Camino De Santiago
Date: _______ to ________
Terrain: Hilly to Mountainous | Daily Miles: 40-90
Difficulty Level: 4
$4,295
For thousands of years and as many reasons, travelers have journeyed from the far reaches of Europe to cross Spain on foot, horseback, by boat or bicycle. Their goal was Santiago de Compostela and its majestic Cathedral which contains the shrine of St. James, patron saint of Spain. His grave is said to have been discovered in 813 by a hermit in a place revealed by a shower of stars. The route grew in importance during the liberation of Spain from Moslem domination. Today 35% of those who follow this historic path across Northern Spain do so by bike. Paved roads take us through stunning and unspoiled scenery. From the Rioja wine region, the scenery changes daily as we cross the flatlands of Castile and enter the almost Welsh-looking green of the province of Galicia. You will see some of the most extraordinary churches, sculpture and artwork of Europe’s Middle Ages. The cultural riches to be found in the great artistic centers of Burgos, León and Santiago and each small town speak of centuries of accomplishment in every style from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque. Along the way, you will stay in some of the world's most acclaimed hotels, such as the Paradores in León and Santiago. The road to Compostela is rich in history.
Stage One • Santillana del Mar. Enjoy the Old World atmosphere of Santillana del Mar, which looks much as it did hundreds of years ago. Visit the prehistoric caves of Altimira. Stroll through the gorgeous cloisters of the ancient church. Save time for shopping and tapas in the winding streets of the old center. Our hotel is the 4 star Parador - once an ancient palace, today our home.
Stage Two • Santillana del Mar to Potes . 58 miles - 1460 feet. Our ride follows the winding coastline, past picturesque towns like Comillas and the colorful harbour of San Vincente. We turn inland and ride up into the green hills and fragrant forests. FInally, we reach a river gorge where we ride between the rock walls gradually climbing along a steady, gentle incline into the Picos de Europa. Our destination town of Potes is a pretty village set in the Liebana valley. Visit the 8th century monestary and sample the local blue cheese. Continue up to Fuente De where you can take a cable car to the top of the peaks. Enjoy the local Cocido Montanes, a mountain chickpea stew that will stoke you for tomorrow's ride.
Stage Three • Potes to León. 65 or 70 miles - 1330 feet. A 12 mile climb out of Potes over the Puerto de San Glorio and enjoy the majestic view. From the pass, it's mostly downhill as we enter the province of Leon. Sun baked mud and stones make up the walls of the homes on our way to Leòn. We complete the very last leg of today's journey by train. Arriving at the Parador of León, we enjoy the evening in surroundins fit for a king.
Stage Four • León Rest Day. See the wonderful paintings in the Basilica of San Isidoro. Nothing compares to the elaborate stained glass windows in the Cathedral of León or its many other treasures. Save some time to stroll through the town and enjoy its many interesting shops and sights.
Stage Five • León to Astorga. 42 miles - 1050 feet. Ride along the river and over the old Roman bridge where a bloody clash took place between the Moors and Alfonso the Great a thousand years ago. Enter Astorga through the ancient Puerta del Sol. Gaudí designed the new church building right next to the ancient one. Try some of the rich, buttery pastries, called mantecadas, the perfect post-ride treat.
Stage Six • Astorga to Villafranca del Bierzo. 44 miles - 4330 feet. The road climbs into the Montes de León. Near the top we come to the Cruz de Ferro, an iron cross atop a pile of stones and one of the most ancient monuments along the route. The view extends for miles over the green countryside. Taste the highly rated Bierzo wine in Villafranca where we relax at the Parador.
Stage Seven • Villafranca del Bierzo to Portomarìn. 73 miles - 5390 feet. Climb to Cebreiro, a town famous for its straw-roofed dwellings. A long descent brings us to Samos, one of the oldest monasteries in Spain. The entire town of Portomarin was moved stone by stone to its present site. Enjoy the pool at out charming hotel.
Stage Eight • Portomarìn to Santiago de Compostela. 67 miles - 5742 feet. Our final ride takes us through scenic farmland on tiny roads. Enjoy the lush countryside and wonderful aroma as we ride through a eucalyptus forest. At last, the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago are in sight and we arrive in time for St. James Day. We spend the night in what has been called the most beautiful hotel in the world - the Parador of Santiago. Built by Ferdinand and Isabella to shelter the pilgrims in the 15th century, today it is a first rate, super luxury hotel filled with museum quality pieces of artwork and steeped in history of which you are about to become a part. Tonight celebrate your journey with a huge fireworks celebration with music.
Stage Nine • Santiago de Compostela. You can’t help but feel excitement upon entering Santiago and knowing how many others have done the same before you. We have a full day to visit the town or go for a spin in lush, green Galicia. Tour the Cathedral and explore the many treasures of the town of Santiago.
Early Bird Special - Sign up for the Camino de Santiago before midnight, December 31, 2006, and get 10% off!
Celebrating our 15th Year!
