Cycle the Camino de Santiago
Experience Overview
The Camino de Santiago runs across northern Spain, originating in the Galicia region where the tomb of the apostle James the Great was discovered in the ninth century. Also known as the Way of Saint James, it is marked by a scallop shell symbol and the joining grooves are said to represent the many different routes pilgrims take to reach Santiago. The gothic cathedrals, medieval monasteries and miles of beautiful rural scenery make this section of the ancient route so popular.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels and casas rurales) — Six days of cycling with partial vehicle support — 70 percent paved roads, 30 percent gravel roads and tracks — Some climbs — Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16 —
E-bikes available for an additional cost — Option to travel by train to your adventure
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels and casas rurales) — Six days of cycling with partial vehicle support — 70 percent paved roads, 30 percent gravel roads and tracks — Some climbs — Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16 —
E-bikes available for an additional cost — Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip For You
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Six days of cyclingAverage distance: 33mi (53km) per dayPartial vehicle supportTerrain and route: 70 percent on quiet minor roads and 30 percent on a mixture of cycle paths, non-technical tracks and a few off-road sections
Wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory on this trip. This tour can be cycled with an e-bike (additional charge applies). For those who are less confident with six days of self-powered cycling but are keen to experience this pilgrimage, we recommend an e-bike. Our guides are experienced in managing groups with both push bikes and e-bikes, and many of our clients enjoy the flexibility that an e-bike offers. Please speak to us if you would like to add this option to your booking.
As we are passing through rural communities the roads are quiet with very little traffic; however, you will be sharing the route with walkers and cyclists all on their way to Santiago de Compostela. There is one long but gradual climb on the second cycling day of the trip, but the support vehicle will be available if you prefer to opt out. Alternatively, there is the opportunity to walk along the hiking track. There are a few cobbled sections where you should take care, particularly in wet conditions. This trip is ideal for confident cyclists who exercise regularly and have a strong level of fitness.
Group Description
There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts are included.
Breakfasts will be continental style with cold cheese, meats and bread, plus pastries, tea and coffee.
Vegetarians: Please be aware that a meat and fish diet is the norm in northern Spain. Many vegetarians have not experienced any problems; however, please be prepared to be flexible. Please note, mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.
Transportation
Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). While cycling, the vehicle will carry your baggage and be on hand with assistance or if you choose to sit out a section of the ride. A guide cycles with the group.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Apartahotel Exe Campus San Mamés, C. Vegamián, 13, 24007 León
Phone: +34 987 34 70 33
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 3hr 30min drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Transfer Details
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Weather Information
In April and October, expect temperatures between 5C-15C (41F-59F) with a high chance of rain showers. In the mornings, it is often cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures in May and September tend to be warmer than April and October. Expect a combination of sun, light showers and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 15C-30C (59F-86F).
Spending Money
There are restaurants all along the Camino de Santiago offering set lunches and dinners for approximately €12-€15 specifically aimed at those travelling the route. The exception would be the special group dinner in Santiago de Compostela for approximately €30. We recommend you allow about €250 overall; however, this depends on which restaurants you choose.
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution between €20 and €25 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the trip. For your driver, we recommend approximately €15-€20 per person.
