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OVERVIEW

Walk stage 4 of the historic, UNESCO-protected Camino Frances, walking from Leon to Sarria, and traverse the beautiful regions of Castilla y Leon and Galicia.  Before commencing,  visit the exquisite 18th-century cathedral in the centre of the vibrant city of Leon. Soak up the nightlife in the plaza adjacent to the cathedral or simply enjoy wandering the streets.  From Leon, follow the centuries-old route across the undulating northern Spain's landscape, spending each night in medieval towns and villages with a long tradition of welcoming Camino walkers.

Crossing into Galicia, the iconic scallop shell markers will guide you through fertile valleys and across rolling hills through a succession of typical Celtic stone villages and medieval monasteries. Each day, immerse yourself in Spanish culture, dining on typical dishes of Galician stew and fresh seafood platters.

Highlights

  • Walk 206km on the fourth stage of the Camino Frances from Leon to Sarria
  • Explore the impressive architecture of Leon
  • Sample Spanish wines of Castilla y Leon
  • Spend each day walking alongside fellow pilgrims on this world-famous route
  • Follow old Roman roads into medieval towns and hilltop villages
  • Try local tapas dishes of Padrón Peppers and Galician-style octopus

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
11 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate to Challenging

Grade 4 - Moderate to Challenging

Longer walking distances, up to 20km +. Steep hill sections and rough terrain. Walking experience and active lifestyle necessary.
PRICE FROM
$ 1900

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 705

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9
  • Day 10
  • Day 11

DAY 1
Arrive Leon

A vibrant city, Leon is one of the most popular starting points along the Camino trail and for good reason! Its history is depicted through a wealth of fine architecture. Home to one of Spain’s most significant Renaissance buildings, the Convento de San Marcos, dates back to the 12th century and was originally built as a hospital shelter for pilgrims travelling along the Camino. Leon also boasts Casa Botines, the work of Antoni Gaudi for which he used the characteristics in the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona. Later in the evening, stroll the historic narrow streets, bursting with lively tapas bars and restaurants.

Meals included: None
Accommodation: El rincón del Conde or Hotel Silken Luis de León or of a similar standard in León

DAY 2
Walk to Mazarife

Your Camino journey begins by leaving Leon on foot. Walk from the urban outskirts passing through the hilltop suburb of La Virgen del Camino with its large modern Basilica. Built on the ruins of a 17th Century church, the façade features 13 images by famous sculptor José María Subirachs. Pass through a series of small villages and end the day in Villar de Mazarife.

Walk: 23km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mesón Albergue Tío Pepe or of a similar standard in Mazarife

DAY 3
Walk to Astorga

From Villar de Mazarife, continue through farmlands to the medieval town of Hospital de Orbigo crossing the 200m-long arched bridge of Paso Honroso (“Honourable Crossing”) which dates from the 12 th Century. In June each year, the town hosts a colourful festival to commemorate the medieval knight, Don Suero, who famously challenged all comers to joust with him on the Paso Honroso as a display of his affection for his true love. The Camino continues through the small hamlets before a short climb to the larger hilltop town of Astorga, your destination for today. Founded by the Romans in 14BC, the remains of some of the original Roman walls and ruins of Roman villas with beautiful mosaic floors can still be seen. You can also visit Gaudi’s impressive Episcopal Palace, the Astorga Cathedral, and if you have time, the chocolate museum which recreates the ambiance of a chocolate shop in the late 1800s.

Walk: 30km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Gaudí Astorga or Hotel Spa Ciudad de Astorga or of a similar standard in Astorga

DAY 4
Walk to Rabanal del Camino

A gentle incline across farmland leads through the region of la Maragateria.  Alternating between open plains and trails of heather and oak trees, the small patches of forest have offered shade for many a Camino hiker over the years on the ascent to the sleepy village of Rabanal del Camino. Rabanal was once a significant town during the middle ages with many churches and a hospital founded and run by Templar monks.

