Camino Frances Stages 4 & 5: León to Santiago
Camino Frances Stages 4 & 5: León to Santiago
Camino Frances Stages 4 & 5: León to Santiago
18 Days Starting in León, Spain and ending in Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
Visiting: León, Oncina de la Valdoncina, Hospital de Órbigo, Astorga, Foncebadón, Ponferrada, Villafranca del Bierzo, Vega de Valcarce, O Cebreiro, Triacastela, Sarria, Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzúa, O Pedrouzo, Santiago de Compostela
Tour operator:
Tour code:
318
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Camino Frances is the most famous Camino route, walked by millions of pilgrims from all over the globe since the Middle Ages. But, more than just a pilgrimage, the Camino is a unique social and cultural experience and a truly memorable adventure. Follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, walking the fourth and the fifth (final) stage of the French Way. Starting from the elegant León, with its impressive cathedral and Roman walls, you will reach Sarria, just over 100km away from Santiago. From Sarria, the final section of the walk takes you through Galicia to Santiago de Compostela for a unique experience you’ll treasure forever.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In León
Location: León
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Posada Regia, Hotel Rincon del Conde or similar
Meals Included: No Meals
Your journey on the fourth stage of the Camino Frances begins in the beautiful city of León with its impressive cathedral and Roman walls, the Romanesque Royal Basilica of Saint Isidoro and the neo-Gothic Casa de Botines, built by GaudÃ. Treat yourself to the exquisite local cheeses and cured meats.
Day 2 : León To Olcina De Valdoncina | 11Km
Location: León, Oncina de la Valdoncina
Accommodation Name: Domus Oncinae or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After your night in León, your Camino will start through the beautiful Spanish countryside. The Camino from León is pretty flat and easy. You will walk along crop fields, and you will see pretty apple orchards along the way to Olcina de Valdoncina.
Walking for the day: 11km, 3h
Day 3 : Olcina De Valdoncina To Hospital De Órbigo | 25Km
Location: Oncina de la Valdoncina, Hospital de Órbigo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hostal Canton Plaza, Hotel DON SUERO DE QUIÑONES
Meals Included: Breakfast
At the beginning of today’s stage, you will need to tackle some hilly terrain. The flat landscape of the plateau then continues till Hospital de Órbigo, one of the prettiest villages on the Camino, which you reach via a magnificent bridge over the river.
Walking for the day: 25km, 6h
Day 4 : Hospital De Órbigo To Astorga | 17Km
Location: Hospital de Órbigo, Astorga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Peseta, Hotel Gaudi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
You leave behind the infinite plains of the Castilian Plateau and enter a more mountainous area. Your goal will be the small city of Astorga, full of Roman ruins, where the French Way and the VÃa de la Plata meet. It is also the capital of the MaragaterÃa region.
Walking for the day: 17km, 4h
Day 5 : Astorga To Foncebadón | 26Km
Location: Astorga, Foncebadón
Accommodation Name: EL TRASGU DE FONCEBADÓN, El Convento de Foncebadon or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
From the lovely city of Astorga, you will gradually make your way up towards the stunning León Mountains and the lush Bierzo region, taking paths surrounded by broom, heather and oak trees before reaching Rabanal del Camino.
Walking for the day: 26km, 6-7h
Day 6 : Foncebadón To Ponferrada | 27Km
Location: Foncebadón, Ponferrada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Aroi Ponferrada or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is one of the most rewarding days on the Camino as it climbs to Mount Irago, the highest on the Camino (1500m). Stop at the Iron Cross on top of the mountain, one of the most special places on the French Way, where you can place a memento and visit the St James chapel before descending to the lush area of El Bierzo. On your way to Ponferrada, pass through the lovely town of Molinaseca. Once in Ponferrada, you should explore the old town, its impressive 12th century Templars Castle, and make sure you try the local specialities, such as botillo and some of Spain’s most delicious cured meats.
Walking for the day: 27km, 7h
Day 7 : Ponferrada To Villafranca Del Bierzo | 24Km
Location: Ponferrada, Villafranca del Bierzo
Accommodation Name: Casa Mendez, Posada Plaza Mayor or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After your night in Ponferrada, the Camino takes you across the heart of the lush region of El Bierzo, nestled in the mountains. Take the opportunity to taste the local delicious cherries if you are travelling in summer, exquisite cured meats and other regional delicacies. In Villafranca, known as ‘the little Compostela’, visit the garden of the Iglesia de Santiago, St James Church. The church has a ‘Forgiveness Gate’, Puerta del Perdón, that only opens during Holy Years.
Walking for the day: 24km, 5-6h
Day 8 : Villafranca To Vega De Valcarce | 16Km
Location: Villafranca del Bierzo, Vega de Valcarce
Accommodation Name: Hostal Rural El Recanto or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After your night in Villafranca, visit the garden of the Iglesia de Santiago, St James Church. The church has a ‘Forgiveness Gate’, Puerta del Perdón, that only opens during Holy Years. Your route runs along the Valcarce river for a final stretch of about two kilometres.
Walking for the day: 16km, 4h
Day 9 : Vega De Valcarce To O Cebreiro | 12Km
Location: Vega de Valcarce, O Cebreiro
Accommodation Name: Casa Pazos, Albergueria Frade or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This stage to O Cebreiro holds a steep climb in only a few kilometres, but the views are truly spectacular. Many say that it is the most beautiful stage on the way. The difference in altitude is almost 700 meters along the dreaded La Faba hill, but the arrival in the beautiful village of O Cebreiro of rich Jacobean tradition and great anthropological interest and the entry into the magical Ancares is worth it.
