Camino de Santiago: From Leon to Santiago (Premium)
7 nights from €1558
5Pilgrimage by Bike: Embark on a Spiritual Journey from Leon to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino de Santiago
Welcome to a remarkable cycling journey that spans from the charming city of Leon to the revered destination of Santiago de Compostela. This is not just a bike tour, but an exploration of history, culture, and the captivating landscapes that connect these two iconic places.
You join the well-trodden French Way of the Camino de Santiago in Spain and bike the last 320 kilometers. You follow in the footsteps of thousands and thousands of pilgrims who have ventured this route for centuries. The cycling winds through quaint villages, picturesque countryside, and historical sites, offering a serene and reflective way to experience the beauty of northern Spain.
The pinnacle of your experience is Santiago de Compostela. The magnificent cathedral befittingly symbolizes the end of the pilgrimage. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a masterpiece of religious architecture and art.
Finishing the route is a mix of emotions. For some, it's a triumph, the culmination of a physical and mental journey. For others, it's a moment of reflection, a pause to absorb the history and camaraderie that the Camino embodies.
For most, it is much more than a bike tour.
Each pedal stroke becomes a part of your own pilgrimage!
Daily Program
Note: 8-night/9-day tour available, please inquire for details
Day 1: Leon
Your tour begins in the heart of Leon, a city steeped in history. One of the city's most iconic landmarks, the León Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is renowned for its intricate stained glass windows, elaborate carvings, and stunning sculptures and is the perfect symbolic beginning to your journey.
Day 2: León - Astorga
33 miles/53 km
Pedal into the pilgrimage as you leave León and venture through idyllic villages and scenic landscapes toward Astorga. En route, you'll encounter the magnificent Episcopal Palace, an architectural gem often referred to as the "Palacio de Gaudí." Its blend of neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance, and modernist styles is a sight to behold, reflecting the rich history of Astorga.
Day 3: Astorga - Ponferrada
37 miles/59 km
Today's journey leads you through the picturesque Bierzo Valley, a tapestry of rolling hills and vineyards. As you cycle, the lush green scenery and cultivated fields create a serene backdrop, and the occasional climbs offer a sense of achievement rewarded by stunning views. The Templar Castle awaits in Ponferrada, a symbol of history etched in stone.
Day 4: Ponferrada - Las Herrerias
27 miles/43 km
The route is challenging yet exhilarating as you ride through the Galician mountains. Dense forests and winding paths immerse you in the beauty of the wilderness. This section of the route offers a unique opportunity for introspection and reflection in the solitude of the mountains.
Day 5: Las Herrerias - Sarria
31 miles/49 km
Descending from the Galician mountains, today's ride offers a change of pace and a chance to savor the beauty of the Galician countryside. You cycle on rolling hills, through lush meadows, and fields. Arrival in Sarria marks a significant milestone on the Camino.
Day 6: Sarria - Arzúa
47 miles/75 km
Charming hamlets and cafes dot the scenic route, offering glimpses into the region's cultural fabric. The day's destination, Arzúa, has retained much of its traditional Galician architecture and charm. Treat yourself to the local cheese, "Queixo Arzúa-Ulloa," a soft, creamy cheese made from cow's milk and integral to local cuisine.
Day 7: Arzúa - Santiago de Compostela
24 miles/39 km
The final leg of your journey brings a sense of accomplishment as you approach Santiago de Compostela. Passing through picturesque villages, you'll arrive at Monte do Gozo, a hill offering panoramic views of the city and its iconic cathedral spires. As you descend toward Santiago, the cathedral stands tall, symbolizing your pilgrimage's culmination.
Day 8: Departure
With lifelong memories, you bid farewell to Santiago de Compostela as you're transferred to Santiago or Vigo airport. As you leave, you carry the stories, landscapes, and reflections that have enriched your Camino experience.
Hotels
You can choose your level of accommodation!
Standard: 3- & 4-star hotels
- Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro
- Hotel Temple Ponferrada
- Hotel Paraiso del Bierzo
- Hotel Alfonso IX
- Hotel Pazo Santa Maria
- Compostela Hotel
Premium: 5-star hotels or upgraded rooms within the 4-star establishments
- Parador de León
- AC Hotel Ponferrada Marriot
- Superior room at Hotel Paraiso del Bierzo
- Superior room at Hotel Alfonso IX
- Superior room at Hotel Pazo Santa Maria
- Parador de Compostela Hotel
Bikes
Hard tail mountain bicycle*
(*Included in tour price)
Men's frame:
Brand: Trek X-Calibur (or similar)
- 18 speeds
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Women's frame:
Specialized Pitch Comp 27.5
- 24 speeds
- Mechanical disc brakes
Electric Bicycle
Brand: KTM Macina or Cube Acid
- 500 wh battery
- Front suspension
- 9 speeds
Accessories
- Helmet
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lock
Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
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Surface and terrain
Beginning with easy urban pathways in León, the route gradually shifts to the rolling hills of Astorga and Ponferrada. As the journey progresses and leads you to O Cebreiro, the terrain transforms into steep mountain climb. Approaching the final stretch towards Santiago, the path weaves through gentle ascents and descents. Electric bikes are available and recommended as these climbs become both achievable and deeply rewarding.
How to get there
Tour start:
Leon Airport (LEN)
Tour end:
Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)
Airport transfers are included in your tour price on arrival and departure days.
Reviews
- ★★★★★ Angelica C
Challenging and Beautiful E-Biking Along the French Camino
Camino de Santiago: From Leon to Santiago on an E-Bike
Embarking on our 10th bike tour, we ventured from Leon to Santiago using e-bikes for the first time. The journey was both exciting and challenging, offering breathtaking scenery throughout. Despite it being early spring with many closed hotels, the route was well-planned and curated for us, thanks to Sergio and his team.
The transition from paved roads in bustling areas to thrilling mountain biking paths was seamless. Potential travelers should be prepared for a significant amount of MTB terrain, making the journey quite challenging. The well-maintained e-bikes provided a sense of safety and reliability throughout our trip. In case of any issues, we were equipped with repair tools and had Sergio readily available to address any questions.
We experienced a mix of accommodations, from charming hotels to more practical one-night stays, which complemented the tour perfectly. Overall, it was a rewarding adventure that left us feeling a sense of accomplishment.
- What was the date of your tour?
- March 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Greg Hedges
Stunning
I can not speak highly enough of this bike tour. It takes you to the spiritual heart of Spain from Roman times forward. The geographical dimensions are equally as spectacular as you follow the Camino de Santiago from Leon to Santiago de Compostela. Say yes when you get asked for an e-Bike. There is some work to do. Just in the same manner as a Peregrino.
The best part is the hosts - Sergio and Felipe. Attentive, passionate about cycling, and a real attention to detail when it comes to making the most of the experience. Best bike ride I have ever been on.- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Jose FERNANDEZ
Excellent Trip!!
Hotels were charming. The bikes were excellent and so was the route. Very happy we were able to get the completion certificate for Camino de Santiago. Our bag always arrived before we got to the next hotel!!
- ★★★★★ Tom G
Amazing experience
Highly recommend this trip. The scenery and route are a nice mix of easier and challenging days, and doing the “self guided” option gave us some flexibility, but we were still confident in the route/directions. Our e-bikes were excellent. The hotels were also excellent - a mixture of boutique and traditional commercial lodging, but all clean and comfortable. Leon and Astorga were especially amazing. Loved it!
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2924
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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