CYCLE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Transcription

1 CYCLE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO Trip Code: MWC Country: Spain Amended: September 2014 Edition No: DS Valid From: 01 Jan Dec 2015 Ride one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes Explore gothic cathedrals, mediaeval monasteries and unspoiled rural scenery Local cycling leader and assistant leader driving the support vehicle The Camino de Santiago de Compostela across northern Spain is one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes. For more than 1000 years pilgrims have made their way to Santiago and in 1987 it was declared the first European Culture Route. Also known as 'The Way of St James', it originated in the region of Galicia where the tomb of the Apostle James the Great was discovered in the 9th Century. The way is marked by the symbol of the scallop shell, typically found on the Galician shores, and the grooves in the shell that join together are said to represent the many different ways pilgrim's travelled from to reach the tomb of Saint James. A great tradition of the route is to complete the 'compostela', more commonly known as the Pilgrim's Passport. This is a certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims upon completing the way and to earn this you need to either walk 100km or cycle 200km. After acquiring our passport in Leon we will need to have it stamped daily at either a Refugio, church, town hall or local office to receive the 'compostela'. It is the gothic cathedrals, mediaeval monasteries and miles of unspoiled rural scenery that make this section of the route so popular. Our ride begins in the charming city of Leon with a wealth to explore through its winding narrow streets. We then cross the Castillan plains gradually climbing to the highest point of the trip, the 'Iron Cross' (1505m), in the mountain range of Leon. Before entering the gastronomic region of Galicia we visit the beautiful village of Castrillo de los Polvazares, where the strong orange coloured stone creates the fascinating local architecture. We ride through fertile valleys full of vineyards and rural country on our way to completing this ancient tradition at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

2 The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 Start Leon. We may have time to visit the city's beautiful gothic cathedral and stroll around its charming winding narrow streets. Day 2 - Leon to Astorga The riding is on a mixture of quiet minor roads, cycle paths and non-technical tracks. As we are passing through rural communities, the roads are quiet with very little traffic; however you will be sharing the route with a number of walkers and cyclists all on their way to Santiago de Compostela. There is one long but gradual climb on the second cycling day of the trip and one steep 8 km climb on the third cycling day, the support vehicle will be on hand if you prefer to opt out. Alternatively, there is the opportunity to walk along the hiking track. There are a few cobbled sections where you should take care, particularly in wet conditions. This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging). 6 days cycling, average 54 km (33 miles) per day, 75% vehicle support, as the vehicle cannot follow the group on all offroad sections. Terrain and route: 50% on quiet minor roads, 50% on a mixture of cycle paths, non-technical tracks and a few offroad sections. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to call us. Please note that wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory on this trip. Premium Departures Certain departures of this trip are marked in our brochures and online as Premium Departures. On these departures some elements of the trip have been changed to provide more comfort - this will generally mean we have raised the standard of hotels or switched from camping to comfortable lodges, but it may also include other changes, for example, where a long train journey has been replaced by an internal flight. Specific details about what elements of the trip have been changed can be found in the relevant sections of this Trip Note. We head into the countryside riding across the plains of Castilla through cultivated countryside and quaint villages, with adobe houses and wine caves. We will take lunch in Hospital del Orbigo and on entering the village we cross a stunning mediaeval bridge (one of the longest pilgrimage bridges in Spain). We then ride the final 15km to the beautiful walled town of Astorga, with views of the mountains of Leon in the distance. 58 km Day 3 - Astorga to Molinaseca Today's ride is the most beautiful of the trip as we leave the Castillan plains behind and climb gradually into the mountains of Leon to the Monte de la Cruz de Ferro (1505m). En route we pass through Castrillo de los Polvazares, known for its very special architecture created by strong orange coloured stone. After riding through the charming mountain village of Acebo (the main street is a straight line of beautiful balconied houses) we enjoy the rest of our descent into Molinaseca, with stunning views of the surrounding valley. 51 km Day 4 - From Molinaseca to O'Cebreiro The highlight today is the ride to the beautiful town of Villafranca with stunning views across the green valleys of Galicia and wooded mountains of Leon. After the first easy and mainly flat 25km we have a short climb to Villafranca, which is worth a look for its many monuments and picturesque town square. Once we reach the bottom of the valley on the foothills of Monte de O'Cebreiro we will have a rest before our final push to the top of the mountain and the small village of O'Cebreiro. Here we will be able to appreciate wonderful views of the valleys that surround this peak and admire the charming slate roofed black houses. 62km Due to the limited accommodation capacity in O'Cebreiro, on certain departures we may have to stay in the village of Herrerias and cycle up to O'Cebreiro in the morning of Day 5 (9km).

