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

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CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
/
Start location:
León
/
Price from:
1790€ per guest
follow the ancient pilgrimage trail, across the rolling plains of Castile-Leon, over the mountains and into the more isolated and culturally independent Galicia.
Duration
8 days, 7 nights
Altimetry
500 › 1700 m, daily average
Distance
40 › 75 km, daily average
Bike type
E-BIKE, MOUNTAIN BIKE, TOURING BIKE
Level
INTERMEDIATE, EXPERIENCED

Highlights:

This tour in a nutshell

The so-called French Way is the Jacobean route par excellence and, undoubtedly, the most traveled at all times in the history of the pilgrimage to Santiago.

Several texts from the XI century speak of it and it is already described as a “mass phenomenon” in a text written by a monk in the 12th century, known today as the “Codex Calixtino” and considered the first tourist guide of history.

The French Way was the first to be properly signposted and this is thanks to a parish priest of O Cebreiro, the creator of the yellow arrow symbol. The priest, named Elías, decided to rehabilitate the hospital of pilgrims in his parish and, as the pilgrims told him that they were lost on the way from France, in 1984 he bought the surplus paint to mark the roads and with a carriage and two horses he went from Roncesvalles to Santiago. It marked with an arrow all the places susceptible to create confusion for the pilgrims. Since then, that symbol of signaling, along with the scallop, has been maintained.

Starting from León and cycling just over 300 km until the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, you'll ride across the iberian plateau through the trails, woods and ancient roads of the Way (or Camino, as said in Spanish). Witness the architectural and artistic religious heritage of towns and cities like León, Astorga, Ponferrada and Sarria, while savouring the rich Spanish gastronomy and wines. Stay in a variety of historical and charm rural hotels, or a SPA hotel set in the countryside.

Hear from our guests

Gallery:

A closer look at the region
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cycling_Girona_road_bike_pirinees
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Day to Day:

What you'll be experiencing everyday

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

Tour briefing and bike setup.

Hotel - Hospedaria Monastica Pax or Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro ("Premium" option)

Day 2: Ride from León to Astorga - 53km and 550m of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel; Today you'll ride a mostly flat route, starting at your hotel and first heading to León's Cathedral. From there you'll exit the city through its residential and industrial areas and surrounding towns. After Virgen del Camino you may follow the secondary roads and dirt paths of the camino, until you get to the top of Toribio Cross with its panoramic view of Astorga, the old Asturica Augusta of romans. Ride down until your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Hotel – Hotel Spa Via de la Plata (upgrade to superior room in "Premium" option)

Day 3: Ride from Astorga to Ponferrada - 59km and 941m of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel; Today you'll start riding flat, followed by a gentle climb spread over 20 kms, to then reach 4 to 5,5% slopes in the last 8,56 km of the climb. You will now be at Cruz de Ferro, where traditions say we must leave underneath a stone that we have carried during our entire pilgrimage. Then follow the road in one of the most intense descents of the camino, with 5,5 to 13,3% incline, and around 17,5 Km until Molinaseca. From here it'll be mostly flat or gently down to your hotel.

Hotel – Hotel Temple Ponferrada or Finca Vivaldi Hotel Nature & Spa ("Premium" option)

Day 4: Ride from Ponferrada to Las Herrerias - 43km and 816m of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel; Today's ride will be made of rolling hills on roads, mixed terrain and dirt paths shared with pilgrims on foot and a gentle but long climb from Villafranca del Bierzo until Las Herrerias.

Hotel - Paraiso del Bierzo (upgrade to superior room in "Premium" option)

Day 5: Ride from Las Herrerias to Sarria - 49km and 1480m of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel; Today you'll start immediately climbing to O Cebreiro, the hardest slope in the French camino from León. The total 8km of this climb are divided into 3 sections, with 3,5km and incline ranging from 7 to 25%! in some points, 11% in the following 2,5km and 15% for the last 2km.
You will then be at 1302 mts high, at O Cebreiro. From there and until Sarria is mostly down and rolling hills, dotted with a couple of occasional short climbs. Rest at your hotel and take your time to admire Sarria's artistic heritage.

