Burgos to Ponferrada Cycling along the Camino Galicia Spain This Cycling Holiday explores the second section of the Camino Frances / French Way by Bike, the most traditional of all the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela and the best known internationally. The route, which was established in the late 11th century reaching the tomb of St James the Great, crosses the North of the Iberian Peninsula, through the Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon and Galicia regions of Spain. Nowadays, cycling on the Camino has become an incredibly popular way of enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime journey to Santiago de Compostela. Starting from Burgos, medieval city and home of a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, this section of the French Way by Bike offers some of the best historical and cultural vestiges of the whole Camino Frances. It passes through Leon and the vast Castilian Plateau (Approx. alt. 900m) before reaching another medieval bastion – the buzzing city of Ponferrada. The mostly flat and gentle terrain makes it accessible to any cyclist with an average level of fitness. Biking Tour Meeting: Burgos Airport:   Santander, Madrid Transfer: Santander Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Burgos
Burgos still preserves important vestiges of its medieval splendour and the city boasts a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture: the Cathedral of Burgos (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Aside from a visit to the historic quarter, you can take an interesting walk along the banks of the Duero and Arlanza rivers.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Burgos

Day 2: Burgos to Fromista
All day long, you will notice the influence of the Camino de Santiago as there is not a single village we cross that does not have obvious references to it.
By bike: approximately 73 kms. / Ascent: 650 m / Descent: 550 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Fromista

Day 3: Fromista to Sahagun
During this stage, we have a good understanding of the popular meaning “Castilla es ancha” (castilla is wide). Crop fields give patches of beautiful color to the agricultural landscape all year round. The first half of the day is mainly flat and it gets a bit more undulating on the second half to Sahagun.
By bike: approximately 67 kms. / Ascent: 150 m / Descent: 80 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Sahagun

Day 4: Sahagun to Leon
Today we cycle through the colorful Castilian meseta or plateau. The landscape here seems endless as we pass over the flat terrain of the area, affording great views over the surrounding agricultural area. We finish the day in the vibrant city of Leon.
By bike: approximately 67 kms. / Ascent: 200 m / Descent: 200 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Leon

Day 5: Leon to Astorga
This is probably one of the flattest cycling days of the entire Camino Frances, but as we are on a high plateau, it still offers some great views and you will see Astorga down in the valley long before reaching it! In Astorga, take some time to visit the Episcopal palace, the cathedral, and the old city walls.
By bike: approximately 44 kms. / Ascent: 500 m / Descent: 200 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Astorga

Day 6: Astorga to Ponferrada
The last day of this section is definitely the most difficult, but also, the most rewarding one! We can enjoy spectacular views as we climb up to 1500m above sea level to reach the famous Cruz del Hierro (the Iron Cross). The natural scenery and towns with rich history make this the best way to finish the section, before reaching Ponferrada: a city with a lively, and very pretty, medieval center.
By bike: approximately 54 kms. / Ascent: 1000 m / Descent: 1150 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Ponferrada

Day 7: Departure
After breakfast we bid you farewell

                                                    Burgos area 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	44	47	54	57	67	73	81	81	74	63	51	45
Average Low Temperature (°F)	31	31	34	37	42	48	52	52	48	42	36	32
Average High Temperature (°C)	7	9	12	14	18	23	27	27	23	17	11	7
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-1	0	1	3	6	9	11	11	9	6	2	0
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	8	7	6	8	9	5	3	3	5	7	8	8

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The French Way in its entirety stretches from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela, and is divided into eight sections. Some of the most popular cities along the route include Pamplona, Leon, and Sarria. All sections of the Camino Frances stretch across the northern region of Spain, creating very seasonal weather.

Summer
Like most countries in the Western Hemisphere, Spain in summer can be very warm. In fact, from June to August the temperatures in this region average at around 27°C (80°F). The sun is shining for a majority of the days every month. However, in Sarria in particular, there is a higher chance of rain.

