Compare Spanish Camino by Bike: The Pyrenees to Leon by UTracks vs 6 Day French Way (Saint Jean Pied de Port - Pamplona) by Magic Hill Holidays
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 2,250 | $ 570 |
| Price Per Day | $ 225 | $ 95 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | NA |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
Breakfast |
| Description | Cycle from Roncesvalles to Leon as you ride back through history along the Camino de Santiago |
This 6 day walking experience takes you over the first section of this Camino from the beautiful French village of Saint Jean Pied de Port to the medieval city of Pamplona, loved by Hemingway and home to one of Spain’s most famous festivals. The first walking day is the most difficult as it crosses the Pyrenees, but it is spectacular. The Napoleon Route ascends through Alpine style meadows to a peak of 1,450m where it crosses the border into Spain and descends through a remarkable beech forest to Roncesvalles. The Camino continues through pine, beech and oak forests and small villages with traditional style Basque houses to Zubiri. The final walking day combines a beautiful rural environment, along the banks of the Arga River, with urban as you finish your Camino at the Cathedral in the Old Quarter of Pamplona. This trip is not recommend for novice walkers. A moderate level of fitness and walking experience is required due to the steep gradient over the Pyrenees. It is ideal for people who plan to walk the entire Camino in stages over a number of years or those who are seeking to meet other pilgrims and enjoy the social side of the Camino. |
Day 1 Arrive Roncesvalles
Famous on the pilgrimage trail, the historic village of Roncesvalles is high in the Pyrenees and only 5km from the French border in northeast Navarre. Make your way to your hotel and at your leisure, visit the famous local church where there are several relics dating from the 8th Century and the defeat of Charlemagne by local tribes. Your bikes will be delivered to the hotel by early evening. *option to start in St Jean Pied de Port in France and walk to Roncesvalles across the Pyrenees before joining the cycle trip. See the Trip Notes 'special notes' for details.
meals : D
Day 2 Cycle via Zubiri and Akerreta to Pamplona (42km/26mi)
Today’s cycle takes you through the foothills of the Pyrenees. You’ll pass through the towns of Burguete and Espinal, climb to the top of Erro, and follow the Arga River from Zubiri to Pamplona, the historical capital of Navarre province.
meals : B
Day 3 Cycle via Puente la Reina and medieval Cirauqui to Estella (42km/26mi)
Heading out of Pamplona, you’ll quickly reach Cizur. A short ascent follows before a continued decline through Uterga, Muruzábal and Óbanos to the lovely stone built town of Puente la Reina. Leaving Puente la Reina, you'll follow paths and tracks to the medieval hilltop village of Cirauqui, which welcomes you with a beautiful arched door. Descend the Roman road to the bridge over the Rio Salado to ride the final kilometres into Estella (Lizarra) via the towns of Lorca and Villatuerta.
meals : B,D
Day 4 Via Monjardin Villamayor to Logroño (50km/31mi)
Leaving Estella, you’ll find the famous "Fountain of Wine" and the monastery of Irache. On to Azqueta, between fields and vineyards, and Monjardín Villamayor, with its restored Fuente de los Moros (12th century fountain). From here and up to Los Arcos, you'll ride on undulating, open terrain. Leaving Los Arcos, Sansol is your next destination and from here you descend to the river valley before ascending Linares Torres del Río. Cycle through vineyards, olive groves, almond trees and small villages via Viana and descend to the city of Logroño, capital of La Rioja.
meals : B,D
Day 5 Cycle to Santo Domingo de la Calzada (49km/29.5mi)
Leaving Logroño on the historic Rúa Vieja you'll head towards Naverrete. Pass ruins of the ancient pilgrims and ascend Monte de San Anton, where there are views to Nájera. Continuing via Najera’s Monastery of Santa Maria la Real, the road runs along a dirt track to Azofra, situated on a small hill. From here it's an easy ride into the historic village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a beautiful medieval town known for its legend of the rooster and chicken.
meals : B,D
Day 6 Cycle to the city of Burgos (72km/44.5mi)
The first part of today's cycle is quite flat. From Granon, past the tiny village of Redicillo del Camino, you head to Belorado. From here there's an ascent to Montes de Oca, where you'll be rewarded with an excellent view. Once in San Juan de Ortega, the route soon leads to Atapuerca. Leaving Atapuerca, you cycle through a number of villages as you head towards Burgos, a provincial capital of Castile and León. Your downtown hotel is within walking distance of Burgos’ charms, including its impressive Gothic Cathedral and Monastery of Las Huelgas.
meals : B,D
Day 7 Across the meseta to Fromista (66km/41mi)
Leaving Burgos along the Calle Ferrán Gonzalez you cross the Rio Arlanzón at the Malatos Bridge. You then continue via the towns of Tardajos and Hornillos, and through wheat fields to the town of Hontanas. Next, you’ll see the Convent of San Antón and cycle into the beautiful village of Castrojeriz. There’s a good climb to Mostelares followed by a descent to the river Pisuerga. Historical Frómista lies ahead, along the Canal de Castilla.
meals : B,D
Day 8 Cycle to Sahagun (60km/37mi)
From Frómista, you'll cycle towards to Villalcázar de Sirga, with its beautiful church. Soon after you'll reach Carrión de los Condes, with its impressive heritage. It’s a gentle ride from Carrion de los Condes to Calzadilla de la Cueza. From Calzadilla, ascend for a couple of kilometres before heading towards the towns of Lédigos, Terradillo de Templarios and Moratinos. From here you continue to Sahagún, an historical village along the Camino with an impressive church with Moorish influences and a grand city gate.
meals : B,D
Day 9 On to historic Leon (58km/36mi)
From Sahagún you cross the Cea river and cycle to Calzada del Coto, where the road forks. Follow the left fork across Bercianos del Real Camino to El Burgo Ranero. From here, it’s an easy pedal to Mansilla de las Mulas, the gateway to León. You will cross the Esla river and then the Porma river at Villarente. After a steep slope you’ll arrive at León, one of the most historic towns of Old Castile and dominated by its cathedral.
meals : B,D
Day 10 Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast. Leon has much to see and we recommend adding an extra night, or you can continue on the next stage to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela.
meals : B
Day 1 - Arrival day to Saint Jean Pied de Port
Day 2 - Saint Jean Pied de Port - Roncesvalles via the Napoleon Route (25.1km)
Day 3 - Roncesvalles - Zubiri (21.9km)
Day 4 - Zubiri - Pamplona (20.9km)
Day 5 - Free Day in Pamplona
Day 6 - Departure day from Pamplona