Highlights
— Discover medieval monasteries and unspoiled rural scenery — Enjoy the fantastic food and wine produced along the way — Follow the pilgrimage route to Santiago — Collect stamps for your pilgrim's passport along the way — Receive your much sought-after Compostela certificate
Trip Details
Product Code: 4395
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: he group.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: MWC
Starts: León, Camino de Santiago
Finishes: León, Camino de Santiago
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts — All accommodation — Airport transfers — Local bike hireAccommodation
Casa Rurales and HotelsIn the smaller villages, we stay in characterful family-run casa rurales and in larger towns we stay in larger hotels. All have en suite facilities and are situated beside the Camino de Santiago.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,275 ($534 /day)
Itinerary
The trip starts in León. We may have time to visit the beautiful gothic cathedral and stroll around winding narrow streets before a trip briefing and our first meal as a group. Accommodation: Apartahotel Exe Campus San Mamés
We head into the countryside, riding across the plains of Castilla through cultivated countryside and quaint villages with adobe houses and wine caves. We take lunch in Hospital del Orbigo and on entering the village we cross a medieval bridge, which is one of the longest pilgrimage bridges in Spain.). We then ride the final 9mi (15km) to the beautiful walled town of Astorga, with views of the León mountains in the distance. Accommodation: Hotel Gaudi
Today's ride is the most beautiful of the trip as we leave the Castilian plains and climb gradually into the León mountains to the Monte de la Cruz de Ferro (4,938ft/1,505m). We pass through Castrillo de los Polvazares en route, known for its very special architecture created by strong orange-coloured stone. After riding through the mountain village of Acebo (the main street is a straight line of beautiful balconied houses) we enjoy the rest of our descent into Molinaseca with stunning views of the surrounding valley. Accommodation: Hostal El Palacio
The highlight today is the ride to the beautiful town of Villafranca with views across the green valleys of Galicia and wooded mountains of León. After the first easy and mainly flat 15.5mi (25km), passing through vineyards as we are in the wine region of El Bierzo, then we have a short climb to Villafranca, which is worth a look for its many monuments and picturesque town square. Then, we cycle another 15 km to the village of Ambasmestas just in the middle of the picturesque valley of Vega de Valcarce, on the foothills of Monte de O'Cebreiro. Accommodation: Hotel Ambasmestas
In the morning will take a transfer up to the mountaintop and the small village of O'Cebreiro. This fairytale village is the first population of Galicia where we can appreciate wonderful views of the valleys that surround this peak and admire the slate-roofed black houses From O’Cebreiro, as we enter Galicia, the landscape changes dramatically and the area is populated by traditional agricultural villages. Each family has small plots of land, which they cultivate for their own vegetables, and we pass many local people working the land and tending to their cattle. As well as a change in culture, landscape and language, Galicia has a gastronomy that uses high-quality products prepared in simple but very delicious ways. We enjoy lunch in Samos, which is home to one of the oldest monasteries in Spain and afterwards we will cycle through chestnut forests passing Sarria, and then along tree-lined paths to arrive to our destination for the evening, Portomarin. Accommodation: Hotel Villajardin
Today we will start with a 13km climb to arrive at the best preserved Celtic settlement in northern Spain. Then afterwards we have a downhill section from Ventas de Naron to Palas de Rei, a small town full of the pilgrim spirit. Then we cycle along a picturesque stretch of the Camino, as we cross several Roman bridges and cycle past Medieval churches to get the town of Melide, which is renowned for its octopus with potatoes dish, and end our day in Arzua, well-known for its cheeses. Accommodation: Hotel Arzua
Our final day involves several short ascents and descents towards Monte de Gozo. From here, as pilgrims have done for centuries, we wind through the city streets and crowds to Plaza del Obradoiro, which is dominated by the impressive cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. We then move onto the Pilgrim's Office for those who wish to obtain the compostela (certificate of accomplishment). Accommodation: Hotel Loop INN Santiago
The trip ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to the group and start your return journey home.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Jackie Duvall - Traveled, August 2023
