Included: An experienced, English-speaking cycling guide with extensive local knowledge of the area At least one leader qualified in first aid 7-day cycling tour along the Camino de Santiago Accommodation — shared twin/double ensuite rooms in 2* and 3* hotels (6 nights) Meals as listed in the itinerary Support vehicle and luggage transfers Airport round-trip transfers (to and from Santiago de Compostela Airport) — on scheduled arrival / departure days only Add-ons: Bike rental — $360 for a mountain bike, $540 for an e-mountain bike Single supplement — $465 Not included: Transportation or flights to Spain Meals not listed in the itinerary and snacks Travel insurance Personal clothing and equipment Personal expenses (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

Cycling the Camino de Santiago requires great fitness and stamina. You’ll be cycling between 30 and 50 miles (48-80 km) per day, sometimes on long and steep climbs. 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!

What about the terrain?

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!

What do I need to bring?

Here’s what you’ll need: Comfortable, season-appropriate riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material Padded shorts Peaked helmet Sneakers or sport shoes Breathable outside layer or jacket Sunglasses Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder Daypack with snacks Biking gloves are optional but recommended Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What are the rental bikes like?

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own, your guides have bikes available to rent. On standard departures, you’ll have the choice between mountain bikes (with front suspension, disc brakes and good-quality components, $360 per person) or e-mountain bikes (usually a BH Atom e-mtb with 29” wheels, or equivalent, $540 per person). If booking onto one of the e-bike departures, only e-bikes will be available. Learn more about e-bike departures by choosing any date and reaching the checkout page. If you choose to bring your own e-bike, on any of departures, please contact us so we can discuss the bike specification and ensure it is suitable for the tour. Bikes come equipped with panier racks and bag, two bottle cages and water bottle, a seat post bag containing: puncture repair kit, multitool, inner tube (unless the bike is a tubeless e-bike) and pump. If you do decide to rent and would like us to provide a helmet, please let us know at the time of booking, otherwise you should bring your own helmet with you. Please also let us know if you plan on bringing your own clip-in pedals, or if you will use the flat pedals which our rental bikes come fitted with.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: The group size for this guided tour along the Camino de Santiago is 14 people. There are usually 3 guides per trip, two mountain bikers and one guide in the support vehicle. At least 6 people have to sign up for the tour to run. Cycling the Camino de Santiago can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Children are occasionally able to go on trips with a legal guardian. That said, if you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and rough terrain, then they may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis. If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to your cycling tour along the Camino, it’s best to fly into Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) . Your guides will pick you up at the airport for the start of the tour and drop you off at the airport on the last day of the tour. This is included in the price, but if you’d like to arrive earlier than Day 1 and leave later than Day 7, you’ll have to arrange transportation by yourself.

Safety measures and insurance

Medical and travel protection are mandatory on this adventure . 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!

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA | SPAIN

Cycling the Historic Camino de Santiago

5.00

Guided cycling along the Camino de Santiago

Santiago de Compostela and the end of pilgrimage

From $2,695 ()

Duration

7 days

Season

Year-round, but April through November is best

Accommodation

Comfort: 2* and 3* hotels

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

Ever dreamt of completing the famous Camino de Santiago? This must be the sign you’ve been waiting for! The guided week-long adventure will have you cycling along the most iconic of the millennium-old pilgrimage routes: Camino Frances. Pedal through the picturesque landscapes of Galicia, with its historic cities, countless hamlets, endless vineyards, and medieval roads—and before you know it, you’ll have 200 km under your belt, worthy of the pilgrimage certificate and a well-deserved glass of Albariño wine in the heart of Santiago de Compostela.

