Explore the spellbinding landscapes of Asturias and Galicia on two wheels
Discover the timeless beauty of Northern Spain’s Asturias and Galicia regions on the 8-day self-guided Camino Primitivo MTB Tour. In the 9th century, King Alphonse II decided to see with his own eyes the bones of the apostle St. James. With that purpose, he journeyed through dark woods and daunting mountains, from the capital of his kingdom - Oviedo - to a remote area of what is now Galicia. This cycle tour follows this same authentic route, traversing part of the ‘España Verde’, through the varied countryside of Asturias and Galicia.
Following Roman stone ways, countryside paths and traditional farming or trading routes, you’ll enjoy thrilling rides along dirt tracks, paths and some local minor roads. As you cycle along this historical trail, you will get a taste of the special atmosphere that surrounds the pilgrims who follow the Camino de Santiago. You will take in the important highlights and will be able to learn about the history and traditions around this famous pilgrimage trail.
Please note that guests can opt to enjoy this ride on E-Bike instead of MTB if preferred.
Highlights of the Camino Primitivo MTB Tour
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Camino Primitivo MTB Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Oviedo
If you arrive in Oviedo with some time to spare, we recommend visiting the old town and, of course, the Gothic Cathedral, the starting point for pilgrims to Santiago. Do not miss the lively atmosphere in this historic city centre, with plenty of cafés, restaurants and cider houses to enjoy!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Oviedo
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Ride Through the Green Asturias Countryside to Salas
Your pilgrimage begins this morning by following the Jacobean copper shells through narrow lanes in the city centre, then out into the green Asturian countryside. Tarmac lanes, old footpaths and country roads take you past quiet villages and through hilly countryside, passing the Cornellana Monastery. Founded in 1024, this centre was of great religious and political importance throughout the early history of the Christian kingdom in Asturias. After this stop to rest before the last part of the route which follows some ascents and descents on the lead up to Salas.
Your hotel in Salas is located in the historic town centre, inside a former castle and with a museum of Pre-Romanesque architecture just beside it.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Salas
Distance: 51 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Ride from Salas to Pola de Allande
Start off today’s beautiful ride as you head south, via Soto de los Infantes, through the beautiful Narcea River Valley before ascending to Tineo, a historically significant town on the Camino.
As you continue èn route´you will pass by the Romanesque church and Monastery of Obona. These monuments, partly in ruins, formed part of an important cultural and intellectual centre for centuries. From here a succession of small churches and chapels will lead you up to Lavadoiro Pass (812m), before you descend to Pola de Allande, a lovely little town with Asturian flavour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pola de Allande
Distance: 49 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Challenging Ride from Pola de Allande to Fonsagrada
A tough but rewarding day lies ahead, due to the climb (625m) this morning to reach Puerto del Palo. This pass, at 1146m, divides the green, wooded area of Allande from the vast, more barren mountains to the south. But then, your 1st reward: a downhill 35kmstretch to stunning Lake Grandas, only 4km before the ascent to Grandas de Salime, located at the top of a hill!
Grandas is a pleasant town with a Romanesque church and interesting ethnographic museum. Another steep ascent still awaits: Alto del Acebo Pass (1030m), before you glide down into Fonsagrada, where your next accommodation awaits.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Fonsagrada
Distance: 60 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle the Galician Countryside to Lugo
Once you cycle into Galicia, you leave the steep ascents and mountainous areas behind, moving into a gentle rural landscape, dotted with picturesque hamlets. This easier riding will allow you to truly enjoy the Galician countryside, with exquisite traditional architecture such as the ‘Pazos’ and ‘Casas Grandes’, well-preserved country homes on large estates, all impressive buildings in stone and wood.
At the end of the day, Lugo awaits with its Roman walls (3rd century) and many interesting buildings to visit in the old town, secluded within its walls. Outside the walls, there are Roman baths at the natural hot springs on the banks of the River Miño that are well-worth a visit.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lugo
Distance: 54 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Ride from Lugo to Melide
You might have some time to visit the major monuments in Lugo, and maybe do some shopping, before you get back on your bike today. From Lugo onward, the Camino Primitivo merges with the more recent, but more popular French Route, somewhere between Palas de Rei and Melide, the quiet lanes and path get busier and you will feel a stronger "pilgrim atmosphere" from here.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Melide
Distance: 48 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Final Stretch to Santiago de Compostela
On your last day you will feel the excitement grow more and more as your arrival to the final goal gets closer and closer. You will share the route, scenery and atmosphere with other pilgrims as you approach the Monte del Gozo (where pilgrims catch their first glimpse of Santiago) and then downhill to the St James Cathedral. On arrival, bask in the moment as you reach the world-famous Santiago de Compostela, surrounded by many smiling pilgrims who have also completed this journey.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 54 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Depart
After breakfast your cycling trip comes to an end. Check and depart for the airport.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on April 1st – July 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,175 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,075 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $695 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $675 USD
Departure on August 1st –31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,250 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,150 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $725 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $695 USD
Departure on September 1st – October 26th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,175 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,075 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $695 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $675 USD
Accommodation on Camino Primitivo MTB Tour
Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Fruela in Asturias ★★★
This boutique family-friendly hotel is located within the close proximity to the local landmarks.
Hotel Castillo Valdés in Salas ★★
Feel the history in the walls of this restored 16th-century mansion adorned with a beautiful tower. Enjoy great dining at this comfortable hotel featuring elegant rooms.
Hotel Nueva Allandesa in Pola de Allande ★★
Enjoy this charming riverside hotel in Pola de Allande that features homey rooms and modern amenities.
Hostal Cantábrico in Fonsagrada
Get to know other pilgrims at this welcoming hostal in Fonsagrada that features mixed-gender dorms and a shared kitchen and dining area.
Hotel Méndez Núñez in Lugo ★★★★
Feel the energy of historic Lugo at this comfortable hotel situated in the city center and featuring modern amenities.
A Lúa do Camiño Hotel in Melide
This low-key guesthouse provides guests with all they need for a great nights rest after a thrilling day on the trail.
Hotel Bonaval in Santiago de Compostela ★★
Soak up the magic of Santiago’s old town at this cozy hotel set on a cobbled street just a short walk from the famous Santiago de Compostela (7-minutes).
What’s Included in Camino Primitivo MTB Tour?
Meals
7 hearty breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
During this tour, you will be moving from one location to another by your bike and the luggage transfers are included. However, you are responsible for any other transportation needed outside of this itinerary.
Also Included
- Detailed route description and maps
- 24-hour telephone assistance
Not included
- Any personal transport
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide services
- Flights
- Bike rental
- Travel insurance
- Tourist Tax
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, tips, extra transfers, etc.
Optional Extras
- Extra nights at any of the accommodation of the programme or Bilbao
- Transfers to and from airport / train station / bus station
- Transfer from last hotel back to the start or the program
- Bus or train tickets
- Bike rental
- E-mountain bike
- Mountain Bike
- Hybrid E-Bike
Frequently Asked Questions about Camino Primitivo MTB Tour
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