Possibly my favourite Exodus trip so far This is a great trip. More challenging than it looks on paper as most of the steepest climbs are off road. We had great weather although it was very hot for the most challenging climb. Even so, we all made it to the top successfully. Javier and Alberto were our guide and transporter and really made the trip special. I didn’t do the Camino for religious purposes but collecting stamps in your pilgrim passport along the way and travelling to the same places as everyone else on the route made this trip a bit different. Most Inspirational Moment Finishing the final difficult climb up near the airport of Santiago. We all made it and in plenty of time to know we would get to the centre with time to spare. There was a team spirit in our group by then and we were all pleased for each other. Thoughts on Group Leader Javier was great. Just the right amount of help, advice and encouragement. Very knowledgeable too. Alberto was wonderful too, always on hand with water or a pump when needed. Spotting the van was always a good feeling. Advice for Potential Travellers Take the climbs slowly and you’ll be fine if you are fairly fit. Suggestions The accommodation in Leon and Santiago isn’t the best on the tour, especially if you are in a single room.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Susanna Coe - Traveled, September 2023
The Alternative Vuelta! We cycled 325km from Leon to Santiago in 6 days with over 5000m of climbing. We saw amazing sights, churches, cathedrals, castles, medieval bridges and forts. Javier and Alberto were great guide and support. The company of the group was great, food amazing and we all arrived safely with a great sense of achievement. Most Inspirational Moment There were many, from climbing to the tops of mountains above the clouds, to passing cheering pilgrims, to finally reaching the main square in from of the cathedral in Santiago and attending the Pilgrim Mass. Thoughts on Group Leader Javier was brilliant, he looked after us very well, his local knowledge was extensive, he took us to amazing places you would never find on your own. The restaurants and coffee stops he found were never crowded and always served the best local cuisine. Thank you Javier. And not to forget Alberto who provided excellent support and entered into the banter with the group! Go Alberto! Advice for Potential Travellers To get the most from the trip you will need to do some training. The terrain is challenging, the mountain climbs require some stamina and you will need good bike skills for some of the off road sections. Suggestions I had the most amazing holiday. Thank you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Lori Phillips - Traveled, September 2022
Great trip! Six days of cycling on and off road, tough but super enjoyable and interesting. Lucky to have a great group and tour guide, Alfonso. Most Inspirational Moment 0’Celebrio and final day , save your energy for both. Thoughts on Group Leader Caring and considerate, Alfonso was a good tour guide. Advice for Potential Travellers Train for two tough days. Suggestions Thank you to group members for such a fun holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2022
Kirsty Deans - Traveled, October 2019
Cycling Leon to Santiago This was my first group cycling holiday and it was just brilliant. The cycling was challenging but great fun. There were not many flat sections, a lot of “undulating” and a few big climbs but it was all manageable with plenty of stops for coffee, lunch or a quick visit to a castle or church that we were passing. The cycling never felt pressurised and all our group managed fine. The weather was great, the scenery was varied and lovely , food and accommodation was all good and our group all got on really well. Most Inspirational Moment Can’t pick one out but best cycling days for me were the second day where there was a long ascent to Monte de la Cruz de Ferro and the final day which was a longer cycling distance but had more off road sections and went through lots of gorgeous scenery. Inspirational moments were getting to the top of some of the hills and feeling great sense of achievement! Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader Alphonso was great. Very encouraging and positive with the cycling. Knew a lot of the local history etc of the places we went through, great at picking lovely places to eat and always smiling. Advice for Potential Travellers As has been mentioned before, be fit for this trip as it will be pay off and make it more enjoyable , but at the same time, don’t be put off by the hills. Suggestions We travelled independently to meet the group , and organised things so we had a day in advance to look round León and a few days at the end at Santiago de Compostela . It was really good having the time to see more of these lovely cities. I would also add that this trip has definitely inspired me to walk the Camino .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2019
Mike Speke - Traveled, September 2019
Cycling to Santiago A great week cycling the Camino from Leon to Santiago. The weather was fantastic, the scenery beautiful and we all got on very well as a group. Compared to some tours its not a high number of miles a day, the longest day being day 6 at 41 miles. This means you dont have to start too early (9am or 9:30am) and there are plenty of stops for refreshments with the food and drink being relatively cheap. The cycling gets tougher as the week goes on though its manageable with a good level of fitness, the highlight being the 8km climb up to O’Cebreiro (the border between Castille and Galicia). The accommodation is a good standard with a few of the hotels having a bath which felt great after a hot days cycling. Most Inspirational Moment There were a couple. The climb up to O'Cebreiro, where you just have to keep going and I started to feel a few old injuries as I pushed to the top. Secondly, arriving at the beautiful square in front of Santiago Cathedral at the end of our journey and then later in the day receiving your Pilgrims certificate. Thoughts on Group Leader Alfonso was a great guide very friendly and approachable and communicated well with the group and he was well backed up by Nacho. Advice for Potential Travellers As long as you have a decent level of fitness this is a great trip and you cycle door to door so no transfers once you get started. