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Holidays
without flights
MODERATE
Walking Camino - The French Way - Leon to Santiago
Spain
Available Departures:
Apr,
May,
Jun,
Jul,
Aug,
Sep,
Oct,
Nov
15 days from
US$2,230
Walk & Trek
Self-Guided
MODERATE
Live the heritage of the French Way as you walk from Leon to Santiago de Compostela on this two-week self-guided journey on foot through the countryside of northern Spain
Trip Code: SGFW
Holiday Grades
Our Holiday Grades Explained
To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.
1 - 3 LEISURELY
Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.
View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.
View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.
View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.
View Tough holidaysWalking Camino - The French Way - Leon to Santiago
Highlights
Complete the final 315km of the French Way from Leon to Santiago de Compostela
Feast on delicious Galician cuisine
Discover Gaudi’s famous architecture in Leon and Astorga
Walk to the Cruz de Ferro, the highest point of the French Way Camino, for fantastic panoramas
Easily pair this trip by beginning with Walking Camino - The French Way - Logrono to Leon, to extend your journey to Santiago
At a Glance
- Self-Guided
- 12 days walking
- Final 315 km of the French Way
- Daily departures
- Join In Leon / End in Santiago
Accommodation & Meals
- 14 Breakfasts
- 14 Dinners
- 14 nights Hotel
Overview
Take a journey through history on this two-week self-guided French Way Camino. Walking the final 315km of this Camino, you will make your way from Leon and finally be presented with your official Certificate of Distance in Santiago de Compostela. Following the iconic scallop shell markers, your route will take you through peaceful rolling landscapes to the iconic Cruz de Ferro, and through the rich vineyards of Bierzo, before reaching the fascinating region of Galicia and your final goal, the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. Some of the most magical elements of journeying along this famed route include the people you meet along the way and the experiences you share, as you are immersed in the culture and traditions of the Way.
Staying in a selection of guesthouses and family run hotels on a half-board basis, you can be sure of a warm welcome at the end of each day. With specially selected accommodation located close to your route and your luggage transfers included, you can relax in the knowledge that we have taken care of all these arrangements so all you need to do is choose the date that suits you and then head off and enjoy your journey.
Is this holiday for you?
This two-week Camino is perfect for those looking to take on a new challenge, whether as a spiritual journey or as a long distance walking route. Guided by the iconic scallop shell markers and your route notes, you will make your way through the fantastic rolling hills of the northern Spanish countryside, discovering small villages and the history of the French Way as you make your way to Santiago de Compostela. You should be comfortable walking for 5-6 hours each day - and for distances of up to 25-35km in one day - on quiet paths, byways, and cobbled tracks. The route takes you through undulating terrain, with one longer ascent on Day 5 when you will reach Cruz de Ferro (1,500m), the highest point of the French Way. Staying in a selection of great hotels and guesthouses, we will transport your luggage for you so all you need to do is relax and enjoy your journey.
Why KE?
Experience a slice of history as you walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims from Leon to finally stand proud at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela with your official Certificate of Distance.
On a half-board basis and with your luggage transfers included, all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other and enjoy your journey.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Leon and discover the city's fantastic architecture.
Show Details
Arrive in Leon, check into your accommodation in the heart of this wonderful city and receive the first stamp in your pilgrim passport. Depending on your time of arrival, we recommend taking the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Leon's stunning architecture. From the famous Convento de San Marcos, considered one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Spain, to the beautiful French-style Gothic cathedral and Saint Isidore's Basilica with its royal pantheon decorated in colourful frescoes, Leon's architecture tells the story of its fascinating history and is bursting with charm for you to discover. The city is also home to Gaudi's Casa Botines - the famous architect produced masterpieces not only in Barcelona but in the north of Spain too - and the Casa Botines is the first example of his work that you will see along your Way. As the evening draws in the city truly comes alive, with its vibrant bars and restaurants bustling with locals, pilgrims, and tourists alike.
