The dream of completing the legendary Camino de Santiago, especially its most famous variant, Camino Frances, has captivated millions for over a millennium. As a crew of local trip planners, we’ve devised the ultimate self-guided cycling experience along the Camino Frances. Cycling not only cuts the time but also lets bike lovers leave their mark on this storied trail just the way they like it. All the logistics will be taken care of in advance, saving you weeks of prep work. Take your pick: cross a week-long stretch of the pilgrimage or blaze through the entire Camino Frances in just 17 days. Pedal along the rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, visit medieval towns and cities, and get a feel for Spanish culture. Become part of a tradition that’s stood the test of time. The Camino is calling—are you going to answer?
My husband and I decided to do the Camino de Santiago in celebration of our 20th wedding anniversary and we could not have picked a better outfit to help us make a very special one.
We did not have a lot of time, so we decided to do the Camino on bikes. Follow el Camino were very accurate in describing what we should expect. The bikes that were delivered to our first hotel for us to use were perfectly sized and in great condition. They include the tools and spare parts necessary for the road and they came in handy. The accommodations were expertly picked, very comfortable and always close enough to the center of the action without being in the middle of it. We had a fantastic time. The only thing I would change for the next time is not to have such long rides each day to be able to spend more tine in each town.
Included:
Not included:
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
*Please note that refrigerators are not guaranteed in the accommodations.
Cycling the Camino de Santiago requires great fitness and stamina. You’ll be cycling between 15 and 45 miles (25-70 km) per day, sometimes on long and steep climbs. Keep in mind that 7-day options include 5 consecutive cycling days, while the 17-day option involves 15, making it much more strenuous. Expect varying terrain, with some sections being uneven, unpaved, or on loose ground. This trip is ideal for those who cycle regularly, and it’s even better if you have experience of riding on uneven/unpaved terrain. If you’re joining this cycling tour, we expect you to be fit and healthy, ready to take on an achievable challenge!
Mountain bikes are included in the price of the tour, e-bikes are available at an additional cost upon checkout.
The route follows the Camino Frances as closely as possible. You’ll be riding on different surfaces including back roads, forest tracks, and footpaths. There are occasional sections along the Camino that are loose and rocky, which you can either ride or hop onto the road for some faster riding.
The trail can get narrow and once in Galicia, you’ll encounter corredoiras, beautiful ancient cobbled lanes that can get a bit rough at times. Although most of the Camino is leisurely, there are still a few substantial climbs with frequent ups and downs along the way. There is an option of renting electric bikes, which is what we recommend to anyone who’d like a little boost up some of those hills!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Mountain bike is included in the price of the tour, but you can bring your own if you prefer. Bring comfortable clothes appropriate for the season and for different weather conditions. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
By going on a self-guided tour, you’re able to cycle at your own pace and enjoy the journey without worrying about the logistics of it all. The guiding company who put this all together is Follow the Camino. They’ve been leading pilgrims along their journey since 2007 and they were the first ever operator to organize tours along Camino de Santiago.
There are many perks of choosing a self-guided tour. Apart from not having to adjust to the group, you’ll have the accommodation, breakfasts and route instructions sorted. You’ll be staying in carefully-selected 2-3* hotels and guesthouses and there’s no need to print out anything upon checking-in—your guides booked and arranged everything for you, all you have to do is show your I.D.
This is a hassle-free trip so if you want to focus on enjoying your cycling pilgrimage in the
Spanish bucolic countryside, these self-guided tours are the perfect match.
Your guides will send you a pre-departure pack by post. The pack contains your pilgrim passport, luggage tag, route notes or guidebook if you’ve requested a hard copy. In case there are certain complications with receiving the pre-departure pack, it will wait for you at your first accommodation.
You’ll have to download the route notes and vouchers yourself. The cycling route notes are here to assist you. We recommend that you always familiarize yourself with the daily journey ahead. You’ll also download the vouchers yourself. These vouchers contain all the information about your confirmed accommodation—there will be an address, their phone number, any special instructions on how to get there, and a small map.
You will find a 24/7 support phone number on the bottom of each voucher. Keep in mind that there’s no need to print out the vouchers, as your reservations will be confirmed.
Pricing is based on double occupancy. Still, a solo traveler can certainly sign up, but please note there will be an additional single supplement fee.
Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
Luggage transfers are not included in the price of this tour. Your guide can help you find the best solution and organize transfers. Here is some general advice:
Group sizes and prices:
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Your adventure starts in either in Roncevalles, Burgos or Ponferrada, depending on the itinerary.
To get to Roncevalles, most people fly to Paris, take a train to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and then take a 30-minute taxi ride.
To get to Burgos, most people fly to Madrid and then take a direct train or bus ride to get there. Alternatively, you can fly to Bilbao.
To get to Ponferrada, most people fly to Saintiago de Campostela and then take a train or a bus ride to Ponferrada. Alternatively, you can fly to Madrid and take a train ride to Ponferrada.
Once you get to the starting point, find your accommodation. Your bike will wait you there.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel the booking…
Client can transfer their booking to a person who satisfies all the requirements, having first given the Guide reasonable notice in writing to do so before the departure date (such notice must be given more than 21 days prior to the date of departure). Client who transfers the Booking shall be jointly and severally liable with the transferee to the Guide for the payment of any balance due in respect of the holiday and for a substitution fee of €30.00 per person substituted, subject to a maximum of €120.00 per booking (or such other greater sum as may be authorized).
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.
