descent  

Set out today on a beautiful rural ride through pastureland, small villages and classic Galician countryside. 

You’ll pass through well-kept Camino villages such as Leboreiro and Furelos, where stone bridges, quiet lanes and simple chapels give the day a wonderfully timeless feel. In Morgade, stop at the local aldea to leave the customary note, a small Camino tradition that invites you to reflect on what this historic pilgrimage route means to you. 

Melide is a great place for lunch and is especially known for its octopus dishes. Later, continue to Arzúa, where you can visit the Iglesia de Santiago before gathering for dinner. 
Accommodation: Pazo Santa María, Arzúa  
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  

Biking: 39.8 miles (64 kilometers)  
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,483 feet (1,062 meters) ascent, 3,419 feet (1,042 meters) descent  
Terrain: Intermediate  

After breakfast, enjoy a final stroll through the beautiful streets of Santiago de Compostela. 

You’ll be transferred to Santiago Airport for connections to Barcelona, Madrid or other onward destinations. As you head home, you’ll carry the quiet pride of completing the Camino by bike, along with memories of green hills, stone villages, shared meals and the joy of discovering the world by bike. 
Accommodation: Not applicable  
Meals: Breakfast