Price
Sale
Share this trip with a friend
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of Compostela. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle St James was unearthed in Compostela. The site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France, and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This journey, also known as the ‘Way of St James’ winds its way across borders, following in the footsteps of thousands of medieval pilgrims through the beautiful Sierras of Navarre and Aragon. The route passes a multitude of churches and monasteries, resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art.
This stage of the Camino pilgrimage route offers a fine balance of walks in spectacular natural settings with visits to inspiring cultural sites including the magnificent cathedral city of Leon. En route there are numerous reminders of the pilgrims past who travelled the route including crosses, statues and grain silos. In the valley of Ponferrada, O Cebreiro welcomes you to the gates of Galicia and leads you to the fabled Santiago de Compostela. Shorter 15 and 16 day versions are also available.
Read 32 reviews
More info about grading system
21kg of CO2-e PP per day
(337kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Expand all | Collapse all
Day 1
Arrival in Leon
Leon is one of the most historic towns of Old Castile, a large province bordered by Galicia, Asturias, Palencia and Zamora. There is evidence of Roman occupation as well as the Moors; however it was the knights of Templar who built the castles and fortifications in the middle Ages. Ensure you take the time to visit the old city. One of Leon’s glories is without doubt the Cathedral. Constructed in the 13th Century for a period of 200 years the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro houses an impressive collection of early manuscripts. The Town Walls are of Roman and medieval construction. Overnight in Leon.
Meals: D
Day 2
Walk to Villar de Mazarife (6hrs)
Leaving Leon, the route will take you right through town until you reach Virgen del Camino, where legend states that the Virgin appeared in front of a shepherd in 1506 and asked him to build a shrine. This section is quite exposed as you cross the Paramo (desert). You will pass through some small villages before arriving in the village of Villadangos del Paramo. This town of Roman origin was the site of a battle that took place between the Queen Dona Urraca of Leon and her husband, Alfonso I of Aragon in the year 1111. Take a quiet walk around the streets and visit the Parish Church which contains an image of the Apostle Santiago from the 18th Century. Continue to Villar de Mazrife for overnight. Note: you may choose to shorten the walk today by 9km by taking a bus from Plaza Santo Domingo to Virgen del Camino. Buses leave every 30minutes and the fare is around €2. Distance 22km/13.7m
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Continue to Astorga, home to Roman mosaics (7-8hrs)
A long and quite challenging day. The landscape gradually changes with mountains appearing on the horizon. Moors, rivers and meadows run along the route until you reach the bridge of Hospital de Órbigo, which history remembers as "Passo Honroso", one of the most famous structures along the way. Pass the Santo Toribio stone cross near San Justo de la Vega and see Astorga in the distant valley. Astorga is at the crossroads of the Spanish Camino and the Roman Silver Road and is known for its medieval, walled Old Town. You can enjoy a late afternoon drink in the main square. Distance 30km/18.75mi
Day 4
Walk to the mountain village of Rabanal del Camino (5-6hrs)
The walk today is a steady climb to Rabanal del Camino so we recommend that you start early to avoid the hottest part of the day. Walk through the village and follow the tree lined pavements before passing a poplar grove and the River Jerga, arriving at Murias de Rechivaldo. Continue through the village of Santa Catalina de Somoza and on to El Ganso. The landscape changes to dense oak trees, heather and conifers as you ascend “los Montes de Leon”, before reaching Rabanal del Camino (1200m), a charming mountain village. Distance 20km/12.5mi
Day 5
On via Cruz de Ferro to Molinaseca (7hrs)
Passing through broom, heather and other flora, continue your ascent via Foncebadon to the famous “Mount Irago”, surrounded by mountains, and reach the important landmark, the Cruz de Ferro, at nearly 1500m the highest point of the French Camino. From Manjarin you will be able to see the valley floor and the Leon Mountains. From here the trail descends across the rich Bierzo region, and you reach the beautiful town of Molinaseca with its slate roofs and wooden balconies. Distance 25km/15.5mi
Day 6
To Villafranca del Bierzo via Ponferrada's Templar castle (7hrs)
A long day, although less demanding than yesterday and gentler slopes. The terrain is relatively easy as you continue across the valley to Ponferrada. You can admire the Templar castle before walking through a well-watered valley to Villafranca del Bierzo. The region of Bierzo is low lying with an agreeable climate, allowing the cultivation of many fruits and vegetables. It is also known for its wine. Distance 30km/18.6mi
Day 7
Rest day in Villafranca
Today you can enjoy the sights of Villafranca and have a rest from the trail. Own dinner arrangements.
