Itinerary Expand all Fly to Santiago de Compostela; transfer to León.Fly to Santiago de Compostela; we transfer to our hotel in León (3h15m). We may have time to visit the city's beautiful gothic cathedral and stroll around its charming winding narrow streets before having a trip briefing and our first meal as a group.Accommodation: Hotel Campus San Mames Hotel Campus San Mames Day 1 Start LeónTrip starts in León; here we may have time to visit the city's beautiful gothic cathedral and stroll around its charming winding narrow streets before having a trip briefing and our first meal as a group.Accommodation: Hotel Campus San Mames Day 2 Ride across the plains of Castille through countryside and quaint villages to AstorgaWe head into the countryside riding across the plains of Castilla through cultivated countryside and quaint villages, with adobe houses and wine caves. We will take lunch in Hospital del Orbigo and on entering the village we cross a stunning mediaeval bridge (one of the longest pilgrimage bridges in Spain). We then ride the final 15km to the beautiful walled town of Astorga, with views of the mountains of León in the distance.Accommodation: Hotel Gaudi Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Climb into the mountains of Leon to the Monte de la Cruz de Ferro; descend to MolinasecaToday's ride is the most beautiful of the trip as we leave the Castillan plains behind and climb gradually into the mountains of Leon to the Monte de la Cruz de Ferro (1505m). En route we pass through Castrillo de los Polvazares, known for its very special architecture created by strong orange coloured stone. After riding through the charming 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 Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Ride to Villafranca with views across the wine region of El Bierzo and the mountains of LeonThe highlight today is the ride to the beautiful town of Villafranca with stunning views across the green valleys of Galicia and wooded mountains of Leon. After the first easy and mainly flat 25km through vineyards we have a short climb to Villafranca, which is worth a look for its many monuments and picturesque town square. Then after having lunch in Villafranca, we will cycle about 20 km to the always green and peaceful rural valley of Herrerias de Valcarce in the foothills of Monte O’Cebreiro.Accommodation: Centro de Turismo Rural El Capricho de Josana Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Long ascent to the village of O'Cebreiro. Enter Galicia's landscape of traditional agricultural villages; cycle past Samos Monastery on the way to SarriaAfter breakfast we will cycle to the top of the mountain and the small village of O'Cebreiro. This climb is one of the most challenging of the tour as we ascend 650m over 8 kilometres, the climb is a very gentle ascent with a steady gradient, and we will break it up with plenty of stops. At the top we will be able to appreciate wonderful views of the valleys that surround this peak and admire the charming slate roofed black houses.From O’cebreiro, as we enter Galicia, the landscape changes dramatically and the area is populated by a number of traditional agricultural villages. Each family has small plots of land, which they cultivate for their own vegetables, and we will pass by many of the locals working the land and tending to their cattle. As well as a change in culture, landscape and language, the gastronomy of Galicia is famous for using products of high quality and preparing them in simple, but delicious ways. We have lunch in Samos, home to one of the oldest monasteries in Spain, and cycle through chestnut forests to Sarria.Accommodation: Hotel Oca Villa de Sarria Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Cycle along tree-lined paths to Portomarin, rebuilt on a hilltop in the 1950's in order to construct a reservoir; continue to Palas de ReiToday's ride runs through beautiful rural Galician countryside and along tree-lined paths to the town of Portomarin, which was rebuilt on a hilltop in the 1950's in order to construct a reservoir. After lunch, a 13km climb followed by a welcome 12km downhill, takes us to Palas de Rei, a small town full of the pilgrim spirit. As usual, during the climb there will be plenty of stops opportunities to take pictures and everyone is welcome to ride at the preferred pace.Accommodation: Hotel Complejo la Cabaña Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Short ascents and descents to Monte de Gozo; follow the pilgrims' route to the cathedral of Santiago de CompostelaOur final day involves a number of short ascents and descents towards Monte de Gozo. From here, as pilgrims have done for centuries, we wind our way through the city’s streets and crowds to Plaza del Obradoiro, 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 La Salle Meals included: Breakfast Transfer to Santiago airport; fly to London.After breakfast the trip ends with a transfer to Santiago de Compostela Airport for your departure flight. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Santiago de Compostela.After breakfast the trip ends in Santiago de Compostela. Meals included: Breakfast
Casa Rurales & Hotels7 nights accommodation, in the smaller villages you will use characterful family-run ‘casa rurales’ and in larger towns you will be accommodated in larger hotels. All have en suite facilities and are situated beside the actual Camino de Santiago.
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Reviewed October 2019 Kirsty DeansCycling 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.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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!What did you think of your 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.Do you have any 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.Is there anything else you would like to add? 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 .
Reviewed September 2019 Mike SpekeCycling 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.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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.What did you think of your 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.Do you have any 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.Is there anything else you would like to add? 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.
Reviewed October 2018 Helen HughesCamino 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.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Leon CathedralWhat did you think of your group leader? Excellent. Chose great places to eat and stop for coffeeDo you have any 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.Is there anything else you would like to add? 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.
Reviewed June 2018 Ross Roworth 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.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Finishing. It was a much harder ride than I expected. Very fullfilling adventure.What did you think of your group leader? ExcellentDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Gear for all seasons
Reviewed June 2018 Caroline LloydFabulous 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.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Arriving in Santiago with Out group and leader after 6 days of tough cyclingWhat did you think of your 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 troubleDo you have any 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 !Is there anything else you would like to add? It was my first exodus trip and I loved it
Reviewed June 2018 Ian CrawfordCamino 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.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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 rightWhat did you think of your group leader? Alfonso was five star excellent throughout the trip. Really made its great experienceDo you have any advice for potential travellers? The consensus in the group was that it was not a moderate journey.Is there anything else you would like to add? Accommodation generally acceptable but breakfast can be a bit variable
Reviewed May 2018 Kathy LynchCycle 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.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching Sainteago De Compostela to the sound of bagpipesWhat did you think of your 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.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? For the Camino walk invest in some good quality walking boots and also take some good quality sandalsIs there anything else you would like to add? I would recommend Exodus to all my family and friends
Reviewed May 2018 john hollandCycling the camino Well organised trip staying almost completely on the camino route, with good hotels, good guides, and a great group of people.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The start in Leon was impressive, but the lovely people and hospitality along the route was inspirational.What did you think of your group leader? Both leaders very goodDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Get fit before hand. The trip is quite challenging.Is there anything else you would like to add? Bikes could have been slightly better. Disc brakes would have been safer, and chains coming off should be avoided.
Reviewed September 2017 David NetherwoodGreat 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!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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.What did you think of your 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.Do you have any 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.Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you! Already cogitating over my next trip.
Reviewed September 2016 Tony ChauCamino 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....What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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.What did you think of your 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.Do you have any 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.Is there anything else you would like to add? 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.