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Cycling the original way
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The Original Way of St.James: From Oviedo to Santiago
The Original Way of St.James: From Oviedo to Santiago
hybrid :
Duration :
11 days
Comfort :
period:
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Code:
ESSB015
Way of Saint James Nature History Green Spain Cultura Inland
Price in double room from: € 949
The Original Way of St.James: From Oviedo to Santiago
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The authentic and original pilgrim´s trail

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Bike Tour: The Original Way of St.James: From Oviedo to Santiago - 11 days

Cycle along the original Camino Primitivo. This trail was first travelled by the Asturian King Alfonso II, who started his own personal pilgrimage in the year 829 to see the bones of the apostle St.James. Our itinerary follows this authentic route, which was very popular in the early Middle Ages when pilgrims tried to avoid the constant conflict between Christian and Moorish kingdoms in Central Spain. In this pilgrimage you cycle along the ‘Green Spain’, going through varied lanscapes of Asturias and Galicia. We have designed a trip inspired by the original Camino, following surfaced country roads with little traffic, riding parallel to the historic footpath. Of course, as you cycle, you’ll see all the major highlights and get a true taste of the special atmosphere enjoyed by pilgrims on the trail.

 

Camino Primitivo cycling map
Route
Day 1: Arrival in Oviedo
Day 2: From Oviedo to Grado
Day 3: From Grado to Tineo
Day 4: From Tineo to Pola de Allande
Day 5: From Pola de Allande to Grandas de Salime
Day 6: From Grandas de Salime to Lugo
Day 7: From Fonsagrada to Lugo
Day 8: From Lugo to palas de Rei
Day 9: From Palas de Rei to Arzúa
Day 10: From Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela
Day 11: Departure from Santiago de Compostela

Day 1:    Arrival in Oviedo

Visit the Gothic Cathedral devoted to San Salvador, an important Saint to whom many pilgrims express devotion. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Oviedo’s charming historical centre, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, bodegas and cider bars. Accommodation in modern Hotel**** near the main train- & bus station and 10min walk from historical centre

Day 2:    From Oviedo to Grado
25 km

n the morning you start cycling at San Salvador's Cathedral in Oviedo 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 us past quiet villages and through hilly countryside If you have rented a bike, it will be delivered to your hotel in Oviedo

Challenge: 24,6 km, 630 m ascent.

Villages along the way: Oviedo, Escamplero, Peñaflor, Grado

Day 3:    From Grado to Tineo
45 km

Today's route begins with a challenge: 520 m ascent before you arrive in Cornellana and San Salvador Monastery (11th century). From here and to avoid heavy traffic, you will not follow the original trail but make a small detour south via Soto de los Infantes, through the beautiful Narcea River Valley before you ascend to Tineo, a historically significant town on the Camino. Accommodation at a 4-star historical hotel in the centre of town. 

Challenge: 45,2 km, 1450 m ascent.

Villages along the way: Grado, Cornellana, Soto de los Infantes, Tineo

Day 4:    From Tineo to Pola de Allande
30 km

Today you first visit 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 leads you up to Lavadoiro Pass (812m), before you descend to Pola de Allande, a lovely little town with Asturian flavour. Accommodation at a good hotel** famous for its regional cuisine.

Challenge: 28,1 - 31,8 km, 765 - 945 m ascent.

Villages along the way: Obona, Lavadoiro Pass, Pola de Allande

Day 5:    From Pola de Allande to Grandas de Salime
39 km

A tough day, since you have to 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. Of course, you always have the option of walking your bike and enjoying the scenery! You then literally sail down 35km to Lake Grandas, only to find that your destination is still 4km further ahead… at the top of a hill! Grandas is a pleasant town with a Romanesque church and interesting ethnographic museum. Lodging in recently renovated 2-star hotel with a good regional fare.

Challenge: 39 km, 1423 ascent 

Villages along the way: Puerto del Palo, Lake Grandas, Grandas de Salime

Day 6:    From Grandas de Salime to Lugo
32 km

Again you start the day in ascent, up to Alto del Acebo Pass (1030m, 475m up). Then you glide down into Fonsagrada. Optional detour to the intriguingly beautiful villages of San Martin and Santa Eulalia de Oscos, famous for their traditional architecture in dark slate. Once you cycle into Galicia, you leave the steep ascents and mountainous areas behind, moving into a gentle rural landscape, dotted with picturesque hamlets. Lodging at a cosy hotel*in the centre of this small mining town.

Challenge: 31,7 km, 1282 ascent.

