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Camino French Way - Section 2, last 300km, Cycling
From Leon to Santiago - "The gateway to Galicia"
Walking: Full Walk - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - Guided - Country Cottages - Easy (37km) - Easy (70km) - Easy (100km) - Cycling: Full Cycle - 1 - 2 - Easy - Coach: Coach Tour - Walk'N'Coach
This cycling holiday brings you along the second section of the Camino Frances. The French Way is the best known internationally of the pilgrim routes of the Santiago de Compostela and also the most traditional. The route, which originates from the late 11th century, travels to the tomb of St. James the Great, across the north of the Iberian Peninsula. It will see you pass through the Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon and the provinces of Galicia in Spain. Cycling has become a hugely popular way to experience this unforgettable journey to Santiago de Compostela.
This section of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago starts from Leon, a buzzling city and old capital of the Spanish kingdom in the middle Ages. On this cycling holiday you will experience some of the best cultural and historical aspects of the entire French Way. You will cycle through the huge Castillan Plateau which has an approximate altitude of 900m. It offers fantastic landscapes and cultural sights as well as the reward of finishing the holiday in Santiago de Compostela, where all of the Camino Ways finish.
How to get there? Click here
Day by Day & Hotels
Hotels & country cottages have been carefully selected for their location, comfort, character, food, and friendliness of the staff. They are subject to availability and if the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with one of the same standard of comfort & price. Please click on hotel information below.
There are 8 days
Day 1: Leon
You will be booked in an en-suite hotel room in the centre of the town. The historic centr ... .. read more >
Meals: N/A Luggage Transfer: No
You will be booked in an en-suite hotel room in the centre of the town. The historic centre of Leon is well worth visiting. Leon was the capital of the kingdom in the Middle Ages, a historic enclave on the pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela. Try to visit the Pulchra Leonina (the 'Sistine Chapel' of Spanish architecture) & the old "Hospital de San Marcos".
Lodging: Our first choice is an impressive en suite room in a hotel which was once a 16th Century Monastery and located in the historic centre of the town*
Town Facilities: ATM, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 2: Leon - Astorga
44km, +414 m / -379 m: Of all the days on the entire French Way, today is most likely the ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
44km, +414 m / -379 m: Of all the days on the entire French Way, today is most likely the flattest. However as you are still on the Castilla meseta there are still many great views to be seen including todays destination of Astorga, which can be seen down in the valley below. Astorga is a former Roman stronghold which includes some great sites to visit, such as, the cathedral, the old city walls and the Episcopal Palace.
Lodging: Our first choice is centrally located beside San Bartolomé Church in Astorga on the Santiago Pilgrimage Route and just 10 minutes’ walk from Astorga Cathedral. It offers free Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception, air-conditioned rooms with wooden floors and a flat-screen TV. The rooms can also be heated and come with a work desk and private bathroom with toiletries and a shower. Traditional cuisine is offered in the hotel’s à la carte restaurant*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 3: Astorga - Ponferrada
54km, +1119 m / -1436 m: Today is a relatively tough day of cycling, however it is also th ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: Yes
54km, +1119 m / -1436 m: Today is a relatively tough day of cycling, however it is also the most rewarding! The Camino climbs up to the famous Cruz del Hierro (the Iron Cross) which sits at 1500m above sea level. This climb offers breathtaking views over the surrounding areas. The abundance of natural scenery, combined with the rich history of the towns, make this a fantastic way to finish the section. Your final destination is Ponferrada which is an energetic city with a beautiful medieval centre.
Lodging: Our first choice is in the historic centre of the town. You will enjoy an en suite spacious and soundproofed room only 50 metres from Templarios Castle. There is a private balcony, a seating area and satellite TV. The hotel also has a terrace and a cafeteria*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 4: Ponferrada - O'Cebreiro
56km, +1487 m / -890 m: Toady will see you cycling through the valley of Bierzo in the pro ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
56km, +1487 m / -890 m: Toady will see you cycling through the valley of Bierzo in the province of Castilla y Leon. For much of the day you will have mountains all around you, before moving into the red earth wine making region that leads to the lively medieval town of Villafranca del Bierzo. From here there is quite a bit of climbing and you will pass through the slender valley of the river Valcace before tackling the incline of O Cebreiro. Located between the ranges of "Los Ancares" and "La Sierra do Courel".
Lodging: Our first choice for you is a stone faced guesthouse with an en suite room*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 5: O’Cebreiro - Sarria
46km, +1342 m / -2017 m: This stage of the Camino will see you cycle along some undulating ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: Yes
46km, +1342 m / -2017 m: This stage of the Camino will see you cycle along some undulating tracks as you gradually make your way out of the Galician Mountains. Along the road to Sarria you will pass many fantastic sites and beautiful, historical buildings. The town of Sarria itself is known for its rich ecclesiastical heritage.
Lodging: Our first choice for you is a hotel in the heart of historic centre, 100 metres from the Plaza Mayor and the commercial centre of the city.http://www.carrishoteles.com. All of the rooms are en suite and have climate control, telephone, TV and a hair dryer. It also has a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and a restaurant offering local dishes along with a café offering breakfast and all-day snacks .*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 6: Sarria - Melide
75km, +1216 m / -1231 m: Leaving Sarria the Camino travels upwards through some wonderful ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
75km, +1216 m / -1231 m: Leaving Sarria the Camino travels upwards through some wonderful oak woods and by the Romanesque Church of Barbedelo. In Portomatin the route crosses the Belesar Dam before continuing along a relatively easy, although slightly lumpy track, to Melide.
