Compare Walking the Camino de Santiago by Exodus Travels vs Catalonia by Bike for Families by UTracks
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,470 | $ 1,090 |
| Price Per Day | $ 315 | $ 136 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts and 7 dinners are included. Dinners are either taken at the hotel, or left open, where there is a good choice of restaurants. | N/A |
| Description |
The Spanish Camino de Santiago is one of THE most ancient walking routes in the world. Ever since the 9th century, the French Way has led thousands of pilgrims on an 800km journey across northern Spain, winding from the Pyrenees across the wheat fields of old Castile to pass through Leon, the seat of Spanish Kings, full of soaring cathedrals and hushed convents, before entering Galicia. The route then builds to a spectacular finale at Santiago de Compostela's majestic Baroque cathedral, the last resting place of St James the apostle. Your walk begins in Leon and, in keeping with the pilgrimage route, you walk daily along farm tracks, paths and country lanes, enjoying sociable lunches in restaurants en route. You'll stay in an astonishingly diverse range of properties including restored parish houses, converted water mills and stylish farmhouses, all packed with period features. We've included transfers after breakfast on the first three walking days, after which you'll walk all the way to Santiago. The sense of achievement on arrival is immense, and sharing in this tradition with your fellow pilgrims en route is incredibly rewarding. Everyone on the Camino has a Pilgrim Passport that can be stamped in bars, hotels and churches along the way to qualify for a certificate from the official Pilgrim Office in Santiago. You'll notice a profound and heart-warming camaraderie with other walkers, as day by day you fall in and out of step with people from all over the world, some of whom have been walking for months, covering hundreds of miles! You'll also find complete strangers cheering you on and wishing you 'Buen Camino!' ('Enjoy your walk!').The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes, and in 1987 was declared the first European Culture Route. |
A fun and engaging family adventure exploring the coast and countryside of Catalonia by bike |
Day 1 Start Leon.
Arrive at your historic hotel in the heart of Leon. There are masses of restaurants and tapas bars on your doorstep, so we've left the choice up to you for dinner tonight.Comfortable Hotel
Day 2 Trek from Cruz de Ferro to Molinaseca.
Your day starts with a guided tour of Leon's magnificent gothic Cathedral which is often called the 'House of Light' and a visit to the Basilica of San Isidoro, one of the most important Romanesque churches in Spain and resting place of Leon's mediaeval monarchs. You will then receive your pilgrims passport. We then provide a transfer (1hr) to Cruz de Ferro, the highest point on the Camino, marked by a pre-Roman cross. The Camino winds downhill through fragrant pines where once the Knights Templar protected pilgrims from bandit attack. A path lined with wild chestnuts, cherries, peppers and fennel leads to riverside Molinaseca, known to be one of the most beautiful villages on the Camino. Two options: Distance 8km/5mi, approx. 2 hours walking or 19km/12mi, approx. 4 hours walking.Comfortable Hotel
Day 3 Ascend the Rio Valcarce Valley to O'Cebreiro; sunset viewpoint.
After a short transfer (30 mins), you ascend the Rio Valcarce valley, climbing into moody oak woods strung with lichen and strewn with early purple orchid. O Cebreiro is a 11th Century village in the heart of the Cordillera Cantabrica. Walk to the viewpoint above the village for a perfect sunset and views over four ranges of hills then return along the narrow, cobbled streets, past traditional thatched houses known as pallozas. Comfortable Hotel
Day 4 Walk between villages overlooking the Monastery of Samos; continue to Sarria.
After a short transfer we drop you off at Triacastela. As the Camino meanders between heather-clad villages overlooking the Monastery of Samos, you can hear the bells ringing. On reaching Sarria - the antiques capital of Galicia, you'll be whisked to Javier and Raquel's elegant country rectory (10 mins), complete with chapel and al fresco dining patio area. Comfortable Hotel
Day 5 Head up the Celerio Valley; descend into Portomarin.
A Roman bridge leads out of Sarria up the Celerio Valley, where you'll traverse the hamlets of the southern flank of the Sierra del Paramo. Descend into Portomarin - the original village was drowned by the Belesar Reservoir, and some remains still shimmer below the surface! Comfortable Hotel
Day 6 Walk up Torres Valley to the delightfully rural farmhouse at Lestedo.
Drop into Portomarin's church then follow the Torres stream, passing between cornfields lined with ox-eye daisies. Stamp your Pilgrim Passport in country churches dedicated to the Order of St James before arriving at your beautifully restored rectory. Comfortable Hotel
Day 7 Hike to O'Coto via Palas del Rei.
Country lanes lead past fortified farmhouses into the hillside town of Palas de Rei (Palace of the King) as you enter the province of A Coruna. You'll pass typical, raised Galician granaries, and chickens scamper across narrow streets as you enter vineyards, with views east to the Montes del Vacaloura. Comfortable Hotel
Day 8 Leave hamlet of O'Coto; walk to Arzua.
Today's first stop is Melide - a thriving country town where tavernas brim with locals enjoying Galician seafood in specialist pulperias (octopus restaurants). Drop into the Romanesque church to admire the frescoes, before lanes lined with bright yellow celandine bring you into the lively market town of Arzua. Continue on to your elegant manor house, surrounded by tranquil countryside, just outside the town. Comfortable Hotel
Day 9 From Arzua walk to a converted watermill in Rua.
