Meet in Pampalona
Me meet in Pamplona – and we shuttle to Roncesvalles. There you will have a bike fitting, visit the 13th-century monastery, the customary starting point for the Camino, and pick up your pilgrim’s passports. This evening we get acquainted at our official Pilgrims welcome dinner at our hotel.
Roncesvalles –Puente la Reina
Our journey begins with a downhill ride from Roncesvalles following the Arga River from Zubiri to Larrasoaña. Along the way, we’ll pass through the charming little towns of Espinal and lush landscape along the Alto de Erro. Today’s ride: 65.4 km / 41 mi
Puente la Reina – Logrono
This morning we’ll cross the river Arga again via the well known medieval bridge, and the Rio Salado via another medieval bridge called the Puente Medieval Ruinas before we reach the town of Estella. Today our route leads us to one of Spain’s most important wine-producing areas, the Rioja. We make an important stop at the “fountain of wine” in Irache where all pilgrims are invited to take a small sample of wine. We continue to Logroño, the capital of the Rioja wine valley. Today’s ride: 66.9 kms (41.5 miles)
Logroño – Santo Domingo de la Calzada
“Santo Domingo de la Calzada que canto la gallina después de asada.” Be sure to ask our guides about this favorite Camino de Santiago legend! Rolling hills and many little villages. Today’s Ride 46.7 km / 29 mi
Santo Domingo de la Calzada – Burgos
You are sure to enjoy this beautiful ride today as we cross the Oca Hills to the ancient city of Burgos, home of Spain’s favorite son, El Cid. Our hotel is in front of the city’s famous cathedral – one of the most impressive in Europe. Today’s ride: 68.2 kms (42.6 miles)
Burgos – Carrion de los Condes
History, art and legends abound on the route from Burgos to Castrojeriz. A popular refrain reflects how difficult it used to be to cross the swampy Urbel Valley which is now actually a pleasant 2 kilometer ride. Today’s ride: 82.5 km / 51.2 mi
Carrion de los Condes-Leon
“It is a land full of treasures, of gold and silver, rich in wool and strong horses, and abounding in bread, wine, meat, fish, milk and honey. However, there are few trees…” A few hills, but mostly plains, are what you will encounter today. As you approach the mesetas of Castilla. Today’s ride: 91.6 km / 56 mi
León – Rest Day – No Schedule – Wake-up call not necessary!
León, a former capital of Spain, is well-known for its cathedral and the Basílica de San Isidoro. Our Hotel is just a short distance from the cathedral and walking distance to everything in town. It also has a wonderful little Spa that offers massages and a Spa Circuit. We can’t think of a better way to spend a rest day!
León – Santa Colomba
Our ride takes us to Astorga, where we’ll find Antonio Gaudi’s neo-Gothic palace and the 15th century cathedral and we make time to visit a chocolate factory. We continue our ride passing by tiny hamlets and imagine what life was like for the pilgrims before us. We ride to the small town of Santa Colomba where we’ll be made to feel very much at home in this beautiful rustic Posada. Today’s ride: 67.3 km / 42 mi
Santa Colomba – Herrerias
The landscape becomes greener as we approach Galicia, which is also known as “Green Spain”. We continue toward the hills that separate the provinces of Castilla y Leon and Galicia. Our destination today is Herrerias a small town on the fringe of Villafranca which was founded by French pilgrims as a place of absolution for those too weak or sick to continue their journey. Today’s ride: 74.9 km / 46 mi
Herrerias – Portomarín
The last rolling hills of the Bierzo wine region! Later on we will ascend to the mountain pass of El Cebreiro, the divide between Castilla-Leon and Galicia. This beautiful hamlet of Celtic houses has a charming 9th century church, which houses what is said to be the Holy Grail. Galicia is a region with a culture that will remind you of Ireland – the Celtic music, it’s rolling hills and never-ending green pastures. We ride downhill into Portomarin where our hotel overlooks the Minho River. Dinner together and a special treat from our host who will charm us with his traditional “queimada” to ensure we keep the bad spirits away. It’s all in fun, we’re in Galicia! Today’s ride: 68.2 km / 42.6 mi
Portomarin – Arzua
Our guests have commented that this is probably one of the prettiest rides. Rolling hills that take you into very green forests and at the end of the ride you arrive at a sycamore tree lined entrance into a three-hundred-year-old manor house! Today’s ride: 52.5 km / 32.8 mi
Arzua – Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Arzua- Santiago de Compostela, Spain Our last ride together and as we follow the last yellow arrows into Santiago we have a few more pastures and meadows to enjoy. We arrive in Santiago and gather with all the other pilgrims, some of whom you’ve chatted with along the way. We have arrived! We take you for your Compostela and lead you to the incomparable Cathedral of St. James. If you would like to be present for the Pilgrim’s mass, remember that it is celebrated at noon and so you should plan your ride to arrive in time. Tonight, we’ll celebrate you and our journey’s together with a great farewell dinner in our beautiful hotel. Today’s Ride: 38,4 kms (24.0 miles)
Tour ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Departures after breakfast today. Your guides will depart today after breakfast, but you have the entire day to explore Santiago de Compostela. We wish you a great journey home and wherever the road may lead you. Buen camino!