3 Day 5 - O'Cebreiro to Sarria As we enter Galicia the landscape changes dramatically and the area is populated by a number of traditional agricultural villages. Each family has small plots of land, which they cultivate for their own vegetables and we will pass by many of the locals working the land and tending to their cattle. As well as a change in culture, landscape and language, the gastronomy of Galicia is famous for using products of high quality and preparing them in simple and not elaborate, but delicious ways. We have lunch in Samos, home to one of the oldest monasteries in Spain, and cycle through chestnut forests to Sarria 49km Single Accommodation: A limited number of single rooms are offered, which must be booked and paid for in advance (subject to availability). To guarantee a single room, you can pay a single room supplement of 160 (or approx. US$300) on booking. Extra Accommodation: We can book additional accommodation before or after the trip in Santiago de Compostela (subject to availability). Please notify us at the time of booking and we will provide up-todate prices. Day 6 - Sarria to Portomarin Today's ride runs through beautiful rural Galician countryside and along tree-lined paths to the town of Portomarin, which was rebuilt on a hilltop in the 1950s in order to construct a reservoir. After lunch, a 13km climb, followed by a welcome 12km downhill, takes us to Palas de Rei, a small town full of the pilgrim spirit. 48km Day 7 - Final ride to Santiago Our final day involves a number of short ascents and descents as far as Monte de Gozo. From here, as pilgrims have done for centuries, we wind our way through the city's streets and crowds to Plaza del Obradoiro, dominated by the impressive Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. We then move onto the Pilgrim's Office for those who wish to obtain the 'compostela' (certificate of accomplishment). 67km Day 8 End Santiago de Compostela. For those on group flights, these depart in the afternoon and will arrive in the UK the same day. Food All breakfasts are included. Breakfasts in Spain usually consist of coffee, croissants and toasted bread with a selection of jams. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee or a snack along the way. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day in Spain and most restaurants offer a set three course menu. Starting with a lighter first course such as soup or salad followed by a large meat or fish course and usually finished off with fruit or pastries and a coffee. Vegetarians: Please be aware that a meat and fish diet is the norm in Northern Spain. Many vegetarians have not experienced any problems finding tasty meat free meal options on this trip, however please be prepared to be flexible. Please note that mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; due to eating a large lunch, dinner is usually taken between 21:00 and Transport Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). Whilst cycling the vehicle will carry your baggage and be on hand with assistance or if you choose to 'sit out' a section of the ride. A guide cycles with the group. In the smaller villages we will use characterful family-run 'casa rurales' and in larger towns we will be accommodated in larger hotels. All will have en suite facilities and will be beside the actual Camino de Santiago. In April and October expect temperatures between 40-60F/ 5-15ºC with a high chance of rain showers. In the mornings it is often cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures in May and September tend to be about 10F/5ºC warmer

4 than April and October. Expect a combination of sun, light showers and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm (60-86F/15-30ºC). Those arriving from London on non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office. 8 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sat Itinerary Start The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of EasyJet (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. Due to Easyjet's booking system, we can only purchase flights 6 months before the date of your departure. If you book your trip before this date, a booking confirmation will be sent to you advising that flights are subject to confirmation. We will then secure the flights as soon as they become available. In the case that flights are not available at the original budgeted cost once they are released for sale, a flight supplement will be charged. If the supplement exceeds 10% of the original holiday price, you will be given the right to cancel. Please note that many destinations now require Advanced Passenger Information (API), such as your passport number, date of birth and nationality, to be added to your booking before departure. When booking Easyjet flights through Exodus your sales consultant will do this for you. If you wish to spend an extra day in Santiago, you may want to consider flying back with Ryanair, that operates a Sunday direct flight from Santiago to London Stansted. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. 8 days, normally start Leon Sat, end Santiago de Compostela Sat Itinerary Start Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Leon in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Airport Transfers If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. If you would like us to organise a private transfer, please ask your sales consultant for a quote. Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure. The group flights are in and out of Oviedo airport, which is 3 hours away from the Santiago de Compostela. If you wish to spend an extra day in Santiago, or avoid this long transfer on the last day, you may want to consider flying back to the UK with Easyjet or Ryanair, as they operate a Sunday direct flight from Santiago de Compostela to London Stansted. The cost of a taxi is likely to be about 250 (approx. US$400) should you decide to make your way independently. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. Being on bikes, we can be quite versatile and are able to visit places that are not as easily accessible by other means of transport. We stay in locally owned hotels, so contributing directly to the local communities and our food on the trip is bought fresh at local stores and markets, helping

