14 days / 13 nights
Active
Expert
Private Group
Camino de Santiago
The Saint James Way
Imagine yourself in a far-away land where legends and castles surround you, where the scent of warm grapevines floats in the evening air. Your bicycle is whirring as you fly along a road said to have existed since people tried to follow the Milky Way to the End of the Earth. Heart pounding and euphoria exploding, you push yourself up that last hill and are rewarded with the most stunning view of this ancient land stretched out in front of you. Flowing over with medieval beauty and transcendent history , the north of Spain is unlike anywhere else in the world. Following the Camino de Santiago on your bike is pure magic, a pure challenge, a pure joy. It is calling to you, as it has called to its pilgrims for thousands of years. It’s time now, more than ever, for an adventure that will transform you and transform your way of seeing the world. Are you ready?
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
This enchanting territory and our immersive adventure tours are well worth the discovery, but if you really want to find out how to make your vacations unique, special and memorable, you will have to join us on one.
April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
| Travellers | Euros | Information |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 9,000€ | |
| 3 | 7,350€ | |
| 4 | 6,520€ | |
| 5 | 6,030€ | |
| 6 | 5,700€ | |
| 7 | 5,460€ | |
| 8 | 5,280€ | |
| 9 | 5,280€ |
We customize to fit with fabulous experiences, the comfort of great accommodation, out-of-this-world gastronomy and a chance to discover this spectacular region.
We welcome you in the Basque city of Bilbao, home of the internationally acclaimed Guggenheim Museum and some of the most innovative architecture in Europe. After an early lunch at a jewel in the rough restaurant in the Old Quarter, and a visit to the Guggenheim, we transfer to Pamplona. Tucked in the foothills of the Pyrenees with thousands of years of history underfoot, Pamplona is the center of our cycling universe. We settle into the luxurious city center hotel and spend the evening preparing the bikes to fit. Later we explore the gorgeous Old Town while enjoying pintxos (Basque tapas) on a lively pintxo bar hop. This is a non-riding day.
Food: Lunch and dinner
Travel: Bilbao / Pamplona
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
How far: 0 miles / 0 kms
Afternoon Pleasures: Pintxo and Wine Route in Pamplona
On our first day, we transfer up to Roncesvalles where the journey begins in the high Pyrenees, with views of the silvery peaks against mountain skies. We start with a visit to the crypt where a king and queen of Navarra are laid to rest, and thus begin our own epic journey on the Camino de Santiago. Descending through iconic Pyrenean villages, such as Burguete where Hemingway idled away many a sunny afternoon, up the Erro mountain pass, and along the ever-widening Arga River we arrive to Pamplona. Passing through the Portal de Francia, we enter the medieval citadel. Here in Pamplona, the capital of Navarra, we have time for afternoon activities in the winding cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Enjoy exploring the historic city and enjoying our exclusive culinary experience: a hands-on cooking class at our private gastronomy club, founded in 1918.
Food: Breakfast, on-the-road riders lunch and dinner
Road Bike: Roncesvalles / Pamplona
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
How far: 26 miles / 43 km, elevation gain: 300 meters up /760 meters descent
Even farther: For those looking for an extra challenge, we can transfer instead to Saint Jean Pied de Port in France, and start our ride there. Adding 30 km more of stunning mountain scenery, we will start where most people actually begin the popular French Way, and climb to the highest point of the entire Camino de Santiago. Then we join the rest of the itinerary at Roncesvalles.
Afternoon Pleasures: Culinary Evening in our private gastro cultural club
While road biking along the Camino today, the landscape changes from the foothills of the Pyrenees to the warm breezes and low-lying forests of southern Navarra. Leaving Pamplona, we ride south and west to an inviting climb up to the beautiful peak, El Paso del Perdón (The Pass of Forgiveness). We coast down along rolling golden meadows to Puente La Reina where we find our final destination: the Bodega Arínzano, an exclusive Navarran winery. Visit to the winery with a wine tasting in the vineyard, overlooking views of the gorgeous hacienda and the rows of grape vines. Dinner is a sit down meal with more beautiful views, and we stay overnight in their elegant Casona Hotel, on the private grounds of the winery.