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy it, though no one on the group had to use the van. Enjoy the descents you deserve them after some hard ascents. Embrace the spirit of the Camino. Suggestions I would have loved a bit more information about the history of the Camino as we went along and we didnt have a lot of time in Leon cathedral at the start of the trip which is one of the main architectural highlights of the tour. So worth reading up about it before you go.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Helen Hughes - Traveled, October 2018
Camino De Santiago I enjoyed the holiday. The guide and driver were excellent but the cycle was just too much of a relentless grind for me. Most Inspirational Moment Leon Cathedral Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Chose great places to eat and stop for coffee Advice for Potential Travellers I thought it was more like a level 5 cycle rather than 4. Much more challenging than the coast to coast India trip we did earlier in the year even though that is a 4 as well. More off road than I thought there would be. Suggestions The bikes were good and we had panniers which was helpful. The food in Spain was mostly excellent. I wouldn't recommend this holiday unless you really like cycle up and down hills. Luckily the weather was cool and sunny. I can't imagine what it would be like in the heat of the summer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2018
Ross Roworth - Traveled, June 2018
MWC180527 Great ride which was excellently managed by Alfonso. I had a fall and my cuts were attended to by Alfonso in a quick and efficient manner. He continued to check with me that all was okay which was very much appreciated. Most Inspirational Moment Finishing. It was a much harder ride than I expected. Very fullfilling adventure. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent Advice for Potential Travellers Gear for all seasons
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2018
Caroline Lloyd - Traveled, June 2018
Fabulous cycle trip A fantastic week in this beautiful part of Spain with a great bunch of people. Despite the wintry conditions (hail in May at one point !) we had a terrific week. The Camino is a fairly tough ride due to some big ascents , but you are well rewarded with fantastic views and some great downhills . The tour leader , Alfonso , was great ; he was patient , knowledgeable and really a pleasure to be with for the week. Jose transported bags and supported on snacks and water en route and was great. Most Inspirational Moment Arriving in Santiago with Out group and leader after 6 days of tough cycling Thoughts on Group Leader Alfonso was fantastic - knowledgeable, patient , a great communicator and really organised . We were a big group so cannot have been easy to manage . 10/10 to Alfonso ! Jose who supported with bag and kit Transportation was also great. Nothing was too much trouble Advice for Potential Travellers Take waterproofs / warm Kit. In May we encountered rain and hail at one point ! Some of the long downhills require warmer clothing ! Suggestions It was my first exodus trip and I loved it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2018
Ian Crawford - Traveled, June 2018
Camino de Santiago An excellent experience. The guide Alfonso and support driver Gensi were both well above the expected standard – always friendly, always helpful, very informative, no problem was too large and both provided much needed motivation and advice. Would love to do it again. Most Inspirational Moment Getting to the iron cross on day 2 - I had not cycled anywhere for years and came along on the recommendation of a friend who convinced me that the trip was attainable and not too difficult - not sure about the “not difficult” bit but getting to the summit convinced me that he was right Thoughts on Group Leader Alfonso was five star excellent throughout the trip. Really made its great experience Advice for Potential Travellers The consensus in the group was that it was not a moderate journey. Suggestions Accommodation generally acceptable but breakfast can be a bit variable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2018
Kathy Lynch - Traveled, May 2018
Cycle The Camino de Santiago A wonderful experience overall, we enjoyed walking through pine forests, pretty villages, farmland and countryside with stunning views Our guide Josea was friendly and fun and very passionate about his job…. he cared about the welfare of everyone in the group and always ready willing and able to give advise and treat our blisters. Hosea took us to all the best cafes and restaurants where we enjoyed very fresh locally produced food and wine. All our baggage transfers went extremely smoothly and the hotels were all of a really good standard. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching Sainteago De Compostela to the sound of bagpipes Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide Josea was friendly and fun and very passionate about his job.... he cared about the welfare of everyone in the group and always ready willing and able to give advise and treat our blisters. Hosea also took us to all the best cafes and restaurants where we enjoyed very fresh locally produced food and wine. Advice for Potential Travellers For the Camino walk invest in some good quality walking boots and also take some good quality sandals Suggestions I would recommend Exodus to all my family and friends
