CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Program

• Breakfast at Leon
• Bike ride from Leon to Astorga
• Astorga Village Tour
• Lunch on route
• Dinner at a local restaurant in Astorga
• Distance: 53.1 km / 32.9 m
• Elevation: 439 m / 1.440 feet

DAY 2: LEON – ASTORGA

After our delicious breakfast, we set off from our hotel. Our destination today is the town of Astorga. On the way, we pass though the unique village of Hospital de Orbigo. This small town is loaded with history, as the old Roman road connecting Asturica Augusta (Astorga) and Legio (Leon) still goes through here and you can see Paso Honroso, the legendary bridge, which crosses over the Orbigo river. 

The knights of the order of Saint John of Jerusalem founded a medieval hospital by the river to care for pilgrims on their way to Santiago. This historical building gave the name to the village that grew around it, Hospital the Orbigo and pilgrims continue to pass through on their way to Santiago. What a perfect break for our first day of cycling!

The monumental Astorga meets us at the end of the today’s stage. Its Roman walls, impressive cathedral and Gaudi’s Bishops’ Palace will amaze us as we make our way through the old town.

Although most people travels to Barcelona to admire the work of the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, here in Astorga we can also find one of his creations: The Bishops’ Palace.

Do not miss out the chance to visit Astorga’s Bishops’ Palace, it is the perfect excuse to stretch our legs before a well-deserved dinner of local fare.

Program

• Breakfast at Astorga Hotel
• Bike Ride from Astorga to Cacabelos
• Know the Iron cross
• Enjoy the views of El Bierzo Valley
• Discover the impressive Knight Templars 12th Century castle in Ponferrada
• Light lunch in route
• Dinner at a local restaurant in Cacabelos
• Distance : 67.1 km / 41.7 m
• Elevation: 899 m / 2.948 ft

DAY 3: ASTORGA – CACABELOS

Once geared up we leave Astorga to start our third day! The road climbs gradually uphill to one of the most famous landmarks on the Camino, the Iron Cross which stands upon an enormous cairn dating from time immemorial that marks the highest point on the French Camino in Spain. The pile is topped with a simple wooden pole and an iron cross.

However, what makes this cairn stand out from the others along the trail, is its sheer size and the fact that pilgrims continue to honour the tradition of leaving a stone here as they make their way west, serving as a testament to the countless pilgrims who have passed along the Camino de Santiago. In fact, every so often, stones must be removed to keep the pile from blocking the road that passes nearby. 

After reaching the cross, there is a rather long descent that offers astonishing views, and takes us to El Bierzo Valley. There we are welcomed by the quaint village of Molinaseca with its Pilgrim’s bridge, traditional architecture and the local Baroque church of Saint Nicholas.

Just a few kilometers onwards, the impressive Knight Templars 12th century castle in Ponferrada will surprise us as we enter town. The name Ponferrada comes from Pons Ferrata, the name given to the bridge built on the Bishop’s order in the 11th century to facilitate the crossing of the Sil river for pilgrims as they made, or still make, their way out of town.

And finally we will arrive at our destination, Cacabelos, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and relax for the next day. 

Program

• Breakfast at Cacabelos Hotel
• Bike ride from Cacabelos to Samos
• Light lunch on route
• Dinner at a local restaurant in Samos
• Discover the Door of forgiveness
• Ride thought O Cebeiro and collect your stamp
• Distance: 69.7 km / 43.32 m
• Elevation: 1.390 m / 4.560 ft

DAY 4: CACABELOS – SAMOS

After another filling breakfast, we hop on our bikes and cross into the lush green region of Galicia. The Bierzo Valley bids us a memorable farewell in the historical town of Villafranca del Bierzo at its western end, where the Romanesque Church of Santiago is located. This historical and architectural gem is one of the many churches dedicated to St. James the Apostle. The church was built in the 12th century and is best known for its Puerta del Perdón, or the Door of Forgiveness.

Then, following a challenging climb, we arrive to O Cebreiro which welcomes us with its quaint thatched roof houses and its charming little alleys which show off the Celtic heritage of this small hamlet. Don’t forget to get a stamp at the pre-Romanesque chapel before we start our descent that boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

At the bottom of the hill, we arrive in Triacastela, a small town nestled in a verdant valley surrounded by rolling hills. The village has charming stone houses, narrow streets, and a welcoming atmosphere. The name Triacastela translates loosely to “three castles,” in reference to the three Norman castles said to have existed in the town, although nothing remains of them today. Instead, Celtic castros (bronze-age stone settlements) dot the landscape around the town, the best explanation for the town’s name. 

Finally, we reach Samos. The famous Royal Benedictine Monastery of San Julián de Samos welcomes us as we enter the town. There has been monastic life here for 1500 years. Over the centuries, it has been reconstructed and expanded, resulting in a unique architectural blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.

For pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, the Monastery of Samos holds a special significance, having traditionally offered hospitality to weary travelers, providing them with food, shelter, and guidance.

