The French Way - Following Tradition The Whole Trail 19 Days / 18 nights
Some people don’t want to miss a thing, and if you have the time, you won’t regret a single moment of this journey.!! Start at the French/Spanish border and cross the entire plateau of Northern Spain. Cover 4 distinct regions and countless villages...
Cycling the French Way
Day 1-2 Madrid to Pamplona Arrival at Madrid airport and transfer via high speed train to Pamplona, your starting point and home for the first two nights.
Day 3 Pamplona - Estella 51 km (32 miles)
A great first day of cycling awaits. Passing through little hamlets of the 12th and 13th century, the legendary passage ‘Alto de Perdon’ and the ever impressive 11th century bridge in Puente La Reina. Estella, the final stop is a great place to discover as it is rich in typical Basque architecture.
Day 4 Estella - Logroño 54 km (33 miles)
Leaving the Navarra region and entering La Rioja, famous for their reputed vineyards! The medieval towns and fortress walls of Torres del Rio and Viana are reminders of the harsh battles that took place along this border.We also cross the Iratxe monastery, founded in the 10th century, you’ll be offered their traditional red wine.
Day 5 Logroño - Santo Domingo de la Calzada 55 km (34 miles)
Today, we pass the town of Najera. Located on the river banks and surrounded by stunning bright orange cliffs.Today’s highlight though, is discovering the village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Founded by and for, pilgrims, by a hermit who settled close to the river.
Cycling the French Way
Day 6 Santo Domingo de la Calzada - San Juan de Ortega 52 km (32 miles)
Today is a tranquil day, passing through a series of villages that have been marked in some way by the history of the Camino. Belorado was constantly disputed between the kingdoms of Castilla and Navarre.We end next to the 11th century Monastery of San Juan de Ortega. Famous for its decorative columns that depict the duel between Roland and the Moor Giant Ferragut.
Day 7 San Juan de Ortega - Burgos 31km (19 miles)
We cover a shorter distance in order to take full advantage of the city of Burgos and discover its historical center and impressive cathedral.
Day 8 Burgos – Castrojeriz 49km (30 miles)
After Burgos, we enter the Meseta (also known as Paramos) - Spain’s high plateau desert. Many villages and sites you come across have their own charm and the peace and serenity found here can be very inspiring.
Day 9 Castrojeriz – Carrion de Los Condes 49km (30 miles)
We pass Boadilla del Camino, known for its 15th century ‘rollo’ where people were publicly judged and a 13th century roman baptismal sculpted in stone located inside the Asuncion church. The day ends in a village that, at its peak, had over 14,000 habitants. Filled with well maintained monasteries and churches.
Cycling the French Way Day 10 Carrion de Los Condes - Burgo Ranero 62 KM (38 miles)
A long day in distance but, all on level ground.
Passing the town of Sahagun, anciently known as the capital of the ‘Poor Romanesque’ due to the materials used to build their churches and buildings, with adobe being preferred to stone. The destination for the evening, is lovely and small, and has a small lagoon that is a bird sanctuary.
Day 11 Burgo Ranero – León 42km (26 miles)
A slightly shorter day in distance to take advantage of the sites of León. León was the capital of Christian Spain for centuries starting in the year 910 when the city was reclaimed from the Moors. Its foundation dates even further back to the Roman Empire, in the year 69. It is obviously filled with historical sites and monuments.
Day 12 León - Astorga 60 km (37 miles)
The terrain after leaving the city of Leon is mainly a gentle downhill all the way to Astorga. Passing the legendary and impressive medieval bridge in Hospital de Orbigo along the way. Astorga also holds some of the most important Roman ruins in the area and a fascinating cathedral.
Cycling the French Way
Day 13 Astorga - Ponferrada 53 km (33 miles)
Today, things start to get more serious, as the entire morning is a gradual ascension to the Cruz de Hierro (the Iron cross), an emblematic place along the Camino Frances. Adding a stone at the foot of this cross has become an important camino ritual with many pilgrims over the centuries. A beautiful long downhill awaits on the other side.
Day 14 Ponferrada - Viduedo 60 km (37 miles)
We start by passing a series of villages located in the heart of the Bierzo valley as we admire the size of the neighbouring mountains that surround us. The day ends with a steep 8km climb to Ocebreiro. This village looks, feels, and to a certain extent, is, completely Celtic. A very popular place along the Camino de Santiago.
