Day 1
Arrival to San Sebastián
Arrival in San Sebastián. It is difficult to say enough about this wonderful city and its unique setting. Not to forget of course the splendid tapas bars and also the highest concentration of Michelin stars in the world. It is of course possible to spend an extra night here, and maybe take the local train to the nearby French border and cycle back to San Sebastián.
Day 2
San Sebastián to Lekeitio - 72km
You leave San Sebastián, westwards to follow the coast towards Bilbao. This is some of the finest coastal scenery in Spain. At times, you ride along the water's edge; other times you ride high above it with the most fantastic views of the coast, interspersed with the charming villages.
Day 3
Lekeitio to Getxo (Bilbao) - 78km
Another ride along the impressive coastline. En route, you see fishing villages in dramatic settings, such as Elantxobe, surrounded by high cliffs. You cycle around the estuary of Urdaibai, to finally reach the town reach the town of Guernica, the subject of the painting by Picasso, which depicted the horrors of war. Then back to the coast and the villages of Mundaka, Bermeo, the incredible chapel of the island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (of Game of Thrones fame), and then finally Getxo, with the fascinating transporter bridge, now a World Heritage monument. Add an extra night here to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao.
Day 4
Getxo (Bilbao) to Santoña - 61km
You cross the river using the unique Puente Vizcaya, a transporter bridge that dates back to 1893 and is a World Heritage Site. You then follow the coastline to Cantabria and the finish port of Castro Urdailes with its pretty harbor and gothic church on the seafront. From here you follow the coast past the headland of Sonabia, with its impressive colony of Griffon Vultures. Then through Larendo with its enormous beach and across the estuary to the finished village of Santoña, famous for its exquisite anchovies.
Day 5
Santoña to Santander - 29km
From Santoña the route continues along the delightful coastline through the resorts of Noja, Isla, Ajo, and Galizano. The beaches of Galizano and Langre are magnificent. Somo is a surfing mecca with its long beach. Finally, you cross the beautiful Bay of Santander, to reach the capital of Cantabria, a fine city in a magnificent setting.
Day 6
Santander to San Vincente de la Barquera - 79km
Leave Santander and cycle the village of Liencres. From here, you follow the beautiful beach through píne forests with the Picos de Europa visible in the distance. Then it is on to the medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the famous Altamira Caves with their 15,000-year-old paintings.
More beautiful countryside leads to Comillas, with Gaudi's El Capricho. Finally, you reach the fishing village of San Vincente de la Barquera.
Day 7
San Vicente de la Barquera to Ribadesella - 73km
After San Vicente, we reach the beautiful headland of Pechón formed by the salmon fishing rivers of Nansa and Deva on each side. You cross the Deva and enter Asturias. You cycle with the magnificent backdrop of the Sierra de Cuera and the Picos de Europa to your left and the unspoiled coastline to our right. Your next stop is the picturesque and lively fishing village of Llanes surrounded by beautiful beaches. West of Llanes you pass the incredible landlocked beach of Gulpiyuri before reaching the charming town and harbour of Ribadesella.
Day 8
Ribadesella to Gijón - 72km
Before leaving Ribadesella, you can take the opportunity to visit the Caves of Tito Bustillo with their famous cave paintings. The coast of Asturias is famous for its dinosaur footprints, and in Colunga you can take the opportunity to visit the Jurassic Museum. You then continue past the beautiful fishing village of Lastres. Villaviciosa has a fine estuary and is also famous for the production of cider, as much a symbol of Asturias as whisky in Scotland. From here a short hop takes us to the bustling seaside city of Gijón.
Day 9
Gijón to Cudillero - 73km
More seaside fishing villages such as Candás and Luanco. You pass the town of Avilés and continue along the coast to reach your destination of Cudillero, one of the most picturesque villages on the Asturian coast with its brightly colored houses cascading down to the harbor with its restaurants and pavement cafés.
Day 10
Cudillero to Navia - 74km
West along the coast with more great beaches for en-route swimming. The pretty harbour and fishing village of Luarca makes a great lunch stop before you reach the fishing village of Navia.
Day 11
Navia to Mondoñedo - 66km
Today marks a big turning point in the tour. West of Navia you reach the estuary (Ría de Ribadeo) of the River Eo. On the Asturian side you have the village of Castropol. As you cross the estuary, you reach the village of Ribadeo and you are now in Galicia. From here you turn to the south and say goodbye to the coastline which has accompanied us from San Sebastián onwards. Tonight we stay in the village of Mondoñedo with its Romanesque / Gothic / Baroque cathedral, home to the English Madonna, rescued from St Paul's Cathedral in London in times of Henry VIII
Day 12
Mondoñedo to Lugo - 66km
You now ride through charming green Galician countryside and tiny villages to your next destination, the city of Lugo. Lugo sits on the River Minho and is completely surrounded by a virtually intact Roman Wall dating back to the 3rd century AD.
Day 13
Lugo to Arzúa - 66km
Another beautiful ride through the enticing Galician countryside with mounting excitement shared with the pilgrims. Tonight you stay in Arzúa, just a short hop from Santiago de Compostela and the grand finale of your tour.
Day 14
Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela - 39/46km
A short ride which will enable you to savour the satisfaction of arriving in Santiago itself. Nothing can compare with the arrival at the Plaza do Obradoiro in front of the magnificent cathedral. Time to pay a visit to Saint James himself and then to celebrate with some scallops, a glass of white wine or two whilst reflecting on your last 2 weeks and your one in a lifetime achievement
Day 15
Departure day
Depart from Santiago de Compostela after breakfast, or extend your stay to see more of this delightful city.
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