Meals
D
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Day 2
Begin your Camino by walking to Hospital de Orbigo.
Show Details
The first day of your Camino takes you through some spectacular scenery as you make your way towards Hospital de Orbigo and the silhouettes of the spectacular Picos de Europa mountain range begin to appear on the skyline. As you approach the town, your route will take you over the famous Passo Honroso Bridge, one of the longest bridges on the French Way. Famed for its 20 arches of different sizes, this stunning 204-metre-long medieval bridge has been a crossing point over the Orbigo River since the 13th century. Legend has it that noble knight Don Suero de Quinones was enslaved by his love for Dona Leonor and was under pledge to fast every Thursday and wear a heavy iron ring around his neck. In order to undo the pledge and win Dona Leonor's affections, he promised to challenge all knights who passed over the Passo Honroso Bridge to a jousting duel. He duelled time and time again without success; however, the local judges recognised his efforts and freed him from the iron ring. For this reason, the bridge is named the Passo Honroso, or Honourable Crossing. Having crossed the bridge yourself and completed the longest day of your Camino, you can enjoy a tasty dinner at your accommodation and perhaps a glass of wine too.
FESTIVAL: Each year on the first weekend in June, a festival is held in honour of knight Don Suero de Quinones, with the locals celebrating his legend at the Passo Honroso Medieval Jousting Festival. The town comes alive with people dressed as knights, monks, peasants and archers, while jousting shows, medieval dances and games take place. It is a true Spanish Fiesta.
NOTE: If you would prefer, it is possible to shorten your walk today to 27km. This is easily managed by taking a public bus from Leon to La Virgen del Camino where you can begin today's stage of your French Way instead.
FESTIVAL: Each year on the first weekend in June, a festival is held in honour of knight Don Suero de Quinones, with the locals celebrating his legend at the Passo Honroso Medieval Jousting Festival. The town comes alive with people dressed as knights, monks, peasants and archers, while jousting shows, medieval dances and games take place. It is a true Spanish Fiesta.
NOTE: If you would prefer, it is possible to shorten your walk today to 27km. This is easily managed by taking a public bus from Leon to La Virgen del Camino where you can begin today's stage of your French Way instead.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
9 hoursDistance
35 KM
Hide Details
Day 3
Walk through the Valley of the Churches to Astorga.
Show Details
Today's stage of the Way will take you through the gently rolling farmlands of the so-called Valley of the Churches, first passing through the village of Villares de Orbigo, then to the hamlet of Santibanez de Valdeiglesias, nestled on the fertile plain of the Orbigo River. From here, your route becomes somewhat rural with only the scallops of Saint James to lead you through the farmlands, first to the village of San Justo de la Vega and, just a few kilometres further on, to the splendid town of Astorga. You will have time to check into your accommodation and take a stroll through the streets of this popular pilgrim town. Perched upon a hilltop, with a backdrop of mountains to the west, Astorga has much to offer, from its beautiful cathedral to the second Gaudi building of your Way - el Palacio Episcopal, translating as the Bishops' Palace. You will have time to explore the town before enjoying an evening meal at your accommodation.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
4 hoursDistance
17 KM
Hide Details
Day 4
Walk to Rabanal del Camino through the Montes de Leon hills.
Show Details
Your route today will take you steadily uphill through the region of La Maragateria, crossing the hills of Montes de Leon before arriving in Rabanal del Camino. This charming little stone-built village has been a popular stopping point for pilgrims throughout the centuries, as a final resting point before the terrain becomes more rugged. It has played an important role in the Camino's history with the Knights Templar settling both here and in the larger town of Ponferrada on the opposite side of the mountains to ensure a safe journey for pilgrims. You too will stay here for the night, enjoying an evening meal at your accommodation and the bohemian feel the town now holds.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
5 hoursDistance
20 KM
Hide Details
Day 5
Discover the Cruz de Ferro and the Knights Templar Castle of Ponferrada.
