SPAIN 2015 - CAMINO PRIMITIVO THE ORIGINAL PILGRIMS TRAIL TO SANTIAGO SELF-GUIDED CYCLING TOUR -9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS

The Camino de Santiago, or Saint James’ Way, is the result of one of Europe’s most impressive historical ‘migrations’. Though many modern pilgrims choose the so-called French Route, or Camino Francés, there are several other trails which have been used historically, including the original Camino Primitivo. This trail was first travelled by the Asturian King Alfonso II, who – on hearing news that the bones of the apostle St. James had been found in a remote area of what is now Galicia – began his own personal pilgrimage in the year 829. Our itinerary follows this authentic route, which was very popular in the early Middle Ages when pilgrims aimed to avoid the constant conflict between Christian and Moorish kingdoms in Central Spain. The history and beauty of ‘España Verde’ will act as a backdrop for your pilgrimage, as you cycle through the surprisingly varied countryside 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.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS o Pleasant cycling through the gorgeous landscapes of Green Spain o Green pastures, cool woodlands, rolling hills, peaks in the distance o Peaceful villages, friendly locals and traditional architecture o Pleasantly welcoming accommodations in rural surroundings or historical settings o Delicious regional gastronomy including locally-produced artisan cheeses, fresh garden produce and free-range meats

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ITINERARY: Day 1: 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.

4-star historical hotel in the centre of town (B&B + optional menu). If you have rented a bike, then you will be first taken to the bike rental shop to try out your bikes and make the necessary adjustments. Cycling: 32km - Ascent 250m

Day 3: Tineo to Pola de Allande 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. (B&B + optional menu) Cycling: 35km - Ascent 400m

Day 2: Cornellana to Tineo In the morning, a taxi will take you to Cornellana, where you start cycling right at the entrance to San Salvador Monastery (11th century). 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 www.walkersworld.co.nz

Day 4: Pola de Allande to Grandas de Salime 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 www.cycling-europe.com

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.

of the River Miño. Accommodation at a 3star hotel in historical centre of Lugo. Cycling: 64km - Ascent 300m

Cycling: 39km - Ascent 800m

Day 5: Grandas de Salime to Fonsagrada 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 lovely and intriguing 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 4-star hotel with lovely views, situated at the outskirts of this small mining town. Cycling: 33km - Ascent 475m

Day 6: Fonsagrada to Lugo 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 natural hot springs on the banks

Day 7: Lugo to Palas de Rei 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. Cycling: 35km - Ascent 200m

Day 8: Palas de Rei to Touro Suddenly, you find yourself joining many other pilgrims along the route, as everyone begins to feel the excitement as they near Santiago. But since there is also heavy traffic on this last section of the Camino, we make a detour just past Arzúa and head south. Accommodation near the village of Touro, at one of these typical Pazos with a well-known restaurant. Cycling: 40km - Ascent 100m

Day 9: Touro to Santiago de Compostela Again you avoid busy roads as you cycle along small lanes, directly into the heart of Santiago. If you insist making a detour by way of Monte del Gozo (where pilgrims catch their first glimpse of Santiago), you then follow the official Camino, sharing the atmosphere with other pilgrims as you approach St James Cathedral in the historical city centre. Lodging at a charming hotel*** in the centre. The afternoon is free to spend exploring Santiago. Cycling: 41km - Ascent 180m

Day 10: End of programme After breakfast your cycling tour comes to an end. SCHEDULE 2015 Start any day from 01 March - 31 October.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY Strenuous cycling routes of 302 to 64km a day where you cannot avoid steep slopes - average ascent & descent 300m. Cycling is mainly on roads and cycling paths.

ACCOMMODATION A selection of different types of lodging, all charming and comfortable (ranging from 2 to 4 stars) in rural settings or historical town centres. Rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Breakfast included.

PRICES 2015 PER PERSON IN EUROS High Low Double / Twin Share € 819 € 763 Single Room supplement (2+travelling) € 225 € 225 Single Room Solo traveller € 515 € 500 Bike rental € 225 Low Season: 1 - 22 March, 4 April - 30 June, 12 Sept - 31 October High Season: 23 March - 3 April, 1 July - 11 September

EXTRA NIGHTS PER PERSON PER NIGHT INCLUDING BREAKFAST OVIEDO Double / Twin Share Single Room

€ 50 € 85

SAN TIAGO Double / Twin Share Single Room

€ 40 € 65

Extra nights can be booked at any overnight stop included in this trip - ask us for prices.

INCLUDED o o o

9 nights accommodation with ensuite bathroom 9 breakfasts Luggage transportation between hotels

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Taxi transfer on day 2 Detailed route descriptions and maps 24 hour local contact in case of emergencies

NOT INCLUDED IN COST o o

Bike hire (price listed above) Lunches and dinners. Lunch can be bought in villages along the way, and in Oviedo and Santiago, you have plenty of choices for restaurants nearby for dinner. In the other villages you can dine a la carte in the accommodation’s private restaurant (to be paid directly to the hotel).

BIKE RENTAL: Light weight hybrid bikes, with 21 gears, Shimano parts including repair kit, pump, lock, mapholder and panniers. Helmets are available for purchase. Spanish law requires cyclists to use a helmet, unless temperatures are too high or you suffer from exertion on an ascent. Since this is a very difficult law to make effective, in reality you will see cyclists with and without helmet. It is unlikely the police will stop you if you do not use a helmet, but riding with a helmet is always safer.

EXTRA TRANSFERS: Transfers at the beginning and end of the tour to/ from airports, train and stations can be booked and paid for in advance. There are good bus connections between local airports and the city-centres. It is 295km from Bilbao airport to Oviedo. Book through:

Don’t just see the world. Experience it. Ph 09 4867473 Fax 09 484 0091 Email: [email protected]