Meals: B
Day 8
The last stage in Castilla to O Cebreiro (8hrs)
The final day in Bierzo is one of the most beautiful and also the most challenging. From Villafranca you follow the course of the river through stunning landscapes and passing through small villages in the Valcarce Valley. Gradually, the challenge intensifies with a steep final ascent, marking the transition from the province of León into Galicia. The route winds through a mountainous trail, ultimately leading to the iconic village of O Cebreiro (1330m), situated between the ranges of Los Ancares and La Sierra Do Courel. Distance 28km/17.4mi
Day 9
Descend via Fonfria to Samos (7hrs)
From O Cebreiro, famous for its pallozas and mystical atmosphere, descend through the Sierra de los Ancares and enjoy spectacular views along the way. After the village of Fonfria the trail passes through birch forest and takes you to Biduedo, from where you descend to Triacastela. The route crosses stunning oak and chestnut forests alongside the Sarria River, also known as the Oribio River in its initial stretch. Continue to Samos, where you can visit the impressive monastery, one of the oldest in Spain. Distance 30km/18.6mi
Day 10
Continue through meadows and lush forests to Sarria (4hrs)
A shorter day today allowing you time to visit the monastery. Later, continue towards Sarria via the small villages of Aguiada and O Carballal. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording great views of the region. Known for its historical and cultural richness, but also for its practical importance, Sarria is the starting point for pilgrims wishing to complete the last 100km of the Camino Francés. Distance 14.7km/9mi
Day 11
Rest day in Sarria
Today you can enjoy the sights of Sarria and have a rest from the trail. Own dinner arrangements.
Day 12
Walk through the hills of Galicia to Portomarin (6hrs)
We recommend taking time to visit the Church of the Convent of La Magdalena before setting out today. Over the “Meseta lucense”, the Lugo Plateau, you will pass through many hamlets dotted amongst cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos of the region. It's a relatively easy walk until the steep descent to cross the Dam of Portomarin, where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village. Continue into the town and your accommodation. Distance 22km/13.7mi
Day 13
Through the brooms to Palas de Rei (6-7 hrs)
Today's route takes you through the brooms with their lovely fragrance. Along the way you'll find charming hamlets and calvaries. It's a rural landscape marked by small villages and cultivated fields. Pass through Ventas de Naron, where you can fill your water bottles, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, and continue downhill through Previsa, Lameiros and finally Ligonde. Here you will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed in Ligonde on the 24th of March 1520. Continue to your accommodation in Palas de Rei. Distance 24km/15mi
Day 14
Leave Lugo province to enter La Coruña, walk via Melide to Arzúa (7-8hrs)
Today's walk offers scenic beauty and heritage, from forests and quiet rivers to churches and medieval bridges. With constant ascents and descents it's a challenging stage. You can recharge in Melide, one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Camino, where we recommend trying the local specialty ‘pulpo a feira’ (octopus) - delicious! Continue through villages and past Eucalyptus trees to Arzúa, home of the D.O. Arzúa-Ulloa cheese. Distance 28km/17.5mi Optional upgrade available to stay in a 'pazo' (Galician traditional house) a little out of town - supplement applies and must be requested at time of booking.
Day 15
Continue to Rúa or Pedrouzo (5-6hrs)
Today’s stage is relatively short and easy, with gentle slopes. The typical rural characteristics prevail, gradually becoming more urbanised. Pass through the village of Salceda and arrive in the small town of Rua, or continue to Pedrouzo a little further along the way. Distance 18-19km/11-12mi
Day 16
Arrive Santiago (6hrs)
The last day on the trail is always special. Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths into an increasingly populated landscape. From Monte do Gozo continue downhill to the fabled Santiago de Compostela. There is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town. Distance 21km/13mi
Day 17
Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.
Leon is one of the most historic towns of Old Castile, a large province bordered by Galicia, Asturias, Palencia and Zamora. There is evidence of Roman occupation as well as the Moors; however it was the knights of Templar who built the castles and fortifications in the middle Ages. Ensure you take the time to visit the old city. One of Leon’s glories is without doubt the Cathedral. Constructed from the 13th Century for a period of 200 years the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro houses an impressive collection of early manuscripts. The Town Walls are of Roman and medieval construction. Overnight in Leon.