Show Details
Your route today will take you past one of the key landmarks of the French Camino, the Cruz de Ferro (1,500m) - the highest point of the French Way and arguably the spot with the best panoramas of the entire route. Although the metal cross a-top a 5-metre high wooden pole acts as a welcoming beacon for pilgrims helping them on their Way, its original purpose is somewhat of a mystery. The most popular theory is that Saint James himself erected the cross. Today, the cross is part of a tradition of the pilgrimage, with pilgrims bringing a stone from their home to leave at the foot of the cross to symbolise leaving their burdens behind - hence the mound of stones which now surrounds the cross.
Having absorbed the views and the tranquillity offered by the Cruz de Ferro, you descend through Manjarin and on through El Acebo and Molinaseca. You will soon reach your final goal of the day and the second outpost of the Knights Templar, Ponferrada, with its magnificent castle that once housed them. Having completed your Way for today you can immerse yourself in the town's atmospheric historic centre and enjoy a glass of wine and some tapas. We recommend the house wine as it will likely be from the fantastic local vineyards!
Having absorbed the views and the tranquillity offered by the Cruz de Ferro, you descend through Manjarin and on through El Acebo and Molinaseca. You will soon reach your final goal of the day and the second outpost of the Knights Templar, Ponferrada, with its magnificent castle that once housed them. Having completed your Way for today you can immerse yourself in the town's atmospheric historic centre and enjoy a glass of wine and some tapas. We recommend the house wine as it will likely be from the fantastic local vineyards!
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
7-8 hoursDistance
32 KM
Hide Details
Day 6
Walk through the vineyards of Bierzo to reach Villafranca del Bierzo.
Show Details
This morning you will have the opportunity to explore more of Ponferrada's beautiful old quarter, where the 16th-century city hall and Torre de Reloj (clock tower) dominate the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Heading off on your Way again, today offers contrasting landscapes as you first walk through Compostilla - a former mining town - then on through the wine region of Bierzo. Passing through small villages you will reach the town of Cacabelos where the Archaeological Museum is worth a quick visit before continuing on to Villafranca del Bierzo, your home for tonight. Villafranca is one of the most important stops on the French Way before entering Galicia, and over the centuries many hospitals set up here to care for the unwell. At the impressive 12th-century Church of Santiago Villafranca, sick pilgrims could be gifted religious indulgences as if they had reached the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, including the jubilee blessing.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
6 hoursDistance
25 KM
Hide Details
Day 7
Reach O Cebreiro, the border town of Galicia, and discover its fascinating palloza houses.
Show Details
Today will take you along the so-called 'queen' stage of the French Way as you ascend to the town of O Cebreiro, the first town on the Way in Galicia. Your route will take you through rolling landscape offering fantastic views along valleys, across farmland, and over the tiny hamlets scattered below. Many of these hamlets have just 50 inhabitants or fewer, making your Way today particularly peaceful. This is a symbolic stage as you cross into Galicia and find yourself ever closer to Santiago de Compostela, and often makes a point for reflection as you recall how far you have come on your journey, the people you have met, the landscapes you have experienced, and you realise that you are now half-way along your journey. Completing a final ascent you will reach O Cebreiro, recognisable by its palloza dwellings. These fascinating circular buildings topped with thatched roofs are typical of this region and date back to Neolithic times, and were inhabited until the second half of the 20th century when modern building concepts were introduced to the area. You will have time to explore the pallozas before checking into your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
8 hoursDistance
27 KM
Hide Details
Day 8
Descend through Galician countryside with welcoming villages to Triacastela.
