Bike Tour in the Camino de Santiago - Cycling the French Way from León

Day 1: Pick up from the airport/train station of León and transfer to your hotel

Tour briefing and bike setup at your hotel. Free afternoon to visit the spectacular monuments of the city like the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria de León, the Guzmanes Palace or the Casa Botines, among others.

Hotel: Hospedaria Monastica Pax or Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro // Parador de León (“premium” option)

Day 2: Ride from León to Astorga's outskirts – 58 to 62km and 561mts of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. To mark the start of your Camino, visit the city’s Cathedral if you haven’t done so yet. Start by riding towards the San Marco roman bridge and leaving León. Soon after Virgen del Camino the route will take you southwest, mostly on flat agricultural gravel roads, past Hospital de Orbigo and Cruz de Santo Toribio. Soon you’ll arrive in Astorga, known for its medieval, walled Old Town. Ride eastwards for more 4 to 9km, and arrive at your hotel.

Hotel: Casa Rural Las Águedas or Hotel Rural Via Avis (“premium” option)

Day 3: Ride from Astorga’s outskirts to Villafranca del Bierzo – 71km and 937mts of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. Pedalling along the well-worn path, a gentle ascent will take you to Cruz de Ferro, where for centuries pilgrims have left stones, brought from their hometowns, symbolizing their burdens. Keep riding through the charming town of Ponferrada, until arriving in Villa Franca del Bierzo, welcoming you with its cobbled streets and rustic charm, a resting haven for pilgrims and travellers alike.

Hotel: Parador Villafranca or Plaza Mayor // Las Doñas del Portazgo (“premium” option)

Day 4: Ride from Villafranca del Bierzo to Samos – 59 to 65km and 1285mts of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. On this day you will face the famous climb of the French Way – the long and asphalted uphill to the mystical village of O Cebreiro, the gateway to Galicia. Perched atop a mountain, O Cebreiro boasts traditional stone houses with thatched roofs and unique paloozas, offering a glimpse into the region's rustic past. It was a parish priest of o Cebreiro in the 80s who first created the "famous" yellow arrows on the Camino, pointing the way to Santiago. Your journey brings you to Samos, where the 6th century Benedictine Monastery of San Julián awaits.

Hotel: A Casa da Botica or Hotel Rural Casa de Díaz / Casas de Outeiro ("premium” option)

Day 5: Ride from Samos to Portomarin – 37 to 52km and 642 to 998mts of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. Begin the day on rolling hills, riding past quaint Galician villages while surrounded by lush greenery. Soon enough you’ll arrive to Sarria, with its historic streets and charming cafes, and the starting point for many walking the Camino. Continuing on, the path takes you through picturesque woodlands, through the tranquil Galician countryside. Then, across the Miño river, you'll arrive in Portomarín, a town steeped in history and adorned with Romanesque architecture.

Hotel: Vistalegre Hotel Spa or As Torres da Hermida (“premium” option)

Day 6: Ride from Portomarín to Arzúa – 42 to 55km and 692 to 1034mts of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. Riding out of Portomarín, you’ll be immersed in the region's stunning landscapes, adorned with lush greenery and rolling hills. Passing by historical towns as Palas de Rei, the route will lead you to the bustling town of Melide, renowned for its delectable Galician cuisine. Reaching Arzúa, the end of this stage, take some time to explore the town's landmarks, such as the Chapel of La Magdalena or the Church of Santiago, each bearing tales of centuries-old devotion.

Hotel: Rectoral de Boente or 1930 Boutique Hotel (“premium” option)

Day 7: Ride from Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela – 39km and 729m of total climbing

This stage begins by running along long stretches of forest tracks between trees, with stops in small villages. The N-547 will be always close, crossing occasionally, and more often from Salceda onwards. After passing O Amenal and Lavacolla, we take the last ramp of the French Way: the ascent to O Monte do Gozo , the first place from which we will see the towers of the cathedral. Another 3 Km and you’ll arrive to Santiago’s Cathedral

Hotel: San Francisco Hotel Monumento // Parador Santiago or Quinta da Auga (“premium” option)

Day 8: Transfer to Santiago/Vigo airport

Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. At the scheduled time, transfer from your hotel to Santiago de Compostela or Vigo's airport.