Hotel - Hotel Alfonso IX (upgrade to superior room in "Premium" option)

Day 6: Ride from Sarria to Arzúa - 75km and 1795m of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel;

While you immerse yourself into the rural, this stage has three very different parts. The section from Sarria to Portomarín (km 22) it runs along paths and dirt tracks. After crossing the Miño and entering Portomarín, the dynamic changes completely, since up to Palas de Rei (km 47) the camino goes always around the LU-633 or by a paved road that has practically no traffic. We can advance much faster and the distance between populations will be a little higher. From Palas to Melide (km 60) and then to Arzúa (km75) we alternate sections along the N-547 with others by forest and gravel trails, which will again complicate our path but give us a great view of the surroundings. Ask us if you wish to shorten this stage by 15km by staying in Melide.

Hotel - Pazo Santa Maria (upgrade to superior room in "Premium" option)

Day 7: Ride from Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela - 39km and 893m of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel; 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. 3 more Km and you'll arrive to Santiago's Cathedral

Hotel - Virxe da Cerca or Parador Santiago ("Premium" option)

Day 8: Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out.

At the scheduled time, transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Santiago or Vigo airports.

Map:

Where you'll be riding

Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Included

Self-guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 2 guests

Guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests

Premium

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
Transfer in from arrival airport to start of the tour and transfer out from end of the tour to departure airport;
7 nights in charm 4 star hotels, in double/twin bedroom with breakfast included;
Upgrade to 7 nights in charm 5 star hotels (or superior rooms), in double/twin bedroom with breakfast included;
Rental of a Road, Touring or MTB bike (Scott Addict 20 or Scott Aspect 930), helmet and spares;
Detailed briefing, bike fit and routebook provided before the tour by a local guide;
Personal guide accompanying your group, providing restaurant reservations, booking of local experiences and all passenger transfers throughout the tour;
Support vehicle (SAG Wagon) throughout all the rides;
Ride along guide;
Luggage transfer between hotels;
Sports Nutrition, hydration and snacks during our rides;
Garmin GPS with preloaded daily tracks
Access to the Live Love Ride app, that you can use to navigate and explore the best this tour has to offer;
Personal accidents insurance during our tour;
Spanish mobile cellphone for contact with your local guides;
Live Love Ride Jersey;
Live Love Ride full cycling kit (jersey, bib short, cap and Scicon rain bag;
Visit to wineries, museums and other select experiences during the tour;

Prices:

Book the trip of a lifetime

Prices

Self-guided

Guided

Premium

Per guest - Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 2 guests - Not available during the months of July and August
1790€ per guest
2700€ per guest
3500€ per guest
High season supplement (May, June, September, October)
200€
200€
300€
Single room supplement (mandatory for solo riders)
500€
500€
750€
Premium hotel upgrade supplement
350€
350€
Already included in price

Add-ons

Half-Board - 6 dinners (at the hotel in the "self-guided" option, drinks not included)
315€
(at your hotel)
315€
315€
Full-Board - lunch and dinner at select restaurants (drinks not included)
Not available
630€
630€
Upgrade to E-bike
200€
200€
200€
Ride along guide
2400€ (per group)
2400€ (per group)

Discounts

For non cycling guests ( does not apply to add-ons)
not available
not available
not available
Children up to 10 y/old
35% discount
35% discount
35% discount
Children from 10 to 14 y/old
25% discount
25% discount
25% discount
Children from 14 to 17 y/old
20% discount
20% discount
20% discount

Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Self-guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 2 guests
from 1790€ per person
click to see what's included

Guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
from 2700€ per person
click to see what's included

Premium

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
from 3500€ per person
click to see what's included

Group Tours:

Join this tour on a group with other riders, on the following dates

July 2024

14/07/24 - Bike Tour in the Camino de Santiago - Cycling the French Way from León
Start Planning
- Guaranteed departures -
- No minimum of guests required -

Request a Detailed Itinerary

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your every need, with every stitch of every day crafted
just the way you want it.
Download itinerary

Why Live Love Ride?