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2018
john holland - Traveled, May 2018
Cycling the camino Well organised trip staying almost completely on the camino route, with good hotels, good guides, and a great group of people. Most Inspirational Moment The start in Leon was impressive, but the lovely people and hospitality along the route was inspirational. Thoughts on Group Leader Both leaders very good Advice for Potential Travellers Get fit before hand. The trip is quite challenging. Suggestions Bikes could have been slightly better. Disc brakes would have been safer, and chains coming off should be avoided.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2018
David Netherwood - Traveled, October 2017
Great trip, great guide, and great group The atmosphere along the Camino is great, you quickly lose count of how many time you exchange “Bon Camino” with others on the way. The country side is lovely, especial the closer you get the Santiago. Our guide Daniel was excellent, he kept us going but without being bossy. I don’t know how he did it but he created an experience that we all enjoyed. The accommodation was really well chosen – the first night was little bland, but after that we stayed in really charming places, all were clean, comfortable, and welcoming. Our group was quite diverse, both in age, fitness and backgrounds, but we all got on really well – makes the last day rather sad. There is no doubt about it, Spain really is hilly, so be prepared, and the last day is long (I skipped a bit in the van) but well worth it. I’m a vegetarian. The trip notes mention the need to be “flexible”. Spain is not the best place for vegi food, Daniel did his best, but don’t expect a wide variety – but you should still go! Most Inspirational Moment So many to chose from - hurtling down a hill in 10 minutes when it took hours to climb it, arriving in the main square at Santiago de Compestella, dinners with the group, mist over the mountains. One of my rooms with a balcony over the way itself. Thoughts on Group Leader Really really nice guy who knows what he is doing, puts himself out to make sure we all had a great holiday. How he put up with us asking how many hills there were today I don't know. A real star. Thanks Daniel. Advice for Potential Travellers Prepare for the hills, my cycling at home is on the flat. If it gets too much there is always the van I did it in September - you need a packable jacket for the cold starts that then become warm days. Can be cool in the evening. Suggestions Thank you! Already cogitating over my next trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2017
Tony Chau - Traveled, September 2016
Camino de Santiago Cycle Ride, Sept 16 We have been to a number of Exodus rides but this one stands out because 1) It was a “door to door” ride – we rode to/from the hotel from beginning to end without any bus transfer 2) We had some non-technical off road sections which was great 3) The leaders were great (see below) 4) It was a very interesting ancient route (we rode the “Camino”) and had amazing churches and Castles en route that one could collect stamps on your Camino passport 5) We had great weather (quite hot for Sept. in the first few days but turned cooler towards the end) + the food was wonderful and cheap…. Most Inspirational Moment We had a great group of cyclist with similar ability and everyone got on well. The climb to O'Cebreiro was quite "cheeky" and I am glad that we made it! The scenery was wonderful and we got there during a festival / market day which was unexpected in such a village that is so high up. Finally, arriving in Santiago with everyone getting a certificate for riding the Camino was also very special. Thoughts on Group Leader Jose was very knowledgable (he knew exactly the terrain, distance in detail so we knew exactly what to expect and how to pace ourselves - but "undulating" means quite a few ups!). The places that we stopped for coffee, ice cream, lunch, dinner were all wonderful. Guillemo, our support driver/mechanic was also great. We never had our Saddles/Paddles fitted and removed for us in previous trips + we had great support from him (making sure our bottles were filled, checking the tyre pressure, fitting the squeaks....) throughout the trip with a smile. Advice for Potential Travellers We thought it was just a cycling trip and didn't know anything about the "St. James Way" and the pilgrims walking the trail. It was a very interesting experience but I wished I read up more about the history before hand. Suggestions There were some wonderful long down hill descent and Jose controlled the speed well at the front and make sure that we didn't do anything stupid. The views were wonderful and make sure you took the time to enjoy it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2016
James Carder (Exodus Sales Manager) - Traveled, May 2016