Walk: 21.5km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Posada Gaspar or Posada el Tesín or of a similar standard in Rabanal del Camino

DAY 5
Walk to Molinaseca/ Ponferrada

Leaving Rabanal, the route climbs towards the high point of Cruz Ferro (iron cross). At just 1500m, take a moment to enjoy the far-reaching views across the Camino. There are many theories as to the origins of the cross, but it is believed to have been erected in the 11th century. Traditionally, pilgrims will leave a small rock with a message on it for loved ones who they have bought from home. From the cross, the route descends into the delightful village of Molinaseca. This is your destination today or continue to Ponferrada.

Walk: 26.5km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Aroi Bierzo Plaza or Hotel Alda Centro Ponferrada or of a similar standard in Ponferrada

DAY 6
Walk to Villafranca del Bierzo

Within a couple of hours of leaving Molinaseca, you will reach Ponferrada, a former outpost of the Knights of the Templar. Do take time here to explore the magnificent castle which is said to have once housed the knights. With an abundance of cafes, this is also a great opportunity to sample the traditional Camino almond cake and café con leche. Walking onwards to Villafranca, enter the wine region of Bierzo and pass through several small villages before arriving at Villafranca del Bierzo.

Walk: 31km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel La Puerta del Perdón or Hostal Restaurante Méndez “El Guardia” or of a similar standard in Villafranca del Bierzo

DAY 7
Walk to Las Herrerias

Today walk to the farming hamlet of Herrerias de Valcarce, the penultimate stop in Castilla y Leon before crossing into Galicia. The familiar scallop shell markers guide you on your way across rolling farmland and deep into a lush valley, as you follow the Valcarce River. There are some steep climbs today so we would suggest leaving in good time to allow plenty of time to take the day at a steady pace. This is one of the most challenging days.

Walk: 18km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Posada Real Paraiso del Bierzo or of a similar standard in Las Herrerias

DAY 8
Walk to O’Cebreiro

Set off early so you can pace yourself on the steady climb to O Cebreiro. On arrival, take the opportunity to rest and explore the dry-stone houses complete with thatched roofs in the most charming of settings! In the town, you may even encounter musicians playing folk music with a ‘galleta galleo’ (bagpipes), which stems from the Celtic connection in the middle ages.

Walk: 9km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Carolo or Hotel O Cebreiro or of a similar standard in O Cebreiro

DAY 9
Walk to Triacastela

Having completed a couple of days of climbing, you can enjoy a gently undulating trail to Triacastela. Peppered with hamlets and villages, there are plenty of opportunities today to take a break, find some shade and rest your feet. Although destroyed by the Normans in the 10th century, Tricastela was named after the 3 castles surrounding the settlement.

Walk: 22km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Complexo Xacobeo Albergue & Pensión or Pension Casa Simón or of a similar standard in Triacastela

DAY 10
Walk to Sarria

Today you can choose from 2 routes. Follow a trail through a succession of villages to Samos, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Galician mountains to the east. Here you can visit the remarkable Benedictine Monastery, a significant stop on the Way of St. James and a real highlight of the Camino Frances. Alternatively, you can take a rural route towards Sarria, which is a little shorter (and omits the visit to Samos). On arrival into Sarria, seek out the historic streets where you can visit the 13th-century ‘O’Salvador’ gothic church and the medieval fortress of Sarria.

Walk: 25km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Alfonso IX or Duerming Villa de Sarria or of a similar standard in Sarria

DAY 11
Onward Travel

Depending on your onward travel plans, you can spend the morning soaking up the atmosphere of Sarria and the Camino before heading off on your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 30+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 10 nights accommodation & 10 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers as described
  • Flexible itinerary to add days
  • Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
  • 24/7 telephone support
  • Walk 206km of the world-famous Camino from Leon to Sarria
  • Explore the architecture of in Leon
  • Follow old Roman roads into medieval towns and hilltop villages

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are en-suited and typically in the style of the Camino; accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route, similar accommodations are usually used other than that listed.

Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.

Dining
You will be provided with 10 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.

You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant, which serves regional dishes using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally. This is a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • NIGHT 4

  • NIGHT 5

  • NIGHT 6

  • NIGHT 7

  • NIGHT 8

  • NIGHT 9

  • NIGHT 10

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ~AVERAGE

Elevation training should be a consideration in your overall training program.