5 to support the local economy and ensuring that our clients sample the local delicacies that this part of Spain has to offer. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. The Spanish authorities have issued alerts detailing areas of increased risk for rabies following an incident involving a domestic dog on 5 June The risk of rabies in travellers to Spain generally is low and rabies pre-exposure vaccination is not recommended. You should avoid contact with domestic and wild animals. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. Local Time GMT +1hr Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 5 and 16 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. Passports and Visas Most nationalities, including British, require a full passport that must be valid for 3 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Certain European nationalities may be able to travel within Europe on their national identity card. Check carefully with the relevant authorities if you intend to do this. No visa required for British passport holders. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. Currency Information The national currency of Spain is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate of 1.2 to the UK and 0.7 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. There is no local payment on this holiday. As of 1st January 2008, Exodus no longer uses local payments to cover part of the cost of the holiday. While some of the headline prices seem higher, we have not added any extra costs into the total price, apart from the local payment and any standard annual fluctuation in price.

6 If you are comparing prices with other operators, please check the total price paid, as we believe that Exodus offers the best balance between value for money and operational quality. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques There are cash points available in most towns along the route and most places take credit and debit cards, even though cash is generally easier. Extra Expenses and Spending Money All along the Camino Santiago there are restaurants offering set lunches and dinners for approximately specifically aimed at those travelling the route. We recommend you should allow about 180 overall, however this does depend on which restaurants you choose. Tipping (leader and local staff) Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. Depending on the service and size of the group somewhere in the region of per client for the week would seem reasonable. 2)The Renter must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same conditions as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The Supplier is entitled to charge the Renter for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire. 3)The Renter will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, the Supplier reserves the right to call upon the Renter to be liable for the replacement value of the equipment 4)The Renter must not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss. Bringing Your Own Bike: Many people choose to bring their own bikes on our trips. If you wish to bring your own bike, please note that we cannot guarantee against small scratches and paintwork damage involved in the loading and unloading from support vehicles. For more detailed information on bringing a bike from the UK, Information Sheet MBX will be sent to you on booking. This can also be found on our website at: Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure that they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy, as if Exodus is confident that we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft you will need to claim under you own insurance policy. Extra Bike Bits You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind. Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets Local Bike Hire: Orbea Dakar (mountain bikes) with 24 gears 95 (approx. US$170), paid on booking. Bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Very occasionally a bike of your size may not be available. We may be able to offer you a bike of a different but acceptable size, or otherwise you must bring your own bike. Bike hire conditions 1)The equipment remains the property of the Supplier and the Renter may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment. Exodus believes that all cyclists should wear cycle helmets. From 1 January 2015 wearing a helmet becomes mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Exodus cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Exodus. For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is a highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries we travel to wearing a helmet is already a legal requirement. Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.

7 Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over-shorts' where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum-bag or small close-fitting daysack. We recommend bringing the following items: Padded cycling shorts Waterproof jacket Sun cream and lip salve Sunglasses/eye protection Warm jacket for evenings Small daysack Favourite energy snacks Water bottle cycling helmet (Please note that wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory on this trip) If you are bringing your own bike we recommend bringing the following items: Inner tubes (minimum of 2) Spare tyre Correct length spokes Any special tools e.g. locking wheel nut tool Optional items: Equipment provided: mudguards, a bottle cage and one large rear pannier bag Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. Reading List: Cees Nooteboom (1997), Roads to Santiago Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Community Travel Forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Community you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for?

8 Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you're ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO