Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Alda Centro in Ponferrada
Stay in the heart of Ponferrada, less than 1 km away from the popular Ponferrada Castle, and enjoy modern conveniences that satisfy every peregrino.
Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances
Prices
Highlights
Spend 7 days cycling the last 200 km of the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela
Make like a “bicigrino” and cycle the last 200 km of the French Way on this rewarding 7-day bicycle pilgrimage. The Camino Frances is the main pilgrimage route to Compostela, and doing it on a bike is a perfect way to cover more distance then on foot.
This self-guided tour takes in the last week of the Camino Frances. You’ll gear up and ride out from the medieval town of Ponferrada in northwest Spain to complete the last 200 km of the Camino Francés (French Way), where you’ll receive the much-sought-after Compostelana (your pilgrimage certificate).
Along the way, you’ll overnight in quaint villages like O Cebreiro, Sarria, and Portomarín, dine on local cuisine, make lasting memories with fellow pilgrims, and ride through stunning Galician countryside. Schedule your Cycling the French Way tour today for your own rewarding adventure!
Self-guided Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Ponferrada
Welcome to Spain! Arrive in the medieval town of Ponferrada and check into your hotel before venturing out to explore your surroundings. The start of the last 200 km of the Camino Frances or “French Way,” you’ll likely see a lot of bicigrinos, pilgrims who choose to cycle the Camino.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Ponferrada
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Cycle to O Cebreiro
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll gear up and set out to begin the last 200 km of the French Way, considered one of the most challenging sections of the Camino. Be ready for the strenuous incline toward O Cebreiro, though there is the option to split the day into two where you can overnight in Villafranca del Bierzo.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in O Cebreiro
- Distance
- 52 km
- Meals
- Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Cycle to Sarria
Saying farewell to O Cebreiro, you’ll continue along the Camino through the mountains of Galicia, stopping as you like to take in the sweeping vistas of the rugged landscape. En route, stop at the Monasterio de Samos, one of the jewels of the French Way.
From here, pedal on to Sarria, the starting point for many pilgrims who choose to walk the Camino de Santiago. Sarria marks the beginning of the last 100 km of the French Way
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Sarria
- Distance
- 40 km
- Meals
- Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Cycle to Portomarín
Rest the legs today with a shorter ride as you share the path with walking pilgrims, passing by small woods, hamlets, and the rural Galician countryside. Finally, you will arrive in Portomarín, one of the most popular spots of the French Way for its underwater ruins of a medieval town it overlooks.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Portomarín
- Distance
- 23 km
- Meals
- Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Cycle from to Melide
Most walking pilgrims will complete the section from Portomarín to Palas de Rei, but if you’re on a bike, you’ll have the pleasure of riding to Melide! This portion of the route will lead you through the Sierra de Ligonde, where you’ll get a chance to climb a series of hills and mountains. Once in Melide, be sure to try the traditional dish: pulpo a feira (octopus).
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Melide
- Distance
- 38 km
- Meals
- Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 Cycle to Santiago de Compostela
Leaving Melide behind, you’ll pedal alongside quiet wooded areas and quaint pastoral villages to Arzúa. Spend a little time here to taste the local cheese before completing the last leg of the French Way to arrive at your final destination of Santiago de Compostela.
Celebrate with strangers and friends alike in Praza do Obradoiro—where pilgrims commemorate the end of their expedition—and pick up your Compostelana (certificate of completing the pilgrimage).
Depending on your travel plans, other notable stops worth your time include the 18th-century chapel in Santa Irena (near the Atlantic coast), as well as the hamlets of A Rúa (south of O Cebreiro) and O Amenal (just east of Santiago de Compostela)
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Santiago de Compostela
- Distance
- 55 km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 Depart
Take the morning to enjoy your last day in Santiago de Compostela before it’s time to check out and continue your journey home.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Self-guided Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided biking tour to Santiago de Compostela is always run as a private tour for your group only. The price always depends on the number of people sharing a room.
Prices below are per person:
- Price per person staying in double room: from $825USD*
* Pricing for this tour depends on your travelling dates. Please click the Book Now button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Accommodation on Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances Tour
This tour is based in 2 and 3-star hotels and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You book a single room. To find prices check the Dates & Prices tab. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Venta Celta in O Cebreiro
Centrally located in O Cebreiro, Hotel Venta Celta offers quiet rooms in a peaceful location with an adjoining restaurant complete with hearty meals for road-weary travelers.
Night 3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel DP Cristal in Sarria
A budget-friendly hotel, DP Cristal rests on the outskirts of Sarria directly off the Camino and is walking distance to notable attractions.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Pensión Mar in Portomarín
Feel at home in Portomarín and enjoy 5-star service that includes welcoming staff and coffee, tea, and snacks available 24 hours.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Carlos 96 in Melide
Make friends in Hotel Carlos 96’ buzzing bar and restaurant and sleep in comfortable, spacious rooms complete with modern amenities.
Night 6
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHospedería San Martín Pinario in Santiago
Perfectly located near Praza do Obradoiro and other notable attractions, as well as a host of restaurants, enjoy your stay in this historic building.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s included in the Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
The accommodation for 6 days along the tour is included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes luggage transfers only.
Also Included
- Bike rental
- Saddlebags and helmet rental
- Luggage transfer
- 24/7 phone assistance
- Pilgrim Passport
- Walking notes and maps
- Extra accommodation charge for arriving to Santiago one night before St. James Day (July 25th)
Not included
- Anything not listed as included
- Guide services
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Transport
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Ponferrada before the tour
- Extra night in Santiago de Compostela after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Pilgrim massage in Santiago de Compostela
Frequenty Asked Questions about Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances
How hard is the Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances Tour?
We rate this tour 3/5. You will be biking up to 55 km daily. In the peak of summer, the days can be quite hot and this distance can feel longer due to the heat.
Do I need a Visa to travel to France and Spain?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances Tour?
6 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Ponferrada to start this tour?
You can get to Ponferrada via train, car or bus. Ponferrada is 78 km away from Leon.
Where does the Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances Tour end?
The tour ends in Santiago de Compostela.
Can I rent a bike?
The bike is included in the tour package so there’s no need to.
What type of bike is included?
The bike model used for this tour is Expert 30v Disc 27.5.
What happens if my bike has a mechanical issue on the Camino?
You are provided a 24-hour technical support number.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. Please make sure that the bike is suitable to ride on rough terrain.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Spain?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Spain?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Spain for this tour?
The best time to travel to Northern Spain for this biking adventure is between May and September, though the last 200 km of the French Way can be completed year-round.
Reviews
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4.9
73 ratings
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour 3/5. You will be biking up to 55 km daily. In the peak of summer, the days can be quite hot and this distance can feel longer due to the heat.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Local guide
Margot
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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