Itinerary

Day 1

MADRID - BURGOS - Our clients will be greeted at the airport or hotel at the agreed time. - From there we travel by minibus to Burgos - transit time approximately 2 1/2 hours. - En-route stop for for a light lunch on the way to Burgos. - Upon arrival there will be time for a stroll around the city, visiting the cathedral and collect our Pilgrim's Passports by bike. Dating back to 884, Burgos rises from the banks of the Rio Arlanzón, and is one of the most outstanding examples of Spain's gothic architecture. The cathedral is the third largest in Spain after Toledo and Seville. This is one of the most important cities along the Camino and is the point of departure for our tour. Located in front of the main gate to the city, the Arch of Santa Maria, our hotel, NH Palacio de la Merced, was formerly a convent dating back to the 16th century. - Dinner in town at the well-known restaurant Pancho, serving tapas and typical Castillian cuisine, accompanied by a glass of good regional wine. - Overnight in Burgos L, D

Day 2

BURGOS - CARRION DE LOS CONDES 86kms (53 miles) flat & rolling terrain. - Breakfast - We leave Burgos cycling towards the villages of Hontanas, Castrojeriz and Boadilla del Camino. - We pass the famous 12th century bridge of Fitero crossing the river Pisuerga. - After lunch in Hontanas we continue cycling to Fromista with its church dedicated to San Martin and one of the finest examples of the Spanish Romanesque style. - We pass through more charming villages before arriving in Carrion. This town is home to three national monuments, including the Iglesia de Santiago, with one of the best examples of Romanesque sculpture. The monastery's cloister is a jewel of the Renaissance style. - Here, we spend the night and have supper in the Hotel Real Monasterio de San Zoilo, associated with the order of Cluny. - Overnight in Carrion de los Condes B, L, D

Day 3

CARRION DE LOS CONDES - LEON 48kms (30 miles) flat and rolling terrain. - Breakfast - Bicycling start after breakfast, we head for Sahagún, pausing at some small villages along the way - After lunching there, we take the minibus to arrive at the mediaeval city of Leon, founded in the year 68 a.d. staying at the magnificent Hotel Parador Hostal San Marcos, with its splendid Renaissance facade, a convent and pilgrims' hospital dating back to the 16th century. - We will have ample time to stroll around this ancient city and visit its impressive gothic cathedral boasting 125 unique stained glass windows. - We will dine at the Parador which offers an excellent choice of the regional cuisine, after visiting the Barrio Humedo in the old part of the city. - Overnight in Leon B, L, D

Day 4

LEON - VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO 65-85kms (40-53 miles) uphill and descent. - Breakfast - Morning departure by minibus towards Astorga, the point of confluence of two original Pilgrim routes, the Camino Frances, and the Via de la Plata (the Roman route). - Here, we visit the cathedral, the pilgrim´s hospital and A. Gaudi´s Episcopal Palace which is a pilgrims museum. - From Astorga, we drive on to Rabanal where we remount our cycles and begin an uphill climb, to reach the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross) followed by a long descent towards the territory known as El Bierzo, stopping for a hearty farmhouse lunch at El Acebo, a charming mountain village. El Bierzo is a fertile basin surrounded by mountains and abundant in fruit orchards, one of the most important fruticultural centres of Spain. - After visiting the main city of Ponferrada and its dominating Templar Castle, we proceed to Villafranca where we spend the night at the Hotel Parador Villafranca del Bierzo. The whole town is considered a historic and artistic monument. It was created to give refuge and sanctuary to the pilgrims before initiating the most difficult part of their pilgrimage. - The Parador offers us luxurious accommodation and an excellent dinner. - Overnight in Villafranca del Bierzo B, D

Day 5

VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO - PORTOMARIN 60-80kms (38-50 miles) A long descent and rolling terrain. - Breakfast - From our hotel we will cycle approx. 18 miles to La Herreria where we decide whether we want to tackle the steepest climb on the "Camino" to O'Cebreiro. This is a real challenge, but for those who prefer, our minibus is there to take care of you. - At the summit, we will enjoy exceptional views into Galicia accompanied by a a hearty lunch of regional specialties. - Our cycling route will start some miles further on at Monte de Poio, taking us through Atlantic forests, scattered with small villages, finally stopping in the village of Sarría. - From there, we will take the minibus along the Mino valley and arrive at the day's end at Portomarín. - This village once belonged to the Templar Knights' order of San Juan de Jerusalem but now lies covered by the waters of the dam. We will be lodged at the Posada de Portomarin in the new village overlooking the reservoir and the green valley of the Miño river. - Overnight in Portomarin B, L

Day 6

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA 40kms (28 miles) rolling terrain - Breakfast - The minibus will provide our transportation as far as Arzua, where we will be bicycling the last 28 miles. These are the hardest, as we are faced with repeated, but modest uphill climbs. but they are also the miles we bicycle in the spirit of completion of a journey that so many pilgrims have followed in the past, and will continue following in the future. - The Façade of Glory -Portico de la Gloria- awaits us. Crossing the Plaza de Obradoiro we dismount our bicycles, and shake hands and embrace each other to celebrate our journey`s completion and adventures. Santiago de Compostela, in the middle ages, the third most important city of Pilgrimage after Jersualem and Rome, attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Thousands of travelers come to visit its treasures each year. The now luxurious Parador, once a pilgrim´s hospital, was built by the Catholic Kings in 1501. It is adjacent to the Cathedral, in the Obradoiro Square which is the final meeting point for all roads that lead to Santiago. - It's time to pay homage to St James and get our final passport stamps at the pilgrimage office to obtain the La Compostelana certificate. - Our accommodation is at the 5 star hotel Palacio del Carmen or at the Parador Hostal Reyes Catolicos, and we dine later at the Parador restaurant. B, D

Day 7

MADRID - Breakfast - After breakfast, we return to Madrid by minibus, pausing for lunch around mid-day. - The approximate transit time is 7 hours. - Our Evening on arrival at Madrid is free. - Overnight in Madrid B

Day 8

MADRID - Breakfast - Transfer to airport or your own departure arrangements if you continue your trip - !Hasta pronto y Buen Camino! B

Extra Information

Inclusions -

- 7 nights accommodation in Paradores and 4* hotels (CLASS A) or 3* & 2* Hotels (CLASS B) - (B) Breakfasts as specified per itinerary - (L) Lunches as specified per itinerary - (D) Lunches as specified per itinerary - Personalized guided service in English or Spanish - Support vehicle with trailer for duration of tour - Transport from Madrid to Burgos and Santiago back to Madrid - 27-gear MTB bicycles - Daily refreshments - Entrance/Admission fees - Documentation - Free CD photo album and welcome gifts. - Local Taxes

Exclusions -

- Gratuities/Tips to Guide - Entrance fees not specified in itinerary - Airfare - Optional Private Tour Addons - Transfers not specified in itinerary - Beverages not specified in selected meals - Meals not specified in itinerary - Laundry Expenses - Telephone & Facsimile charges - Excess Baggage charges - Passport & Visa fees - Personal & Travel Insurance - Airport & Departure Taxes - Optional excursions - Room Service

Extras -

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: - Optional: Flying back from Santiago airport to Madrid Barajas at own expense. Route can also be started from Roncesvalles or Leon (10 nights, 11 days). We also offer self-guided tours from Leon or any other starting point. Please ask for complete information. - Groups of six or more at any time if our tour calendar permits it. - Difficulty level: B (Intermediate) and C (Advanced). 5 routes of 45-85 km/25 to 55 miles. Adaptable to the groups´ ability. Routes are also perfect for road bikers. - For any extra night or further information before or after the trip, please consult.