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4.9

Along the Camino on Bicycle (Pamplona-Santiago)

Along the Camino on Bicycle (Pamplona-Santiago)

Camino de Santiago Francés

Camino Francés is by far the most favoured, most traditional and internationally the most celebrated of the many Camino routes. The French Camino starts in the French village St. Jean Pied de Port and passes shortly hereafter the boarder to Spain. From here it crosses Northern Spain on a route that is all together 800 km. to Santiago de Compostela. Therefore it is also known as the French Camino. A Camino experience of a lifetime.

  • From 1490 EUR/pers.
  • 701 Km
  • 16 days / 15 nights
  • Difficulty
    ?
    NOTE: nowhere, in any Camino, will steep cliffs be found next to path!

    1: Very easy. Flat and without significant gradients. Good and normally wide paths.

    2: Easy. Slightly hilly. Good and normally wide paths.

    3: Medium. Hilly, possibly with longer distances between service facilities/cities. Good, sometimes narrow paths.

    4: Medium/Hard. Longer, steeper climbs, perhaps with few servicefacilities/cities. Good, sometimes narrow paths.

    5: Hard. Long gradient(s), possibly few facilities. Very hilly. Good, sometimes narrow paths.
  • Nature

Make your trip personal! Spain is More offers and guarantees the following on this trip:

✔ Daily Departures all year round.

✔ Hotel-to-Hotel Baggage Service is included.

✔ Your personal Pilgrim's Passport.

✔ Specially Selected Hotels - always with private bathroom - selected for best location, service and authentic charm.

✔ Spain is More Camino Guidebook (which you will receive some weeks before departure) contains practical pilgrim information, suggestions for packing list, recommended restaurants, maps of all cities along The Camino- and hotel location, Pilgrim's Passport/Credential, advice and guidance, service phone numbers and much more, all to make your trip on The Camino an experience of a lifetime!

✔ This trip can be combined with other Camino routes.

✔ Dividing stages: Yes, always!

✔ Day trip to Finisterre.

Including renting our wonderful Camino Mountain-bikes.

It includes

From 1.490 EUR/pers.Per person in a double room.

Single room supplement: 280 EUR

It includes
  1. 15 nights in a double room - always with private bath/toilet.
  2. 15 x breakfast.
  3. Bicycle Rental.
  4. Luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
  5. The price includes Spain-is-More-Digital-Travel Guidebook.
  6. Pilgrim Passport / Credencial.
  7. Guided Tour to Finisterre.
  8. 24/7 emergency telephone number.
  9. Taxes.
Not included
  1. Some short local bus or taxi journeys, e.g. from airport to bus or train station in the same city.
Optional
  1. Personalise your Camino: Extended stays, divide stages, transportation to startingpoint from anywhere in the world and back. Please ask us, we will be happy to assist you.
  2. Extension of stay in Madrid, León and Santiago de Compostela can be purchased.
  3. Cancellation insurance: 6% of total price (can be added when ordering).
Description

The terrain becomes gentler before arriving to Pamplona without becoming completely flat.  There will be several hills along the way, but the flat stretches begin to be longer, more frequent and easier as you as you near Logroño. Vineyards, quaint villages and a diverse landscape greet you through this lovely stretch of the Camino.

You'll pass several small bodegas along this stage, where you can enjoy a short stop and perhaps tour a bodega or two to include wine tasting in this region.  We recommend enjoying and trying as much as possible.

In addition, both Navarra and Rioja are known for their excellent gastronomy, and provide you with plenty of really good opportunities to experience the cuisine of these two regions during your trip.

Service functions are generally good with many smaller towns along the way.

More information on Pamplona - Logroño

The terrain from Logroño until Burgos is quite easy, often very dry and relatively flat. The Camino goes through vineyards, particularly at the beginning, as far as the eye can see. The Ebro River runs just a few kilometers north of the route, causing this area to be where some of the best Rioja wineries are located. If you have time, it is certainly recommended that you stay an extra night in Logroño to visit this beautiful region.