Villages along the way: Alto el Acebo, (San Martín and Santa Eulalia de Oscos), Fonsagrada

Day 7:    From Fonsagrada to Lugo
60 km

A relatively long tour today, with lots of prolonged downhill sections and some short ascents. The easy riding allows 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, you reach Lugo, where the town centre was declared a National Historical Monument in 1973, mostly due to the impressive 3rd century walls which merit a place on UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage List. There are several interesting buildings to be visited, including the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and Baroque town hall and Palace. Outside the walls, there are Roman baths at the naturalhot springs on the banks of the River Miño. Accommodation at a 3-star hotel in historical centre of Lugo.

Challenge: 59,7 km, 1220 m ascent.

Villages along the way: Lugo

Day 8:    From Lugo to palas de Rei
43 km

This morning you have time to visit the major monuments in Lugo, and maybe do some shopping, before you get back on your bike for a relatively short ride. From Lugo onward, the Camino Primitivo merges with the more recent, but more popular French Route, somewhere between Palas de Rei and Melide. There are several routes to choose from, to reach Palas de Rei (32km to 51km). Accommodation with traditional Galician hospitality at a charming ‘casa grande’ in the country.

Challenge: 42,9 km, 940 m ascent. 

Villages along the way: Lugo, Palas de Rei

Day 9:    From Palas de Rei to Arzúa
29 km

In the morning you can take your time, because today's route is short. You first take a short-cut to the Camino, past the Castle of Pambre. Then, in Coto, you suddenly find yourself joining many other pilgrims along the route, as everyone begins to feel the excitement as they near Santiago. Accommodation near the village of Arzúa, at one of these typical Pazos.

Challenge: 29,2 km, 568 m ascent.

Villages along the way: Arzúa

Day 10:    From Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela
40 km

On your last day you share the route, scenery and atmosphere with other pilgrims as you approach the Monte do Gozo (where pilgrims catch their first glimpse of Santiago) and then downhill to the St James Cathedral. Accommodation at a charming hotel in the centre. The afternoon is free to spend exploring Santiago.

Challenge: 39,7 km, 714 m ascent.

Villages along the way: Santiago de Compostela

Day 11:    Departure from Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast your cycling trip comes to an end.

Accommodation

All hotels of this trip are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.

You can find the standard hotels of this trip in this list. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked. 

Extra overnight: You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way.

Hotel Fruela (Oviedo)
Hotel Fruela (Oviedo)

Located in one of the most central streets of the city of Oviedo, Fruela Street, this hotel is as an excellent point from which to discover all the corners, the gastronomy and the people of Oviedo.

www.hotelfruela.com

Hotel/albergue La Quintana
Hotel/albergue La Quintana (Grado)

La Quintana is a traditional Colonial House from 1900 restored and converted into a Pilgrim's Hostel-Hotel, surrounded by a garden and with all the comforts for a comfortable rest.

www.alberguelaquintana.com

Palacio de Meras
Palacio de Meras (Tineo)

Located in the centre of the town of Tineo, this hotel is in the former Palace of Merás (from 1525)  and is one of the architectonical examples of the civil palace architecture from the 16th century in Asturias. With spacious rooms in which every detail has been taken care of. 

www.palaciodemeras.com

Hotel Nueva Allandesa
Hotel Nueva Allandesa (Pola de Allande)

This hotel was founded in 1953 and still preserves the traditional taste and the friendly tratment without forgetting comfort. The highlight is their famous restaurant which offers traditional homemade cuisine and attracts visitors from the whole region.

www.lanuevaallandesa.com

Hotel Las Grandas
Hotel Las Grandas (Grandas de Salime)

Magical place for its location, a place to enjoy the natural surroundings and the lake views. With comfortable and spacious rooms. It also has a nice restaurant that offers local dishes and a terrace overlooking the lake. 

www.hotellasgrandas.es

Hotel Cantábrico
Hotel Cantábrico (Fonsagrada)

Strategically located in the centre of A Fonsagrada, near the church and the Sacred Fountain. The basic services in town are quite close; restaurants, bars, supermarkets, pharmacy,  taxi, etc...

www.cantabricofonsagrada.com

Hotel Pazo de Orbán (Lugo)

This Monumental Hotel offers the quietness and tranquility of an 18th century baroque palace, combining the initmate style and the traditional decoration with the services and amenities of a 4 star modern hotel.

https://www.pazodeorban.es/ 

Hotel A Parada das Bestas
Hotel A Parada das Bestas (Pidre)

A charming rural accommodation that offers a quiet envirnoment completely  immersed in nature. Tradition and signature cuisine are combined in the kitchens of  “A Parada das Bestas” to offer the best local seasonal products and a prime quality.  