Cycling the Camino de Santiago This was a great trip and I was happy to give it 5 starts (I don’t give every Exodus trip 5 stars either). I was not sure about of number of things before setting off but the trip ticked all of the boxes – great cycling, excellent leaders, a fun group, excellent weather (most of the time), fantastic and cheap food and a beautiful part of the world. What more could you ask for from 1 week in Spain. Most Inspirational Moment Probably the good nature of the pilgrims, it’s a tough walk some had been on the road for weeks, they were always friendly, willing to let us pass and wishing us a good trip. Thoughts on Group Leader Danny and Alfonso were excellent, always positive, available and they offered first class support along the way. Advice for Potential Travellers Having read the reviews of this trip regarding the grade of cycling before departing I got the impression that the grading was a bit complicated, some clients saying it was challenging and some saying it was moderate, so I was not sure what to expect. In truth It’s a little problematical as it comes down to a number of factors such as fitness, cycling ability and weather conditions. What is certain is that this is no simple moderate itinerary, there is too much variety in the cycling (climbs, off road, rough track, technical sections) but it’s also far from challenging the majority of the time (unless it rains all day) so the moderate/challenging grade is probably appropriate but in good weather closer to moderate than challenging. Suggestions Have fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2016
Maeve Walsh - Traveled, August 2015
Cycle The Camino De Santiago Enjoyable part of Spain to see with pretty countryside and interesting history to learn from the tour. Most Inspirational Moment The little villages were lovely to cycle through such as Villafrance and Palas De Rei. The 9km climb up to the village of O'Cebreiro was a nice challenge for fit or moderately fit people. Thoughts on Group Leader Javier was our group leader with Jose as the driver. Both individuals are extremely nice and considerate. They were always happy to chat and remained pilot and friendly throughout the trip. Advice for Potential Travellers We stayed in villages or very small towns so no need to pack anything too dressy for night time wear in the restaurants or pubs !!! Suggestions The trip is graded moderate/challenging. This was my 4th cycling trip for this same grading with Exodus. Although i did n't think it was challenging except for maybe 30 mins on a few occasions, some of the group that were with me were not fit enough to be on this trip. There's a few climbs you have to do which you need decent fitness for but overall if you are quite fit, you might be bored as its not as challenging as other Exodus cycling holidays.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2015
Victoria Loxley - Traveled, June 2015
Camino de Santiago An excellent trip with glorious weather – we were so lucky! 2 fab guides, great cycling, amazing food and mucho vino tinto! Thoroughly recommended and brilliant off road on the camino at times made for a different experience. Most Inspirational Moment Climbing to the top of the hill at O'Cebreiro and arriving above the clouds - a spectacular view and worth the slog! Thoughts on Group Leader Javier and Alfonso were great company and did an excellent job to all us English! Advice for Potential Travellers Do some training beforehand!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2015
Stephen Pokoly - Traveled, May 2015
Captivating Camino Week long bike adventure was the perfect mix of intense physical activity and sightseeing / touring. Most Inspirational Moment The challenging uphills were made worthwhile upon reaching the summit of the small mountains (1.500 m)...and then of course the smooth downhill cruise after. Thoughts on Group Leader fantastic
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2015
Karen Cheesman - Traveled, May 2015
Camino de Santiago A challenging trip with many hills & steep descents but very enjoyable. Most Inspirational Moment There was a huge amount of satisfaction at finishing the ride & cycling into Santiago together as a group. Thoughts on Group Leader Jose & Javier were excellent & very attentive, nothing was too much trouble for them. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you are fit before undertaking this trip. Suggestions The hotels were much better than I expected & the food lovely.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2015
Sarah Howard - Traveled, July 2014
Cycling the Camino de Santiago A fantastic trip in beautiful scenery from mountains to vineyards. The guide was amazing (Jose) endless knowledge and tireless in answering our questions, helping out and generally great company. The ride was challenging in parts, but overall manageable, with plently of stops for coffee. Most Inspirational Moment Arriving at the top of a 12 km climb to the view from O Cebreiro. A beautiful old stone village with cobbled streets and awesome views across the mountains. Well worth the pain of the climb in 31 degree heat Thoughts on Group Leader Jose was fantastic, tireless and very patient. He was great company in the evenings and certainly knew the best places to eat. He seems still really enthusiatic and passionate about the tour and the region, despite having done it many times before. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you have general all round fitness, but if you go steady you should manage it. Also dont eat a three course meal at lunch and then try to bike up a big hill!! Suggestions I was really lucky to have the chance to go with a small group, which worked out great. I'm not sure how it would work out with pacing if you are a fit and fast cyclist in a larger group, I think you would need to expect quite a few waits for the others.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2014