To the south you walk with the view of the mountains, the source of the Rio (River) Oja. There are two unforgettable UNESCO heritage experiences here to visit; firstly, the Monasteries of Santo Domingo de la Calzada and secondly the dinosaur and other archaeological sites at Atapuerca, just east of Burgos. Again, both are essential visits. In addition, of course, are Logroño and Burgos, both glorious cities, the latter with its impressive cathedral in the center of town. Along the way, is Santo Domingo, a beautifully preserved and historic part of the pilgrimage. All in all, this trek offers an enormous variety of experiences.

Service functions are generally good, but the distance between the cities is now little longer. In the evenings, however, there are always restaurants in or near the hotel. The route goes almost every day through cities, which have supermarkets, banks, laundry services, shops and other possibility for stocking up.

Possibility of dividing stages: Yes (see stage descriptions).

More information on Logroño - Burgos

The terrain between Burgos and León is easy and relatively flat. The biggest challenge might be the sun, the heat and sometimes the long stages that you might decide to divide.

The area is dry, without much shade or many trees, but the route has a lot of charm, in so many ways, and is definitely worth the trip.

Service functions are ok, although the cities are often small. You will pass through several towns every day, but a bit of lunch planning in advance is important. In the evenings there are always restaurants in or near the hotel.

Possibility of dividing stages: Yes, usually (see stage descriptions).

More information on Burgos - León

From Leon you will see that the number of pilgrims increases, and there are many reasons for this. First, the stretch from Leon is in many ways one of the most interesting, with many historical sights along the way (most importantly; the Cathedral of León, the medieval bridge in Hospital de Orbigo, the Bishop's Palace of Gaudí in Astorga, the Iron Cross and the Monastery of Samos), lots of beautiful villages, excellent facilities and, above all, a varied terrain through beautiful landscape. 
Spain is More guests, who start their pilgrimage in León, often take the bus the first 35 km. to Hospital de Orbigo. Many people also choose to walk from León, making the trip one day longer. If you chose to walk from León, the first stage is flat, through industry and suburbs for the first 10 kilometers. Afterwards, the huge plain opens before you, followed afterwards to Rabanal del Camino, where the terrain gets quite hilly.

Many others choose to split the stage between Villafranca and O'Cebreiro, as this is long and relatively difficult. If you don't have time to split this stage, but are finding it too tough while traveling, there are good alternatives to travel by bus and taxi at that particular point. With an extra accommodation in Molinaseca or Villafranca, you can take a trip to Las Medulas, which is a spectacular UNESCO-protected nature area where ancient Romans mined for gold.

Possibility of dividing stages: Yes.

More information on León - Sarria

The stretch throug Galicia from Sarria to Santiago is the most popular and by far most used Camino-section, which can be clearly seen by the number of pilgrims on this route. It's very charming to come into contact with people from around the world, all of them walking in the same direction and with the same goal in mind. Sarria is 115 km east of Santiago and is the minimum distance required to walk to obtain the Compostela of Santiago.

Sarria, is also a good starting point for the Camino because there are bigger towns with all the necessary facilities you might need along this route. On this route there are two really exciting excursions, one to the huge monastery of Samos, from where you can walk back along the Camino to Sarria, and the other to Lugo and ahead to the world's best preserved Roman city wall.

The first stages after Sarria are fairly hilly, but also some of the most idyllic on the whole Camino. Many have said that these stages are their favourites of the entire Camino - it is so beautiful. You'll pass small farming communities, with stone houses and cobbled paths, you'll walk along the fields where cows graze and through forests where all you hear is the river's murmur. Nature is the main attraction along this way until reaching Santiago de Compostela. This stunningly beautiful town exudes atmosphere in the Old Town's sector of winding streets. It's the perfect ending to your Camino de Santiago. Service functions are generally very good.

Possibility of dividing stages: Yes.

More information on Sarria - Santiago de Compostela
Detailed itinerary
Detailed itinerary (view all days )
Day 1.- Arrival to Pamplona

Arrival to the beautiful town in Navarra. 