Adventure highlights

One of the most iconic pilgrimages in the world

Get your pilgrim passport stamped by pedaling along the 1,000-year-old Camino
Spanish delicacies under the warm Spanish sun

Heaven for your tastebuds: torta de Santiago, polbo á feira, mejillones al vapor…
Constant vehicle & guide support

Apart from fantastic guides, a support vehicle will accompany you—should you ever need a snack or a lift

Itinerary

Download itinerary

Camino de Santiago needs no introduction—its pilgrimage has already made its way on most adventurers’ wishlists. And it’s no wonder, the millennium-old route is much more than just a trail. Apart from awe-inspiring nature, friendly locals, and historic places, it’s also a spiritual journey said to be life-changing for many. By joining a guided, 7-day cycling tour, you get to experience it with other pilgrims in your group, relish the occasionally challenging paths, stay at quality hotels, and enjoy Spanish food and wine. There’s always a support vehicle by your side carrying all your belongings, perfect for when you need a snack or a break to rest your legs. The official end of the journey is the famed Santiago de Compostela, where you’ll get an official confirmation of your pilgrimage! Exclusive e-bike only date: July 28, 2024

Once you land in Santiago de Compostela airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your first hotel (2-hour drive) in Ponferrada. Before heading out to dinner, you’ll go and pick up your Pilgrim passport with your guide and your team—it will be stamped and confirm your Camino completion. Enjoy the charming Ponferrada, visit the 12th-century Castillo de los Templarios castle, or stroll through the old part of town, where the city’s folks take their paseo (promenade) in the evening before settling on their terraces for some refreshments. Get some rest—cycling starts tomorrow!

Accommodation: Hotel in Ponferrada
Set off on an exciting journey with Santiago in the distant sight! Take a fun ride along the Rio Sil before heading out of Ponferrada through vast fields and vines and arriving at the village of Columbrianos. From here, take a picturesque route, meandering through more vineyards and villages, the views of the monumental Las Ancares mountains in the distance. Following a descent on a fast trail, you’ll find yourself entering the beautiful town of Villafranca del Bierzo, a wonderful spot for lunch. As you head towards Vega de Valcarce, the valley opens up into a beautiful glaciated valley of meadows and tiny hamlets and villages.

Accommodation: Hotel in Vega de Valcarce
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 27 miles / 43 km
Elevation: +611 m / +2,000 ft
Today’s route might be one of the more challenging ones, but the rewards are immense. First you’ll cruise deeper into the Valcarce Valley passing Herrerias, a village whose iron and steel industry goes back to the Middle Ages. Climbing begins here, up to O’Cebriero, which is on a well-surfaced path with some steeper sections, taking you past El Bierzo. The panoramas and views will take your mind off climbing! Once you reach O’Cebreiro, get some rest and celebrate your achievement before beginning a 10-km (6-mile) descent to the valley. Follow the Rio Ouribio through a valley wedged in by mountains, until you take the last descent to the bottom of the valley, entering the village of Samos (home to the great monastery of Los Santos Julian y Basilica de Samos). On hot days the river at Samos is an ideal place for a refreshing dip!

Accommodation: Hotel in Samos
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 25 miles / 40 km
Elevation: +1,000 m / 3,280 ft
Cycle deep into the mysterious Galicia, rich with legends and stories of Brujeria (witchcraft) and mythology. Pedal though tiny, granite hamlets and farmsteads, which allows you to savor the region’s beauty. Upon reaching Sarria, the only sizable place enroute, you’ll climb up to the hill town—in Galicia the Camino is well-surfaced for cycling so you’ll enjoy today’s journey! Passing Barbadelo (and its 12th-century Romanesque church), pick up a long Corredoira taking you past the half-way point, meaning that there’s 100 km (60 miles) left to go! You’ll reach Mogarde and notice that the Camino gets a bit busier, as 100 km is the minimum distance which pilgrims need to pass to get their passport. Today’s destination is Portomarin, sitting high on the right-hand bank of the river, where the most important monuments of the town were moved stone by stone.

