Cycle the Camino de Santiago

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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

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

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

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