CAMINO DE SANTIAGO, SPAIN / BICYCLE TOUR. 2012
Burgos to Santiago de Compostela.

ITINERARY

DAY 0

Arrival Day. June 09th. Meet at our Hotel in Burgos. We’ll assemble bikes, answer any questions you might have, etc. Burgos (pop. 170,000) is a city with amazing old architecture, wide tree-lined streets and an intricate system of canals and rivers; it is worth arriving early and take a stroll through it.

DAY 1

June 10th. Burgos to Castrojeriz. (43 km). A gentle, mostly flat day (maybe a couple of bumps) through vineyards and Spanish countryside, an easy day to help recover from any jet lag. Castrojeriz (pop. 1,200) in spite of its small size this village has many historic monuments in it including a castle in ruins with some astonishing views of the valley below.

DAY 2

June 11th. Castrojeriz to Carrion de los Condes. (45 km). Mostly a flat ride through boundless green wheat fields and nice vistas. Lots of small hamlets along the route, great for a stop to stretch and have a snack.

DAY 3

June 12th. Carrion de los Condes to Mansilla de las Mulas.(77 km). Our last flat ride. The plains will let us enjoy the big blue sky while riding on the poplar-lined trail through beautiful old towns ending up in Mansilla de las Mulas (pop. 1825), a small medieval town, great for a short walk by the plaza after dinner.

DAY 4

June 13th. Mansilla de las Mulas to Astorga. (70 km).Today some gentle hills are a welcome relief while riding along old roman roads. The city of Leon (pop.146,000) is on route. There is a lot to see and wonder, worth spending some time in Leon. Astorga (pop. 13,500) besides its stunning architecture, it is a very significant junction of the pilgrim’s routes –the French and the Silver trails intersect here, we’ll stay in a hotel by the Plaza.

DAY 5

June 14th. Astorga to Molinaseca. (50 km). A short day but somewhat demanding in the first half. Molinaseca is a charming little village of about 600 people. Lots of time to relax, sit in a café, walk the streets and take in the sights.

DAY 6

June 15th. Molinaseca to Villafranca. (30 km). Climb about 600m elevation in the first half of the day, in the afternoon coast down 800m to Cacabelos, well known for its delicious white wines; on route visit the famous Spanish military Templar Castle in Ponferrada. Villafranca (pop. 2,600) is a beautiful small village, with excellent food and wine, we are staying in a hotel by the river.

DAY 7

June 16th.Villafranca to Samos. (65 km). Hills, mature forests of pines, chestnuts and oaks, Gallician farmyards, vineyards, great variety of terrain and magnificent views of the Valcarce Valley.
Samos (pop. 200) is located in a narrow valley by the Orubio River. Staying in a hotel by the river.

DAY 8

June 17th. Samos to Portomarin . (45 km). Recommended stopping at the city of Sarria on the river for a late brunch. Rolling terrain, centuries old cattle farms, a ride back through the middle ages-cross several medieval bridges. Portomarin (pop. 700) nice old village once submerged; beautiful views of the river.

DAY 9

June 18th. Portomarin to Arzua. (55 km). Ride under the cover of tree lined paths through farmer’s fields. Undulating terrain, lots of tiny hamlets to stop and snack. Arzua (pop.7,000) last major village before Santiago.

DAY 10

June 19th. Arzua to Santiago de Compostela. (40 km). Gentle hills through several hamlets lead us to the finish of St. James’ pilgrimage. Santiago de Compostela (pop. 89,500) simply impressive, take your time to walk through it and admire its beauty.

DAY 11

Travel Day. June 20th. You are on your own. We'll help you board a bus or point you in the right direction. You are responsible for your return transportation. We’ll be happy to help you out arranging an extended stay if you wish.

Note: Minimum 10 to run the trip. Please check for availability.