Walk to Astorga, home to Roman mosaics (7hrs)
A long and quite challenging day. The landscape gradually changes with mountains appearing on the horizon. Moors, rivers and meadows run along the route until you reach the bridge of Hospital de Órbigo, which history remembers as "Passo Honroso", one of the most famous structures along the way. Pass the Santo Toribio stone cross near San Justo de la Vega and see Astorga in the distant valley. Astorga is at the crossroads of the Spanish Camino and the Roman Silver Road and is known for its medieval, walled Old Town. You can enjoy a late afternoon drink in the main square. Distance 30km/18.75mi.
Continue to the mountain village of Rabanal Del Camino (5-6hrs)
Walk through the hills of Galicia to Portomarin (5-6hrs)
Through the brooms to Palas de Rei (6-7hrs)
Leave Lugo province and enter La Coruña, walk to Melide (4hrs)
Today's walk offers scenic beauty and heritage, from forests and quiet rivers to churches and medieval bridges. With constant ascents and descents it's a challenging stage. Cross the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge to reach Furelos and a little further on is the town of Melide, one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Camino. We recommend trying the local specialty ‘pulpo a feira’ (octopus) - delicious! Distance 15km/9.3mi
Walk to Arzúa (4hrs)
Continue towards Ribadiso, crossing the Rio Boente and Rio Iso (rivers) along the way. Shortly after Ribadiso arrive at the town of Arzúa in the province of La Coruña. Arzúa is the home of the D.O. Arzúa-Ulloa cheese. Distance 14km/8.8mi Optional upgrade available to stay in a 'pazo' (Galician traditional house) a little out of town - supplement applies and must be requested at time of booking.
Continue to Rúa or Pedrouzo (6hrs)
Day 18
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will stay in a collection of hand picked accommodation ranging from quality hotels, farmhouse B&Bs and guesthouses. Location is one of the key factors, with clean mainly spacious rooms, ensuite facilities, helpful staff and a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Generally our meals will be taken at the hotel and this is another key factor in our selection process.
Grade 3 - Daily walks are between 12-30km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Per Person, Twin Share
The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 14 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
There are many bars and cafes at various points along the trail where you can stop and fill up on a slice of Spanish Tortilla, or a bocadillo. These spots will also have facilities you can use if you're buying something, and will often be happy to refill your water bottle.
Card is accepted is most places, but please be aware that some individual bars or cafes may be cash only. You will also find along the way some special stamps offered for donations - it is worthwhile having some coins handy for these.
In order to secure your place on the trip we recommend you book as soon as you are ready. Bookings open for the following year in mid September.
We are able to cater for gluten free diets, however at times, choices are limited. Breakfasts served at the hotels are generally continental style and we suggest bringing your own gluten free breads or cereals. We also recommend bringing your own snacks. Generally in Europe it is quite easy to purchase gluten free foods from supermarkets and shops, but can be harder in restaurants.
This trip can be booked from 1 February to 15 November. The summer months tend to be busy months on the Camino Trail and the weather can be quite hot. In our experience starting the trip in late April or May, or from September to early October, is the best time to travel. The trail is less busy and the weather is cooler. Galicia experiences rain year round.
The Pilgrim's Passport or 'Credencial' is included on this trip and you will receive one locally. The Pilgrim's Passport makes a great souvenir and way to track your walk. You can ask to have your Pilgrim's Passport stamped at churches, your hotels and many other places along the route.
The Compostela is a certificate of completion of the Camino de Santiago and you must walk at least the last 100km into Santiago to receive it. This trip starts in Leon which is well beyond that, so you will be able to receive your Compostela at the end of the walk. To show that you have walked the last 100km you will need to have at least 2 stamps per day in your Pilgrim's Passport.
The Camino Trail is exceptionally well waymarked, with yellow arrows and markers used frequently throughout the route. It is nearly impossible to get lost on this walk.
It is possible to book an extra night at any of the hotels we use which would allow you to have a rest day. However, this does need to be advised at the time of booking.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|
We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
8Days
Moderate
11Days
Introductory to Moderate
36Days