Leon to Santiago in 15 Days

15 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
An exhilarating hike through northern Spain to the tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela

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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

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.

What's this trip about?

    An exhilarating hike through northern Spain to the tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 15 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLeon
End CitySantiago de Compostela

Travel Themes

  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • South America
  • Europe
  • Spain

Attractions

  • Leon
  • Santiago

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Independent

Trip includes

    • 14 breakfasts, 13 dinners (no dinner 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, fish or a pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
    • 14 nights in a combination of quality hotels, farmhouse B&B’s (Posadas) and guesthouses on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities (upgrade to superior hotel in Arzua & Santiago is possible, supplement applies - must be pre-booked)
    • Information pack including route notes, maps and guidebook per room booked
    • Visitor tax
    • Luggage transfer (max 20kg pp)
    • Emergency hotline
    • Pilgrim's Passport

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrival in Leon

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 th...

Day 2 To Villadangos del Paramo (5hrs, 22km/13.7mi)

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 will be quite exposed as you cross the Paramo (desert...

Day 3 To Astorga, home to Roman mosaics (6hrs, 26km/16.2mi)

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, which is prob...

Day 4 To Rabanal del Camino, a mountain village (5-6hrs, 19km/11.8mi)

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 Rechiv...

Day 5 To Molinaseca (8hrs, 25km/15.5mi)

Passing through broom, heather and other plant species 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. Pa...

Day 6 To Villafranca Del Bierzo via Templar castle (7-8hrs, 30km/18.6mi)

Relatively easy days terrain 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.

meals : B,D

Day 7 The last stage in Castilla to O Cebreiro (8hrs, 28km/17.4mi)

Your final day spent in the area of El Bierzo is both one of the most beautiful and 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.

meals : B,D

Day 8 To Samos (6-7hrs, 30km/18.6mi)

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...

Day 9 To Sarria (3hrs, 12km/7.5mi)

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.

meals : B,D

Day 10 Walk through the hills of Galicia to Portomarin (6hrs, 22km/13.7mi)

We recommend before leaving town that you take the time to visit the Church of the convent of La Magdalena. 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 t...

Day 11 Through the brooms to Palas de Rei (6-7hrs, 24km/14.9mi)

The route takes you through the brooms which have a 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...

Day 12 Leave Lugo Province to enter La Coruña and on to Arzúa (8hrs, 28km/17.4mi)

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.

meals : B,D

Day 13 Continue to Rúa or Pedrouzo (6hrs, 18km/11.2mi)

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.

meals : B,D

Day 14 Arrive Santiago (6hrs, 21km/13mi)

Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all 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 ci...

Day 15 Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

meals : B

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,710
Price per day$447
Last Updated: 3/26/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with World Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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World Expeditions

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Taking the Paths Less Travelled Since 1975

Since its inception in 1975, World Expeditions has earned an outstanding reputation as an innovator and world leader in quality, small group adventure holidays. Responsible travel at our core, we always believed that it is not only where but also how you travel that truly creates an experience of a lifetime. Over the past decades World Expeditions has been operating authentic and innovative adventure holidays with a genuine focus on the paths less travelled. We are the pioneers in designing groundbreaking itineraries and many say our trips start where others end. As a leader in responsible travel, we offer big adventures with a small environmental footprint. While safety is core to how we operate, we’re also focused on the fun factor and suitably challenging you to reach that great sensation of personal achievement while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded travellers.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel to and from Leon / Santiago de Compostela
    • Drinks, lunches daily, 1 dinner
    • Items of a personal nature
    • Entrance fees
    • Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip
    • Transfers
    • Travel insurance

Accommodation

14 nights in a combination of quality hotels & farmhouse B&Bs,
Requirements
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. Distances on some days will be challenging. 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. Wet weather gear, sunscreen, good walking boots / shoes, sun hat and walking poles. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking.,
Travel Insurance
We require that you take out a personal travel insurance policy to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. A suggested policy is enclosed with these notes. If you take out an alternative policy, we need to be advised of the details. Please note: if you choose credit card cover, in our experience, this may not insure against high cost needs. For example; helicopter emergency evacuation. If you do decide to choose credit card coverage, please check all policy details thoroughly. You should always carry your travel insurance policy, emergency card and photocopies of your passport and cash cards with you during your trip.
Visa requirements
Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
14 nights in a combination of simple hotels, farmhouse B&Bs (Posadas) and guesthousesWHEN REQUESTING TRIP, PLEASE request THE UTRACKS LEON TO SANTIAGO ITINERARY also luggage transfer is required, and the dinner supplement, also specify room type (ie. TWN, DBL or SGL) Always ask the clients if they want to book any nights in the middle of the walk as clients usually want this and it is very difficult to organise once they have booked. At the very least an admin fee of EUR50 will be charged for changes if not full cancellation SOLO TRAVELLERS - must pay single traveller surcharge, unless travelling with another person and choose single rooms in the same booking then only pay single supplement. ACCOMMODATIONS: León (Hotel Silken Luis de León / Posada Regia) Villadangos del Páramo (Hostal Libertad) Astorga (Hotel Ciudad de Astorga / Hotel Astur Plaza / Hotel Gaudí) Rabanal del Camino (Posada de Gaspar / Hostal El Refugio) Molinaseca (Hostal el Palacio) Villafranca del Bierzo (Hostal Casa Méndez / Hotel San Francisco) 02 nights ie.rest day O Cebreiro (Hotel O Cebreiro / Casa Carolo / Venta Celta) Samos (Hotel A Veiga) Sarria (Hotel Carrís Alfonso IX / Hotel Mar de Plata / Hotel Roma) 02 nights ie. rest day Portomarín (Hotel Pousada de Portomarín / Área de Turismo Rural Santa Mariña / Hotel Villajardín) Palas de Rei (Hotel Casa Benilde / Complejo La Cabaña / Pensión Vilariño) Arzúa (Casa Teodora / Pensión O Retiro / Pensión Rúa) Lavacolla (Hostal San Paio) Santiago de Compostela (Hotel MV Algalia / Hotel Bonaval / Hotel Carrís Casa de la Troya / Hotel A Tafona do Peregrino) GETTING THERE FROM AUSTRALIA Fly to Barcelona or Madrid and then catch a flight to Leon. Ex SANTIAGO Fly to Madrid or Barcelona GETTING TO LEON FROM LOGRONO Catch the train direct to Leon. Takes 4hrs 50min and departs early in the morning. Hotel vouchers provided by operator prior to departure. send with final docs.
Trip ID
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