Contact
Great Explorations

(800) 242-1825
(604) 730-1247

Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008
Classic:
May 12-26
May 31-13
August 29-Sept 12
 
Regular:
May 19-26
June 6-13
September 5-12

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.

2009
Classic:
May 11-25
May 29-June 12
August 28-Sept 11
 
Regular:
May 18-25
June 5-12
September 4-11

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

Classic: 15 days/ 14 nights

Regular: 8 days/ 7 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Pamplona/Santiago Leon/Santiago

Accommodations:

Hotel Europa, Pamplona

Hotel San Andres, Estella

Hotel Marques de Vallejo, Logrono

Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Hotel Norte y Londres, Burgos

Hotel Real Monestery San Zolio, Carrion de las Condes

La Posada Regia, Leon

La Posada Gaspar, Rabanal del Camino

Parador de Villafranca

Hotel Alfonso IX, Sarria

Casa Bianca, Leboreiro

Hotel Costa Vella, Santiago de Compostella

Activity Level:

Moderate to challenging

25-55 miles daily van supported

Terrain:

Rolling to hilly, choice of paved or un-paved route

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):

Classic: US $3450 Includes 15B/5L/10D

Regular: US $2250 includes 7B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:

Classic: US $425

Regular: US $300

Bike Rental:

Classic: US $280

Regular: US$160

Camino de Santiago, Biking

Classic: Pamplona to Santiago de Compostella
Regular: Leon to Santiago de Compostella

For any traveler interested in history, art, & culture, the Camino de Santiago certainly ranks as one of the most spectacular trips in the world today. From the 10th Century to the present day, pilgrims have come (by foot and now bicycle) from near and far to experience this enigma of Spain.

For riders of this trail, you can choose between a paved or off-road route as it threads its way across Spain. The scenery is breathtaking with lots of cultural and historical sights along the way.

For those with the time, we highly recommend that you consider our classic route; we maintain that this journey has the potential to change your life (in good ways). For those wishing a shorter journey we also offer the trip beginning in Leon. On both trips we stay in the best hotels available, ranging from traditional inns to luxurious paradors.

 


Accommodations

Hotel Europa, Pamplona

This 3-star hotel, situated off a charming square in the “Casco Viejo” (old town area of the city center), offers sizeable guest rooms with marble flooring throughout. We stay 2 nights, allowing us to enjoy Pamplona as our journey begins.

Hotel San Andres, Estella

The inn-keepers here welcome us as old friends in this casual hotel on a private plaza. The Bodega Irache is nearby, allowing us to sample the superb wines of this region.

Hotel Marques de Vallejo, Logrono

This boutique hotel is located in the historical district on a quiet pedestrian street. Contructed in 1911, renovations and interior redesign created the 51 modern and stylish guest rooms available today. The décor is contemporary and the service is professional.

Parador Santo Domingo de la Calzada

What was once a pilgrim’s hospital from the 12th century is now one of Spain’s finest paradors with grand marble interior and a lobby with Gothic arches, and wooden coffered ceilings. The large, comfortable guest rooms are exquisitely decorated.

Hotel Norte Y Londres, Burgos

Located in a beautiful square just 100 meters from the Cathedral, this hotel has been classically renovated with all amenities. There are hardwood floors in many of the rooms and lots of natural light through the large windows.

Hotel Real Monastery San Zoilo, Carrion de las Condes

Built in 947, this former convent was once the court of kings in the middle ages and was refurbished to include a Gothic Cloister in the 16th century. The expansive gardens around the hotel ensure a quiet, restful sleep.

La Posada Regia, Leon

Ideally located on a quiet lane near the Palacio de los Guzmanes, this charming Leonese building dates back to the 14th century. With its medieval furnishings, this hotel exudes a rustic charm. We spend 2 nights here and Leon is a wonderful city filled with good restaurants, including one of the best in our hotel.

La Posada Gaspar, Rabanal del Camino

This charming inn is our newest discovery, and was built using centuries old stone in the traditional style. Classic décor enhances the rooms, which are each inspired by points along the Jacobea Route. Terraces and balconies offer view of Mt Irago.

Parador de Villafranca, Villafranca

This hotel, with architecture reflecting traditional Galician style, has wooden floors and an elegant yet comfortable feel. The welcoming atmospehere is set by 39 charming guest rooms are accented with Castilian style furnishings and wrought iron lamps and flower- and shrub-filled gardens surround the hotel.

Hotel Alfonso IX, Sarria

A 3-star modern hotel situated on the river with an excellent restaurant. Amenities include a gym, sauna, and outdoor swimming pool. Renovated in 2003 the rooms are large and comfortable and guests can enjoy pleasant views of the surrounding area.

Casa Bianca, Leboreiro

A country inn with terrific food and gracious hosts makes this a traveler favourite. The owners dine with us family style and their traditional feast will be one of your favourite in Spain.

Hotel Costa Vella, Santiago de Compostella

This intimate historic hotel has been renovated respecting the cultural heritage conservation criteria of Compostela. The classical and modern décor creates a welcoming atmosphere; many rooms feature floor to ceiling windows with views of a lovely garden.  With its close proximity to the Cathedral and its extremely friendly staff, this is our favourite hotel in Santiago.

  • What's Included
  • Weather
  • Map

Map of the Area

Leon Weather

What's Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

  • services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides and support vehicle
  • accommodations in luxurious paradors, hotels and charming inns
  • Classic Trip: 14 nights lodging based on double occupancy, all breakfasts, 5 lunches, 10 dinners.
  • Regular Trip: 7 nights lodging based on double occupancy, 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners.
  • entrance fees for selected tastings,historical sites and museums
  • detailed map and route instructions
  • all baggage transportation
  • all transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)
  • detailed Trip Planner full of pre-trip preparation material and travel information

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247