Jerry, Jan and Alyssa’s self-guided bike tour itinerary

1. Download the app called RideWithGPS on your cell phone
2. Follow the steps to make a free account in the app
3. Once you have your account set up, connect it with your tour routes by clicking this link: click here
4. This should open an EVENT in the RidewithGPS app, which will include all of your routes. 
5. To access the routes, at a later date, from the home screen in the app click on “More” then on “My Events”. You should find the routes there! Now you’re ready to pedal!
6. We recommend downloading each route to ensure offline accessibility. 
7. Please make sure that you finish the route recording at the end of each day’s ride.
8. Tips for saving your battery while using the GPS: Click here

• Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Madrid.

  At leisure in Madrid

  • Visit one of the galleries that make up Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art”: the classical Prado (open Mon – Sat 10am – 8pm, and Sun 10am – 7pm), the modernist Reina Sofia (open Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri and Sat 10am – 9pm and Sun 10am – 2:30pm), or the Thyssen-Bornemisza, a former former private collection (open Tue – Sun 10am – 7pm and Mon 12pm – 4pm).
  • Make a selfie stop at some of Madrid’s most legendary landmarks: Plaza Mayor, the elegant arcaded square that has been at the centre of madrileño life for centuries; Plaza del Sol, where you can visit the iconic bear and strawberry tree statue and the Km 0 plaque, the origin of all Spain’s roads and the exact geographic centre of Spain; Gran Vía, Madrid’s buzzing central street, full of shops and theatres; and the imposing Puerta de Alcalá, which once marked the entrance to the city.
  • Explore the Royal Palace, the biggest in Europe (open Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm and Sun 10am – 4pm).
  • Next door, visit Madrid’s unique cathedral (open daily 10am – 8:30pm), whose construction spanned more than a century and was only completed in 1993!
  • Take a stroll in the elegant Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s answer to Central Park. Catch at art exhibition at the striking Crystal Palace, rent a rowboat for a romantic cruise on the lake, or visit the peacocks in the “secret garden” named after architect Cecilio Rodriguez.
  • Watch the sunset from the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop bar and restaurant (open Tue – Sun, 11am – 2pm/5pm – 9pm).
  • Discover Madrid’s very own Egyptian temple! Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the Temple of Debod was transferred to Madrid, brick by brick in the 1970s.
  • If you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday morning, we recommend a trip to El Rastro market (open Sun 9am – 3pm) to hunt for treasures and soak up the lively atmosphere!

• Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Madrid.

  At leisure in Madrid

  • Visit one of the galleries that make up Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art”: the classical Prado (open Mon – Sat 10am – 8pm, and Sun 10am – 7pm), the modernist Reina Sofia (open Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri and Sat 10am – 9pm and Sun 10am – 2:30pm), or the Thyssen-Bornemisza, a former former private collection (open Tue – Sun 10am – 7pm and Mon 12pm – 4pm).
  • Make a selfie stop at some of Madrid’s most legendary landmarks: Plaza Mayor, the elegant arcaded square that has been at the centre of madrileño life for centuries; Plaza del Sol, where you can visit the iconic bear and strawberry tree statue and the Km 0 plaque, the origin of all Spain’s roads and the exact geographic centre of Spain; Gran Vía, Madrid’s buzzing central street, full of shops and theatres; and the imposing Puerta de Alcalá, which once marked the entrance to the city.
  • Explore the Royal Palace, the biggest in Europe (open Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm and Sun 10am – 4pm).
  • Next door, visit Madrid’s unique cathedral (open daily 10am – 8:30pm), whose construction spanned more than a century and was only completed in 1993!
  • Take a stroll in the elegant Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s answer to Central Park. Catch at art exhibition at the striking Crystal Palace, rent a rowboat for a romantic cruise on the lake, or visit the peacocks in the “secret garden” named after architect Cecilio Rodriguez.
  • Watch the sunset from the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop bar and restaurant (open Tue – Sun, 11am – 2pm/5pm – 9pm).
  • Discover Madrid’s very own Egyptian temple! Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the Temple of Debod was transferred to Madrid, brick by brick in the 1970s.
  • If you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday morning, we recommend a trip to El Rastro market (open Sun 9am – 3pm) to hunt for treasures and soak up the lively atmosphere!

• Santiago de Compostela was, without a doubt, the most important city in Christian medieval Spain. It’s world-renowned for its cultural and religious significance, and each year thousands of travellers come to visit.

