anyone have first hand experience biking from Rome, Italy to Santiago?

[Mambito]

Hi, I am landing in Rome , mid August and was wondering if anyone has any experience biking from Rome to Santiago, Compostela... Right now, it's just an idea. I plan to travel to Barcelona and begin my Camino there, but I am open to new suggestions or possibilities.

1. I have an American passport, is that enough to go through different countries on bike???? Italy, France, Spain, etc. I dont believe anything is required (visas?)

2. I've read about a company that offers a Barcelona to Rome bike trip, but the cost is very expensive. Can it be done own my own??? starting in Rome and going all the way to Santiago??? I have all Sept and Oct....
Thanks
Dan

 

[debra]

1. I have an American passport, is that enough to go through different countries on bike???? Italy, France, Spain, etc. I dont believe anything is required (visas?)

Nothing special required, if you leave the EU in 90 days

2. I've read about a company that offers a Barcelona to Rome bike trip, but the cost is very expensive. Can it be done own my own??? starting in Rome and going all the way to Santiago??? I have all Sept and Oct....

You can do it on your own but would need own bike with panniers

 

[William Marques]

I have cycled many parts of your journey but not its entirety. As Debra has said you will not need any special visa if you finish the journey in less than 90 days which should be easy. You can easily do it on your own cycling up the Via Francigena to Vercelli and the Via Domitia across the Montgenevre Pass to Arles and from there following the Camino to Santiago.

I suggest you check out http://pilgrimagepublications.com/ who publish guides to this route and also contact Paul and Babette directly if you have any questions once you have the guide books.

The cycling is not difficult and you will have built up some stamina by the time you get to the Apennines, Alps and Pyrenees as Tuscany is quite bumpy.

Have a great journey.

 

[William Garza]

That would be a dream ride! Good luck!