Try to include some form of elevation in more than 40% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

FLAT TERRAIN

Whilst training for walking on flat and hard terrain, you should focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.

Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This tour is available from the start of April through October. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From Galician literature festivals through to the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.

WEATHER

The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days.

THE WALKING

We grade this 206km of the Camino walk as Moderate to Challenging. The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.

You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day, you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.

A moderate active lifestyle makes walking more enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with many other walkers on the trail, it’s very easy to find your way.
For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use them for your own device.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The tour starts in Leon and finishes in Sarria. The best way to reach Leon is by arriving at one of the following airports; Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport. See skyscanner.

From Madrid Airport train station, a 3 to 4-hour train journey connects through to Leon (changing once at Madrid Chamartin station). If travelling from Bilbao Airport there is a bus journey which is around 5 hours. See trainline

From Sarria is best to take a train back to Madrid ( 4 hours) or to Santiago de Compostela ( 2 hours), should you be flying out of Santiago de Compostela. See trainline

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $1900

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $705
    BOOK NOW
  • 1 Mar 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $1975

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $735
    BOOK NOW

FAQS

Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?

Leon a vibrant city, which has been welcoming Camino walkers for centuries! The two major sights of Leon is the Casa de Botines, designed by Antoni Guadi and Hostal San Marcos (a former monastery and shelter for pilgrims during the middle ages. This exquisite property is now a luxury parador hotel). If you wish to start your Camino in style, we can arrange an upgrade for you to this luxury hotel. Traicastela if you really want to do nothing and relax by the pool, this is the perfect hotel to do so. Once walkers have departed for the day, there really is little more to do other than to take up residence by the pool and recharge in the peace of the countryside.

Q: Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?

Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.

Q: Can my children walk with me?

We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.

Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?

Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.

Q: Can we reduce the days walked?

We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 11 days and 10 nights.

Q: Can we extend the days walked?

Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer the ultimate Camino walk, you may wish to look at walking the full Camino route for 40 days.

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Overview

OVERVIEW

Walk stage 4 of the historic, UNESCO-protected Camino Frances, walking from Leon to Sarria, and traverse the beautiful regions of Castilla y Leon and Galicia.  Before commencing,  visit the exquisite 18th-century cathedral in the centre of the vibrant city of Leon. Soak up the nightlife in the plaza adjacent to the cathedral or simply enjoy wandering the streets.  From Leon, follow the centuries-old route across the undulating northern Spain's landscape, spending each night in medieval towns and villages with a long tradition of welcoming Camino walkers.

Crossing into Galicia, the iconic scallop shell markers will guide you through fertile valleys and across rolling hills through a succession of typical Celtic stone villages and medieval monasteries. Each day, immerse yourself in Spanish culture, dining on typical dishes of Galician stew and fresh seafood platters.

Highlights

  • Walk 206km on the fourth stage of the Camino Frances from Leon to Sarria
  • Explore the impressive architecture of Leon
  • Sample Spanish wines of Castilla y Leon
  • Spend each day walking alongside fellow pilgrims on this world-famous route
  • Follow old Roman roads into medieval towns and hilltop villages
  • Try local tapas dishes of Padrón Peppers and Galician-style octopus

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
11 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate to Challenging

Grade 4 - Moderate to Challenging

Longer walking distances, up to 20km +. Steep hill sections and rough terrain. Walking experience and active lifestyle necessary.
PRICE FROM
$ 1900

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 705

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9
  • Day 10
  • Day 11

DAY 1
Arrive Leon

A vibrant city, Leon is one of the most popular starting points along the Camino trail and for good reason! Its history is depicted through a wealth of fine architecture. Home to one of Spain’s most significant Renaissance buildings, the Convento de San Marcos, dates back to the 12th century and was originally built as a hospital shelter for pilgrims travelling along the Camino. Leon also boasts Casa Botines, the work of Antoni Gaudi for which he used the characteristics in the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona. Later in the evening, stroll the historic narrow streets, bursting with lively tapas bars and restaurants.