Accommodation: Hotel in Portomarin
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 23 miles / 37 km
Elevation: +581 m / +1,906 ft
Head out for your first obstacle of the day: the climb up and past Monte de San Antonio, to the villages of Gonzar and Castromaior. The cycling is incredible as you follow the pretty Torres stream through glades of oak and pine, over softly-undulating countryside that is typical of this part of Galicia. Following a 11-km (7-mile) stretch of lane, climb gently through the lush Sierra de Ligonde, passing many villages boasting plenty of refreshments. The trail continues through oak woods and eucalyptus plantations, bringing you to the first village in the La Coruna province, Cornixa, from where you’ll follow a well-restored ancient medieval trail. A short steady climb takes you to Melide, your base for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel in Sedor
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 30 miles / 49 km
Elevation: +1,000 m / +3,280 ft
The grand finale! A steady climb takes you to the artisan’s town of Arzua, where, according to legend, a local woman who denied a tired, hungry pilgrim a piece of bread had her bread turned to stone! With sharing in mind, you’ll stop in Santa Irene for some rest and lunch, refueling for the final pedal to Santiago. After riding through Lavacolla, take on the last climb of the Camino as you head up on paved roads and along to Monte del Gozo (Mount Joy), which is where the long-awaited Santiago comes into view for the first time! It’s a downhill ride now all the way to Santiago de Compostela, a World Heritage Site. Reach Plaza de Obradoiro, Santiago’s impressive cathedral square, where you’ll celebrate the end of a truly memorable and life-changing ride with your team.

Accommodation: Hotel in Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 29 miles / 46 km
Elevation: +890 m / +2,920 ft
After a relaxing breakfast, it’s time to pack up and get transferred to Santiago de Compostela Airport (a 30-minute drive). If you’d like to stay longer, just ask your guides for some recommendations—Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city to explore at your own pace! The cathedral is always a delight, especially the incense-bearing Botafumeiro. Other sights include Convento de San Paio de Antelares, which houses the Museo de Arte Sacro, the Plaza de la Azabachería, and Museo do Pobo Galego. The Hospital Real (now a luxury hotel) is worth a visit, or you can just relax at the world-famous plaza.

Meals: Breakfast

Cycling the Historic Camino de Santiago

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Dan Hirst

Dan is a Yorkshire lad in Spanish disguise. You’ll most likely find him coordinating siestas at the Skedaddle Espana base in the coastal town of Tarifa. Dan loves blazing the trails on some of the most beloved trails tours across Spain’s dramatic landscapes. He finds every moment while he’s on a trail an invigorating and sensory experience, no matter if it’s a road he’s driving down every day or a completely different spot—the sounds, smells, and sights will always be different.

5.00

Saddle Skedaddle

Saddle Skedaddle was founded by a couple of MTB pros (Paul and Andrew) while trapped in a snowstorm during their year-long biking adventure in Chile. They believe travel should move you and that there’s no better way to see a place properly—its people, culture, and natural wonders—than by bike. Saddle Skedaddle currently runs tours in 36 destinations, offering adventure junkies incredible places to tour on two wheels.

5.00(6 reviews)

Julian

We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday- it was a wonderful experience made more so by the great choice of guides that you have. We found the same last year with the two guides for the UK coast to coast trip. They were so helpful, when my battery failed on my own bike the guides could not have done more in terms of helping me find a new e bike so that I could continue my journey comfortably. Also, the lunches provided could not have been better and were prepared beautifully by the guides. Thank you so much for providing such a good service all round.

John

Excellent holiday and service provided from Skedaddle! Our tour leader Jeffery could not have been any better. Very experienced and just fantastic. The whole group bonded really well, and the guides booked us restaurants, so we were all able to eat together. Alex was fantastic too and they both were great at providing lunches during the day

Duncan

Your two guides really made it for us. Stephen and Ramon were a good combination, excellent cooks and nothing was too much trouble for them. They were supportive throughout of the whole group, managing the differences in experience and mood really well. Bikes and tech support was faultless. Accommodation was generally good. Pazo Marinao in Pala de Rei was outstanding in every way.

Show all reviews

Julian

John

Duncan

Mike

The organization is excellent and Dan, our Tour Leader, arranged the perfect weather! Ramone, our guide, is a great fun guy and an excellent cook. He looked after us extremely well. The excellent accommodation makes a big difference after a day’s ride.