  • Santiago Cathedral: The end of your pilgrimage and top of your tourist list is Santiago’s magnificent cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century and is one of the few catedrals in the world built over the tomb of an apostle. We highly recommend the cathedral rooftop tour (available daily from 10am – 8pm, reservation recommended). You’ll climb up the cathedral tower and out onto the roof for a once-in-a-lifetime angel’s eye view of Santiago, as well as a unique perspective of the stunning cathedral.
  • Take a stroll in Alameda Park for fabulous views of the cathedral and the rest of Santiago’s UNESCO World Heritage Site old town. Don’t forget to take a picture with the statue of As Marías, two elderly sisters who used to go for a walk in the park every day at 2pm, dressed in their finery, regardless of civil war, dictatorship or inclement weather!
  • For more insight into the history of the Camino, don’t miss the Pilgrimage Museum (open Tue – Fri 9:30am – 8:30pm, Sat 11am – 7:30pm and Sundays 10:15am – 2:45pm)
  • Also well worth a visit is the Museum of the Galician People (open Tue – Sat 11am – 6pm and Sun 11am – 2pm), which explores the unique culture and history of this little corner of Spain. The museum is housed in a former Dominican convent, set in beautiful grounds that are now a public park.
    

• Praza de Fefiñáns & Pazo de Fefiñáns – The elegant square is surrounded by the historic pazo, the San Bieito church, an arched bridge and the old watchtower.
• Bodegas del Palacio de Fefiñanes – Cambados is considered the capital of Albariño, so a wine tasting is almost obligatory! This winery is particularly convenient as it is right in the historic centre and offers guided visits and tastings by reservation.
• Ruins of Santa Mariña Dozo – One of Cambados’ most atmospheric sights. The beautifully preserved Gothic-Renaissance ruins stand among an old cemetery and are particularly evocative in the late afternoon.
• Santo Tomé (old fishing quarter) – Explore the narrow granite streets and traditional houses of this former fishing village, one of the three historic settlements that make up modern-day Cambados.
• Torre de San Sadurniño – Walk out towards the remains of this medieval defensive tower, dramatically positioned beside the water, with lovely views across the Ría de Arousa.
• Museo Etnográfico e do Viño – A good option for anyone interested in Galicia’s wine-making traditions and the history of Albariño.

• Yayo Daporta – Our choice for a special occasion. A sophisticated restaurant from chef Yayo Daporta, showcasing contemporary Galician cuisine and excellent local seafood. Ideal for a memorable final dinner.
• A Taberna do Trasno – A great choice for traditional Galician flavours in a relaxed setting. A good option if you want something authentic but not overly formal.
• A Fonte Do Viño – Right on Praza das Rodas, this is a good option for classic Galician seafood and a bottle of Albariño. Particularly nice for a relaxed lunch or early dinner.
• Vinoteca ANUSKA – A lovely option for wine lovers looking to sample local wines in a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for an afternoon glass of Albariño and some light bites.

Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Pontevedra.

Top of your list should be the Santuario de la Virgen Peregrina, dedicated to the patroness of the Portuguese Camino and featuring a unique floor in the shape of the scallop shell of St James.

Pontevedra’s well-preserved old town is considered second only to that of Santiago de Compostela, and it’s well worth taking some time to explore its winding streets.

The 16th century Real Basílica de Santa María la Mayor is a spectacular combination of late Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Those interested in learning a little more about local history and culture can visit the Museo Provincial de Pontevedra (open Tue – Sat 10am – 9pm and Sun 11am – 2pm).

Pontevedra is the capital of the Rías Baixas albariño wine region, so we highly recommend trying some of this light Galician white wine.

Your hotel has its own excellent restaurant, specialising in fresh seafood from the Rías Baixas. If you would like to explore the city a little more, we recommend a tapas crawl around the old quarter to try the local seafood.

For the best pulpo in the city, we recommend Casa Fidel O’Pulpeiro (open Tue – Sat 8pm – 12am). If you are looking for a sit-down meal we suggest Loaira Xantar (open Wed – Mon, 7:30pm – 11pm) or Trasmallo Restaurante (open Thu, Fri, Sat and Mon, 8pm – 11pm), both recommended by the Michelin guide, or Eirado da Leña*, Pontevedra’s Michelin Star spot (open Tue – Sat 9am – 11pm, prior reservation required).

