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La Corsa's CAMINO DE SANTIAGO - Northern Spain
Please, note! This Tour is no longer offered
by InfoHub. Find similar tours here.
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 9
day(s)
Group Size: 5
- 16
people
Destination(s):
Spain
Specialty Categories:
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
Season: July
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 2495 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 2495 US Dollar (USD)
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For a thousand years and as many diverse reasons travelers have journeyed from the far reaches of France to cross Spain on foot, by horseback, by boat and bicycle. Their goal was Santiago de Campostela and its majestic Cathedral which contains the shrine to of St. James, patron saint of Spain. His grave is said to have been discovered by a hermit in 813 in a place showed by a rain of stars. The route grew in importance during the liberation of Spain from Moslem domination. Today 35% of those who follow this historic path across Northern Spain do so by bike. Paved roads take us through stunning and unspoiled scenery. From the alpine landscape of the Pyrenees we ride into the Rioja wine region. The scenery changes daily as we cross the dry, flatlands of Castile and enter the almost Welsh-looking green of the province of Galicia. You will see some of the most extraordinary churches, sculptures and artwork of Europe's Middle Ages. The cultural riches to be found in great artistic centers of Burgos, Leon and Santiago and each small town speak to centuries of accomplishment in every style from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque. Along the way, you will stay in some of the world's most exquisite and acclaimed hotels, including the Paradores in Leon and Santiago. The road to Campostela is a perfect introduction to cycling in Spain and rich European culture as any cyclist could wish for.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Day One - Burgos.
Enjoy the Old World atmosphere of Burgos, the city of the medieval hero, El Cid. Visit the site where Columbus was received by the kings after his voyage. Stroll along the riverside park. Save time for shopping and tapas in the winding streets of the old center. The soaring spires of the Cathedral are lit up against the evening sky..
(D)
Day 2:
Day Two - Burgos to Carrión de Los Condes.
68 miles. 1490 feet.
Ride across the Castillian plains, past crumbled walls built of stone. Stop at the beautiful church in Frómista and continue through lush meadows and under the shade of poplar groves. The extraordinary monastery in Carrión is now a luxury hotel.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 3:
Day Three Carrión de los Condes to León.
80 miles. 1870 feet.
Sunflowers and cornfields line the roads as we ride to Sahagún. Sun-baked mud and stones make up the walls of the homes on our way to León.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 4:
Day Four León rest day.
See the wonderful paintings in the Basilica of San Isidoro. Nothing compares to the elaborate stained glass windows in the Cathedral of León or its many other treasures. Save some time to stroll through the town and enjoy its many sights.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 5:
Day Five - León to Astorga.
40 miles. 1050 feet.
Ride along the river and over the old Roman bridge where a bloody clash took place between the Moors and Alfonso the Great a thousand years ago. Enter Astorga through the ancient Puerta del Sol. Try some of the rich, buttery pastries, called mantecadas, the perfect post-ride treat.
(B) (L)
Day 6:
Day Six - Astorga to Villafranca del Bierzo.
45 miles 3280 feet.
The road climbs into the Montes de León. Near the top we come to the Cruz de Ferro, an iron cross in a pile of stones and one of the most ancient monuments along the route. The view that extends for miles over the green countryside. Taste the highly rated Bierzo wine in Villafranca.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 7:
Day Seven - Villafranca del Bierzo to Portomarín.
65 miles. 5395 feet.
Climb to Cebreiro, a town famous for its straw-roofed dwellings. A long descent brings us to one of the oldest monasteries in Spain. The entire town of Portomarin was moved stone by stone to its present site.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 8:
Day Eight - Portomarín to Santiago de Compostela.
85 miles. 7085 feet.
Our final ride takes us through scenic farmland on tiny roads. Enjoy the lush countryside and wonderful aroma as we ride through a eucalyptus forest. At last, the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago are in sight. We spend the night in what has been called the most beautiful hotel in the world - the Parador of Santiago. Built by Ferdinand and Isabella to shelter the pilgrims in the 15th century, today it is a first rate, super luxury hotel filled with muesum quality pieces of artwork and seeping with history of which you are about to become a part.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 9:
Day Nine - You can't help but feel excitement upon entering Santiago knowing how many others have done the same before you. We have arranged for a guided tour of the Cathedral and there's time to explore the many treasures of the town of Santiago before departure.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Spain
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
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