Contact us by e-mail, skype or telephone for more information.
GO PRIVATE OR CUSTOMIZE THIS RIDE
EXPERTLY GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAYS
HIGH-END BIKES AND GEAR
MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE, TRANSFER & VEHICLE SUPPORT
RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE
ADAPTED TO EVERY RIDER TYPE AND NEED
Private rides:

If you are looking for a different, exclusive experience, you can make this ride private for your group. Just choose any open trip date, get your group together and contact us to know the private trip listing.

Customized rides

If you represent a group and want to schedule a different date than the ones listed, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us for more information.
AT YOUR SERVICE

Our team is composed of portuguese tourist guides and bike riders, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.

For the last five years, our team has been involved in the making of over 200 bike-related events in Portugal, from Granfondos to casual mountain bike rides, throughout the country. We are seasoned travelers and riders, able to tap into our local knowledge to provide great experiences to our guests.

Our team is composed of dedicated guides and riders. We make sure our guests’ cycling holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
We operate with high end bicycles, be it road or mountain bikes. All our bikes are in excellent condition, of the current year and regularly reviewed by our mechanics. Our road bike and mountain bike fleet is composed of carbon and aluminium frame bicycles of the top-notch brand Scott.

Road - Scott Addict or Scott Addict Disc

On the road, you will be riding a Addict - a lightweight and comfortable carbon bike, designed to help you on the climbs and keep your speed on flat sections. Our Addict bikes come equipped with a full Shimano Ultegra kit, for great performance.
Scott Addict


MTB Mountain bikes - Scott Aspect 910

On our mountain bike tours in Portugal, you'll be riding a Scott Aspect 910. These all-rounder, 29 inch wheel size bikes come equipped with front suspension with suspension lock, for better reaction and comfort. They are perfect for short or long distance rides and even for technical trails, and come equipped with Shimano components for the best cycling experience.
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


Touring - Scott Sub-Cross

For mixed terrain, we equip our Scott Sub-Cross fleet with touring tires, so that you’ll roll easily by the countryside backroads and macadam trails alike. These bikes are equiped with a front suspension remote lock-out and handle bar bags, making them the perfect option for touring enthusiasts
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


E-bikes -Scott E-Scale 930 or Scott E-Ride

Our E-bike fleet is composed of the Scott E-Scale 930 and Scott E-Ride bike models, equipped with 500W Bosch batteries, that will allow you to go great distances and with 250W Bosch motors, to assist you during the toughest climbs! These aluminum framed Scott bikes come equiped with front suspension with lockout.
Scott E-Scale 930
The models of the bikes for your tour might not be the ones here depicted, according to availability. All our bikes are perfectly maintained and are fitted to every rider on your first experience with us. If you have a special bicycle request, please feel free to contact us.

In our bike trips, you’ll also get to use our Garmin Edge 820 GPS device, so you can record and upload all your rides.
RIDE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES

In our cycling holidays, you’ll be accompanied by our always present staff and vehicles. They will provide for all the services you need for the best biking experience in Portugal.

At your service, you’ll have a fleet of premium equipped vehicles with several amenities for your comfort.

/Mechanical assistance during the bike tours;
/Luggage and bike transfer between hotels;
/Transfer to and from hotels/airports;
/Premium passenger transport and assistance during the rides, at your disposal;

Bike touring at it's best!
AFTER A GREAT DAY IN THE SADDLE, IT'S TIME TO RELAX.

We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your bike tour.

/ Acess to the best SPAs;
/ Free time for sightseeing;
/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;

We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your cycling holidays Portugal!
CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER

While planning your cycling holidays, our staff may contact you to ask for further details to better design a bike tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different riding experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" riders, we provide additional cycling challenges. On the other hand we invite all our guests to simply hop into our premium equipped vans if they feel so or just enjoy a recovery day without using their bike.

RIDER TYPES:

1 BEGINNER

/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.

2 INTERMEDIATE

/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.

3 EXPERT

/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!

Cycling holidays Portugal for all.