Show Details
Your day begins on the most beautiful crest of a ridge offering fantastic views. From this point, your route is largely downhill as you make your way down through the green countryside and pine and eucalyptus woodlands of Galicia. This section of your Way is much more populous than yesterday, providing many opportunities to stop off and enjoy a coffee in the villages en-route. Finally you reach the small town of Triacastela, from where you will take a short transfer to your accommodation in neighbouring Samos.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
6 hoursDistance
23 KM
Hide Details
Day 9
A choice of routes from Triacastela to Sarria.
Show Details
Today begins with a short transfer back to Triacastela to pick up the Way where you left it the day before. From Triacastela you have the option to choose one of two routes to Sarria. The first takes you north of the village of Samos and through the countryside. This option is the most direct and is 6km shorter than the other, however we recommend making the additional effort and taking the second option if your legs can be persuaded.
The second option will take you along a scenic route and is relatively easy under foot as you make your way through the villages of San Cristovo, Lusio, and Renche before reaching Samos where you stayed the previous night. While Samos is a small village, it has a magnificent abbey that warrants the extra kilometres. Although there has been a monastery here since the 6th century, alert architecture buffs will notice that the one standing here today dates from the 18th century - in fact, the original was destroyed by fire in 1536. You will have time to admire this fabulous building before continuing through the rural landscapes to Sarria, a popular starting point on the French Way for those wishing to experience the final 100km to Santiago. You will spend the night here and have the opportunity to enjoy the buzz of excitement of travellers who are already on their Way and have made it as far as the last 100km, and those who are yet to begin their journey.
The second option will take you along a scenic route and is relatively easy under foot as you make your way through the villages of San Cristovo, Lusio, and Renche before reaching Samos where you stayed the previous night. While Samos is a small village, it has a magnificent abbey that warrants the extra kilometres. Although there has been a monastery here since the 6th century, alert architecture buffs will notice that the one standing here today dates from the 18th century - in fact, the original was destroyed by fire in 1536. You will have time to admire this fabulous building before continuing through the rural landscapes to Sarria, a popular starting point on the French Way for those wishing to experience the final 100km to Santiago. You will spend the night here and have the opportunity to enjoy the buzz of excitement of travellers who are already on their Way and have made it as far as the last 100km, and those who are yet to begin their journey.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
5 hoursDistance
18 KM
Hide Details
Day 10
Walk through the heart of Galicia and cross the Minho River to reach Portomarin.
Show Details
Feeling rested, your route today will take you through the green heartland of Galicia where the landscape is scattered with pretty, stilted grain stores known as horreos. As you pass through this bewitching landscape with its quaint little villages, you will have plenty of opportunities to stop at one of the local cafes to enjoy tasty Galician delicacies before crossing the impressive Roman bridge over the Minho River to reach your final goal, Portomarin. This lovely village was completely moved, brick by brick between 1956 and 1962, to its current location for the construction of a dam that since floods the village's original location. During the dry season when water levels drop, some remains of the old village can be seen once again. Spending the night in the village, you can enjoy a relaxed evening meal at your accommodation.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
6 hoursDistance
23 KM
Hide Details
Day 11
Discover Castro cultural history as you walk to Palas de Rei.
Show Details
This morning will find you ascending steadily as you make your way through the village of Gonzar to Castromaior. The fortified settlement here will give you a taste of what Castro culture was like before the invasion of the Romans, who also left their mark on the village in the form of a small Romanesque church. Continuing, you will pass through small villages where you can enjoy a spot of lunch. Your route soon levels out as it takes you through fragrant eucalyptus plantations and leads you to Palas de Rei. The town was a major hub for pilgrims during the Middle Ages as they gathered to face the final stretch of their journey together. Today, the town remains a popular overnight stop for pilgrims and is a hive of activity. You too will spend the night in the town before embarking on the final few days of your journey.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
6-7 hoursDistance
25 KM
Hide Details
Day 12
Walk to Arzua and merge with pilgrims from the Camino Primitivo for the final stage of your journey.
