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Camino - Leon to Santiago

Camino - Leon to Santiago

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17 Days

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~~$1982~~

$1883

Camino - Leon to Santiago

17 Days Starting in Leon and ending in Santiago de Compostela

Visiting: Spain

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

CT2

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

moderate

From:

$1982

$1883 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$99

Tour Overview

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.

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.

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Camino - Leon to Santiago | CT2 | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrival In Leon

Meals Included: D

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.

Day 2 : To Villar De Mazarife (6Hrs)

Meals Included: B, 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 30 minutes and the fare is around €1.
Distance 22km/13.7mi

Day 3 : Walk To Astorga, Home To Roman Mosaics (6Hrs)

Meals Included: B, D

The countryside becomes more agreeable as you make your way to Puente de Orbigo. As you progress, the landscape gradually changes with mountains appearing on the horizon. Walking across a fabulous stone bridge you will pass Le pont de Hospital de Orbigo probably one of the most famous buildings along the way. You will walk by the Santo Toribio stone cross near San Justo de la Vega and will see Astorga in the distant valley.
Distance 26km/16.1mi

Day 4 : To Rabanal Del Camino, A Mountain Village (5-6Hrs)

Meals Included: 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 polar grove and the River Jerga arriving at Murias de Rechivaldo. You will walk through the village of Santa Catalina de Somoza and onto El Ganso. The landscape will change into densely populated oak trees, heather and conifers as you ascend “los Montes de Leon” before reaching Rabanal Del Camino (1200m/3940ft), a charming mountain village.
Distance 19km/11.8mi

Day 5 : To Molinaseca (8Hrs)

Meals Included: B, D

Passing through forested areas you will continue your ascent to the famous “Mount Irago”. By the mountain pass you will see the “Iron Cross” (1490m/4890ft) and you will now be surrounded by mountains. The route continues downwards to Bierzo. Passing by a coniferous forest you will come to Cruz de Ferro and the Hermitage of Santiago. From Manjarin you will be able to see the valley floor and the Leon mountains. A descent into the Ponferrada Valley passes the quaint village of Acebo before you head further down into Molinaseca. Across the bridge you'll find a pleasant and relaxing town with slate roofs, wooden balconies and welcoming bars.
Distance 25km/15.5mi

Day 6 : To Villafranca Del Bierzo Via Templar Castle (7-8Hrs)

Meals Included: B, D

The terrain today is relatively easy as you continue across the Valley of Ponferrada. You will see the Templar castle before walking through a well-watered valley to Villafranca del Bierzo. The region of Bierzo is situated in a low lying area whose agreeable climate allows for the cultivation of many fruits and vegetables.
Distance 30km/18.6mi

Day 7 : Rest Day In Villafranca

Meals Included: B

A day to enjoy the sights of Villafranca and have a rest from the trail. Own dinner arrangements.

Day 8 : The Last Stage In Castilla To O Cebreiro (8Hrs)

Meals Included: B, D

Your final day in the El Bierzo area is one of the most beautiful and the most challenging. The route passes through woodlands of chestnuts, conifers, oaks, heather and bracken. You will pass through the narrow valley of the River Valcarce before tackling the challenging ascent of O Cebreiro (1300m/4265ft), situated between the ranges of Los Ancares and La Sierra do Courel.
Distance 28km/17.4mi

Day 9 : To Samos (6-7Hrs)

Meals Included: B, D

The day begins with an ascent through the pine covered slopes of Monte Poso e Areas before joining the track in the direction of Linares. You will walk through forested areas before arriving at Padornelo, where you can fill your water bottles at the fountain. After the village of Fonfria the trail passes through birch forest which takes you to Biduedo, from where you descend to Triacastela. Continue on to Samos with its impressive monastery, one of the oldest in Spain.
Distance 30km/18.6mi

Day 10 : To Sarria (3Hrs)

Meals Included: B, D

A shorter day today to allow you ample time to visit the monastery. Continue in the afternoon towards Sarria. You will not pass through any other villages so pack some snacks. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region. We recommend that you take the time to visit the the Convento de la Magdalena and church before leaving town.
Distance 12km/7.5mi

Day 11 : Rest Day In Sarria

Meals Included: B

A day to 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 (6 Hrs)

Meals Included: B, D

Over the “Meseta lucense”, the Lugo Plateau, you will pass through many hamlets dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos. A relatively easy walk until your descent, crossing the Dam of Portomarin where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and into the town for your accommodation.
Distance 22km/13.7mi

Day 13 : Through The Brooms To Palas De Rei (6-7 Hrs)

Meals Included: B, D

The route takes you through the brooms with their magnificent fragrance. Along the path you will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. Over this stage you will pass through Ventas de Naron where you can fill your water bottles, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Previsa, Lameiros and Ligonde where will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed here in the modest village of Ligonde, on the 24th of March 1520.
Distance 24km/14.9mi

Day 14 : Leave Lugo Province To Enter La Coruña, Walk To Arzúa (8Hrs)

Meals Included: B, D

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk through the villages of Carballal, San Xuilan do Camino and Lebereiro and past Eucalyptus trees. You will be able to stop at one of many villages for lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and onto Arzúa in the province of La Coruña.
Distance 28km/17.4mi

Day 15 : Continue To Rúa Or Pedrouzo (6Hrs)

Meals Included: B, D

Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walk today is lovely, as you pass large green fields and rural landscapes.
Distance 18km/11.2mi

Day 16 : Arrive Santiago (6Hrs)

Meals Included: B

Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges
– all which have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. Continue downhill to the city. Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or simply relax and celebrate the end of the 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

Meals Included: B

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

What's Included

Accommodation
16 nights in a combination of quality hotels & farmhouse B&Bs
16 breakfasts, 13 dinners (no dinners on 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,
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)
Information pack including route notes & maps per room booked
Luggage transfer (1 bag of 20kg max pp - additional bags and excess weight will attract a surcharge)
Visitor tax
Pilgrim's Passport
Note: the 18 day version (itinerary 2) includes one extra breakfast & dinner and accommodation in Melide
2024: Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Pilgrim Passport
Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX

What's Not Included

Travel to Leon and from Santiago de Compostela
Drinks, lunches and dinner in Santiago and on rest days
Entrance fees
Items of a personal nature
Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip
Transfers
Travel insurance
Excess baggage charges - please advise us if you will have more than one bag weighing a max of 20kgs as extra charges will apply for additional pieces of luggage. Please do not tie smaller bags onto your main luggage as we only include one bag and they wi
Guide – this is a self guided walking trip
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Excess luggage
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel Insurance
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Transfers not listed as included

Grading

MODERATE - 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.

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

S. Bragg(Camberwell, Australia)

Camino - Leon to Santiago

14 Oct 2023

Stress free travel, great to have luggage transfers, accommodation (did not disappoint) and many of the meals during our recent 2 week walking adventure along the Camino Frances. The hotels chosen were perfect.

N. Andreas(Manhattan Beach, CA, USA)

Camino - Leon to Santiago

22 May 2019

UTracks was a pleasure to work with. They planned our trip to walk the Camino from Leon to Santiago including all hotels and transferring our bags every day. This was a very reasonable cost and included delicious breakfasts and dinners and we loved them all!

D. Harris(Bateau Bay, Australia)

Camino - Leon to Santiago

3 Oct 2023

I can't speak highly enough of them. We organised our trip quite close to taking it but they were super supportive and helpful, ensuring that the itinerary suited our needs. The trip itself was the highlight of our holiday and it all went off without a hitch!

R. Tan(Singapore)

Camino - Leon to Santiago

5 Jul 2022

A very positive experience with UTracks. Logistics were seamless, with every step of the Camino well arranged and communicated. Accommodations were largely very satisfactory as were the planned meals. Only very minor gripe relates to the mileage information provided for each leg of the Camino, where quite a handful were understated.

N. Shawger(California, USA)

Camino - Leon to Santiago

22 May 2019

This trip was amazing, beautiful scenery and great accommodations. The trip routing was challenging, but our bodies adapted quickly. If I were going to do it again, I’d take less stuff and add a rest day in Astorga for sightseeing. But basically, all you need to do is walk and enjoy, UTracks took care of the rest.

C. MacAulay-Spencer(Glace Bay, NS, Canada)

Camino - Leon to Santiago

23 May 2019

We were thrilled with the accommodation provided. The meals were good for the most part with a few notable exceptions.

K. Bennetts(Scotland Island, Australia)

Camino - Leon to Santiago

18 Oct 2023

A wonderful trip made so easy with all the hassle taken care of...the luggage transfers were a breeze, the hotel exceeded my expectations and the food was fabulous, especially the final dinner in Santiago de Compostela...that was an amazing feast!

B. Taekema(West Kelowna, Canada)

Camino - Leon to Santiago

12 Oct 2022

We enjoyed the benefits of not have to worry about where we would stay each night, where to eat and did not need to lug our suitcases/backpacks on our walks every day.

S. Du Plessis(Kelowna, Canada)

Camino - Leon to Santiago

11 Oct 2022

Overall I was satisfied with the standard of service provided.

Read all 9 reviews

Dates & Availability

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Apr
2024 May
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2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025

Instant Booking Available

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 22, 2024 - May 08, 2024

~~$1982~~ $1883 (USD)