Meals included: None
Accommodation: El rincón del Conde or Hotel Silken Luis de León or of a similar standard in León

DAY 2
Walk to Mazarife

Your Camino journey begins by leaving Leon on foot. Walk from the urban outskirts passing through the hilltop suburb of La Virgen del Camino with its large modern Basilica. Built on the ruins of a 17th Century church, the façade features 13 images by famous sculptor José María Subirachs. Pass through a series of small villages and end the day in Villar de Mazarife.

Walk: 23km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mesón Albergue Tío Pepe or of a similar standard in Mazarife

DAY 3
Walk to Astorga

From Villar de Mazarife, continue through farmlands to the medieval town of Hospital de Orbigo crossing the 200m-long arched bridge of Paso Honroso (“Honourable Crossing”) which dates from the 12 th Century. In June each year, the town hosts a colourful festival to commemorate the medieval knight, Don Suero, who famously challenged all comers to joust with him on the Paso Honroso as a display of his affection for his true love. The Camino continues through the small hamlets before a short climb to the larger hilltop town of Astorga, your destination for today. Founded by the Romans in 14BC, the remains of some of the original Roman walls and ruins of Roman villas with beautiful mosaic floors can still be seen. You can also visit Gaudi’s impressive Episcopal Palace, the Astorga Cathedral, and if you have time, the chocolate museum which recreates the ambiance of a chocolate shop in the late 1800s.

Walk: 30km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Gaudí Astorga or Hotel Spa Ciudad de Astorga or of a similar standard in Astorga

DAY 4
Walk to Rabanal del Camino

A gentle incline across farmland leads through the region of la Maragateria.  Alternating between open plains and trails of heather and oak trees, the small patches of forest have offered shade for many a Camino hiker over the years on the ascent to the sleepy village of Rabanal del Camino. Rabanal was once a significant town during the middle ages with many churches and a hospital founded and run by Templar monks.

Walk: 21.5km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Posada Gaspar or Posada el Tesín or of a similar standard in Rabanal del Camino

DAY 5
Walk to Molinaseca/ Ponferrada

Leaving Rabanal, the route climbs towards the high point of Cruz Ferro (iron cross). At just 1500m, take a moment to enjoy the far-reaching views across the Camino. There are many theories as to the origins of the cross, but it is believed to have been erected in the 11th century. Traditionally, pilgrims will leave a small rock with a message on it for loved ones who they have bought from home. From the cross, the route descends into the delightful village of Molinaseca. This is your destination today or continue to Ponferrada.

Walk: 26.5km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Aroi Bierzo Plaza or Hotel Alda Centro Ponferrada or of a similar standard in Ponferrada

DAY 6
Walk to Villafranca del Bierzo

Within a couple of hours of leaving Molinaseca, you will reach Ponferrada, a former outpost of the Knights of the Templar. Do take time here to explore the magnificent castle which is said to have once housed the knights. With an abundance of cafes, this is also a great opportunity to sample the traditional Camino almond cake and café con leche. Walking onwards to Villafranca, enter the wine region of Bierzo and pass through several small villages before arriving at Villafranca del Bierzo.

Walk: 31km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel La Puerta del Perdón or Hostal Restaurante Méndez “El Guardia” or of a similar standard in Villafranca del Bierzo

DAY 7
Walk to Las Herrerias

Today walk to the farming hamlet of Herrerias de Valcarce, the penultimate stop in Castilla y Leon before crossing into Galicia. The familiar scallop shell markers guide you on your way across rolling farmland and deep into a lush valley, as you follow the Valcarce River. There are some steep climbs today so we would suggest leaving in good time to allow plenty of time to take the day at a steady pace. This is one of the most challenging days.

Walk: 18km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Posada Real Paraiso del Bierzo or of a similar standard in Las Herrerias

DAY 8
Walk to O’Cebreiro

Set off early so you can pace yourself on the steady climb to O Cebreiro. On arrival, take the opportunity to rest and explore the dry-stone houses complete with thatched roofs in the most charming of settings! In the town, you may even encounter musicians playing folk music with a ‘galleta galleo’ (bagpipes), which stems from the Celtic connection in the middle ages.