GO PRIVATE OR CUSTOMIZE THIS RIDE

Private rides:

If you are looking for a different, exclusive experience, you can make this ride private for your group. Just choose any open trip date, get your group together and contact us to know the private trip listing.

Customized rides

If you represent a group and want to schedule a different date than the ones listed, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us for more information.

EXPERTLY GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAYS

AT YOUR SERVICE

Our team is composed of portuguese tourist guides and bike riders, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.

For the last five years, our team has been involved in the making of over 200 bike-related events in Portugal, from Granfondos to casual mountain bike rides, throughout the country. We are seasoned travelers and riders, able to tap into our local knowledge to provide great experiences to our guests.

Our team is composed of dedicated guides and riders. We make sure our guests’ cycling holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.

HIGH-END BIKES AND GEAR

We operate with high end bicycles, be it road or mountain bikes. All our bikes are in excellent condition, of the current year and regularly reviewed by our mechanics. Our road bike and mountain bike fleet is composed of carbon and aluminium frame bicycles of the top-notch brand Scott.

Road - Scott Addict or Scott Addict Disc

On the road, you will be riding a Addict - a lightweight and comfortable carbon bike, designed to help you on the climbs and keep. Our Addict bikes come equipped with a full Shimano Ultegra kit, for great performance.
Scott Addict


MTB Mountain bikes - Scott Aspect 910

On our mountain bike tours in Portugal, you'll be riding a Scott Aspect 910. These all-rounder, 29 inch wheel size bikes come equipped with front suspension with suspension lock, for better reaction and comfort. They are perfect for short or long distance rides and even for technical trails, and come equipped with Shimano components for the best cycling experience.
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


Touring - Scott Sub-Cross

For mixed terrain, we equip our Scott Sub-Cross fleet with touring tires, so that you’ll roll easily by the countryside backroads and macadam trails alike. These bikes are equiped with a front suspension remote lock-out and handle bar bags, making them the perfect option for touring enthusiasts
Scott E-Scale 930


E-bikes -Scott E-Scale 930 or Scott E-Ride

Our E-bike fleet is composed of the Scott E-Scale 930 and Scott E-Ride bike models, equipped with 500W Bosch batteries, that will allow you to go great distances and with 250W Bosch motors, to assist you during the toughest climbs! These aluminum framed Scott bikes come equiped with front suspension with lockout.
Scott E-Scale 930
The models of the bikes for your tour might not be the ones here depicted, according to availability. All our bikes are perfectly maintained and are fitted to every rider on your first experience with us. If you have a special bicycle request, please feel free to contact us.

In our bike trips, you’ll also get to use our Garmin Edge 820 GPS device, so you can record and upload all your rides.

MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE, TRANSFER & VEHICLE SUPPORT

RIDE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES

In our cycling holidays, you’ll be accompanied by our always present staff and vehicles. They will provide for all the services you need for the best biking experience in Portugal.

At your service, you’ll have a fleet of premium equipped vehicles with several amenities for your comfort.

/Mechanical assistance during the bike tours;
/Luggage and bike transfer between hotels;
/Transfer to and from hotels/airports;
/Premium passenger transport and assistance during the rides, at your disposal;

Bike touring at it's best!

RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE

After a great day outdoors, it's time to relax

We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your hiking is done.

/ Access to the best SPAs;

/ Free time for sightseeing;

/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;

We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your walking holidays Portugal!

ADAPTED TO EVERY RIDER TYPE AND NEED

CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER

While planning your cycling holidays, our staff may contact you to ask for further details to better design a bike tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different riding experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" riders, we provide additional cycling challenges. On the other hand we invite all our guests to simply hop into our premium equipped vans if they feel so or just enjoy a recovery day without using their bike.

RIDER TYPES:

1 BEGINNER

/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.

2 INTERMEDIATE

/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.

3 EXPERT

/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!

Cycling holidays Portugal for all.
Book with confidence - Check our cancellation policy.

European Offices

Monday to Friday
09AM to 06PM GMT
Telephone: 00351 217 590 365 (Call to the Portuguese national fixed network)
Email: ridewithus @ liveloveride.pt 

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