Show Details
Today you say farewell to Palas de Rei, passing its modern Santiago Peregrino statue to re-join the French Way as it leads you through a verdant landscape studded with beautiful traditional houses known as pazos, each with a raised granary much like the horreos you passed earlier in your journey. You will soon reach Melide, where the Camino Primitivo (originating in Asturias) and the French Way Camino come together. Melide is an interesting town and you may wish to pay a visit to the museum, housed in the former Hospital de Peregrinos, that displays its history. As you leave the town, you will also pass the 12th-century Iglesia de Santa Maria with its impressive stone altar and beautiful frescoes that are worth stopping to see. Finally, you arrive in Arzua and your home for the night. The town has a long history of welcoming pilgrims and, although now in ruins, the 14th-century convent of La Madalena once provided shelter for poor pilgrims. You will have time to appreciate this special town before enjoying an evening meal and resting ahead of the final stages of your Way.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
8 hoursDistance
29 KM
Hide Details
Day 13
Discover the healing waters of Santa Irene as you walk to Lavacolla.
Show Details
Your penultimate day on the French Way will take you to Lavacolla, where there is a tradition for pilgrims to carry out the ritual of washing their feet in the river. Leaving Arzua, you will follow wide tracks and pass through short sections of woodland as well as through quaint hamlets. You will notice the Camino is a little busier now, as not only has the Camino Primitivo joined the route but so has the Camino del Norte. Walking together with pilgrims who have taken different paths, you will make your way ever closer to Santiago de Compostela. You will pass through Santa Irene with its hermitage dedicated to the Portuguese holy martyr and its Baroque fountain that is said to provide healing waters. Soon after, you will arrive in Lavacolla where you can enjoy a restful evening ahead of the final stretch to Santiago the next day.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
7-8 hoursDistance
29 KM
Hide Details
Day 14
Stand proud at the foot of the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Show Details
Today is the day you complete the French Way Camino from Leon. Having followed tradition and bathed your feet in the river, you begin your final day on the French Way. A final ascent over Monte do Gozo that, at an elevation of 370m, provides the most satisfying first glimpse of Santiago de Compostela and the towers of its cathedral. Descending from Monte do Gozo, the final few kilometres soon pass as you enter the city and reach your final goal - the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This is often an emotional moment as the realisation of completing your Camino sinks in. Soon you will to join fellow pilgrims from around the world in reaching the resting place of Saint James in the spectacular cathedral. This is a proud moment and you will have time to absorb it before making your way to your accommodation for a well-earned rest.
OBTAINING THE COMPOSTELA: To cope with large numbers of pilgrims during the busiest summer months, the pilgrim office has installed a numbered ticketing system for processing your pilgrim passport. Please be aware that you may have to return to collect your certificate the next morning and that you will need to present your pilgrim passport.
OBTAINING THE COMPOSTELA: To cope with large numbers of pilgrims during the busiest summer months, the pilgrim office has installed a numbered ticketing system for processing your pilgrim passport. Please be aware that you may have to return to collect your certificate the next morning and that you will need to present your pilgrim passport.
Accommodation
HotelMeals
B DTime
2-3 hoursDistance
12 KM
Hide Details
Day 15
Departure Day.
Show Details
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and absorb the accomplishment of completing the French Way before making your onward journey. If you would like to spend more time exploring this magnificent city, we can arrange additional nights' accommodation for you - please ask our Sales Team for details.
Meals
B
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The Route
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Essential Information
We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.
Holiday
General
Equipment
What's Included
- All accommodation as described
- Meals as described in the Meal Plan
- Luggage transfers
- Transfers as described
- Self-guided information pack containing your map and route notes
What's not Included
- Travel insurance
- Travel to Leon
- Travel from Santiago
- City taxes (payable locally - usually under 5 Euros per person per night)
- Optional public buses and taxis
- Visas (if applicable)
- Some meals as described in the Meal Plan
- Personal equipment
- Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional
Your Self-Guided Pack & Route Notes
Each self-guided holiday comes with comprehensive route notes and a map or pocket guidebook of the area you are exploring. The route notes contain information about the places you will visit and the local transport you might need, along with the detailed route notes for your daily walks or cycle rides. We even include some tips for the best places to stop for lunch.
