CAMINO DE SANTIAGO, SPAIN / BICYCLE TOUR.
Burgos to Santiago de Compostela.
From early in the 10th Century until modern times, thousands of people annually walk or ride this famous Pilgrim route. History, culture, art, good wines, and great riding are part of the daily adventure. The trail often runs parallel by paved roads, so for sections, cyclists can choose between “off-road” riding or pavement. Listed as the main European Cultural Itinerary this route is spectacular, filled with ancient monuments and typical villages.
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Camino Santiago, Spain. Courtesy LH Wilson.
Camino Santiago, Spain. Courtesy Jill Haras.
Camino Santiago, Spain. Courtesy LH Wilson.
Getting There & Back
Our trip starts from the city of Burgos. First day of riding is June 21st, 2010 we rendezvous the day before (June 20th). The easiest way to get to Burgos is to fly to Madrid or Bilbao. There are many daily trains and buses to Burgos (4 hours from Madrid, 2 from Bilbao). The tour finishes in Santiago de Compostela June 30th. There is good rail/bus service and flights back to Madrid or Bilbao.
We are not intimate with any airlines or travel agencies, best to check the web or with a travel agent re air flights. We can help you with bus and train logistics within Spain.
The Riding
The majority of the riding is on a gravel/dirt lane (pilgrim route) with no traffic –other than other cyclists and walkers. A mountain bike or cross bike is the way to go—however- the route is often paralleled by a local highway, so riders can often jump onto some pavement. The first couple of days are basically flat, and then some climbing and descent days follow. Mileage is kept reasonable; days are tough enough to give strong riders a workout, but short enough that recreational riders can still enjoy themselves. People are expected to bike the distances, our support vehicle carries luggage from hotel to hotel, but is not a shuttle van unless riders are injured or sick.
We can help arrange bike rentals if you give us plenty of notice, 2010 rental prices are not confirmed yet.
Meals
Cyclists are on their own for meals although we provide 3 breakfasts. Throughout the route you’ll be able to find food stores, cafes & restaurants, some of them, offer special moderate priced “pilgrim’s menus”. The Spanish like to eat late in the day –so some days we will provide some snacks and beverages late afternoon to tie us over until restaurants open in the evenings. We’ll have bread & peanut butter- to make the odd sandwich to get you to a café or restaurant for breakfast time ---sometimes only coffee and croissants can be found early in the morning.
Bottled water can be purchased in all towns and there are many town fountains with drinking water. Your bike should have the capacity to carry a minimum of 2 water bottles.
We do not orchestrate a lot of group meals or activities, we rather allow people to explore and spend their holiday time as they see fit, keeping it flexible to their own preferences.
Accommodations
Rooms are booked with double occupancy; if traveling solo, we’ll try to find you a same sex roommate, if this is not possible, due hotel pricing we’ll collect 50% of the single supplement fee on the final payment, if a roommate is found we’ll refund you the supplement fee. We will stay in quaint two and three star hotels. Most of the accommodations are very nice, some are quite basic. Hotel nights from June 20th through June 30th (11 nights) are covered in the price.
Climate
Daytime highs could be between 15-26C, evening temperatures might drop to 10?C. It is the beginning of summer but as we enter Galicia province there might be a slight chance of rain.
Cost
$1650 Cdn. Per person on double occupancy. Add $425 Cdn. single occupancy.
$100 non-refundable deposit reserves a spot. Full payment is due 90 days before the tour start. (March 20th). We are not required to collect GST on this trip (tour is outside Canada). Please make cheques payable to GABRIOLA CYCLE & KAYAK. We are not able to process credit cards. Thank you.
Cancellation fee 31-90 days prior to the start: Full deposit + 20% final payment.
Cancellation fee 1-30 days prior to the start: Full deposit + 40% final payment.
We Provide
11 hotel nights / 3 breakfasts/ support vehicle / luggage transport from hotel to hotel/ snacks / bike transfer to Burgos at end of trip/ bike route maps / bilingual guides.
Not Included
Airfare/ Airport pick up or drop off/ bicycle / wine
Note: Minimum 10 to run the trip. Please check for availability.
Tour Dates
June 20th - 30th, 2010
10 riding days / 11 nights
COST: $1650 CDN (based on double occupancy), + $425 for single occupancy.
There is no GST charged on trips outside Canada.
TWO SPOTS AVAILABLE!
Please check for availability and make
sure to send in your deposit to secure
your reservation.
