Ponferrada to Santiago

Introduction
Galicia Spain
This Cycling Camino explores the final 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 the mountain-hugging town of Ponferrada and finishing in Santiago de Compostela, this section covers both the Castilla y Leon and Galicia regions. Leaving the medieval city of Ponferrada behind us, this Camino crosses the magnificent O’Cebreiro Mountains before heading towards the heart of Galicia and its lush green hills.

This section can be physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness, but it is also a highly rewarding leg of the Camino, offering beautiful landscapes and numerous cultural sights.

Accomodation

Accommodation
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 Ponferrada
Night 2: Hotel in Villafranca del Bierzo
Night 3: Hotel in O Cebreiro
Night 4: Hotel in Sarria
Night 5: Hotel in Melide
Night 6: Hotel in Santiago de Compostela



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.

Villafranca del Bierzo - Casa Mendez
Overlooking the River Valcarce, 500 m from the center of Medieval Villafranca del Bierzo, this hotel offers country-style heated rooms featuring a satellite TV and private bathroom.
A laundry service is offered and free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.

O Cebreiro - Hotel O'Cebreiro
The hotel is located in a building rehabilitated in 2002 and which had previously been a jail and town hall. It has 5 double rooms with full bathroom. All rooms have exposed stone, abuardillado ceiling and chestnut wood creating a cozy atmosphere for relaxation and rest. Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Sarria - Alfonso IX
Hotel Alfonso IX is a modern hotel in the center of the town of Sarria. The hotel has its own fitness center and pool. Surrounded by gardens and close to the river, this well-equipped hotel features a lovely natural setting. It has a total of 57 rooms, 2 Junior Suites and 1 Luxury Suite, spread over 3 floors. All rooms feature internet access, air conditioning / heating, ensuite bathroom with hairdryer, safety box, TV and a phone.

Melide – Pousada Chiquitin
This accommodation has 16 rooms, each with private bath, TV, Wi-Fi access and heating. It is also possible to use washing machines.       

Santiago de Compostela - Hotel Pombal
Just 300 m from Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Hotel Pombal is opposite Alameda Park and has free WiFi. The stylish rooms offer views of the old town, and satellite TV. The bathroom comes with bath or shower.



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.

Riding

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

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Ponferrada
Ponferrada is a lively city with a pretty, medieval town center, that sits below a castle built by the Knights of Templar. The old part of the city is a pretty pedestrian area where tourists and local people like to chill out on the terraces of Plaza del Ayutamiento and Plaza de la Encina.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Ponferrada

Day 2: Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo
The first cycling day of this section is also the only full day that you will spend in the province of Castilla y Leon, cycling through the valley of Bierzo, surrounded by mountains. You then spend the last few kilometers passing through red earth vineyards until you reach the charming Villafranca del Bierzo. This first day is of a short length and with no particular difficulty, so it enables you to warm up before the more difficult day tomorrow. Because of this, you can take it easy with the cycling and enjoy the lively buzz of Villafranca del Bierzo later on!
By bike: approximately 23 kms. / Ascent: 150 m / Descent: 120 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Villafranca del Bierzo

Day 3:  Villafranca del Bierzo to O’Cebreiro
Today will be a challenging day with an ascent of 1000m. Passing firstly through the narrow valley of the river Valcace before tackling the ascent to O Cebreiro. Situated between the ranges of “Los Ancares” and “La Sierra do Courel”, this stage involves a steep climb over only a few kilometers. Take your time, we have designed this cycling day to be short, taking its difficulty into consideration. So, enjoy the magnificent scenery as you ascend higher and higher throughout the day, and say hello to Galicia as you arrive in O’Cebreiro!
By bike: approximately 33 kms. / Ascent: 1000 m / Descent: 300 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in O Cebreiro

Day 4: O’Cebreiro to Sarria
As we continue across the undulating terrain of the Galician mountains, the route offers more stunning sights and historical buildings. Finally, we reach Sarria, where all pilgrims travelling by any means seem to know each other!
By bike: approximately 43 kms. / Ascent: 400 m / Descent: 950 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Sarria

Day 5: Sarria to Melide
This penultimate day starts with an ascent up through oak woods, passing by the Romanesque Church of Barbedelo, before cycling over the Belesar Dam in Portomarin.  Continuing on the Camino Way to Melide is not too difficult – despite the typical Galician ups and downs!
By bike: approximately 73 kms. / Ascent: 800 m / Descent: 750 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Melide

Day 6: Melide to Santiago
This is probably the most exciting day of cycling the whole Camino, as today we finally reach Santiago de Compostela! Before that, we will have to cycle the now-usual rolling hills of Galicia.  The most exhilarating part of today will probably be on reaching El Monte de Gozo (Mount of Joy), where you can see the cathedral in the distance for the first time, before arriving into Santiago de Compostela!
By bike: approximately 55 kms. / Ascent: 400 m / Descent: 450 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Santiago

Day 7: Departure
After breakfast we bid you farewell

Rates and Dates for Ponferrada to Santiago

Dates Note:
Guided trip options for Section 8 in 2011:
April 16, May 7, June 4, July 2 and 30, Aug 13 and 27, Spetember 10, Oct 8 departures.

Other Info
Meeting: Ponferrada
Airport: Santiago de Compostella
Transfer: Santiago de Compostella

Climate:
                                    Santiago de Compostela area