Itinerary

DAY ONE: ARRIVAL DAY

We meet you at the airport in Pamplona, which is readily accessible via Barcelona, Madrid and other cities on the continent. Bike Vermont will then transfer you to the starting village of Roncesvalles where we have a bike fitting and safety talk, before walking to get our "Compostela" (Pilgrim's Passport). If you wish, you can also receive the "blessing of the pilgrims" in the XII century Collegiata. Dinner and overnight is in Roncesvalles.

Accommodations: Casa de Benficiados
 
DAY TWO:

The terrain is "rolling" as we enter the Navarra region and pedal through conifer forest, green fields, and little villages like Burguette and Espinal before arriving in Pamplona. Pamplona has always been an important stop on the pilgrimage and you will want to visit the Cathedral, the Museo Discesano and deNavarra and just wander the fascinating streets of this medieval town. Pamplona is, of course, well known for its July 7th San Fermin Festival where the "running of the bulls" was made so famous in Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises. Dinner and overnight is in Pamplona.

Accommodations: Gran Hotel Laperla

DAY THREE:

Our bike ride today takes us through the Navarra-Roja plains. There is a five km uphill stretch (with spectacular views!) as we reach the rich Alto del Perdon. Then on to Ponte la Reina where we cross the Arga River on the beautiful bridge with its iconic Romanesque arches. This is where pilgrims coming from the north (Roncesvalles), and the ones coming from the east (Aragona), historically merged together as they proceed on the pilgrimage toward Santiago. Dinner and overnight is in Estella.

Accommodations: Hotel Txmista
 
DAY FOUR:

Today we leave the Navarra and enter the beautiful Rioja region famous for its delightful vineyards and wine. Soon after leaving Estella we reach the monastery of Irache (958 A.D.). Our bike ride ends just outside Viana where we are treated to a wine tasting and a visit to a local wine cellar. We then transfer to Burgos (about 90 minutes), Castilla's most important city especially known for its staggering wealth of art, beautiful cathedral, and the excellent Retablo Museum. We arrive in time for an evening stroll enjoying the beautifully lit palaces and arches for which Burgos is famous. You are on your own for dinner this evening. Overnight in Burgos.

Accommodations: Hotel Meson del Cid
 
DAY FIVE:

This is a non-biking exploration day. We start with a guided tour of Burgos culminating in a visit to its beautiful gothic cathedral. Then, after a transfer, we have an excellent tour of the Old Quarter of Leon. Leon was the Roman capital of northwest Spain and you will see remains of 4th-century Roman walls as you wander its ancient streets. You will also want to visit the Romanesque Basilica San Isadoro and Leon's handsome 13th-century gothic cathedral, considered one of the mot beautiful cathedrals in Spain. Dinner and overnight in Leon.

Accommodations: Hotel La Posada Regia

DAY SIX:

Today the architecture and cultural changes reflect the fact that we are moving out of the Rioja area into Galicia. Our ride first takes us to Ponferrada where we visit the Knights Templar castle and then to Villafranca del Bierzo. Here the town rises on narrow terraces above the plain until we reach beautiful Plaza Mayor and the romantic church of Santiago del Bierzo. We finish our biking with a long downhill to Las Herrerias located at the westerly side of O Cebreiro Pass. Dinner and overnight in Las Herrerias.

Accommodations: Hotel Capricho de Jolanda
 
DAY SEVEN:

Today's ride takes us through the beautiful Galician countryside guided on our route by the "mojones", little roadside cairns or pillars that will mark our entire way from here to Santiago. We will stop by the Aldea in Morgade to leave the customary note that expresses our (perhaps) spiritual feelings about following this historical pilgrimage route, and follow this with a visit to the Samos Monastery, a handsome 6th-century Benedictine church. At the end of the day we ride into the pretty Mino Valley to the town of Portomarin where we can visit the imposing fortress, and the Inglesia de San Juan, and perhaps treat ourselves to the local Torta de Santiago (almond cake). You are on your own for dinner. Overnight in Portomarin.

Accommodations: Hotel Pousada de Portomarin

DAY EIGHT:

Today we enjoy a lovely rural ride through pasture lands and small well- kept villages such as Leboreiro and Furelos. We will try to be in the village of Melide at lunch time so that the more adventuresome might try the locally famous pulpo (fried octopus) sold by the numerous street vendors, or sample some of the area's excellent cheeses. We overnight in the small town of Arzua where you can visit the Iglesia de Santiago. Dinner and overnight in Arzua.

Accommodations: Casa Assumpta
 
DAY NINE:

Our last biking day leads us along a beautiful and historical route into Santiago de Compostela. Before our arrival we will do the Pilgrim's ritual purification by washing ourselves (a bit) in the small stream that runs under the Lavatolla Bridge. Shortly after this we will rise over the Monte de Gozo and start to get glimpses of the marvelous towers of Santiago de Compostela. Here we will take a superb tour of this beautiful town including historic Obratoria Plaza, the famous St. James Cathedral (erected on the site where St. James' tomb was first discovered in 813 A.D.), the Romanesque Palace Gelmirez and the Casa Gotica Museum. Dinner and overnight in Santiago.

Accommodations: San Francisco Hotel Monumento
 
DAY TEN:

Departure day. After breakfast and a stroll through the beautiful streets of Santiago de Compostela, Bike Vermont will transfer you to Santiago Airport so that you can catch connections from there to Barcelona, Madrid or other connecting airports.

 

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