2026 Solar Eclipse Along the Camino de Santiago
From Ancient Pilgrimage to Celestial Wonder
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- A thorough daily itinerary
- Details for exact accommodations
- What to expect
- Travel planning tips
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Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, honored with the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord, and recognized as the first European Cultural Itinerary by the Council of Europe, the Camino Francés is one of the world’s most celebrated pilgrimage routes. These distinctions acknowledge its profound spiritual, historical, and cultural importance on a global scale. The Camino has welcomed pilgrims since the 9th century, following the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle Saint James. By the 11th century, the route was formalized, and in 1135, the legendary Codex Calixtinus—the first true travel guide—documented the Camino in remarkable detail, including its stages, sanctuaries, and local customs. Originating in France and entering Spain through the Pyrenees, the Camino Francés stretches across the Iberian Peninsula, offering thirty stages of cultural richness and natural beauty. We invite you to ride the final stretch—from León to Santiago de Compostela, crossing the diverse landscapes of León and Galicia. This journey is more than a bike tour—it’s a moving connection to centuries of history, a celebration of heritage, and in 2026, an extraordinary opportunity to witness a rare solar eclipse along the route, adding a celestial moment to an already unforgettable adventure.
Tour Essence
- Explore León’s stunning cathedral and medieval heritage
- Stroll the cobbled streets of Castrillo de los Polvazares
- Leave a symbolic stone at the sacred Cruz de Hierro
- Ride through El Bierzo’s vineyard-draped countryside
- Savor Galicia’s rich culinary traditions and local wines
- Visit O Cebreiro’s ancient chapel and Celtic dwellings
- Enter Galicia’s lush, Celtic-influenced landscape
- Discover Roman and medieval ruins in Sarria
- Follow the historic Camino de Invierno
- Admire Romanesque churches and heroic vineyards
- Witness the rare 2026 total solar eclipse
- Feel the anticipation build on the final stretch to Santiago
- Arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago, a timeless pilgrimage icon
- Stay at the historic Parador de Santiago
- Celebrate your journey in a city of spiritual and cultural legacy
What to Expect
Terrain
RollingStart Location
LeónEnd Location
Santiago de CompostelaMileage
Average Daily: 40 miles Total: 210 milesElevation
Average Daily: 3,300 feet Total: 16,700 feet
Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Van support
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Cycling clinic
- One group shuttle at the end of the tour
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What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Explore GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
- Two water bottles
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional: Map holder on handlebar
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 1 lunch
- 6 dinners
- Guided walking tour of Léon’s Cathedral & of the Basilica of San Isidoro
- Guided walking tour of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
2026
Start Location
LeónFly Into
Madrid (MAD)End Location
Santiago de CompostelaFly Out Of
Madrid (MAD)León
Meals Provided
DinnerAverage Mileage
N/AElevation Gain
N/ARiding Terrain
N/AMeals Provided
DinnerAccommodations
Parador de León
Set in a majestic 16th-century monastery, the 5-star Parador de León is one of Spain’s most iconic heritage hotels. Its Gothic-Plateresque façade, grand cloisters, and museum-quality interiors offer a truly regal atmosphere. Guest rooms are spacious and elegantly appointed, many overlooking the cloister or the leafy gardens. Amenities include a fine-dining restaurant, library, lounge bar, courtyard terrace, and modern wellness facilities.
Astorga to Ponferada
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
45 milesElevation Gain
3,400 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with one climb and long descentMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Palacio de Canedo
Set among the vineyards of El Bierzo, the 4-star Palacio de Canedo is a beautifully restored noble estate that blends historic charm with rural elegance. This boutique hotel features individually decorated rooms, many with vineyard views, and offers a restaurant showcasing local cuisine, an on-site winery, and a wine shop.
O Cebreiro to Monforte de Lemos
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
45 milesElevation Gain
2,900 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with many 1 to 3-mile climbsMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Parador de Monforte de Lemos
Perched atop the town’s highest point, the 4-star Parador de Monforte de Lemos is housed in a former 17th-century Benedictine monastery, offering panoramic views over the Ribeira Sacra wine region. The hotel features elegant rooms, a cloistered courtyard, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving Galician specialties
Monforte de Lemos to A Ermida
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
40 milesElevation Gain
3,700 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with one short steep climbMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
As Torres de Hermida
Nestled in the heart of Galicia, Hotel As Torres da Hermida is a 4-star boutique hotel housed in a meticulously restored 300-year-old manor. This elegant retreat offers 11 uniquely decorated rooms, blending historic charm with modern comforts. Guests can indulge in the on-site restaurant serving Galician cuisine, unwind in the spa featuring a sauna and hot tub, or relax in the lush garden terraces.
Eclipse Day Optional Loop
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
30 milesElevation Gain
2,500 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling hills with one short steep climbMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
As Torres de Hermida
Nestled in the heart of Galicia, Hotel As Torres da Hermida is a 4-star boutique hotel housed in a meticulously restored 300-year-old manor. This elegant retreat offers 11 uniquely decorated rooms, blending historic charm with modern comforts. Guests can indulge in the on-site restaurant serving Galician cuisine, unwind in the spa featuring a sauna and hot tub, or relax in the lush garden terraces.
A Ermida to Santiago de Compostela
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
50 milesElevation Gain
4,200 ftRiding Terrain
Terrain Rolling hills, coastal sectionsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Parador de Santiago
This 5-star hotel opened as a hostel in 1499 and is considered the oldest hotel in the world!