Click here for our Astorga google maps list

Located at the convergence of the Camino de Santiago and the Vía de la Plata, Astorga offers a rich cultural legacy stretching from Roman times through to 20th century Modernism.

• Astorga’s Late Gothic Cathedral (open daily 10am – 6pm, closed Sun 11:30am – 1pm for Mass) was built over three centuries, with the result that the stones that make up its walls are from different quarries and are different colours. Don’t miss the figure of St James on the cathedral’s ornate Baroque façade, facing the pilgrims’ route and blessing all those who pass.
• Astorga’s majestic Episcopal Palace, or the Palacio de Gaudí, is one of the municipality’s most fascinating buildings, and now houses a museum dedicated to the Camino de Santiago.
• The Plaza Mayor is the perfect example of Astorga’s mixture of old and new. Built over the remnants of the Roman forum, the square is home to the 17th century town hall, considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the region. On Tuesday mornings, the Plaza hosts a market (open 9am – 1:30pm) where you can pick up some fresh regional produce. 
• For a sweet treat, visit Astorga’s Chocolate Museum, (open Tue – Sat 10:30am – 2pm/4:30pm – 7pm and Sun 10:30am – 2pm) which traces the history of the Astorgan families who became official chocolate suppliers to the Spanish Royal Family, and is set in one of their elegant former mansions.
• Discover Astorga’s Classical history at the Roman Museum (open Tue – Sat 10am – 2pm/4pm – 6pm and Sun 10am – 2pm), which is housed in an ancient domed building that was once part of the Roman forum.

A very traditional dish in Astorga is cocido maragato, a meat stew that is served one stage at a time: first the meat, then the vegetables, then finally the broth. What makes cocido maragato so special is that the rest of Spain serves their cocido in the reverse order, starting with the broth!

Cocido maragato is the perfect way to replenish calories after a long day of cycling, and we recommend you try it at Restaurante Casa Maragata, which is dedicated exclusively to this dish! They have two establishments in the city: Restaurante Casa Maragata I (open Wed – Sun 10:30am – 5pm) and Restaurante Casa Maragata II (open Fri – Tues from 10:30am – 5pm).

Click here for our google maps list!

• Top of your list should be León Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a spectacular rose window. Constructed between the mid 18th and early 19th centuries, the Cathedral’s architectural style demonstrates the transition from Late Baroque to Neo-Classical.
• León’s colourful Plaza Mayor is well worth a visit: grab a coffee at one of the many cafés and admire the elegant architecture. If your visit coincides with a Wednesday or Saturday, you can visit the traditional market held in the plaza from 9am – 3pm, and sample some local produce.
• Basílica de San Isidoro: Consecrated in 1063, this beautiful church (open daily from 10am), houses a Royal Pantheon, covered in stunning colorful frescoes, a museum, a collegiate library and a beautiful hotel and restaurant (open daily 1:30pm – 3:30pm/8:30pm – 10:30pm), where you can dine among the ancient cloisters. 
• Museo Casa Botines de Gaudí: Famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí didn’t just design buildings in Barcelona; among his creations in Castile-León is this magnificent example of 20th-century Modernist architecture, originally a commercial warehouse and private residence (open Thu – Mon 10am – 7pm, Wed 3pm – 7pm).
• Discover more about the history of the local area at León Museum, the biggest in Castile-León, and whose collection dates back to the Bronze Age (open Tue – Sat 10am – 2pm/4pm – 7pm and Sun 10am – 2pm).
• Art fans will love MUSAC, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Castile-León, which houses works by local and international artists and is famous for its stained glass gallery, designed to mimic the colours of the Cathedral’s rose window.

• No visit to León is complete without a tapas crawl around the Barrio Húmedo, or “wet district”, so called because it’s where you’ll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs! From the Cathedral, cross Calle Ancha, an ancient Roman road, and start exploring. You will receive a tapa with each drink order, so we suggest that you order cortos (small beers!)

  Some of our favourite tapas bars are: La Bicha (for morcilla, or blood sausage), El Rebote (for croquetas), Jamón Jamón (charcuterie), Rúa 11 (150 varieties of vermouth), El Rincón del Gaucho (garlic soup).

  For a sweet treat, pay a visit to the Monasterio de Concepcionistas (open daily 10:30am – 2pm/5pm – 9pm) and pick up some traditional cookies hand-baked by nuns!