Lodging: Our first choice is located in the centre of the town, just 200m from the pedestrian quarter and main church. All rooms are en suite and the hotel has a cafe/bar, restaurant, central heating, public telephone, television room with satellite TV and WIFI.*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 7: Melide - Santiago de Compostela
54km, +940 m / -1094 m: Today could be considered to be the most exciting day on the whole ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: Yes
54km, +940 m / -1094 m: Today could be considered to be the most exciting day on the whole Camino as you reach Santiago de Compostela! After leaving Melide you will travel along the types of tracks which you have become accustomed to over the last couple of days. As the Camino rises and lowers over the small hills you will come to the nicest part of todays cycle which is El Monte de Gozo (Mount of Joy). Your final destination of Santiago de Compostela is visible in the distance from here!
Lodging: Our first choice for you is located in the historic centre of the town just a few hundred metres from the Cathedral. You will enjoy an en suite room in what was once an 18th Century Monastery. An upgrade to the 5 star Parador is also available.*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 8: Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast your journey ends. .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: No
After breakfast your journey ends.
After breakfast you have an airport transfer, or, extra nights are available at the 5 star Parador or at the same hotel as last night.
Prices & Booking
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There is no intermediaries when booking with us, so feel free to contact us for advice, customisation or if you wish to combine several sections together. If you just wish to make a quick payment, submit your credit card and reference on our booking page. |
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Classic |
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Note:
Options: We can upgrade your holiday in 4, 5* and Paradors. We can also offer extra nights and airport transfers. Ask us!
Families: We are now offering 40% off prices for children aged between 3-9 years old, and 20% off prices for children aged between 10-17 years old. Children under 3 come free.
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Price € PPS |
Single Room |
Extra Nights |
Bike rental |
Airport Transfer |
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High Season |
753 |
915 |
Single: 95 |
€151 |
Ask us. But public transports are also really good. For more info, see "how to get there" section, right under trip's introduction. |
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Mid Season |
723 |
860 |
Single: 90 |
€151 |
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Low Season |
633 |
753 |
Single: 90 |
€151 |
PPS: Per person sharing
Currency Converter by OANDA |
General details
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5 What is this?
Distance: 283km
Duration: 7 Nights
Activity: 
Cycling
Comfort: In Style
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Available: All year round
Price: From €650
10 reasons to book with us
Smartphones & Tablets
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(1,2) Leisurely (3,4) Stimulating (5) A Challenge
Our holidays are graded by 3 categories of difficulty: Leisurely, Stimulating and A Challenge. This grading system will allow you to select the ideal holiday for yourself or your group. We aim to offer you the best experiences and unforgettable memories on a holiday where your desire for a challenge, comfort and safety are our priority. As the abilities of everybody are different, it’s important that you decide on a holiday which best suits your own needs and capabilities. You should take some time to look over our grading system so you can decide which holiday is best for you!
How do we grade?
When grading our holidays we take 3 main factors into consideration: Distance, Gradient and Trail Type (i.e. mountain track, forest road, surfaced road, etc.)
Our Easy walking and cycling holidays are best for families with young children. With older children, experience and fitness level should be considered when deciding on a holiday.
Leisurely(1,2)
• Time: Under 5 hours per day on average.
• Gradient: Gentle, no steep climbs
• Trail Type: Walking path, easily accessible
• Suitable for: Everybody. Some easy preparation walks should increase your enjoyment.
Stimulating(3,4)
• Time: 5 to 7 hours / less than 20km per day on average
• Gradient: Up to 1000m ascent per day on average, possibility of some steep climbing
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, not technically difficult
• Suitable for: Moderate level of fitness required. Some weekend walks of around 3-4 hours should help your preparation.
A Challenge (5)
• Time: Days can be over 7 hours / 20km
• Gradient: Days can be more than 1000m, some steep climbing
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, can be technically difficult
• Suitable for: Good level of fitness required. Previous experience would be best. Regular weekend walks of 4-5 hours or more are advisable in the months leading up to your holiday. These should include some mountain walks.
Please find below information on how to get to your destination and back. You can also look at our "Camino flight Finder" page, and our airport guide.
Fly to Madrid or to Santiago de Compostela and back home from Santiago de Compostela: More info: http://www.spanish-airport-guide.com/
1 - Madrid: Virtually every company flies to Madrid
Spanish national company: www.iberia.com
Spanish low-cost: www.spanair.com
2 - Santiago: Ryanair and Iberia/BA fly direct to Santiago de Compostela from the UK. Ryanair fly from Stansted, Nottingham East Midlands and Liverpool and Aer Lingus operates from Dublin.
Many of the flights that arrive at the airport are from internal Spanish destinations. Iberia and Spanair offer the best selection of flights and you can fly to and from Santiago De Compostela from: Frankfurt, Paris and Rome and Barcelona, Bilbao, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Seville, Tenerife and Valencia.
To the start of the walk in Leon:
1 - From Madrid: Train 4h30, several per day - www.renfe.com
2 - From Santiago: Bus 4h, several per day. Train 6h, several per day - www.movelia.es
Back home from Santiago de Compostela:
Shuttle buses from Santiago city center to the airport (20mins).
Included:
Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
Rooms en-suite
Half Board during the hike
Holiday Pack: inc. notes & map(s) & pilgrim passport, what to bring, language book
Not Included:
Flights
Insurance (recommended)
Drinks
Dinner first and last nights
Transfer from/to airport
Bike rental (extra)
