Part 3 of the Camino Francés
Walk from León to Santiago on a fully supported Camino journey through breathtaking landscapes, centuries-old traditions, and the unforgettable triumph of reaching the Cathedral.
"Kate Goad of AndaSpain is truly our Camino Angel. From the moment we set out on the Camino Francés, she held us with such care and grace that we were able to simply walk and trust the journey."
Overview of Part 3 of the Camino Francés
Join us for Part 3 of the Camino Francés – León to Santiago de Compostela and embark on this 15-day odyssey spanning 310 km (193 miles) of undulating landscapes. Start your adventure with an exclusive guided tour of old town León and uncover the rich cultural history of its basilica and cathedral. From here, journey to the Iron Cross, or Cruz de Ferro, and participate in the time-honored ritual of leaving a stone. This tradition encourages pilgrims to move past their burdens towards positive self-transformation for the remainder of the journey. Finally, you will reach Santiago de Compostela, where you will take a private tour to learn the history of the city and its famed Cathedral. At the end of Part 3 of the Camino Francés, all walkers are presented with a Compostela certificate issued by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela and the Pilgrim’s Office.
What your tour includes
While you focus on your journey, we will be meticulously working behind the scenes to ensure that you experience the best that the Camino has to offer. Our English and Spanish-speaking guide(s) are extraordinarily passionate about this pilgrimage and will be with you every step of the way to share insights on food, culture and history.
From start to finish, we take care of all luggage handling and transportation. We also have a support vehicle available throughout the day, allowing you access to a small bag of essentials as well as complimentary snacks and water. At the end of the day, you can look forward to a restful night’s sleep in each of our luxury, handpicked accommodations.
This tour is unique in that it is part of a larger series, offering flexibility for participants. In total, there are four parts: the full Every Inch tour – from France to Santiago, Part 1 – France to Burgos, Part 2 – Burgos to León and Part 3 – León to Santiago. You can choose to walk one or more of these sections. You can even return year after year until you complete the entire Camino route.
Join us for Part 3 of the Camino Francés tour
Community is at the heart of this pilgrimage. You will be sharing this journey with pilgrims from all around the world and following in the footsteps of countless others who have walked to Santiago since the 8th Century. Bonding over shared experiences and challenges, you will be able to forge deep connections with your fellow travelers that will last a lifetime. Join us on this transformative pilgrimage, where history, culture, and camaraderie converge. Sign up today and embrace the extraordinary on the Camino Francés – León to Santiago de Compostela.
Day 1: Arrive in León
Distance: Tour Start
Tour Start
Today, you will meet your Andaspain guide(s) at our designated hotel in León city center for a welcome meeting. We will then meet up with the rest of our group for an exclusive, private guided tour of the Santa María de León Cathedral. This magnificent gothic-style Cathedral boasts one of the largest collections of medieval stained glass in the world and has a fascinating history. We also tour the Basilica de San Isidoro and the historical old town of León. In the evening, we return to Barrio Húmedo for a celebratory dinner.
Overnight: León
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Walk from León to Villar de Mazarife
Distance: 21.9 km / 13.7 mi
Today, we walk right out of our hotel past the Parador de León, a 16th century monastery made famous by the movie, The Way.
At the end of the day, we shuttle ahead to Astorga, where we stay for two nights. We will provide a tourist map of this ancient city, which includes opening times and entrance fees. We recommend Gaudi’s Palace, the chocolate museum, and the cathedral. You can have dinner in the hotel restaurant or explore the old town and dine al fresco in the famous square.
Overnight: Astorga
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Walk from Villar de Mazarife to Astorga
Distance: 28.5 km / 17.7 mi
Our journey takes us across the stunning 13th-century bridge in Hospital de Órbigo. This remarkable monument features 21 arches engineered to manage the water flow during the historically significant flood season. Today, thanks to upstream reservoirs controlling the river’s water levels, this bridge enjoys a well-earned respite from its past responsibilities.
The bridge is also the backdrop to the enduring legend of Don Suero, a valiant knight who once dueled on the bridge to win the affections of his beloved lady. We walk directly to our accommodation in Astorga, where we will have a second night to enjoy this enchanting city.
Overnight: Astorga
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Walk from Astorga to Foncebadón
Distance: 26 km / 16 mi
We walk right out of our hotel in Astorga and finish in the small village of Foncebadón. Tonight, we shuttle to our casa rural in the majestic hamlet of Rabanal del Camino. There, you will have the opportunity to listen to the enchanting vespers, or evening prayers.
Overnight: Rabanal del Camino
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Walk from Foncebadón to Ponferrada
Distance: 27 km / 16.8 mi
Today we walk to the Cruz de Hierro, or the Iron Cross. This is an important site of many traditions related to the Camino. One such tradition involves leaving a stone at the foot of the cross to symbolize leaving your burdens behind. We will have a checkpoint at the Iron Cross in order to participate in this ritual together and get a photo to remember this moment! We continue through the town of Molinaseca and finish in the larger town of Ponferrada, home to the Castle of the Knights Templar.