Delia Cox - Traveled, July 2014
Camino de Santiago Loved this trip. All-round, this is one of my favourite holidays for quite some time. Great country, great food, great cameraderie, some challenging riding, plus the sense of a journey which makes the trip really special. And we were lucky with the weather. Most Inspirational Moment We were a small group (five) - I took my inspiration from the other people on the trip who were all a bit better than me and helped me along the way. The off-road section on the morning of the penultimate day - this was harder than anything I had done before and the scenery was spectacular. The end of the final push up to Santiago! Thoughts on Group Leader Dani was a great leader. He constantly adapted the route to give us more/less off-road biking according to our pace. I learnt a lot and will be much more confident about tackling hills in future. Jose was in a driver/support role for our week but I would also have complete confidence in him. A local guide really makes the difference with food tasting. We got some preferential treatment and delicacies from the restaurants along the camino who all know our guides very well. Try a bit of everything! Advice for Potential Travellers Get your pilgrim passport stamped - it is a nice momento of the trip. The toughest climb is the road up to O'Cebreiro. There is an option to take the walkers' route to the summit village instead which two of us did and enjoyed. Consider an extra night in Santiago - we flew back on Sunday from the local airport. Go to the Friday night mass in Santiago with the Botafumeiro - none of our party were doing the camino for religious reasons but it was an insight into how much the pilgrimage means for those who were. Packing cubes - I'm a recent convert! They really help for a trip like this when you are on the move all the time. Take your own water bottle as these are not supplied. Suggestions Enjoy this trip - Buen Camino!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2014
Stephen Webb - Traveled, October 2014
Camino de Santiago This was a terrific cycling holiday with some challenging and varied riding days. The guides, Nacho and Xavier, were well organized as well as being humorous and entertaining. Each day brought different challenges whether that be riding a trail that was more akin to a mountain bike trail or the 6km killer hill that was so thick with fog at tge end that it felt eerie or even the 14km downhill which was a great opportunity to get in touch with your inner child. Most Inspirational Moment Climbing the 6km killer hill that was prefaced by a 4km hill that was challenging in its own right. It was at the end of a 62km day and after backing up from such a miserable previous day it was quite a euphoric feeling charging up that hill ( I made it a workout and gave myself a time to do it in) Thoughts on Group Leader Nacho was terrific. A great personality who was good for a laugh but also took his role as leader very seriously. His offsider Xavier, was a great back up and the two of them made a great team. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you train properly. If you are coming out of an Australian winter try and do at least 3 Spin sessions a week. If you can get out complement the Spin classes with some hill training on a real bike. If you are a fair weathered cyclist and you like to ride around a lake on a Sunday this isn't the trip for you . Like most things in life you only get out of it what you put in. Most people don't do strenuous cycling 6 days in a row let alone challenging hills that you will encounter on this trip. Have a coke at lunch time too it helps you get through the afternoon. Suggestions I think Exodus should provide an exercise program in their trip notes so that people understand what they will be in for. The tour isn't a race but it's better to be fit so you enjoy everything the tour has to offer. The mountain bikes we had were better than expected. The hotels were also better than the brochure suggested.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2014
Adrian Alexander - Traveled, July 2014
Camino de Santiagp I didn’t know whether to go on this trip selfguided or guided and I’m glad I chose the guided option because I would have missed so much by myself. The two guides were a fantasic team and took us to the best restaurants , on the best routes and to the best places. The best holiday I’ve ever had. Perfect weather, good company in a small group of 8, fantastic cheap food with many local specialities and terrfic varied cycling. As soon as I got back home I booked a similar trip to Italy with Exodus. Most Inspirational Moment Arriving at the top of the Monte de la Cruz de Ferro where the guides had organised a picnic of local produce that was more like a banquet. Thoughts on Group Leader Fantastic, informative, caring, passionate about his country and very funny. Suggestions Go !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2014
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