Headwater - Self-Guided Cycling on Spain’s Green Coast

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
The northern coast of Spain boasts a spectacular green landscape and an appealingly mild climate, making it an ideal holiday destination for the summer months. This moderate rated self-guided trip uses small country roads close to the coast, which provide excellent views of the pretty coves and stunning beaches you will have plenty of opportunities to enj...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Cycle alongside stunning beaches of Northern Spain
    • Visit mediaeval towns and quaint seaside villages
    • Taste delicious traditional cuisine
    • Mild summer weather

What's this trip about?

    The northern coast of Spain boasts a spectacular green landscape and an appealingly mild climate, making it an ideal holiday destination for the summer months. This moderate rated self-guided trip uses small country roads close to the coast, which provide excellent views of the pretty coves and stunning beaches you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy on your route. Each night you will stay in a different location, including quaint fishing villages, beautiful mediaeval towns or historic city centres. The cuisine in this area is traditional, cheap and delicious, with mouth-wateringly fresh seafood, a plethora of different cheeses, and the opportunity to try Asturias' famous cider in Villaviciosa.Discover the stunning coastline of Northern Spain by bike

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Cycling & Biking
  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Spain

Activities

  • Cycling
  • Independent

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Land Only

Day 1 Arrive Santander

Make your own way to Santander. If you have time we recommend a stroll along the famous El Sardinero beach, to appreciate the timeless belle-époque elegance. Santander is the main city of the region of Cantabria, and offers an excellent combination of beautiful palaces and promenades, old cafes and stunning beaches, along with some of the best of the region's cuisine. **

Day 2 Cycle from Santander to Santillana del Mar, with an optional visit to the UNESCO Altamira Caves

This morning you receive your bikes and set off, taking advantage of the cycle lanes out of the city. You follow the coast into the verdant countryside, eventually reaching the beautifully preserved town of Santillana del Mar, where you will spend your first night...

Day 3 Ride to San Vicente de la Barquera, enjoying a coffee en route at the pretty town of Comillas

Take some time this morning to discover the famous Altamira Caves located next to Santillana. Here you will find some of Spain's finest prehistoric art; wonderful 13,000 - 35,000 year old paintings of bison, horses and other animals. Later you pedal to the town of...

Day 4 Pedal alongside sandy beaches entering the region of Astutrias; finish in Llanes, a traditional fishing port

Today, all the cycling is along secondary roads near the coast, with the chance to enjoy some simply stunning beaches along the way. Cycle around the stunning headland of Pechón, which boasts magnificent views. As you enter the markedly different region of Asturia...

Day 5 Pass through a succession of quaint seaside towns today cycling towards Ribadesella

Leaving Llanes you will cycle along the coast following a succession of wonderful sandy beaches, pretty coves and cliffs. Your day ends in the small port town of Ribadesella with another stunning beach. Ribadesella's old town has been declared a 'Property of Cultural Interest', and the Tito Bustillo caves nearby house some prehistoric cave art and are well worth a visit.

Day 6 Enjoy a day of beautiful scenery and delicious local food ending in Villaviciosa

This morning you will cycle past orchards; this is the area where much of Asturias' famous cider is produced. 'Sidra', is the traditional drink of Asturias and is made from locally-grown apples. It has been produced here since ancient times and is the perfect beve...

Day 7 Cycle along small country roads following the coast to Gijon, with its lively food and drinks scene

Your final day of cycling is along small country roads that hug the coastline, as you head to your final destination: the small city of Gijón. Gijón has emerged from its industrial past and has given itself a facelift with pedestrianised streets, parks, seafront walks, cultural attractions, and a very lively food and drinks scene.

Day 8 End Gijon

The trip ends after breakfast in Gijón. Make your own way to the airport (either Asturias or Santander) or  spend some more time in this lively city.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $0
Price per day$0
Last Updated: 12/30/2019

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,151
Great
3,276
Average
615
Disappointing
145
Terrible
186
A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Northern Spain Cycling is fun

We had a brilliant time. The rating is moderate which I feel is correct. There are a lot of hills and if you don’t like hills this is not the trip for you (we live ...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Spain's Green Coast is a Gem

Loved this cycling trip - wonderful routes, not too difficult cycling and excellent food at each location! A lesser-known part of Spain and a great one. I loved al...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Peaceful Cycling Along Spain's North Coast

This was a great way to explore one of the lesser known parts of diverse Spain, taking in beautiful coastal views, great regional dishes and welcoming locals. Arri...

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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

R

Ruth Long

Aug 2024

Written on

great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

Written on

Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

Written on

Helpful alternative choice

We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

Accommodation

8 days land only 6 days cycling with luggage transfers, 95% paved, 5% unpaved Undulating cycling with some smaller climbs 7 nights hotels with en suite facilities All breakfasts included,
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Breakfast: * All breakfasts included * All accommodation (see accommodation section) * All luggage transfers * Route notes and maps * Local bike hire
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
  • 7 nights hotels with en suite facilities
  • 6 days cycling with luggage transfers, 95% paved, 5% unpaved
  • Undulating cycling with some smaller climbs
  • Self-guided holiday. Min. age 12 yrs
Trip ID
exodus-LRE

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