Day 2.- Pamplona - Estella 46 Km

Mount Alto del Perdón (see picture) is today's biggest obstacle, but if the climb seems too hard, you will find a recommendable detour in our guidebook. But, despite the difficulty, it’s so worth it. From the top, you have a beautiful view of Pamplona and the Pyrenees in one direction and the easier upcoming stages in the other direction. 
Today's stage ends in Puente de la Reina, which has a beautiful old town and a famous bridge from where the Camino heads west (The Queens bridge, Puente de la Reina).

A few minor but steep hills to overcome, especially in the early part of the stage. The route passes through lots of vineyards and there are several opportunities to visit wineries. Foto: Gracias a Rafael Llano.

Distance: 46 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
EstellaPamplona
Day 3.- Estella - Logroño 40 Km

Estella is a history-rich and exciting city with a beautiful old town. Today's stage begins with a relatively gentle ascent, but is relatively easy afterwards. There are several wineries along the way which can be visited, and a few of them also serve as excellent restaurants. There’s not much shade available on this day, so if you walk on a sunny day, it advisable to get an early start. Torres del Rio is situated on a hilltop and has a nice old town to explore.

A flat and easy stage compared to everything you've experienced so far. Several villages, but especially a single historical town along the camino, are passed. You will often walk surrounded by vineyards as the Camino welcomes you to Logroño and La Rioja.

Logroño is La Rioja's largest city and, of course, the center of a large part of the Rioja wineries. Along with a good glass of wine goes, of course, good food, which Logroño certainly can offer. The city's well-preserved old town is the center of countless delicious tapas bars.

Distance: 40 Km

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LogroñoEstella
Day 4.- Logroño - Sto. Domingo 51 Km

Parks and the natural environment of the Grajera reservoir top off the stay in Logroño and open the doors to the soft Rioja landscape, filled with life and fruit trees. This stage will take you to Nájera passing through Navarrete, a town of pottery tradition and then on to Ventosa and the heights of San Antón. These hills offer unending views of rows of vines, a beautiful sight especially in September when the harvest has reached its peak.

Today the goal is Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a town in Rioja Alta. The route passes through the inviting town of Azofra. This route due to its proximity to Castilla is surrounded by a landscape of hectares of grain. On the other hand, Santo Domingo itself is a vibrant town. There are many restaurants with delicious food and a very well preserved city centre that attracts many tourists all year round.

Distance: 51 Km

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Sto. DomingoLogroño
Day 5.- Sto. Domingo - Burgos 75 Km

Today the Camino enters Castilla y León. From now on, for a couple of weeks, you will pass through the widened passages of the “Meseta Castellana” Castillian plateau. The closest objective is Belorado, located in the shade of a peak where old caves of hermits and ruins of a mythical Castle still remain.

The following stage passes through several interesting monuments such as the Virgen de la Peña church excavated from the rock and some very well located castle ruins. This part of the journey passes through hillside landscapes and extensive forests (the last before reaching León, and if you have chosen to continue walking from Leon to Santiago, you will not see true forests for approximately 300 km.).

The first leg of the trip passes through a small pine forest before seeing the outskirts of Burgos. Burgos was founded in the year 884 and its historical patrimony is evident from this.

The city is filled with monuments and with a gothic cathedral that acts as its crown jewel. In fact, the cathedral of Burgos became a UNESCO World Patrimony site in 1984. Overall, Burgos gives a medieval sensation, completed with its inviting tapas bars.

Distance: 75 Km

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BurgosSto. Domingo
Day 6.- Burgos - Fromista 65 Km

Today we enter the unpopulated plateau where you only be accompanied by your own shadow and strength, discovering landscapes and almost medieval towns that award the Camino the legend that has been embedded in it since its beginning.

This day, without tree coverage from the elements - be it the summer sun, the penetrating winter cold or the uncomfortable wind -sticks in your mind, along with passing under the arches of San Antón, the visit to the Castrojeriz and the later climb to the Teso de Mostelares. From this hill the brutal "Tierra de Campos" opens up to the pilgrim, a region proud of its grain, pigeon flocks and valuable art.

NOTE: The stages of days 8 and 9 can be divided in 3 if the distance appears too long to you.