You can expect to receive your Self-Guided Pack containing your route notes, a map or guidebook, and all your relevant documents, no later than 3 weeks before your holiday start-date. We will send your documents using a signed-for courier so that you can track your package and know that it is safely on its way to you. For bookings of more than 4 people we will send an additional Self-Guided Pack. If you do not need this additional pack please inform our Sales Team. Your pack will be sent to the lead booker, so please remind them to pack it before setting off.
Should your self-guided trip be part of a longer adventure requiring you to leave home more than three weeks before your holiday start-date, please inform our Sales Team so that we can make alternative delivery arrangements.
Self-Guided Families
Our Self-Guided Holidays are perfect for your next family holiday and are suitable for children of all ages.
Our partner hotels and accommodations are able to provide cots for young children, and some offer family rooms. We can also arrange hire of children’s bikes and tag along bikes for most of our self-guided cycling trips and with trips such as Lake Constance and the Danube offering routes on designated cycle paths you can rest assured in keeping your family safe.
As a parent we trust that you know your own child’s capabilities, so please read the itinerary details to ensure the distances covered each day are suitable for your family. If this is a first time walking holiday for your family, a centre based trip is a fantastic option as it allows you to easily opt out of a days walking if a day of building sand castles, swimming in the pool or visiting museums is calling instead.
Please discuss this further with our sales team who will be happy to assist in picking the best trip for your family.
Joining Arrangements & Transfers
Your trip starts at your accommodation in Leon. All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis, allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method that best suits you. The nearest airports for this trip are Madrid Airport and Bilbao Airport, both well-served with many departures from UK regional airports.
If you are flying into Madrid Airport it is possible to travel by train to Leon, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours with a single change at Madrid-Chamartin train station.
If you are flying into Bilbao it is possible to travel by bus to Leon. The journey takes approximately 5 hours with one change at Bilbao's main bus station.
We also offer a private transfer from your arrival airport to your accommodation in Leon. Please ask our Sales Team for a quote. If you have booked a private transfer with us please make your way to the arrivals hall where you will find your driver holding a sign showing your name.
The trip ends in Santiago de Compostela. It is possible to return from here to Madrid by train. The journey takes approximately 3 - 4 hours.
Alternatively, it is possible to fly out of Santiago de Compostela Aiport back to the UK - for example there are direct flights to some London airports.
We also offer a private transfer to your departure airport from your accommodation in Santiago de Compostela. Please ask our Sales Team for a quote.
Please visit www.rome2rio.com for more information about travelling by train or bus.
We can also arrange additional nights' accommodation before or after your self-guided trip, or you may even wish to make this trip part of a bigger trip of your own, or pair it with one of our other holidays - just ask our Sales Team for details.
Meal Plan
This trip is on a half-board basis.
Food & Water
Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.
Castilla y Leon is the largest region in Spain, and its cuisine is rather different to that found on the coast - you'll find fewer seafood-based dishes and more stews, often featuring chickpeas or morcilla (a type of blood sausage). The real speciality of this region is its Cochinillo Asado (roast suckling pig) or Cordero Asado (roast lamb) - great options for meat eaters! Simply cooked and full of flavour, you are sure to enjoy such a delicious dish after a day of walking.
Bread in this region is fantastic and was often a communal affair in the villages where communities gathered to bake it in the village oven. We recommend visiting the local bakery for your picnic supplies so that you can enjoy a taste of this long-standing staple.