• Castillo de la Mota – The town’s medieval castle, largely rebuilt after a 19th-century fire; this is now your hotel and we recommend to peruse the grounds to see the Torre del Caracol, the one surviving original tower with a spiral ramp instead of stairs.
• Iglesia de Santa María del Azogue – A Gothic church built between the 14th and 15th centuries, declared a National Monument in 1944. It’s considered the main architectural landmark of Benavente’s historic center.
• Plaza Mayor de Benavente – The town’s main square, home to the town hall and tourism office, plus cafés and bars. A good hub to start or end your walk, and a historic point along the Camino de Santiago.
• Iglesia de San Juan del Mercado – A Romanesque-Gothic church close to the Plaza Mayor, another key stop in the historic quarter.
• Botanical park Las Pavas (the female turkeys)- A local botanical garden with great walking paths, just behind the Parador

All four are within a short walk of each other, so you can string them into one easy afternoon loop.

You can definitely have dinner at the Parador or you could try one of these places in town: 

Las Pavas GastroPark– a very popular snack bar, with light meals, in the botanical garden 

Mesón Restaurante El Pícaro – A beloved local spot in Benavente known for fresh, made-to-order food that feels homemade, with standout dishes like cecina, ancas de rana, and roast suckling lamb. It’s popular enough that regulars book ahead, and is praised for its friendly staff and reasonable prices given the quality.

• Catedral de Zamora – A 12th-century cathedral known for its distinctive Byzantine-style dome, Romanesque tower, and neoclassical cloister housing tapestries from the cathedral museum.
• Puente de Piedra – A Romanesque stone bridge over the Duero River, one of the best spots for panoramic views of the old city.
• Castillo de Zamora – The city’s medieval castle, part of the old defensive walls, close to the cathedral.
• Iglesia de San Pedro y San Ildefonso – One of the oldest churches in the historic center, with Romanesque roots dating to the 10th–12th centuries.

• Restaurante Libertén – A bit off the tourist trail, praised as a hidden gem with friendly service and reasonable prices. Menu covers both tapas and à la carte, with standout mushrooms and a good, fresh white wine.
• Taberna Cuzeo – A Michelin Bib Gourmand pick in the old quarter, serving updated regional dishes with a focus on local game and Zamoran ingredients like Fuentesaúco chickpeas.

Salamanca is one of Spain’s oldest and most storied cities, home to the University of Salamanca, founded in 1218 and among the oldest universities in the world, which made the city a major center of learning during the Spanish Golden Age and gave it its enduring nickname, “La Ciudad del Saber” (The City of Knowledge). Its beautifully preserved old town, with its golden sandstone buildings, twin cathedrals, and grand Plaza Mayor, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, reflecting the city’s deep historical and architectural significance.

• Plaza Mayor – One of Spain’s most beautiful squares, an 18th-century baroque plaza lined with cafés and lively year-round, considered the heart of the city.
• Catedral Vieja y Catedral Nueva de Salamanca – Two connected cathedrals, one Romanesque and one Gothic/Baroque, with a climbable tower offering rooftop views.
• Universidad de Salamanca – One of the oldest universities in the world, famous for its ornate plateresque façade, said to hide a carved frog that brings luck to those who spot it.
• Casa de las Conchas (House of the shells)– A distinctive 15th-century building covered in carved stone scallop shells, now home to a public library.
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• El Mesón de Gonzalo – A Salamanca institution near Plaza Mayor, mixing classic roasts and charcoal-grilled meats with more contemporary dishes; the steak tartare is a standout. Open Fridays 19:30–00:00.
• Restaurante Isidro – A well-regarded spot known for attentive, allergy-conscious service and standout dishes like sweet prawns and excellent croquetas, with a strong wine selection.
• Restaurante Corte & Cata – A restaurant in central Salamanca; the food is inspired on recipes passed down from one generation to the next.

• Plaza de la Constitución – The town’s main square, home to the city hall.
• Teatro Cine Calderón – A beautifully preserved historic theater-cinema, with well-loved free guided tours.
• Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel – An elegant church next to the town hall and main square.
• Oficina de Turismo de Peñaranda de Bracamonte – Good first stop for free guided tours of the theater and town.

• Restaurante Las Cabañas (El Tostón de Oro) – A standout, Michelin-mentioned spot known for elevated Castilian cooking (suckling pig, oxtail, refined plating). Elegant atmosphere; book ahead, as it fills up. Open Saturdays until 11:30 PM. (Sorry, there’s a wedding here tonight so there are no rooms available!)
• El Andén de la Plaza Nueva – A welcoming, casual spot on a lovely little square, praised for burgers, huevos rotos, and montaditos, with a nice terrace. Open Saturdays 12:00 PM–12:00 AM, so dinner is no problem.