www.aparadadasbestas.com

Pazo de Santa María
Pazo de Santa María (Arzúa)

A historical hotel created in the mid-18th century (founded in 1742). An oasis of tranquility and a welcoming place, ideal to enjoy some relax with family or friends. From here, charged with energy, we can step out to walk the last stages of the Camino de Santiago.

www.pazosantamaria.com

Hotel Bonaval (Santiago de Compostela)
Hotel Bonaval (Santiago de Compostela)

Modern and elegant hotel overlooking the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and next to the Bonaval park. It is located in a very quiet area and a step away from the historic center and the area with atmosphere and a wide range of restaurants.

www.hotelbonaval.com

Bikes
  • Bike model: GIANT,  ESPECIALIZED or CUBE TOURING
  • Bike Type: Hybrid trekking bike with alu frame and 28" wheels
  • Gears: Adults bikes: 21 or 24  gears // Kids bikes: 7, 14 or 21 gears
  • Suspension: Yes
  • Frame sizes: (Adults): XS ,S ,M , L, XL (Kids): 20"/24"/26"

                           Male                                                                  Female

                                    GIANT

                               CUBE TOURING

  • Bike model:        Kalkhoff Endeavour MOVE B9 Trapez
  • Bike Type:          Electric
  • Motor:                 Bosch Performance Cruise, 250 W
  • Frame:                28 '' Aluminum Wave
  • Battery:              500 Wh
  • Autonomy:        180 km
  • Technology:       Shift-sensor technology for smooth shifting 
  • Wheels:              Schwalbe Marathon Plus  
  • Sizes:                  S, M & L (Unisex

         e-bike Kalhoff Endeavour MOVE B9 Trapez

                  Kalkhoff Endeavour MOVE B9 Trapez

  • Bike model: MMR KUMA 29
  • Bike type: MBT
  • Frame: Aluminium 6061-T6 double hydroformed crowned 
  • Brakes: Shimano MT-200 Hydraulic 
  • Tires: Hutchinson Python 2

 Rental Bike MMR Kuma 29

                           MMR KUMA 29

                            Male                                              Female

Race bike MMR Grand Tour 105Race bike Specialized Dolce

                MMR Grand Tour 105                                      Specialized Dolce


  • Rental bicycles ALWAYS include: repair kit, pump and lock.
  • Depending on the type of bicycle you can add (for free, but on request): map holder, 1 front pannier or 1 rear pannier
  • Helmet available (on request); € 5/adults, free for children

Practical info

10 nights accommodation

2* hotels, 3* hotels and 4* hotels

Breakfasts included.

 

Optional bike rental

24-hour telephone assistance

Luggage transport to the next hotel according to program

Acces to the trip on our navigation app 

Single Supplement
Solo Traveler Supplement 

Transfers to and from airport / train station / bus station can be arranged 

Not included

  • Lunches and dinners
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Tourist Tax
  • Trasfers by public transportation
  • Transfer to first/ from last accommodation
  • Bicycle hire or helmet
  • Personal expenses, such as drinks, phone calls, tips, extra transfers, etc
  • Solo traveller supplement for bike rental (if booked through S-Cape), to be applied separately

Extras

  • Extra nights at any of the hotels along the way
  • Extra nights may be booked separately at a hotel on the lovely Cantabrian coast or in the cities of Oviedo, Gijón or Bilbao
  • Single Room Supplement(s)
  • Solo Traveller Supplement
  • Transfers to and from airport / train station / bus station
  • Bike rental
prices & dates
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

A supplement of 120€ will apply for solo travellers renting bikes through S-Cape Travel. Please, bear in mind that this service does not appear in the calculation

Arrival in Oviedo

If you are flying to Asturias airport-Ranon (OVD), there’s a regular shuttle bus service to Oviedo city centre. Departures every hour on the hour. Travel time is 45min and a single ticket costs approx 8,00€.

If you are flying to another airport (Santander-SDR, Bilbao-BIO or Valladolid-VLL), there are good bus connections to Oviedo from those cities. For timetables and reservations, go to www.alsa.es. You can also book your bus tickets in advance through Spanish Bike Tours.

(*) Direct taxi transfers can be booked in advance through Spanish Bike Tours. Prices on request. 

Departure from Santiago de Compostela

If you’re travelling back to Asturias airport (OVD), Santander (SDR) or Bilbao (BIO), there’s a morning bus from Santiago that takes you to Oviedo, Santander or Bilbao. The trip to Oviedo takes about 8h30min, to Santander 9h30min and to Bilbao 11h30min.

(*)Bus tickets can be booked online at www.alsa.es or through Spanish Bike Tours.

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