Distance: 65 Km

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FromistaBurgos
Day 7.- Fromista - Sahagun 59 Km

In this stage the plainness and monotony of a walk takes over the walker passing through the core of the countryside. In the final leg you will find Santa María la Blanca church- a stronghold attributed to the Templars.

Today you can visit "Monesterio de San Zoilo" that is found on the outskirts of Carrión de los Condes (if you reserve your trip enough in advance it is possible to stay the night at the monastery).

The route continues through unending fields until you reach Sahagún, an important pilgrimage place with places of interest like monasteries, churches and a fantastic Roman bridge.

Distance: 59 Km

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SahagunFromista
Day 8.- Sahagún - León 55 Km

Grain, corn, sunflowers and numerous other crops provide color during this stage. Here you can see eagles and storks and although this stage is flat and a little boring there is lots to see. The route passes through several typical towns that probably wouldn't exist if it weren't for El Camino.

Today a tree lined path will take you to Reliegos y Mansilla. On the way you will see many cellars that appear as caves carved out of the hills. These were traditionally used to mature wine, but today these traditional cellars are far from wine manufacture, hence many of them are used for restaurants or private reunion areas where friends meet. Examples of this can be found in the small town of Reliegos.

Today you will go to León. The first few kilometres after Mansilla are pretty nice although later they pass through the industrial area of León, (for which reason some chose to take the bus).

Once you have reached Leon, when you first set eyes on the cathedral you will know that it was worth every step of the journey.

This old Roman capital is one of the main towns of the pilgrimage. In 910 León was the capital of the kingdom that later became the Spain that we know today. The medieval importance of the city is reflected in numerous monuments such as the San Marcos y San Isidoro cathedral where several old kings are buried.
The town is filled with tapas bars and inviting places from which you can admire sore-footed pilgrims walking around with the hope of reaching Santiago in this journey or the next.

Distance: 55 Km

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LeónSahagún
Day 9.- León - Astorga 50 Km

The Camino leaves Leon through the beautiful Roman bridge, next to the Hostal de San Marcos, now a National Parador. The first 8km are through the industrial zone of Leon. When this segment ends, however, the stage before you is relatively flat and becomes more beautiful with each step. There is also a much more attractive alternative path to this route that you can read about in the guidebook you will receive before your departure.

The main treat along today's stage is the Roman Bridge of Órbigo Hospital. Enjoy.
When you approach Astorga you will see the mountains in the backdrop that you will be crossing over the next few days.

Astorga is a very beautiful town with many memorable monuments such as the Episcopal Palace made by the great Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí. Do not forget to try the Maragato cuisine as well as Astorga's famous pastries, merles and hojaldres. In the guidebook we give you some examples of restaurants you can visit to taste this characteristic cooking.

Distance: 50 Km

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AstorgaLeón
Day 10.- Astorga - Molinaseca 46 Km

This day has a mountainous flavor. You'll pass by the famous iron cross (Cruz de Ferro) where pilgrims traditionally leave stones from their home towns at the base of the cross. Along the way to Molinaseca, the wondrous natural scenery is marked by a few villages. Molinaseca is crammed with charming restaurants frequented by pilgrims, and also many locals, enjoying the city’s streets and cozy cafés.

Distance: 46 Km

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MolinasecaAstorga
Day 11.- Molinaseca - Vega de Valcarce 51 Km

Start the day passing through Ponferrada which has a famous castle in the town center, Castillo de los Templarios, a 12th century Templar castle. Ponferrada is a large Camino-city with a population of over 60.000 - known for its large iron and coal reserves. Later you’ll pass through Cacabelos, a once important medieval pilgrim stop, today home for a large number of wine-bodegas. Then it’s on to Villafranca del Bierzo, often known as the “other” or “little” Santiago. We’ll pass by the 12th century Romanesque Church of Santiago and its north entrance Door of Forgiveness. Villafranca del Bierzo is a pleasant village in the middle of Bierzo, which has gradually established itself as one of Spain’s thriving wine regions. Villafranca del Bierzo is on of the most pleasant towns on the Camino.

