Roncesvalles to Burgos Cycling along the Camino Castilllia Spain This Cycling Holiday explores the first 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 in Roncesvalles, this leg of the French Way will bring you to the vibrant city of Burgos. This section is great for cyclists who want to enjoy different landscapes, from the foothills of the Pyrenees to hilly fields of sunflowers, from woodland to red earth vineyards. It also has many historical cities as well as picturesque towns, and visitors can enjoy different regional cultures as they journey from the Basque Country to Castilla y Leon, not to mention the wine-dedicated region of La Rioja. Biking Tour Meeting: Roncesvalles Airport: Biarritz, Bilbao Transfer: Riders: Min 2 riders Max 16 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Because this is a self-guided trip, participants are expected to arrive independently to their accommodation in Roncesvalles.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
With its collegiate church, old monastery and chapel of Santiago, Roncesvalles has a strong link to the Camino de Santiago. It is also one of the major spots of all the routes to the tomb of St James as this is where all pilgrims gather to start their journey to Santiago de Compostela via the French Way. Set at the foothills of the Pyrenees (Alt. 1000m), this peaceful place seems to exist because of, and for, the Camino.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Roncesvalles

Day 2: Roncesvalles to Pamplona
Leaving the Pyrenees behind us, we cycle down to Pamplona (Alt. 450m) through the undulating terrain of the Basque Country via woodlands and hilly cultivated lands, before reaching the capital city of the region of Navarra – Pamplona.
By bike: approximately 48 kms. / Ascent: 600 m / Descent: 1000 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Pamplona

Day 3: Pamplona to Estella
As soon as we leave Pamplona, we notice a drastic change in landscape: sunflowers and cereal fields surround us as we pass el Alto del Perdon (Alt. 750m) before heading down to Puente de la Reina, where the French and Aragonese Ways to Santiago meet. The second half of the day sees another progression in landscapes as red earth crop fields, charming villages and vineyards begin to appear.
By bike: approximately 44 kms. / Ascent: 650 m / Descent: 650 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Estella

Day 4: Estella to Logrono
Today is another beautiful day, cycling through vineyards and red earth crop fields. We also pass by a few famous landmarks of the Camino such as the Monasterio of Irache and its bodega, and the steep climb up to Villamayor de Monjardin. Shade also decreases as we get closer and closer to Logrono, capital city of world-known wine producing region of La Rioja.
By bike: approximately 49 kms. / Ascent: 670 m/ Descent: 650 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Logrono

Day 5: Logrono to Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Yet another great cycling day, along red earth tracks and through the countryside of La Rioja. As the day goes on, we notice vines start to disappear and are replaced by more cereal fields as we approach Santo Domingo de la Calzada, another great milestone on the Camino de Santiago. This day can be seen as challenging as there are many ups and downs all day long and little shade.
By bike: approximately 48 kms. / Ascent: 600 m / Descent: 350 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Day 6: Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Burgos
The day is spent through hilly crop fields, crossing a few quiet villages before getting back to civilization in Burgos. This can be a demanding day as the length is challenging and because of the ascent/descent – but the final destination in Burgos worth it!
By bike: approximately 70 kms. / Ascent: 1000 m / Descent: 650 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Burgos

Day 7: Burgos. End of the Camino
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 Roncesvalles
Night 2: Hotel in Pamplona
Night 3: Hotel in Estella
Night 4: Hotel in Logrono
Night 5: Hotel in Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Night 6: Hotel in Burgos



Roncesvalles - Casa De Beneficiados
This restored 18th-century building offers a bar, free Wi-Fi zone and modern apartments with well-equipped kitchenettes. Each accommodation is decorated in light colors, with original beamed ceilings. All have a living-dining room with a TV and a bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries. The property includes a communal laundry room, and luggage storage.

Pamplona - Europa Hotel
Each room comes equipped with a flat-screen TV, mini-bar and tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms are heated and feature a private bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries kit.
There is free WiFi.

Estella – Hotel Yerri
The hotel is located 90 m from Estella Bullring, in the center of Estella. It offers 28 rooms with plasma TV, free WiFi and air conditioning. All rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer.

Logrono - Hotel Mercure Carlton Rioja
Located in the center of Logroño, the capital of the La Rioja region, this is a functional hotel that offers free WiFi and classic-style rooms. Each of the spacious, air-conditioned rooms is equipped with a TV and mini-bar. The private bathroom has a hairdryer.

Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Pedro Primero
The Hotel has 9 rooms, distributed in:
3 Double rooms: with double bed of 140 cm
5 double rooms: with two beds of 90x190 cm
1 Family Suite: Room with two beds and two possible extra beds
Each of our rooms is decorated in a different way, combining furniture and old details with modern ones, achieving a very cozy atmosphere. All rooms have a private bathroom, heating, television, telephone and internet access (Wi-Fi or network).
There is also a common area  where you can check the construction system of the fortifications in the Middle Ages and connect to free Wi-Fi.

Burgos - Hotel Forum Evolucion
Hotel Forum Evolución is a modern hotel. It has a wine-themed décor. There are 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.



Meals
Breakfasts and 3 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 can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		--
Horses:		--
Pace:		259 km (162 miles)
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Moderate
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 16 riders

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 

 

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.