A Self-Guided Trip. 16 Days, 15 Nights, with 13 days walking & 1 rest day.
After a first night in the historic city of León, this itinerary covers approximately the final one third of the entire Camino Frances route in Spain – 280 km / 174 miles – all the way to the Apostle’s resting place at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Only offered for a minimum of 2 people.
16 days (including 1 rest day in Lugo)
León (several daily connections from Madrid and Barcelona by air, rail or bus)
Santiago de Compostela (several daily connections to Madrid, Barcelona and certain European cities by air, as well as rail connections to Madrid and other cities)
(C -) Although the terrain is very easy, we classify this as “Moderate”, due to length of walks with constant short ups and downs, averaging just over 22 km / 13.8 mi daily. For most people this would be about 5 to 6 hours.
We use the best available lodgings in each overnight stop in rural areas (usually 2* – 3* hotels or equivalent inns). In larger towns we usually use quality 3* – 4* properties with plenty of charm and character
Any day between March 1 and October 31
2
Consult us.
Accommodation
Breakfasts, some evening meals with local wine and bottled water. Other nights to explore on your own.
Local maps of some towns where necessary to help you find your way to your hotel.
Custom-written, detailed daily route instructions, hotel contact information, public transport schedules and other information necessary to complete your personal itinerary.
Luggage and personal transfer as required by itinerary between start (León) and end (Santiago de Compostela) points)
Local English-speaking Iberian Adventures contact
In standard hotels at start (León) and/or end (Santiago) of tour are also available. Please consult us for prices and availability.
We can provide other itineraries over this section of the Camino for people who would like some shorter stages or have fewer days available. Contact us!
The unique energy and camaraderie of the “pilgrimage” – every day you’ll share the trail with fellow pilgrims from around the world, and inevitably, the traveller soon finds herself imbued with the unique and magical spirit of the “Camino “.
León – one of Spain’s great historic cities, home to some of Europe’s greatest masterpieces of Gothic art and a wonderful pilgrim’s atmosphere, its old quarter is perfect for strolling and enjoying tapas and the excellent local wine.
Astorga – crossroads of the Via de la Plata and Camino de Santiago, the city’s illustrious patrimony includes numerous Roman ruins, a Gothic cathedral and Catalán architect Antonio Gaudí’s Neo-Gothic Bishop’s Palace.
Castrillo de los Polvazares – one of Spain’s most beautiful and well-preserved medieval villages, it is the symbol of the area in western León province known as La Maragatería.
Cruz de Ferro – emblematic iron cross called “cruz de ferro”, emerging from and enormous mound of stones, placed by countless pilgrims at its base.
Villafranca del Bierzo – considered the “gateway to Galicia”, the last major town before the Way begins the arduous ascent to cross the Leon-Galicia border, it has a wealth of historic buildings, including several churches, a castle, a monastery, a convent and plenty of noble homes.
O’Cebreiro – the 1st village the Camino Frances in Galicia, an emblematic hilltop stone village with curious pre-Roman thatch-roofed dwellings called pallozas. The chapel is the site of one of the Camino’s most famous legends.
Lugo – you’ll spend a rest day here. Very important in the history of the pilgrimage, it has a 12th C cathedral and Spain’s best preserved Roman walls encircling the old town – you can walk the entire circuit atop the walls (designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and an attractive historic quarter with a lively atmosphere for tapas or fine dining.
Santiago de Compostela – one of the world’s great historic cities, its ancient granite-clad old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to Galicia’s regional government, one of Europe’s oldest universities and the magnificent cathedral that has drawn millions over the centuries like a magnet, it virtually buzzes with a unique energy and is a fascinating place to explore.
NOTE: If you aren’t in a hurry we definitely recommend you stay at least 2 nights in Santiago to fully enjoy and experience this magical city. Then…if there’s time and you want to see more of the area or another part of Spain, consider hiring a car and driving from Santiago along the coast to Bilbao, across the country to Madrid or Barcelona, Andalusia, etc. We can help you to plan your itinerary. Ask us!