Day 15 Viduedo - Portomarin 52 km (32 miles)
A great day as you’ll spend most of it in the quiet countryside, discovering the peacefulness of rural Galicia. You’ll end with a long downhill into Portomarin, situated along the banks of the Mino.
Cycling the French Way Day 7 Portomarin - Arzua 53 km (33 miles)
Today takes you through Melide, a village that has become a culinary turning point for Spain. It has made Pulpo Gallego legendary throughout the country. A simple recipe of octopus, potatoes and paprika but when prepared just right, lights up your taste buds!
Day 8 Arzua - Santiago de Compostela 43 KM (27 miles)
A shorter distance in cycling today in order to take full advantage of the city’s sites. There is tons to see and do, on top of enjoying the fulfillment of reaching your destination!
Day 9 & 10 Santiago to Madrid
Enjoy a full day in Santiago de Compostela. The following morning, return via high speed train to Madrid.
HAVE EXTRA TIME? 2015 PRICING Consider extending your trip by a day or two to fully enjoy the city or even take a day trip to Finistere, once believed to be the ‘end of the world’. Ask us for details.
Per person, based on double occupancy, in Euros. 3 Star hotels -2,995€ (4,195$ US) Solo traveler supplement - 825€ (1,155 US) 1 & 2 star hotels- 2,495€ (3,495 US) Solo traveler supplement - 445€ (625 US)
Some of our preferred Lodging ASTORGA - CASA DE TEPA
An 18th century home transformed into a beautiful small hotel. Inner courtyard with garden & chairs to unwind in.
PARADOR BERNARDO FRESNADA
A former convent renovated into a beautiful hotel. Located next to the historical center of Santo Domingo.
POUSADA PORTOMARIN
A large modern hotel with all the latest amenities, ideally located on the Camino in the heart of town.
ARZUA - PAZO DE SEDOR
A lovely manor home from the 17th century, beautiful and relaxing grounds, located on the outskirts of town.
SANTIAGO - HOTEL ALTAIR
Modern rooms in an ancient home. Located on the edge of the historical center, a much quieter and tranquil area.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Our preferred lodges have been carefully selected for their location, comfort, charm and consistent friendly service. They are subject to availability. Should one of our preferred lodges not be available, we will provide you with one of the same standard & price.
Booking Conditions OUR PRICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING;
- 18 nights en suite Private room & Bathroom - Luggage transfers (1 bag per person, up to 15 kilos) - Bicycle rental for duration of trip with pannier pack - High Speed Train Ticket from Madrid to Pamplona - High Speed Train Ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid - All breakfasts (only in 3 star level accommodations) - Access To 24 Hour Help Line! - Personalized Electronic Guidebook For Each Participant Which Includes: - Camino trail map with GPS locations of your lodges - Daily route notes, elevation profiles and itinerary overview - Informative notes and videos of sites of interest - Restaurant reviews and suggestions! - Essential services locator (banks, pharmacies, water, etc)! - Food menu translator! - Common Spanish phrasebook! - Tips for how to prepare & train for the Camino - First Aid & Emergency situation tips
OUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE;
- Personal Expenses - Meals outside of breakfast - Museum entrances and paid visits - Potential taxi services to shorten days - Travel Insurance
Our Services
PERSONALIZED ITINERARY
We tailor all of our trips specifically to your needs, ensuring you get the trip you want.
PERSONAL ‘GUIDE’
Our Electronic Guide offers you directions, tips and advice every step of your journey.
FREEDOM
Select when you want to stop, where and what to eat. Experience the Camino your Way.
LODGING VARIETY
Understanding your needs and expectations, our team scopes the best places for all budgets.
LUGGAGE TRANSFER
We ensure your bags are waiting for you at your destination at the end of your day’s walk.
TOP SERVICE
Our staff is here for you from start to finish. Dedicated to make this is a trip of a lifetime.
Give yourself the best of both worlds: -Flexibility of traveling on your own -Security & Support of a guided trip
Rayo Active Travel Inc, 113 Tuscany Way NW, Calgary, AB, T3L 2A4
www.rayotravel.com