Kath

It’s difficult to differentiate the days to choose the favourite because Dan made sure everyday was not just a good day but a fantastic day. I can’t praise Dan enough for his all round support on the trip and for looking after each person as he did especially myself. He had a lot to juggle and made it all look effortless. We need more Dan’s in this world.

Gillian

Dan was fantastic in every way. He was very organised and ensured everything ran smoothly. He took great care of everyone in the group whether at the front or the back and was very encouraging. A really great guy, always smiling and knowledgeable of Spain and the Camino. Picnic lunches excellent.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, English-speaking cycling guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
  - At least one leader qualified in first aid
  - 7-day cycling tour along the Camino de Santiago
  - Accommodation — shared twin/double ensuite rooms in 2* and 3* hotels (6 nights)
  - Meals as listed in the itinerary
  - Support vehicle and luggage transfers
  - Airport round-trip transfers (to and from Santiago de Compostela Airport) — on scheduled arrival / departure days only
Add-ons:
- - Bike rental — $360 for a mountain bike, $540 for an e-mountain bike
  - Single supplement — $465
Not included:
- - Transportation or flights to Spain
  - Meals not listed in the itinerary and snacks
  - Travel insurance
  - Personal clothing and equipment
  - Personal expenses (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
  - Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route
  - Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days
  - Guide gratuities — optional
Cycling the Camino de Santiago requires great fitness and stamina. You’ll be cycling between 30 and 50 miles (48-80 km) per day, sometimes on long and steep climbs. 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!
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:
- - Comfortable, season-appropriate riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material
  - Padded shorts
  - Peaked helmet
  - Sneakers or sport shoes
  - Breathable outside layer or jacket
  - Sunglasses
  - Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder
  - Daypack with snacks
  - Biking gloves are optional but recommended
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own, your guides have bikes available to rent.

On standard departures, you’ll have the choice between mountain bikes (with front suspension, disc brakes and good-quality components, $360 per person) or e-mountain bikes (usually a BH Atom e-mtb with 29” wheels, or equivalent, $540 per person). If booking onto one of the e-bike departures, only e-bikes will be available. Learn more about e-bike departures by choosing any date and reaching the checkout page.

If you choose to bring your own e-bike, on any of departures, please contact us so we can discuss the bike specification and ensure it is suitable for the tour.

Bikes come equipped with panier racks and bag, two bottle cages and water bottle, a seat post bag containing: puncture repair kit, multitool, inner tube (unless the bike is a tubeless e-bike) and pump.

If you do decide to rent and would like us to provide a helmet, please let us know at the time of booking, otherwise you should bring your own helmet with you. Please also let us know if you plan on bringing your own clip-in pedals, or if you will use the flat pedals which our rental bikes come fitted with.
Group sizes and prices:
- - The group size for this guided tour along the Camino de Santiago is 14 people.
  - There are usually 3 guides per trip, two mountain bikers and one guide in the support vehicle.
  - At least 6 people have to sign up for the tour to run.
Cycling the Camino de Santiago can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Children are occasionally able to go on trips with a legal guardian. That said, if you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and rough terrain, then they may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis.
  - If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to your cycling tour along the Camino, it’s best to fly into Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ). Your guides will pick you up at the airport for the start of the tour and drop you off at the airport on the last day of the tour. This is included in the price, but if you’d like to arrive earlier than Day 1 and leave later than Day 7, you’ll have to arrange transportation by yourself.
Medical and travel protection are mandatory on this adventure. 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!
Secure your spot for the following season with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!
- - Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
  - Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  - The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
  - Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.
A non-refundable 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If the Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, you will forfeit the deposit.
  - For cancellations thirty (30) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the trip price.
  - If you cancel your booking less than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the departure date, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
If you need to cancel the trip, please contact us. If you wish to transfer a booking to another person, please write to us at least seven (7) days before your trip. Administration charges may arise.