Food:Breakfast, on-the-road lunch and dinner
Road Bike: Pamplona to Estella
Sleep: On the Winery grounds Hotel
How far: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 440 meters
Even farther: Ride with us straight to the winery and go a little farther 32 milles / 52 km, elevation gain: 680 meters
Afternoon Pleasures: Private winery, wine tasting and dinner with spectacular views of the vineyards
Along the Camino we stop on route to visit the Navarra winery Castillo de Monjardin for a private visit of the winery and enjoy their crianza and reserva wines whilst enjoy soaking up the views from their majestic palace into the row upon row of well attended grape vines and olive orchards. This section of the camino offers us easy riding along a broad pathway, picturesque landscape of vineyards and wheat fields from Villamayor to los Arcos to Torres del Río – the largest and most powerful Templar settlement in the region to Viana, the city of Kings and Princes where we stop to have typical Navarre asador lunch and then transfer to Logroño. In the afternoon, we visit an exquisite winery in Logroño. Take time to explore the hotel, or the town, or enjoy the lively old quarter of Logroño. We re-group for dinner to savour its famous pintxos and wines on la calle Laurel.
Food: Breakfast and dinner
Travel: Estella / Logroño
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
How far: 31 miles / 49 km, elevation gain: 584 meters up
Even farther: Add a little more riding by making our arrival point San Millan de la Cogolla Monastery: 39 miles /63 km, elevation gain: 784 meters
Afternoon Pleasures: Bar hopping for wine and tapas Rioja style
Our Camino journey continues through the charming vineyards and fields of the Ebro Valley to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a small town with a huge history. We travel past the pretty vineyards of the region to make our way to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, hence completing the stage of our route in the Ebro valley. Explore the hotel and join us on a walking tour of Santo Domingo de la Calzada with our local hero, Roberto. We visit the monastery where the first writings in Castilian (Spanish) and Euskera (the Basque language) were found. We dine in our historic accommodation, the Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
Food: Breakfast, on-the-road riders lunch and dinner
Road Bike: Logroño to Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
How far:21 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 220 meters
Even farther:35 miles / 57 km, elevation gain: 495 meters
Afternoon Pleasures: Historic town visit and dinner in Parador nacional
With Santo Domingo de la Calzada at our backs, we road bike through stage 5 of our journey along the Camino de Santiago. We cycle through the rolling hills leading up the mountain pass of Los Montes de Oca, and then down the vertiginous descents to San Juan de Ortega. We finish the day in the monumental city of Burgos. We have lunch in the hubbub of the heart of Burgos. Later, enjoy a fascinating tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral of Burgos. This evening, dine on your own – our guides can readily recommend a few favorite restaurants.
Food: Breakfast, on-the-road riders lunch and dinner
Road Bike: Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Burgos
Sleep: Three Star Hotel ***
How far:: 42 miles / 68 km, elevation gain: 636 meters up
Even farther: Add an extra scenic loop to your day with 35 miles / 57 km, elevation gain: 495 meters
Afternoon Pleasures: Tour of the UNESCO Cathedral of Burgos
This well-known stage of the Camino de Santiago takes us cycling along the flattest portion of the pathway. Feel the wind on your face as we are able to cycle faster and for many more kilometers today. The open landscapes and distant horizon under huge skies compel you forward across the Castilian Plateau. We cycle through many quaint villages with their centuries-old churches, and eventually cross the impressive Fitero bridge over the Pisuerga River. Explore and admire the Romanesque architecture of the church of San Martín in Fromista, and the ruins of the convent San Antón in Castrojeriz. Join us for an uplifting experience singing with a community of nuns at the nearby albergue, and go to mass if you wish. Our hotel is the magnificent four star accommodation at the Hotel Monasterio de San Zoilo. Enjoy dinner on your own.
