Stained-glass windows in the Cathedral of Leon - photo via flickr:guillenperez Tapas tonight! Photo via Creative Commons:Open Cage Info

Jacob’s Pilgrimage Tour

Spain Bike Tour

The fascinating landscape of northern Spain from Oviedo to Santiago

The north of Spain is for most a surprising discovery: a sumptuously green, uncommonly fascinating landscape with age-old culture, delicious cuisine temptations and an ideal climate throughout the summertime for a very fulfilling vacation. The climate and landscape of the Asturias and Galicia regions are unique from the rest of Spain and make for a wonderful contrast.

Romantic valleys conjoin with varied landscapes as well as churches and monasteries, which date all the way back to the 9th century. Since the 10th century, this route from Oviedo to Santiago has drawn millions of admirers flocking to see the grave of the holy Jacob. As you follow their famous Pilgrimage route, you’ll be transported back into history along the same century-old paths and small side streets created so long ago while beautiful river valleys will facilitate your entrance into the Cantabrica Mountains.

Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias, contains many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the 9th century Santa María del Naranco Hall (King Ramiro's hunting pavilion), Cámara Santa de Oviedo, a chamber located within the 14th century Cathedral of San Salvador, and the pre-Romansque La Foncalada Fountain. This great university town that was founded by monks around 760 also has the unique El Fontán Market as well as other 17th and 18th century architectural wonders.

León will impress you with its famous Gothic León Cathedral and the Royal Pantheon (Real Colegiata de San Isidoro), with its amazing collection of Romanesque art. The city is also known for its extravagant fiestas and tantalizing Leonese cuisine, including cecina and botillo.

Tour Dates

  • Self-Guided
  • 7 day tour: Every Sunday from May 20 to June 10 and from August 26 to September 16, 2012.
  • 8 day: Every Saturday from May 19 to June 09 and from August 25 to September 15, 2012.
  • 14 day: May 13 and August 19, 2012
  • Guided
  • 8 day tour: Saturdays on May 19, May 26, August 25, September 1, 2012.

Skill Level

Moderate; self-guided or guided hotel tour

This moderate self-guided or guided hotel cycling trip takes place mainly on asphalt roads, side streets and well-maintained country paths over diverse landscapes. Some busy streets will be unavoidable in order to get to various towns. The terrain includes flat land as well as some hilly regions with short steep climbs. Distances vary from 20 up to 60 miles.

Where You’ll Stay

Comfortable 3 star to 4 star hotels; rooms with private facilities.

What’s Included

  • 6, 7 or 13 night accommodations
  • Breakfast buffets
  • 24-speed hybrid bicycle
  • Luggage transportation
  • Route descriptions & maps
  • Transfers per program
  • Support vehicle
  • Pilgrimage certificate
  • Tour guide (Group tour)
  • Dinners & 1x Picnic (Group)

What’s Not Included

  • Remaining meals

Jacob’s Pilgrimage Tour Map

Book This Trip

TourBike
TypeBoth
SkillModerate
Length7–14 days
From€725
Print Tour

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Jacob’s Pilgrimage Tour Map

8 Day Tour (map above):

  1. Arrival into Oviedo.
  2. Oviedo - Leon (cycling through the Cantabrica Mountains), 25/36 mi.
  3. Leon – Astorga, 32 mi.
  4. Astorga - Villafranca, 30 mi. (by bus, 15 mi.)
  5. Villafranca - Saria, 28 mi.
  6. Sarria - Lugo, 20 mi.
  7. Lugo - Santiago, 40/60 mi.
  8. Departure from Santiago.

14 Day Tour:

  1. Arrival in Pamplona.
  2. Pamplona - Estella, 29 mi.
  3. Estella - Logrono, 31 mi.
  4. Logrono - St. Domingo, 30 mi.
  5. St. Domingo - Burgos, 41 mi.
  6. Burgos - Fromista, 44 mi.
  7. Fromista - Sahaguin, 35 mi.
  8. Sahaguin - Leon, 34 mi.
  9. Leon – Astorga, 35 mi.
  10. Astorga - Villafranca, 31 mi. by bike + 16 by bus
  11. Villafranca - Saria, 30 mi.
  12. Sarria - Lugo, 30 mi.
  13. Lugo - Santiago, 30 mi.
  14. Departure from Santiago.

All distances are approximate.

7 day tour follows the same itinerary as the 8 day tour, except instead of arrival in Oviedo, you will arrive in Leon.

Itinerary for the 8 day tour is below.

DAY 1: Arrival into Oviedo.
This old Royal city has many treasures to offer.

DAY 2: Oviedo - León (cycling through the Cantabrica Mountains), ca. 25 or 36 mi. (40 or 58 km)
In the morning, transfer by bus into the Cantabrica Mountains. Then, you’ll mount your bicycle and ride through scenic landscapes with an alpine backdrop, followed by emerald-green valleys into the heart of León. Overnight in León, one of northern Spain’s most interesting cities.

DAY 3: León – Astorga, 32 mi. (52 km)
Next, you’ll leave the old castle-like city of León and ride through tranquil landscapes before reaching your final destination for the day in Astorga, known as the principal place of the “Maragateria”. The bishop palace built by Gaudi and the Gothic cathedral dominate the townscape.

DAY 4: Astorga – Villafranca, 30 mi. by bike & 15 by bus (50 km bike/25 km bus)
In the morning, you’ll first follow the “Codex Calixtinus” up to the “Crux de Ferro” (with an iron cross of 1500m height seen by bus). With a wonderful view over a majestic mountain layout, you’ll next come to Ponferada.

DAY 5: Villafranca – Sarria, ca. 28 mi. (ca. 47 km)
Then, you will follow the Camino de Santiago downhill through the green Galicia region and past the Pallozas, the elliptical farms reminiscent of the time of the Celts.

DAY 6: Sarria – Lugo, ca. 20 mi. (ca. 32 km)
Via styllishly small villages and past luscious green sheep pastures, you’ll ride into the medieval city of Lugo.

DAY 7: Lugo – Santiago, 40 or 60 mi. (63 or 96 km)
Departing Lugo, with its enclosed city walls, you’ll next soon reach a wonderful fruitful landscape surrounding the Sobrado Lake, great for a picnic stop. Even if you’re not a genuine Pilgrim, a venerable feeling will befall upon you nonetheless as you approach the city of Santiago. Twice you’ll have the opportunity to shorten the distance to the final destination by taking a bus; although those looking for a challenge will enjoy the full 60 miles of this route. The burial place of the holy Jacob is the final stop of this cycling journey. Besides having the largest Romanesque cathedral in the world, Santiago is a city full of wonders.

DAY 8: Departure from Santiago after breakfast.

Book This Trip

Questions? Call us! 877-965-2064 or e-mail us

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