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3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 16 nights in a combination of quality hotels & farmhouse B&Bs
Meals
  • 13 Dinners
  • 16 Breakfasts

17 Days£2060GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: CT2

Trip highlights

  • Walk through stunning scenery, visiting mountain villages
  • Experience the history of the trail marked by crosses, statues and grain silos
  • Arrival into Santiago and experience the satisfaction of reaching the end of the ‘Camino’
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims
  • Explore the magnificent cities of Leon and Santiago with their impressive architecture and cathedrals.

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.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Leon

Finishing Point:

Santiago de Compostela

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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

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

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

Today you can enjoy the sights of Villafranca and have a rest from the trail. Own dinner arrangements.

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

Today you can enjoy the sights of Sarria and have a rest from the trail. Own dinner arrangements.

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

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.

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

Expand all | Collapse all

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.

Meals:  D

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

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.

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

Today you can enjoy the sights of Villafranca and have a rest from the trail. Own dinner arrangements.

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

Today you can enjoy the sights of Sarria and have a rest from the trail. Own dinner arrangements.

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

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.

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 16 breakfasts, 13 dinners (no dinners on the rest days or in Santiago): Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish or a pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
  • 16 nights in a combination of quality hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities (upgrade to superior hotel in Arzua (recommended) and Santiago - supplement applies)
  • 18 day itinerary inclusions: 17 nights accommodation, 17 breakfasts and 14 dinners (see itinerary 2)
  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Leon and from Santiago de Compostela
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel Insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Optional 18 day itinerary: split the Palas de Rei to Arzua stage - supplement applies - see itinerary 2
  • Tourist tax
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Comfortable hotels

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.

Comfortable hotels

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.

Comfortable hotels

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.

Suitability

moderate

3

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.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 1 Nov

Notes

Note:
An 18 day version is available with the stage from Palas de Rei split over two days - overnight in Melide - 14km or around 4 to 4.5hrs each day - see itinerary 2 15 or 16 day versions are also available - see trip code CT9.
Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (which may require a change in the overnight towns or transfers to confirm your booking). Winter can be a magical time to experience the Camino with fewer people and more local encounters, but the walking day is shorter.
Note:
Santiago airport (code SCQ) will be closed from 23 APR-27MAY 2026 for planned runway works. The nearest airports are in Vigo or A Coruna. Additional bus transfers will be available to these airports during this time or we can assist with a private transfer on request - please ask our team.

Priceper person from

£2060GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Upgrade to superior hotel in Arzua - twinshare pp (HB)GBP£90
  • Supplement for 18 day version - twinshare ppGBP£100
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£140
  • Supplement for 18 day version - single roomGBP£140
  • Upgrade to superior hotel in Arzua - single (HB)GBP£180
  • Single Supplement - 17 day itineraryGBP£730
  • Solo traveller supplement - 17 day itineraryGBP£790
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.