• Plaza de la Villa – A stunning, well-preserved medieval square, praised as one of the finest examples in the region, with a small free museum on-site.

• Castillo de Arévalo – A late-medieval castle where Queen Isabella I of Castile was raised; now used partly as a grain museum, with striking 15th-century architecture.

   

• Arco de Medina – A neoclassical Mudéjar-influenced arch marking a historic entrance to the town, right by a bridge with nice sunset views.

   

• Monumento al Cochinillo – A quirky, life-size sculpture honoring the town’s famous roast suckling pig, a fun quick stop in the historic center.

We recommend dining at the hotel, however, there is another option for Sunday night in the town.

• Perotas Restaurante Bar Terraza – A relaxed spot with several dining rooms and a courtyard terrace, known for generous portions. Open Sundays until 2:00 AM.

   

• Murallas de Ávila (City Walls) – One of Spain’s best-preserved medieval walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site; you can walk sections of the ramparts for sweeping views over the old town.
• Catedral de Ávila – A fortress-like Gothic cathedral built right into the city walls, one of the earliest Gothic churches in Spain.
• Puerta del Alcázar / Adaja Gate – A grand gate into the walled city, a great spot for photos of the wall’s scale.
• Basílica de San Vicente – A Romanesque basilica just outside the walls, one of the city’s key religious landmarks tied to Ávila’s patron saints.
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• Restaurante Siglodoce – A cozy, well-decorated spot just inside the walls by the Cathedral, known for its excellent local ox and veal cuts, hearty menú del día (bean soup, patatas revolconas), and friendly service.
• Restaurante El Tostado – Set in the striking inner courtyard of the Hotel Palacio de los Velada, right by the Cathedral, with attentive service, a lovely atmosphere, and reliably good traditional dishes at a fair price.
• Raíces – Right by the main city wall entrance, this cozy, lively restaurant is praised for its Ávila beef cuts, jamón, and grilled vegetables, with the historic wall built right into the dining space.
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• Marvel at the Roman Aqueduct: Start the itinerary at Plaza del Azoguejo, where this monumental feat of ancient engineering cuts right through the center of the city. Built around the 1st century AD using roughly 20,000 granite blocks without a single drop of mortar, it is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the world. For the best panoramic view and photos, climb the adjacent Postigo steps.
• Tour the Fairytale Alcázar of Segovia: Situated on a rocky crag at the western edge of the old town, this stunning medieval fortress and former royal palace looks like a ship slicing through the valley. It is famously rumored to have inspired Walt Disney’s castles. Be sure to include time to climb the 150+ steps of the Tower of Juan II for incredible 360-degree views of the Castilian countryside and the city. (open until 7.30pm everyday)
• Explore the Plaza Mayor and Segovia Cathedral: Spend time wandering the winding, historic streets of the old town to reach the lively main square. The plaza is dominated by the Segovia Cathedral, known as the “Lady of Cathedrals.” Built in the 16th century, it is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, featuring elegant spires, towering vaults, and beautiful stained glass windows. (The cathedral is open until 9.30pm)

There is no doubt that this restaurant is the best choice in Segovia.

• Plaza Mayor de Pedraza – One of Spain’s most spectacular arcaded squares, irregular in shape and lined with centuries-old stone columns; the heart of the medieval town.
• Gran Castillo de Pedraza – A dramatic Gothic castle perched on a rocky outcrop above the valley, with a rich history dating back to Celtiberian times.
• Puerta de la Villa – The town’s only gated entrance, fortified and medieval, right next to the old prison you can also visit.
• Mirador de Pedraza – A lovely viewpoint just outside the center, with sweeping views of the town walls and surrounding mountains.

The best bet is El Soportal, right on the main square!  

• El Valle de los Neandertales – A fascinating archaeological site with guided tours led by paleontologists/archaeologists, where Neanderthal remains have been found. Note: a short walk/drive outside the village center; reservation recommended.
• Presa de Pinilla – A scenic dam area with a pleasant riverside walk, good for a relaxed stroll in nature. Also just outside the village.

Just in front of your hotel you can find…

• La Nogalera – A well-loved, family-run spot known for generous, home-style dishes like scrambled eggs with black pudding and perfectly seared ribeye.