Distance: 51 Km

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Vega de ValcarseMolinaseca
Day 12.- Vega de Valcarse - Sarria 47 Km

Today you'll walk along ancient paths shaded by birches, oaks, chestnuts and poplars up to the emblematic mountaintop village of O’Cebreiro, with a lovely 12th century Romanesque church that is the scene of a fascinating legen, and curious ancient straw-roofed dwellings called Pallozas. This path offers some of the most panoramic views, but is also one of the most challenging stages. Often shrouded in mist, the small stone village is extremely charming. If you arrive on a clear day, the views are dazzling!

After a lot of uphill on yesterday’s walk, today will be mostly downhill. We’ll again have many splendid views of the surrounding countryside. On todays walk you'll also start to notice stone granaries called horreos. You’ll also notice that the weather changes a bit, as we’re now subject to the winds, and rain, from the Atlantic Ocean. Also, the name Triacastela means “three castles”, although none of the castles still exist today. The limestone used to build the cathedral in Santiago came from quarries near Triacastela.

The landscape begins to change as you walk more downhill, perhaps a welcome relief after the last few days of hilly terrain. There are two routes to Sarria, and its recommendable to visit the Benedictine Monastery of Samos, founded in the 6th century and one of the oldest in western Christendom. From here its a idyllic hike through the forrest to Sarria.
Sarria itself is a town of about 13,000 residents and is the last place pilgrims with limited time can hike the minimum distance to the cathedral in Santiago, 100 km, to receive the certificate of completion on the Camino. Because of this, Sarria is a major starting point for many pilgrims. You’ll notice an increased number of fellow pilgrims from here to Santiago.

Distance: 47 Km

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SarriaVega de Valcarse
Day 13.- Sarria - Palas de Rei 47 Km

Galicia is one of the prettiest regions in Spain, both in nature and tradition. During today’s hike, you will become acquainted with its glorious traditions. Today’s walk is one of the most attractive stages of the entire Pilgrim’s Way; traveling through verdant forests, grassy meadows, fertile orchards and simple stone-built hamlets.

The terrain becomes flatter, though still hilly. Optimism takes over in this magnificent, lush area. By now your goal feels achievable. The journey continues along farm tracks and quiet country roads through the lush Galician countryside to Palas de Rei. Palas de Rei is a small village of around 2,000, with an illustrious past although nothing remains today as a reminder.

Distance: 47 Km

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Palas de ReiSarria
Day 14.- Palas de Rei - Santiago 69 Km

Today's views will seem somewhat familiar. A typical day on the Camino de Santiago, through rolling green landscapes, dotted with cows, stone walls and tiny Romanesque churches. Take time to talk and learn about myriad of legends and stories that this route offers.

An exhilarating atmosphere unfolds as your journey's end draws closer. Pilgrims now feel their goal, and begin to revel in happiness and relief with the many companions they met along the way. Today’s walk finds us on natural pathways through groves of tall Eucalyptus that provide superb shade for our steps.

Congratulations, you achieved an admirable goal, so it's time for a number of traditional pilgrimage rituals. First, be sure to get proof of this feat: the last stamp in your pilgrim passport. Along with the rituals, enjoy the End Station of the Pilgrim route, Santiago de Compostela, which offers a veritable cornucopia of attractions and one of the world’s most important cultural centers. This university town exudes charm and has a myriad of cozy streets offering ample opportunity to sample the many local delicacies. The cathedral is surrounded by a historic center which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list, and old town is incomparable. Its monuments stand as true works of art in different architectural styles.

Distance: 69 Km

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SantiagoPalas de Rei
Day 15.- Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre

True pilgrims continues further and finish their journeys in Finisterre. The tour goes by bus with an English-speaking guide from Santiago to Finisterre in the morning and returns mid-efternoon to Santiago. Just off the stunning, rugged coastline and the fabled “Costa de la Muerte” (Death Coast), a reef filled with shipwrecks and tales of legends captures a raw, natural beauty. On the coast’s westernmost point is Finisterre – meaning the world’s end. Romans named this coast because it was literally the end of the known world. For many pilgrims this is the symbolic endpoint of the pilgrimage. 

The evening is spent in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 16.- Departure from Santiago