Arzua's colonnaded streets lead into open country where local farmers wear berets as they tend vines and build haystacks with pitch forks. Your route rises and falls through river valleys, crossing rushing streams. This evening you can marvel at Javier's breathtaking converted water mill, where original machinery has been turned into spectacular period features. Comfortable Hotel
Day 10 Walk to Santiago via Monte do Gozo; visit the cathedral.
Excitement mounts as you set off towards Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy), where pilgrims of old caught their first glimpse of the spires of Santiago. On reaching Santiago's historic centre, congratulations are everywhere as a steady stream of pilgrims reach their journey's end below the cathedral's spectacular Baroque facade. Drop into the Pilgrim Office to collect your certificate if you wish, before checking into our historic hotel near the old marketplace - still a riot of colour! Comfortable Hotel
Day 11 End Santiago de Compostela.
Enjoy Santiago and the cathedral before taking a taxi to the airport (pay locally approx 15 euro). Alternatively, stay on for extra nights to explore this beautiful historic city. Walking through the old streets of Santiago is a fantastic way to spend your time here, with Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings lining the old town's streets and plazas.
Day 1 Arrive Flaça, transfer to La Pera
If you are arriving into the train station in Flaça, on the Barcelona - Girona - Figueras line, you will be picked up at the station and transferred to the first night's accommodation. A transfer from Girona airport can also be arranged (additional cost may apply). Overnight stay in the small town of La Pera.
Day 2 Cycle through Monells and Madremanya, visit castle at Pubol (17 or 31km/11 or 19mi)
Your bikes will be delivered after breakfast. On your first cycling day you'll be immersed in the ambience of Lower Ampurdan (Baix Emporda), riding through traditional rural landscapes with farms and vegetable gardens, picturesque villages and Mediterranean woods. The Medieval villages of Monells and Madremanya both have interesting historical centres. In Pubol, you can visit the castle-museum which Dalí dedicated to his wife, Gala. If the regular route seems a bit tough for a first day, there is an optional shortcut. Overnight La Pera. Ascend and descend 200m or 300m/655 or 985ft
meals : B
Day 3 Cycle through woods and rolling landscapes to Peratallada (23.5km/14.5mi)
Today begins with a short climb through woods but afterwards the road is almost flat and you'll find yourself surrounded by Tuscany-like hilltop villages. Long ago, the Iberians worked this vast and fertile agricultural region and introduced cypress trees as windbreaks to protect against erosion. Once in Peratallada, you have a challenging task: take a stroll round the village to select one of many inviting restaurants for dinner. Overnight stay at Peratallada. Ascend 150m/490ft, descend 175m/574ft
meals : B
Day 4 Cycle to the Costa Brava beaches (40.5km/25mi)
Today you cycle out to the Costa Brava, along quiet country lanes through Pals to Palafrugell, then on to Llafranca to reach Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most beautiful fishing villages on this coast. You have the option of taking a lunch break at a nice restaurant on the beach. Visit the lovely botanical gardens in Cap Roig before cycling back to Peratallada, or venture further south through the valley of Aubi. This area has truly preserved its original rural character. Some farmhouses even have 15th- and 16th-century towers, ancient refuges from pirate attacks. Overnight at Peratallada. Ascend and descend 150m/490ft
meals : B
Day 5 Cycle through the Ter River delta and on to coastal beaches (31km/19mi)
It's a relatively gentle cycling route today through the Ter River delta, with its green rice fields and charming windmills, then onward to sandy beaches on the coast. If you prefer to take a rest day, Peratallada is a perfect place to relax, or take a short stroll through the nearby Mediterranean woods. Overnight in Peratallada. Ascend and descend 150m/490ft
meals : B
Day 6 Cycle via Greek and Roman ruins at Empuries to San Pere Pescador (38km/23.5mi)
Head northwards into the region of Alt Empordà (the Upper Ampurdán), cycling through mixed forests, open rural landscape and endless orchards. There is an optional stop to admire the Greek and Roman ruins at the archaeological site of Empuries, then you can take a break and stroll along the Medieval lanes of Torroella de Montgri. In the afternoon you'll arrive at a charming country house, your accommodation with its own private swimming pool. Ascend and descend 200m/656ft
meals : B
Day 7 Cycle to Figueres and visit the Salvador Dalí museum (53km/33mi)
Today you'll cycle to Figueres, the village whose name is synonymous with Salvador Dalí. Visit the surrealist painter's museum, take a pleasant stroll along the town Rambla and admire the beautiful Augustine monastery just outside town. Then follow the Muga River to the medieval town of Castello d'Empuries. Later you are welcomed by the refreshing greenery of Aiguamolls de l'Emporda Natural Park, whose wetlands are home to a significant seasonal waterbird colony. Alternatively, for a shorter option, you can cycle to the train station and take the train to Figueras, or take a bus directly from San Pere Pescador to Figueras and have a day off cycling. This allows more time to visit the Salvador Dali museum (at least 3 hours required. Note it is often closed on Mondays). Ascend and descend 125m/410ft
meals : B
Day 8 Trip concludes
Your trip arrangements end today after breakfast. Transport to the Figueres train station is included. An optional taxi transfer to the airport can also be arranged.
meals : B