Food: Breakfast, on-the-road riders lunch and dinner
Road Bike: Burgos to Carrión de los Condes
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
How far:: 52 miles / 85 km, elevation gain: 779 meters up
Even farther: Add an extra scenic loop to the day with 21 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 495 meters
Afternoon Pleasures: Walking tour of Carrion de los Condes
We cycle through the plains of Sahagún passing one of the milestones of the Camino, the Hospital de Orbigo where a Leonese king once held a famous jousting competition in 1434 on the bridge. Men of equal rank could not pass along the Camino unless they beat him, and many did not. Luckily, we may cruise by freely and reach the halfway point of the Camino as we enter the famous city of Leon. The Santa Maria de Leon Cathedral, also known as Pulchra Leonina or The House of Light, is simply breathtaking. Known for the play of colors dancing on the stone walls as the sun shines through the stained glass, this transcendent visit will no doubt inspire great emotion. With many more museums and points of interest in Leon, the afternoon will be packed. Finish the day in the labyrinthe of tiny streets drinking Ribera del Duero wine and eating fantastic tapas.
Food: Breakfast, on-the-road riders lunch and dinner
Road Bike: Carrión de los Condes to Leon
Sleep: Four Star Hotel ****
How far:: 59 miles / 95 km, elevation gain: 680 meters up
Afternoon Pleasures: Historic town visit, tapas and wines
Enjoying the meseta of the past couple days is part of the beauty of the Camino, but today we finally get to take pleasure in some little hills and a change of scenery. One of the oldest Dioceses of Spain, Astorga is the ideal town to spend the night. We visit the Episcopal Palace of Astorga, designed by the grand Modernist architect Salvador Gaudi. After, bliss is on the menu for everyone with a well-deserved spa session at our fabulous four star hotel.
Food: Breakfast, on-the-road riders lunch and dinner
Road Bike: Leon to Astorga
Sleep: Four Star Hotel and Spa ****
How far:: 29 miles / 47 km, elevation gain: 823 meters
Even farther: Add another scenic loop with 35 miles / 57 km, elevation gain: 495 meters
Afternoon Pleasures: Tour of Historic Astorga
Get ready for a more challenging cycling day. We summit Foncebadon at 1437 meters (4832 feet) of altitude after a steady uphill. We go over the mountain pass with a stop to pay homage to the stately Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross) which marks the crux of the ride and exudes a kind of contemplative magic. Here, pilgrims drop an object of their choosing to symbolize leaving behind their burdens as they continue towards Santiago de Compostela. This is followed by an exhilarating coast down to Villafranca del Bierzo. Villafranca is a place of relaxation. Here we will lounge by the river and drinks are on us! Enjoy a swim and the all inclusive craft beer and wine picnic in the serenity of rural beauty.
Food: Breakfast, on-the-road riders lunch and dinner
Road Bike: Astorga to Villafranca de Bierzo
Sleep: Three Star Hotel ***
How far:: 49 miles / 79 km, elevation gain: 680 meters
Even farther: We select a longer route with 54 miles / 87 km, elevation gain: 454 meters
Afternoon Pleasures: A swim and the all inclusive craft beer and wine picnic by the river
Today brings us to our Queen Stage, as we reach the crux climb of the entire Camino. We make our way up the O Cebreiro, the highest climb we do, as we ascend 660 meters in about 12 kilometers. The rewards are amazing, however. In the quaint Celtic hamlet village on the top, we sit on the terrace of the café for a well-deserved empanada (a regional type of sandwich) with a kalimotxo (wine and coke – it is delicious). Take in the petite Galician houses called pallozas, the heavy-set stone church, and learn about the charismatic priest, Elias Valiña. He is known for devising the famous yellow arrows that guide all pilgrims to Santiago. We then coast down to the Abbey of San Xulian de Samos. This afternoon is full of spiritual sanctuary experiences. We explore the active Benedictine Abbey which was founded in the 6th century. We participate in the evening Benedictine prayers, and then sleep within the walls of the Abbey itself, tucked peacefully high in the Galician mountains.
