Cycling the Camino de Santiago – León to Santiago

Views on a bike tour of the Camino de Santiago - the Meseta in Spain
  • Length 8 days
  • From USD$4550
  • Style/Level Classic 4.0
  • Countries Spain
  • Begin/End León/Santiago de Compostela
See related tours

The Camino de Santiago across northern Spain is one of the world’s oldest pilgrimage routes. Gothic cathedrals, medieval monasteries, and miles of unspoiled rural scenery are just some of the attractions that draw visitors from around the world annually to make this historic trek.

We designed our ride from León to Santiago for those of you who don’t have the time to commit to our longer Roncesvalles to Santiago 15-day ride along the Camino; it is also a slightly easier tour with a 301 level rating.

Highlights

  • Cathedral of St. James, Spanish castles and cathedrals, Continue a Thousand-year-old tradition, León, Basilica de San Isidoro, Pilgrim’s Passport

Includes

Keep in mind

We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.

Though we try and arrange dinners together as early as possible in Spain this means 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. There are times when we will divert from the traditional Camino route because it is gravel, or because we’ve chosen a more scenic way with less traffic.


Date Price Private room fee Note
Jun 14-21, 2024 USD$4550 USD$550 Departure confirmed to go!
Aug 23-30, 2024 USD$4550 USD$550
DateJun 14-21, 2024
PriceUSD$4550
Private room feeUSD$550
NoteDeparture confirmed to go!
DateAug 23-30, 2024
PriceUSD$4550
Private room feeUSD$550
Note

Download Itinerary

We’ll send you a link to a full day by day tour itinerary that can be downloaded and printed so you can review all the details online and offline. This packet also includes details about what to expect on tour and arrival and departure details.
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  • Total distance 364 km (226 miles)
  • Average daily distance 61 km (38 miles)
  • Tour style Classic
  • Tour level 4.0

Highlights: Former capital of Spain, visit the Cathedral without Walls, introductory dinner

We’ll meet this afternoon at our hotel in León, just a few meters away from the “Cathedral without Walls.” This splendid example of Spanish Gothic architecture is renowned for its marvelous stained glass windows. After fitting bikes this afternoon, you can explore town and visit the local sites. Then, we’ll gather this evening for dinner together in a traditional Spanish wine bodega and meet others of the group.

Meals : Dinner
Lodging : Hotel NH Plaza Mayor

Highlights: Visit to cathedral and palace designed by Antonio Gaudí

On your way to Astorga you will cross the Puente de Orbigo, one of the oldest and longest bridges on the Camino. Astorga is home to the 15th-century cathedral and neo-Gothic palace designed by the famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí.

Meals : Breakfast
Lodging : Hotel Via de la Plata

Highlights: Scenic cycling through the Spanish countryside, Cruz de Ferro (don’t forget to bring your pebble from home!)

Leaving Astorga today, we head toward the hills that separate the provinces of León and Galicia. As we pass through tiny hamlets and monuments untouched since early Christianity, it’s easy to imagine the awe that original pilgrims making this trek must have felt. By mid-afternoon, we’ll arrive at our destination.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Palacio de Canedo

Highlights: Countryside of Galicia, historic Villafranca del Bierzo, optional hiking opportunity

We head into the green fields of Galicia today. On the way, you’ll pass through the old Camino town of Villafranca del Bierzo, founded by French pilgrims as a place of absolution for those too weak to continue their pilgrimage. There is the opportunity to cut the ride short and do an optional 8km (5 miles) hike so be sure to pack sneakers or light hikers if you are interested as the trail is fairly steep. We will pass by the Monasterio de Samos which we will take time to visit tomorrow.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Casa de Diaz

Highlights: Galician culture, visit Samos monastery

You will get a real taste of Galicia today – a region with a culture and musical style reminiscent of Ireland – as we pedal our way to Portomarín, where our hotel overlooks the Minho River.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Santa Marina

Highlights: Quiet & scenic roads, stay in a country manor

One of the prettiest rides on the tour awaits you today as we meander along forgotten country roads through the beautiful Galician countryside. Rolling hills and green pastures lead us to our destination for the evening near Touro, where we’ll stay in one of the traditional country houses (similar to B&Bs) that dot the landscape.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Pazo de Andeade

Highlights: Arrival in Santiago, Cathedral of St. James, farewell dinner

Today’s ride is a fitting end to the Camino, as we pedal along rural roads through woodlands and pastures to Santiago. Once in town, you’ll have plenty of time to look around the famous Cathedral of St. James that forms the city’s heart. Tonight, we’ll celebrate our journey’s end with a great farewell dinner together.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel San Francisco

Highlights: Pilgrim’s Mass at Noon

We’ll offer a tour in Santiago this morning. You might also want to stick around for the Pilgrim’s Mass at noon at the Cathedral. If you would like to participate in these activities, schedule flights after 3:30 p.m. Buen viaje!

Meals : Breakfast

Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we determine day and tour levels.



Pre-trip planning checklist



  • I loved being so well taken care of by the leaders. The arrows on the street were great. There was no fear of being lost so we could enjoy the country side and really appreciate what was in front of us.

    Eunice C.Roosevelt Island, NY
  • [My favorite part?] Riding through endless rolling hills day after day in beautiful weather. Encountering at least two quaint and unique villages each day. I can think of nothing I disliked about the trip!

    Sara G. Portland, OR
  • I loved the people, the trip, the place, the guides. Fantastic experience!

    Garrett E., Donnybrook, Ireland