Program

• Breakfast at Samos Hotel
• Bike ride from Samos to Ligonde
• Discover the Royal Benedictine Monastery of San Julian de Samos
• Visit the Monastery of the Magdalena
• Cross the Ponte de Miño bridge
• Lunch on route
• Dinner at a local restaurant in the center of Ligonde
• Distance: 62 km / 38.07 m
• Elevation: 1.246 m / 4.094 ft

DAY 5: SAMOS – LIGONDE

Yesterday it was our longest ride, so I hope you rested well tonight and regained your strength for our fifth day.

Further along the way is the town of Sarria, which gets its name from the river that runs through it, the Río Sarria. This is also the unofficial starting point for pilgrims who are only able or willing to walk the last 100 kilometers required.

Perhaps the best-known monument in Sarria is the Mercedarian Monastery of La Magdalena. Located on the top of the hill, it stands out for its Gothic structure and charming cloister. This convent also offers a basic but adequate hostel for pilgrims.

Before reaching our destination, we must cross the Ponte de Miño bridge, which offers beautiful views of the valley and the reservoir. If the water level is low, as is often the case in autumn, it is possible to see remains of the old village.

Finally, we will arrive at Ligonde, a small village in the province of Lugo. It is known for being a traditional stop on the Camino de Santiago, within the route of the Camino Francés. Throughout history, it has been a resting point for pilgrims and has housed medieval hospitals. It is also notable for its religious heritage, such as the church of Santiago de Ligonde and ancient stone crosses.

Program

• Breakfast in Ligonde hotel
• Bike ride from Ligonde to Arzua
• Get to know the Castro a celtic settlement
• Taste the typical Galician Pulpo (Octopus)
• Enjoy the best cheese of Spain in Arzua
• Dinner at our manor home in Arzua
• Distance: 50 km / 31.07 m
• Elevation: 753 m / 2.460 ft

DAY 6: LIGONDE – ARZUA

Having enjoyed a good night’s sleep and an energizing breakfast, we get ready to travel west across the Galician countryside, from Ligonde to Arzua. 

Perhaps one of today’s highlights is the castro (Celtic settlement) near the hamlet of Castromaior. These remains are over 2000 years old and what you see are the foundations and walls of the section that have been unearthed. 

A good stop for a coffee is in Palas de Rei. The name of the town translates to “Palace of the King” and it is believed to have been named after the royal palace of the Visigoth King Witiza that once stood in the area in the Middle Ages. 

Before reaching the end of our stage today, we’ll ride through Arzúa a modern looking town that dates back to Roman times, Arzúa was put on the map in the 11th century when pilgrims were attended to at the hospice in Ribadiso da Baixo.

Don’t forget to sample the local delicacy! Arzúa is considered the cheese capital in Galicia as is in this area where the famous creamy cow milk cheese is produced.

Tonight we’ll enjoy of a delicious dinner at our manor home before getting some shut eye, Santiago de Compostela is just one day away!

PROGRAM

• Breakfast in Arzua
• Bike ride from Arzua to Santiago de Compostela
• Obtain your Compostela certification
• Lunch on route
• Dinner at Santiago de Compostela to celebrate the end
• Distance: 51.2 km / 31.82 m
• Elevation: 920 m / 3.018 ft

DAY 7: ARZUA – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Today is the big day. We are arriving in Santiago! We continue our journey along, winding reen roads through rural Galicia and, before we know it, we’ll be at the outskirts of town which can be a bit of a shock after days of cycling through the peaceful countryside. However, the very last part of the Camino goes through the older quarters of the city and the historic district, which have not changed much in over 150 years. 

After a week of pedalling, we have finally arrived at our destination: the Cathedral. At this point, we can go to the hotel and rest or explore the city, while our team requests the Compostela certificate. In the evening, we will sit down for a celebratory dinner. While we savor the last hours we have together, we can reflect on our journey along the Camino de Santiago with the Bizi Cycle Tours and Fresco Tours team.

PROGRAM

• Last Breakfast
• Private Guided visit to the cathedral

DAY 8: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA 

Today is bittersweet: it is our last day together. After a nice breakfast, we meet our local Santiago art historian for an enriching tour of the Cathedral. 

Once inside the ‘walled’ part of the city, we are a short stroll from the Cathedral. The Plaza de Obradoiro has unofficially become “kilometer 0” for the thousands of pilgrims that complete their pilgrimage every year. 

The Plaza is surrounded by some of the most important monuments in Santiago: the Plateresque style (Spanish Renaissance) Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, the Palacio de Rajoy, the Colegio de San Jerónimo, and finally, the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela. 

This magnificent finale, as well as the meaningful journey, make it all worth it! After a tour of the Cathedral, we leave you to participate, if you wish, in the pilgrims’ mass at noon. We hope that you enjoyed your journey, and we can’t wait to see you again soon!