This diverse trip will show you the rugged and romantic northern coast of Spain. You will travel along the Bay of Biscay across the remote and rustic Asturias mountains, full of green fields and luxuriant forests. This is the rich culture of the Camino a Santiago de Compostela, a pilgrimage route established and worn by centuries of devout Christians. The trip follows the coast through sleepy Spanish fishing towns, with a stop in bustling Bilbao to see the Guggenheim museum.
You will then move up into the beautiful mountains, a third of which have been designated a protected natural area, seeing cave shrines and mountain lakes, and resting in rustic hideaways. These places are beautiful in their mountain simplicity, and in counterpoint to your next destinations: regal cities like Oviedo, and nights in Paradors – inns built in ancient historic buildings such as ninth century castles, to provide luxurious lodging. As you advance, the splendor continues: courtyards, beautiful cathedrals, and the pilgrimage route into Santiago de Compostela. This trip is designed to give time for exploration of the local region without having to change hotels every night.
2009-2010 Guided Dates: Scheduled by request. Call to check for updates or to add a new date.
2009-2010 Self-Guided Dates: You Choose !
The distances are reasonable, with options for more advanced cyclists. Spain is a hilly place but van support will be available for relaxed riders. Tour starts: Biarritz, France; noon day 1, or in Gijon at Hotel Parador Molino Viejo, 5:00 pm, day 9 (complimentary transfer to Gijon available departing Oveido at approximately 4 pm); Finish: Santiago de Compostela, 10:00 am day 15.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Biarritz Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel. Internal clock adjustment, introductions, and bike preparation. Short test ride to work out the details. Lodging: Hotel Peruskenia, Beruete.
Day 2: Cycle to the Orreage Roncesvalles for pilgrimage documentation. (50km one way). Your hotel is relatively close to the start of the Camino Santiago de Compostela, so you may choose to cycle to Orreage Roncesvalles for official pilgrimage documentation. Alternatively, you can ride to Pamplona - famous for the running of the bulls. In any case, the hotel is in a lovely rural area to recover from the jet lag. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 3: Cycle to Lekeieitio (100km). Cycle toward the coast, where your destination is a magnificent old palace and seaside spa. Lodging: Emperatriz Zita, Lekeitio.
Day 4: Lekeitio to Mungia, lunch at the Guggenheim Musem, Transfer out of Bilbao, cycle to Isla. (40km to lunch) (40km after lunch to Ilsa). Cycle through Basque country to see the town of Gernika, made famous by Picasso’s painting of the same name. Afterwards, transfer by van into Bilbao to see the Guggenheim Musem, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. From there, transfer to the coastal town of Catro Urdiales for a ride through small seaside towns of Noja and Escalante, to Cabo de Ajo and into Isla. Lodging : Hotel Campomar, Isla.
Day 5: From Cabo de Ajo, by ferry into Santander, then on to Satillana del Mar and Alles (80km or much more if desired. Surfing options may also exist). A pleasant ride along the coast to a ferry which will take you into Santander, nicely sidestepping the city outskirts. Ride to Satillana del Mar to see the caves at Altamira. Lodging : Hotel la Tahona de Besnes, Besnes Alles.
Day 6: Alles to Collia (64km). Cycle up to Covadonga to see the Basilica of Our Lady of Battle. There is a shrine in a cave, and further up, a most beautiful mountain lake, accessible only by very fit riders or by van on guided trips. Lodging: Hotel Posada del Valle, Arriondas.
Day 7: Hiking or rest day at Collia. This is an opportunity to hike one of the most spectacular hikes in Europe, in the Picos de Europa. Riders can set out uphill to explore Asturia mountain villages, and return downhill at the end of the day. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 8: Collia to Gijon. (72km). Travel through some arduous country and be well rewarded by staying in a parador – the first of a few you will enjoy during the remainder of this fabulous adventure. Lodging: Parador Molino Viejo, Gijon.
Day 9: Day to explore the towns of Oviedo or Leon. (100km one way). Optional riding as alternative to van shuttle to Oviedo, and optionally to Leon - the heart of the ancient kingdom with a remarkable basilica: Santa Maria de Regla. Those who are joining the tour today will meet the group at the Parador Molino Viejo in Gijon at 5:00 pm. A complimentary transfer is available from the train station in Oviedo departing at approximately 4:00 pm. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 10: Gijon to Luarca (76km). Your destination today is a beautiful seaside town. Lodging: Villa de Luarca, Luarca.
Day 11: Luarca to Ribadeo (40Km). This charming beach village is a perfect place to spend the afternoon after a short morning of cycling. Lodging: Parador de Ribadeo.
Day 12: Ride to Villalba (90km). Explore the beautiful old walled city and chapel in a beautiful town on the Camino Santiago de Compostela. Lodging: Parador de Vilalba, Vilalba.
Day 13: Villalba to Arzua (70km). This is the last stop on most pilgrimages to Santaiago de Compostela, and an appropriate resting place for you to prepare for the final push. Lodging: Hotel Suiza, Arzúa.
Day 14: Arrive in Santiago de Compostela via Mount Joy (100km). Follow the pilgrimage route for the last section of your trip. Lodging: Parador de Santiago de Compostela. A five star deluxe hotel next to the famous Santiago de Compestela cathedral, possibly the oldest hotel in the world.
Day 15: Explore Santiago de Compostela. The trip concludes this morning following breakfast with a transfer to either the airport or the train station in Santiago de Compestela.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: 15 days C$ 5945 (US$ 4950) pp. dbl.; 7 days – join in Gijon – C$ 4945 (US$ 4595) pp. dbl. (6 nights, 6 breakfasts, picnic lunches available every day that independent roadside options are not available, 3 dinners, transfer from Oveido to Gijon and to the airport or the train station in Santiago at the end of the trip, luggage handling, van & guide support, maps & route notes)
- Self-Guided Cost: 15 Days C$ 5195 (US 4620) pp. dbl.; 7 days – begin in Gijon – C$ 4395 (US$ 3995). 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, transfer from Oveido to Gijon and to the airport or the train station in Santiago at the end of the trip, luggage transfers, maps & route notes)
- Bike Rental: Lightweight hybrid or racing: $ 275
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Spain
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Ecotourism
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