Fall
When the season turns to fall, the temperature on the Camino shifts as well. Temperatures cool to around 23°C (73°F) in September, 18°C (64°F) in October, and 13°C (55°F) in November. As the temperatures drop, there is also a higher chance of rain along the route. Like before, in Sarria specifically, there are more predicted rainy days than sunny days.

Winter
As winter hits the region, the temperatures drop drastically. Averaging around 9°C (48°F) or 10°C (50°F), the weather in the northern region of Spain is typically rainier.

Spring
In March, April and May, the temperatures slowly get warmer. With temperatures increasing from 13°C (55°F) in March to 18°C (64°F) in May, the days still have a tendency to be half rainy and half sunny.

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Accommodations
Our accommodations are selected based on a number of criteria, including location, comfort, services, price and character.
Please note, in case of non-availability of the below mentioned Hotels on the requested dates, similar ones will be used.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Burgos
Night 2: Hotel in Fromista
Night 3: Hotel in Sahagun
Night 4: Hotel in leon
Night 5: Hotel in Astorga
Night 6: Hotel in Ponferrada

Burgos - Hotel Forum Evolucion
Hotel Forum Evolución is a modern hotel. It has a wine-themed décor. It has 19 rooms, including single, double and family rooms. The air-conditioned rooms are soundproofed and have a desk, a TV and a private bathroom with hairdryer and free toiletries. Services such as a 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi are available.

Fromista – Hotel San Martin
Located just next to the church of St. Martin of Tours, this hotel has a family atmosphere and offers 19 rooms (1 suite, 1 for disabled people and 17 double), all of them equipped with ensuite bathroom, TV, Free WiFi, Phone and Individual heating.

Sahagun - Hotel Vista Flor Puerta De Sahagun
This hotel offers a gym and air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV. The 91 spacious rooms all feature tiled floors and modern décor. Each has a safe and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. There is also an outdoor pool (OPEN 15 JULY) and free Wi-Fi in public areas.

Leon - Real Colegiata San Isidoro
The hotel is located in the 11th-century San Isidoro Colegiate complex, with its basilica, cloister and museum, in the historic center of León. The hotel has a 24-hour reception and a free WiFi zone. All rooms feature stone walls and views of the Roman Wall or the cloister. They are heated and have a desk, wardrobe and flat-screen TV. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries.

Astorga – Gaudi Hotel
This hotel was built in classical style in 1981, and was refurbished in 1996. It was built with the idea of allowing guests to enjoy a warm, classical decor in wood. The hotel is located in a historic area where you can visit Roman ruins. The hotel can accommodate up to 75 guests. There are 35 rooms, including 27 doubles, 3 doubles with lounge, 4 triples and 1 single. The rooms have a view of the city’s historic area, with Antonio Gaud’s Episcopal Palace in the background. Each room has individual heating, international television, telephone, and full bathroom with hair dryer. Cots are available. WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Ponferrada - Bierzo Plaza
The Aroi Bierzo Plaza opened in 2009 and is in the heart of Ponferrada, by the town hall. Its attractive rooms all offer free Wi-Fi access and air conditioning. The hotel is set in a historic building with elegant arches. Most rooms have a balcony, and all are en suite.



Meals
Breakfasts and 2 dinners are included. Breakfast are eaten at the hotels and evening meals in the restaurant’s hotel or a restaurant nearby. It is usually a set menu.

Special diets and dietary restrictions:
We can only request dietary requirements to our suppliers for the following diets:
– Diabetic - Suitable for reduced sugar, hyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and carbohydrate controlled meal requests.
– Gluten Intolerant/Celiac also known as low gliadin, non-tropical sprue, Celiac disease, low wheat, wheat free, gluten restricted diet. A Gluten Intolerant Meal eliminates all foods prepared with wheat, rye, barley and oats.
– Vegetarian  (No meat – no fish). Nuts may be used as a protein substitute.
 

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		--
Horses:		--
Pace:		305 km (190 miles)
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    Moderate
Riders:		Min 2	Max 16

BIKES:
Mountain Bike BH Over-X 27V; Bike Breakdown Insurance; Repair kit.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements