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Camino Francés Clásico (León - Santiago)

Camino Francés Clásico (León - Santiago)

Camino de Santiago Francés

Camino Francés is by far the most favoured, most traditional and internationally the most celebrated of the many Camino routes. The French Camino starts in the French village St. Jean Pied de Port and passes shortly hereafter the boarder to Spain. From here it crosses Northern Spain on a route that is all together 800 km. to Santiago de Compostela. Therefore it is also known as the French Camino. A Camino experience of a lifetime.

  • From 980 Euro/pers.
  • 313 Km
  • 15 days / 14 nights
  • Difficulty
    ?
    NOTE: nowhere, in any Camino, will steep cliffs be found next to path!

    1: Very easy. Flat and without significant gradients. Good and normally wide paths.

    2: Easy. Slightly hilly. Good and normally wide paths.

    3: Medium. Hilly, possibly with longer distances between service facilities/cities. Good, sometimes narrow paths.

    4: Medium/Hard. Longer, steeper climbs, perhaps with few servicefacilities/cities. Good, sometimes narrow paths.

    5: Hard. Long gradient(s), possibly few facilities. Very hilly. Good, sometimes narrow paths.
  • Nature

On this fantastic pilgrimage, you will travel the last 309 km's (192 miles) from León to Santiago de Compostela. Of this distance you will walk 273 kms from Hospital de Orbigo and all the way to Santiago de Compostela (the trip from León to Hospital de Orbigo will by default be done by bus (incl. in price).

This section of the Camino is packed with monuments, historical villages and beautiful landscapes.  You will have unforgettable moments beginning with your arrival and the magnificent Cathedral of León standing before you. From there, you will surely count each amazing experiences, one by one, like beads on a string, all the way to Santiago. 

Before your departure, you will receive maps, tickets and our comprehensive guidebook complete with plenty of details so you are fully prepared for this wonderful journey. So, upon arrival in León, you will already be set to receive your first stamp in your Pilgrim Passport. 

On this Pilgrimage you will experience stage 21 to 33 of the 33 stages to Santiago.

✔ Daily Departures all year round.

✔ Hotel-to-Hotel Baggage Service is optional.

✔ Your personal Pilgrim's Passport.

✔ Specially Selected Hotels - always with private bathroom - selected for best location, service and authentic charm.

✔ Spain is More Camino Guidebook (which you will receive some weeks before departure) contains practical pilgrim information, suggestions for packing list, recommended restaurants, maps of all cities along The Camino- and hotel location, Pilgrim's Passport/Credential, advice and guidance, service phone numbers and much more, all to make your trip on The Camino an experience of a lifetime!

✔ This trip can be combined with other Camino routes.

✔ Dividing stages: Yes, always!

Day trip to Finisterre.

It includes

From 980 Euro/pers.Per person in a double room.

Single room supplement: 290 Euro

It includes
  1. 14 nights in a double room - always with private bath/toilet.
  2. 14 x breakfast.
  3. Train from Madrid to León.
  4. Transport from León to Hospital de Orbigo.
  5. The price includes Spain-is-More-Digital-Travel Guidebook.  
  6. Pilgrim Passport / Credencial
  7. Guided Tour to Finisterre.
  8. 24/7 emergency telephone number.
  9. Taxes.
Not included
  1. Some short local bus or taxi journeys, e.g. from airport to bus or train station in the same city.
  2. Summer: 1 June to 30 September is high season. Unlike the French route the hotels are filled with summerguests why the price increases considerably. During this time you should expect extra costs around 120 €/person.

Optional
  1. Personalise your Camino: Extended stays, divide stages, transportation to startingpoint from anywhere in the world and back. Please ask us, we will be happy to assist you.
  2. Baggage Transport on the pilgrim route can be purchased. If you buy a luggage service your bag / suitcase will be transported from hotel to hotel on the scheduled days of hiking. Price 100 €/unit of max 15 kg.
  3. Extension of stay in Madrid, León and Santiago de Compostela can be purchased.
  4. The price include Spain-is-More-Travel Guidebook per every 4 travellers. 
  5. Cancellation insurance: available in the trip confirmation process. (can be added when ordering).
Description

Camino de Santiago between León and Sarria

From Leon you will see that the number of pilgrims increases, and there are many reasons for this. The stretch from Leon is in many ways one of the most interesting, with many historical sights along the way (most importantly; the Cathedral of León, the medieval bridge in Hospital de Orbigo, the Bishop's Palace of Gaudí in Astorga, the Iron Cross and the Monastery of Samos), lots of beautiful villages, excellent facilities and, above all, a varied terrain through beautiful landscape. 

Spain is More guests, who start their pilgrimage in León, often take the bus the first 35 km. to Hospital de Orbigo. Many people also choose to walk from León, making the trip one day longer. If you chose to walk from León, the first stage is flat, through industry and suburbs for the first 10 kilometers. Afterwards, the huge plain opens before you, followed afterwards to Rabanal del Camino, where the terrain gets quite hilly.

Many others choose to split the stage between Villafranca and O'Cebreiro, as this is long and relatively difficult. If you don't have time to split this stage, but are finding it too tough while traveling, there are good alternatives to travel by bus and taxi at that particular point. With an extra accommodation in Molinaseca or Villafranca, you can take a trip to Las Medulas, which is a spectacular UNESCO-protected nature area where ancient Romans mined for gold.

Camino de Santiago between Sarria and Santiago de Compostela

The stretch throug Galicia from Sarria to Santiago is the most popular and by far most used Camino-section, which can be clearly seen by the number of pilgrims on this route. It's very charming to come into contact with people from around the world, all of them walking in the same direction and with the same goal in mind. Sarria is 115 km east of Santiago and is the minimum distance required to walk to obtain the Compostela of Santiago.

Sarria, is also a good starting point for the Camino because there are bigger towns with all the necessary facilities you might need along this route. On this route there are two really exciting excursions, one to the huge monastery of Samos, from where you can walk back along the Camino to Sarria, and the other to Lugo and ahead to the world's best preserved Roman city wall.

The first stages after Sarria are fairly hilly, but also some of the most idyllic on the whole Camino. Many have said that these stages are their favourites of the entire Camino - it is so beautiful. You'll pass small farming communities, with stone houses and cobbled paths, you'll walk along the fields where cows graze and through forests where all you hear is the river's murmur. Nature is the main attraction along this way until reaching Santiago de Compostela. This stunningly beautiful town exudes atmosphere in the Old Town's sector of winding streets. It's the perfect ending to your Camino de Santiago. Service functions are generally very good.

Detailed itinerary
Detailed itinerary (view all days )
Day 1.- Arrival in León

The old Roman regional capital is one of the main towns on the “French Way” – the original pilgrimage route. In the year 910, León became the capital of the kingdom we know today as Spain. Its medieval importance is reflected in monuments such as its breathtaking cathedral, where several ancient kings and queens are buried. In addition to its proud display of the San Marcos and San Isidro figures, León is also full of tapas bars and appealing plazas from which to observe travelers and their sore feet. In León you will encounter a genuine, authentic Spain, and yet there is much more to come on your journey.

Day 2.- León + Hospital de Orbigo to Astorga14 Km

The suburbs of León stand in complete contrast to its stunning city center. Instead of trekking through miles of industrial estates and flat plains, pilgrims are shuttled via a bus to Astorga. From here, the most pleasing part of the route begins. Another option is to stop at Hospital de Orbigo, 14 km (8 mi) from Astorga, where a gorgeous roman bridge creates a magnificent start to your pilgrimage. Astorga stands as an important town on the route and boasts interesting sites such as Gaudi’s Bishops Palace and a glorious cathedral.

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
AstorgaHospital de Orbigo
Day 3.- Astorga - Rabanal del Camino 21 Km

A few kilometers after Astorga the landscape begins to change and becomes more mountainous. Before arriving to today´s destination you will pass through more beautiful, charming towns such as Castillo de los Polvazares that truly deserve a visit. Rabanal is a welcoming town with a great deal of pilgrim ambiance. 

Distance: 21 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
Rabanal del CaminoAstorga
Day 4.- Rabanal de Camino - Molinaseca 27 Km

This stage through the mountains is unforgettable because you'll reach the famous Iron Cross (Cruz de Ferro) where pilgrims traditionally leave a stones representing a burden or desire and carried from their home towns at the base of the cross. Next, along the way to Molinaseca, the wondrous natural scenery is marked by a few villages. Molinaseca is crammed with charming restaurants frequented by pilgrims and locals alike, all enjoying the city’s picturesque streets and cozy cafés.

Distance: 27 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
MolinasecaRabanal de Camino
Day 5.- Molinaseca - Villafranca del Bierzo 29 Km

Today you pass through Ponferrada, the city with a famous 12th-century Templar castle, Castillo de los Templarios, at the town center. Ponferrada is a large mining city with a population of over 60.000 and an important stop on the Camino. As you leave, you´ll pass through Cacabelos, a small medieval stop for pilgrims, today home for a large number of wine-cellars (bodegas). Then, it’s on to Villafranca del Bierzo, often known as the “other” or “little” Santiago. Notice the 12th century Romanesque Church of Santiago and its north entrance, Door of Forgiveness. Villafranca del Bierzo is one of the most pleasant Camino towns found in the middle of Bierzo, which has established itself as one of Spain’s greatest wine regions. 

Distance: 29 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
Villafranca del BierzoMolinaseca
Day 6.- Villafranca del Bierzo - O Cebreiro 28 Km

Today, in the region bordering Galicia, you'll walk along ancient paths shaded by birches, oaks, chestnuts and poplars up to the emblematic mountaintop village of O’Cebreiro. There is a lovely 12th century Romanesque church with a fascinating legend, and curious old straw-roofed dwellings called Pallozas. This path offers some of the most panoramic views, but is also one of the toughest stages. Often shrouded in mist, the small stone village is extremely charming. If you arrive on a clear day, the views are dazzling!

Its possible to split this stage in two.

Distance: 28 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
O CebreiroVillafranca del Bierzo
Day 7.- O Cebreiro - Tricastela 21 Km

After a lot of uphill on one of the highest points of the trip, O Cebreiro, today will mostly be downhill. Once again, you´ll have many splendid views of the surrounding countryside. Today you'll also begin to notice stone granaries called "horreos". Also, the weather will change a bit, due to the winds and rain from the Atlantic Ocean. Although none of the castles still exist today, the name Triacastela, meaning "three castles," carries on. Limestone used to build the Cathedral de Santiago came from quarries near Triacastela.

Distance: 21 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
TricastelaO Cebreiro
Day 8.- Tricastela - Sarria 18 Km

The landscape begins to change as you begin the descent, perhaps a welcome relief after the last few days of hilly terrain. The route to Sarria give you the choice of two paths, one in a couple of hours allows a recommendable visit to the Benedictine Monastery of Samos, founded in the 6th century and one of the oldest in western Christendom. From here its a idyllic hike through the forrest to Sarria. The other route is a quicker way to reach the end.
Sarria itself is a town of about 13,000 residents and is the last place pilgrims with limited time can hike the minimum distance to the Cathedral de Santiago, 100 km, to receive their Certificate of Completion on the Camino. Because of this, Sarria is a major starting point for many pilgrims. You’ll notice an increased number of fellow pilgrims from here to Santiago.

Distance: 18 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
SarriaTricastela
Day 9.- Sarria - Portomarín 23 Km

Galicia is one of the most beautiful regions in Spain, both in nature and glorious tradition. Today’s walk is one of the most attractive stages of the entire Pilgrim’s Way; traveling through authentic rural Spain and its verdant forests, grassy meadows, fertile orchards and simple stone-built hamlets.

Distance: 23 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
PontomarinSarria
Day 10.- Portomarin - Palas de Rei 25 Km

The terrain becomes flatter, though still hilly. Optimism takes over in this magnificent, lush area. By now your goal feels achievable. The journey continues along farm tracks and quiet country roads through the lush Galician countryside to Palas de Rei. Palas de Rei is a small village of around 2,000, with an illustrious past, although nothing remains today as a reminder since the historic city was engulfed in 1960 with the water from the dam and lake that were built.

NOTE: the two stages between Portomarin and Arzúa can be divided into three stages with the following km. distribution: 17, 16 and 20 km.

Distance: 25 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
Palas de ReiPontomarin
Day 11.- Palas de Rei - Arzúa 28 Km

Today's views will seem somewhat familiar. A typical day on the Camino de Santiago, through rolling green landscapes, dotted with cows, stone walls and tiny Romanesque churches. Take time to talk and learn about myriad of legends and stories that this route offers. Today´s stage can also be divided into an extra night in Melide.

NOTE: the two stages between Portomarin and Arzúa can be divided into three stages with the following km. distribution: 17, 16 and 20 km. Or we can just divide the long stange between Palas de Rei and Arzua in two stages.

Distance: 28 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
ArzúaPalas de Rei
Day 12.- Arzúa - O Pedrouzo 20 Km

An exhilarating atmosphere unfolds as your journey's end draws closer. Pilgrims now feel the close joy of having reached their goal and they begin to revel in happiness and relief with the many companions they met along the way. Today’s walk is along natural pathways through tall groves of Eucalyptus that provide superb shade during your walk.

Distance: 20 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
O Pedrouzo Arzúa
Day 13.- O Pedrouzo/ A Rua - Santiago de Compostela 20 Km

Congratulations, you achieved an admirable goal, so it's time for a number of traditional pilgrimage rituals. First, be sure to get proof of this feat: the last stamp in your pilgrim passport.

Along with the rituals, enjoy the End Station of the Pilgrim Route, Santiago de Compostela, which offers a veritable cornucopia of attractions and one of the world’s most important cultural centers. This university town exudes charm and has a myriad of cozy streets offering ample opportunity to sample the many local delicacies.

The Cathedral is surrounded by a historic center which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list, and its old town is incomparable to any other. Its monuments stand as true works of art in different architectural styles.

Distance: 20 Km

ALTITUDE PROFILEm
Santiago de CompostelaO Pedrouzo
Day 14.- Santiago de Compostela y Finisterre-daytrip

True pilgrims continues further and finish their journeys in Finisterre. The tour goes by bus with an English-speaking guide from Santiago to Finisterre in the morning and returns to Santiago in the late afternoon. Just off the stunning, rugged coastline and the fabled “Costa de la Muerte” (Death Coast), a reef filled with shipwrecks and tales of legends captures a raw, natural beauty. On the coast’s westernmost point is Finisterre – meaning the world’s end. Romans named this coast because it was literally the end of the known world. For many pilgrims this is the symbolic endpoint of the pilgrimage. 
The evening is spent in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 15.- Departure

Departure from Santiago.