Walk: 9km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Carolo or Hotel O Cebreiro or of a similar standard in O Cebreiro

DAY 9
Walk to Triacastela

Having completed a couple of days of climbing, you can enjoy a gently undulating trail to Triacastela. Peppered with hamlets and villages, there are plenty of opportunities today to take a break, find some shade and rest your feet. Although destroyed by the Normans in the 10th century, Tricastela was named after the 3 castles surrounding the settlement.

Walk: 22km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Complexo Xacobeo Albergue & Pensión or Pension Casa Simón or of a similar standard in Triacastela

DAY 10
Walk to Sarria

Today you can choose from 2 routes. Follow a trail through a succession of villages to Samos, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Galician mountains to the east. Here you can visit the remarkable Benedictine Monastery, a significant stop on the Way of St. James and a real highlight of the Camino Frances. Alternatively, you can take a rural route towards Sarria, which is a little shorter (and omits the visit to Samos). On arrival into Sarria, seek out the historic streets where you can visit the 13th-century ‘O’Salvador’ gothic church and the medieval fortress of Sarria.

Walk: 25km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Alfonso IX or Duerming Villa de Sarria or of a similar standard in Sarria

DAY 11
Onward Travel

Depending on your onward travel plans, you can spend the morning soaking up the atmosphere of Sarria and the Camino before heading off on your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 10 nights accommodation & 10 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers as described
  • Flexible itinerary to add days
  • Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
  • 24/7 telephone support
  • Walk 206km of the world-famous Camino from Leon to Sarria
  • Explore the architecture of in Leon
  • Follow old Roman roads into medieval towns and hilltop villages
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are en-suited and typically in the style of the Camino; accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route, similar accommodations are usually used other than that listed.

Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.

Dining
You will be provided with 10 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.

You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant, which serves regional dishes using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally. This is a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • NIGHT 4

  • NIGHT 5

  • NIGHT 6

  • NIGHT 7

  • NIGHT 8

  • NIGHT 9

  • NIGHT 10

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ~AVERAGE

Elevation training should be a consideration in your overall training program.

Try to include some form of elevation in more than 40% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

FLAT TERRAIN

Whilst training for walking on flat and hard terrain, you should focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.

Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This tour is available from the start of April through October. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From Galician literature festivals through to the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.

WEATHER

The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days.

THE WALKING

We grade this 206km of the Camino walk as Moderate to Challenging. The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.

You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day, you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.

A moderate active lifestyle makes walking more enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with many other walkers on the trail, it’s very easy to find your way.
For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use them for your own device.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The tour starts in Leon and finishes in Sarria. The best way to reach Leon is by arriving at one of the following airports; Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport. See skyscanner.

From Madrid Airport train station, a 3 to 4-hour train journey connects through to Leon (changing once at Madrid Chamartin station). If travelling from Bilbao Airport there is a bus journey which is around 5 hours. See trainline

From Sarria is best to take a train back to Madrid ( 4 hours) or to Santiago de Compostela ( 2 hours), should you be flying out of Santiago de Compostela. See trainline

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $1900

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $705
    BOOK NOW
  • 1 Mar 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $1975

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $735
    BOOK NOW
Faqs

FAQS

Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?

Leon a vibrant city, which has been welcoming Camino walkers for centuries! The two major sights of Leon is the Casa de Botines, designed by Antoni Guadi and Hostal San Marcos (a former monastery and shelter for pilgrims during the middle ages. This exquisite property is now a luxury parador hotel). If you wish to start your Camino in style, we can arrange an upgrade for you to this luxury hotel. Traicastela if you really want to do nothing and relax by the pool, this is the perfect hotel to do so. Once walkers have departed for the day, there really is little more to do other than to take up residence by the pool and recharge in the peace of the countryside.

Q: Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?

Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.

Q: Can my children walk with me?

We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.

Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?

Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.

Q: Can we reduce the days walked?

We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 11 days and 10 nights.

Q: Can we extend the days walked?

Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer the ultimate Camino walk, you may wish to look at walking the full Camino route for 40 days.

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