Food: Breakfast, on-the-road riders lunch and dinner
Road Bike: Villafranca de Bierzo to Samos
Sleep: Authentic Monastery transformed into a hotel
How far:: 38 miles / 62 km, elevation gain: 499 meters
Even farther: Finish the day with a scenic loop with 24 miles / 39 km, elevation gain: 495 meters
Afternoon Pleasures: Explore the active Benedictine Abbey
Today begins the last portion of the Camino de Santiago. We can feel the tingles of excitement knowing how close we are to completing such a personal and even spiritual challenge. Victory is near. We ride past Sarriá, which marks the 100 kilometers from Santiago de Compostela. This is the minimal starting point for those who want the certificate of completion in Santiago on foot, and is swarming with pilgrims getting ready to set off. The landscape is lush and green as we cycle through traditional Galician hamlets. We stop for an empanadilla in the medieval town of Portomarin with views of the fairytale castle beyond. Melide is the crossroads of the Camino Frances and another lesser known camino called The Primitive, making Melide a place of pilgrim encounters. The camaraderie of the Camino is catching as we move through the lively pulpo (octopus) bars on the main street. Villagers from Melide drink their wine from a bowl, and so we join them in a bowl of wine while sampling the famous pulpo de feira, octopus cooked Galician style.
Food: Breakfast, on-the-road riders lunch and dinner
Road Bike: Samos to Melide
Sleep: Rural Boutique
How far:: 46 miles / 74 km, elevation gain: 349 meters
Even farther: Add an extra scenic loop with 30 miles / 48 km, elevation gain: 495 meters
Afternoon Pleasures: Bar hopping for wine and tapas Galician style
Today we saddle up for our last ride. It will be a day of celebration and joy. We cycle to Santiago over low-lying hills under the protection of immense eucalyptus forests. At long last we come to Monte de Gozo where many different Camino paths converge into one. Just a bit farther and we stop at the Monument to the Pilgrim where you catch your first view of Santiago de Compostela and the cathedral towers, a deeply moving moment. We cycle a few more kilometers and roll right into Plaza de Obradoiro where the bagpiper welcomes us to Santiago. Our Camino is complete as we climb off our bikes and walk the steps of the cathedral
Food: Breakfast, on-the-road riders lunch and dinner
Road Bike: Melide to Santiago
Sleep: Rural Boutique
How far:: 34 miles / 55 km, elevation gain: 680 meters up
Even farther: Add an extra scenic ride with 35 miles / 57 km, elevation gain: 400 meters
Afternoon Pleasures: Enjoy the triumph, evening mass, group dinner party
After a fine breakfast, we will assist in arranging your transportation to the nearest airport or train station for your onward travels.
Food: Breakfast
Travel: Santiago de Compostela
* NST itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.
Stephanie, the dynamo of our organization, is a Canadian who has fallen in love with this region of Spain. She is enterprising, innovative and has an endless amount of energy to design unique outstanding travel plans, making her passion her profession. She has the firm conviction that until the product standards are exceptional, they should not be offered.
“Our goals are two: one is to dazzle our visitors and another is to share with them what we find so extremely enchanting about this region of Spain”.
Oliver is our greatest ambassador of Pamplona. Oliver has it all: charm, conversation and deep knowledge of his Basque culture. You will feel like you’ve made a new friend during one of his energetic tours. Oliver is always on the beat searching for the perfect pintxo and exciting, outside-the-box experiences. He is dedicated to designing the most exclusive events for our guests, such as the Hemingway to the Basque Coast tour, or a walking tour of the Running of the Bulls course with an international bull runner. He knows the all the best destinations and activities on the off-the-beaten cultural track.
“This is our essential hallmark that sets us apart from any other events agency”.