As you cross into Galicia and edge nearer to the coast, you will notice this region's love of seafood. Yet, compared with coastal regions further to the south in Spain, Galicia’s cuisine is less about paella and more about delicious Pulpo a la Gallega, a traditional dish of the region that comprises succulent boiled octopus on top of a bed of thinly sliced potatoes, topped with olive oil and paprika. Let’s not forget the tasty treat of Santiago, the Tarta de Santiago (literally 'Cake of Saint James'), made from ground almonds and decorated with powdered sugar stencilled with the Cross of Saint James. Yummy!
Special Diets
Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide for special diets. Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your meals with food/snacks from home. If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice. Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.
Accommodation
On this trip you will stay is a selection of comfortable guesthouses and 2-star or 3-star hotels each offering warm hospitality and close proximity to your route. Each hotel brings its own charm whether it's a small family run guesthouse offering beautiful gardens in which to relax or a 3-star hotel close to the many restaurants.
All our accommodations are booked on half-board basis in a twin or double room.
It is possible to arrange additional nights accommodation if you would like to extend your time in Leon or Santiago. Please contact our Sales Team for more information.
Baggage Allowance
Your main luggage will be transferred between each of your hotels while you are out walking. We ask that you please ensure your main luggage is limited to one piece under 15kg per person and that your luggage is ready for collection each morning. Any additional pieces will incur an additional cost. You will also need a daypack to carry your daily essentials with you whilst you are walking.
Passport & Visas
Europe
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website
The information that we provide is for UK passport holders.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.
For other nationalities, please refer to your own Government website for the latest information.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel.
Health & Vaccinations
Vaccinations
You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.
GHIC / Medical cover
UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.
Severe Allergies
Please inform our KE Sales and support team of any severe allergies you may have before travel. We will always do our best to help but we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on our KE trips. We advise that you always carry your own treatment for the allergy with you such as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' if required. We also recommend that you discuss this with your accommodation on arrival so that they can better assist you.
Preparing for your Holiday
The advantage of a self-guided walking holiday is that you decide the pace however getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable your walks will be. You should be comfortable with walking 6-7 hours for consecutive days with some occasionally longer days.
Climate
This region of Spain enjoys a mild climate with cool, damp winter months with some some frosty days, and warm summer months when - in July and August - temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees centigrade inland, and 25 - 30 degrees centigrade towards the coast where there is an added bonus of a lovely cooling breeze coming in off the Atlantic.
Travel Aware
As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.
KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.
Single Use Plastic
KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.
Books
A Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino De Santiago: Camino Frances St. Jean Pied De Port - Santiago - John Brierley
Travel Insurance
It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.
For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.
Equipment List
Hiking boots with good-grip soles
Hiking socks
Long / short hiking trousers
Functional base layer top and leggings
T-shirts
Fleece / extra warm layer
Windproof jacket
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Small first aid kit inside your rucksack
Water bottle or hydration pack
Mobile Phone (ensure your data package covers your destination)
Power bank
Waterproof phone cover
Camera (and batteries / memory card)
Reusable sealable picnic boxes for picnics
Reusable cloth bag for shopping to avoid the use of plastic bags
Walking poles
Headtorch with spare batteries
Personal wash kit
Your self-guided route notes
Rucksack (approx. 20L)
Recommended Outdoor Retailers
Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.
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DATES & PRICES
2025
Dates
Adults from
2026
Dates
Adults from
Land Only Information
Please note our 'from price' listed is based on 4 persons on twin or double occupancy, however we can quote for any number of travellers, including solo travellers, contact our sales team for a quote.All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. You may even wish to make this trip part of a bigger adventure or pair it with one of our other holidays. We can arrange additional nights accommodation before or after your self-guided trip, ask our sales team to find out more about this.
Our sales team will be happy to provide you a quote for scheduled flights or alternatively you may wish to book your own flights with a low cost carrier from your nearest regional airport.
Please DO NOT book your flights before you have received your booking confirmation and your deposit has been taken.
We offer some transfers to your hotel from the nearest airports, please refer to the 'joining arrangements and transfers' for further details for this trip.
BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee
The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.
KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)