Walking for the day: 12km, 3h
Day 10 : O Cebreiro To Triacastela | 21Km
Location: O Cebreiro, Triacastela
Accommodation Name: Complexo Xacobeo, Casa Simon or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
From the village of O Cebreiro, you will walk the ‘Serra de Ranadoiro’ (Ranadoiro Mountains) and reach Alto do Poio, where you will encounter the pilgrim statue and enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. From the Alto, you will start descending into the village of Triacastela.
Walking for the day: 21km, 5h
Day 11 : Triacastela To Sarria | 19Km
Location: Triacastela, Sarria
Accommodation Name: DP Cristal, Duerming Villa de Sarria or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Triacastela, you can choose two Camino options; the ‘San Xil’ Camino offers scenery that will lift your spirits. It has many ‘corredoiras’ (narrow forest tracks) with paved pathways through native Galician oak woods. If you wish to visit the impressive Samos Monastery, you will walk across the valley of the river Ouribio to reach Samos and continue to reach the town of Sarria, the most popular Camino starting point.
Walking for the day: 19/21km, 4-5h
Day 12 : Sarria To PortomarÃn | 22Km
Location: Sarria, Portomarín
Accommodation Name: Pousada de Portomarin, Arenas Porto or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Setting off for Portomarin, you pass Sarria Castle, walking mainly along small country roads and a few pathways. Most of the roads are tree-lined and will provide good shade in the sun. There are hamlets every kilometre or so. Visit the beautiful Romanesque church in the village of Barbadelo.
Walking for the day: 22km, 5-6h
Day 13 : PortomarÃn To Palas De Rei | 25Km
Location: Portomarín, Palas de Rei
Accommodation Name: Lar do Peregrino, Casa Avelina or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk downhill along Portomarin’s main street; leaving Palas de Rei, the Camino crosses the Minho river and steadily climbs upwards before passing through Gonzar and Castromaior, where the tiny Romanesque Church of Santa Maria is situated. Continue along country roads edged by bright yellow gorse, pine and oak trees to reach the high point of today’s walk at Sierra de Ligonde (750m), then descend to the old hamlet of Ligonde, once a popular resting point along the Camino.
Walking for the day: 25km, 5-6h
Day 14 : Palas De Rei To Melide | 14Km
Location: Palas de Rei, Melide
Accommodation Name: San Anton, Pension Ferradura or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pilgrims consider this section the start of the countdown because shortly after Coto, there are stone markers at the side of the path with the distance to Santiago marked. Much of the day is shaded; a pleasant hike in the middle of lush forests to finally cross a medieval bridge to reach the Melide river.
Walking for the day: 14km, 3-4h
Day 15 : Melide To Arzúa | 15Km
Location: Melide, Arzúa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arzua, Pension Domus Gallery or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Shortly after Melide, you will walk through oak and eucalyptus forests. Melide is where the Camino Primitivo merges with the Camino Frances. The Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track bringing you to the village of Boente and the church of Santiago. Next is the pretty medieval hamlet of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa, famous for its local cheese, where you should visit the churches of Santa MarÃa and A Magdalena.
Walking for the day: 15km, 3h
Day 16 : Arzúa To O Pedrouzo/Amenal | 19/22Km
Location: Arzúa, O Pedrouzo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: O Acivro, Hotel Bello, Hotel Amenal or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Camino will take you through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams for most of the day. The chapel of Santa Irene, with its unique statue of Santiago, is worth a visit. Along the route, don’t miss the lovely hamlet of Rúa. The rest of the route is along a mix of good and calm country roads and forest tracks.
Walking for the day: 19km, 4h (22km if you overnight in Amenal)
Day 17 : O Pedrouzo/Amenal To Santiago De Compostela | 19/16Km
Location: O Pedrouzo, Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alameda Rooms, Hotel Lux Santiago or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your final stage! You will walk mostly through rural settings and eucalyptus groves. Your next point of interest is Lavacolla in the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo, and it is from here that you will catch your first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago. When you arrive in the city, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural city.
You should be in Santiago in time for the pilgrim mass (12pm). After visiting Santiago Cathedral and recovering from your walk, take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its old town will enchant you. In Santiago the Compostela, you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students enjoying a few bites and socialising over a glass of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes.
Walking for the day: 19km, 4h (16km if you start in Amenal)
Day 18 : Departure
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading back to the airport. We highly recommend booking extra nights in Santiago de Compostela to explore this fantastic city.
What's Included
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Accommodation
17 nights in private en-suite rooms
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Meals
17 breakfasts
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Maps
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Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel on all walking days (1 pc up to 20kg per person; each additional piece should be paid)
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Guided tour of Santiago de Compostela (old town)
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Galician cheese tasting in Santiago (not on Sundays)
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Pilgrim’s Passport and scallop
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24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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Airfare and connecting land transfers
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Lunches and dinners, drinks and snacks
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Additional luggage
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Personal expenses
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Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on the spot)
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Any items not explicitly listed as included
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No they aren't
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
No they aren't
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No they aren't
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No they aren't
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When to go?
This trip is available year-round; the best months to visit are April – June and September – October, as in the summer months it may become too hot (and crowded). The flexibility of self-guided walking holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
This walk is graded moderate and includes walks of 4-6h, and up to 27km a day); the terrain is mostly flat, rarely undulating with some occasional steeper ascents (read more about difficulty grades). You will follow a mixture of farm/dirt tracks, minor roads and footpaths. The routes are perfectly waymarked with yellow painted arrows and a yellow shell on a blue background, and the itinerary is very easy to follow. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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