Overnight: Ponferrada
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Walk from Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo
Distance: 24.7 km / 15 mi
Today we walk through beautiful vineyards that produce the Galicia red wine, Mencia. Today, we recommend dining in the 17th Century hospital-turned-restaurant for the best in local cuisine. This area is famous for its roasted red peppers and cherries. We walk right into our historic hotel situated right on the main plaza in Villafranca del Bierzo.
Overnight: Villafranca del Bierzo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Walk from Villafranca del Bierzo to Las Herrerías
Distance: 22 km / 13.7 mi
Today we have an option of a flat walk along the road; or a more challenging route over a hill that is much harder but with stunning views among a chestnut forest. We walk right into our hotel in Las Herrerías which is the village just before the famous climb to O Cebreiro.
Overnight: Las Herrerías
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Walk from Las Herrerías to Biduedo
Distance: 22.5 km / 14 mi
Today, you will conquer the last big climb on your Camino journey to the village of O Cebreiro, famous for its thatched houses. We will finish our day by crossing into Galicia, the final region of the Camino. From here, you will notice the Celtic influence on the area. Watch out for bagpipes and witch symbols along the Way. At the end of the day, we shuttle ahead to our hotel in Sarria, where we will stay for two nights.
Overnight: Sarria
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Walk from Biduedo to Sarria
Distance: 25 km / 16.8 mi
There is a split on the Camino today. We take the off-road route of San Xil to enjoy the nature. At the end of the walk, we can drive you back for a guided tour of the Samos Monastery, an active Benedictine monastery.
Tonight, we will have dinner together at our favorite restaurant in town. There, we will choose from a variety of organic local meat, fresh fish, and a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan options.
Overnight: Sarria
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Walk from Sarria to Portomarín
Distance: 22.6 km / 14 mi
You will pass the 100 km marker today. Congratulations! You are almost done with your journey. We will make sure we are there to capture the moment.
We will step out of our hotel in Sarria, make our way down to the river, and head into the lush greenery. Once you complete today’s walk, you are free to explore the charming village of Portomarín. This picturesque town dates back to the Middle Ages but was relocated to its current position higher up the hillside to create the Belesar Reservoir during Franco’s regime. Many monuments were painstakingly transferred, stone by stone. Even today, fragments of these monuments lie scattered about the town, bearing numbers designating the order of their relocation.
Overnight: Portomarín
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Walk from Portomarín to Palas de Rei
Distance: 24.8 km / 15 mi
This stage takes you alongside country roads, through quaint villages with traditional Galician architecture, and over hilly woodlands. If time allows, we can walk or drive 4.5 km off the Camino to the church at Vilar de Donas. The church and family monastery were given to the Order of Santiago in 1184, and many of the Gallego members of the order are buried here. The local guide will happily show you the frescos from the 15th century. At the end of the day, we shuttle ahead to our accommodation.
Overnight: Monterroso
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Walk from Palas de Rei to Ribadiso
Distance: 25.8 km / 16 mi
Today, we are treated to lunch in Melide, one of the oldest towns along the Camino de Santiago. Melide is famous for its Sunday market, where you can buy Pulpo a Feira, or octopus tossed with rich, paprika-infused olive oil and served with Galician potatoes called cachelos. Today, you will have the opportunity to savor this specialty at a local restaurant along with a traditional bowl of local white wine. We will ensure that there are other options, such as fresh salads, chorizo, and Spanish tortilla.
We finish the day in Ribadiso, a small village that boasts the oldest known bridge on the Galician section of The Camino. This is a great opportunity to revitalize your tired feet in the cool river water. Afterwards, we shuttle to the town of Arzúa, famous for its cheeses, including queso de tetilla, or little breast cheese. Here, we will stay for two nights in a traditional Galician manor house, also known as a pazo. There, you will have time to relax, enjoy a drink in the courtyard, or have a massage if the masseur is available.
Overnight: Arzúa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Walk from Ribadiso to Pedrouzo
Distance: 22.5 km / 15 mi
Your day starts from Ribadiso, a small village that boasts the oldest known bridge on the Galician section of the Camino. From here, you can look forward to winding paths through eucalyptus forests and quaint Galician pueblos as we hone in on the last stretch to Santiago de Compostela. After walking, we will shuttle back to Arzúa where you will be free to eat dinner at our pazo or walk into town. You can also book a massage if the hotel masseur is available.
Overnight: Arzúa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Walk from Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 19.3 km / 12 mi
This stage marks the exciting last day of your pilgrimage. After a morning of walking, we regroup at the pilgrim’s last hill, Monte de Gozo. Here, you are treated to a first glimpse of the Cathedral spires. From here, the group will walk approximately 5 km to our destination of Plaza Obradoiro. Your pilgrimage is complete! Congratulations! While you check into your hotel, your guide will go to the pilgrim’s office to collect your Compostela. You will then have the opportunity to attend pilgrim’s mass before we head to our final celebratory dinner.
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Trip to Finisterre
Distance: Day Trip
This morning, we drive to the “end of the world”, or at least what used to be considered as such until the Middle Ages. Many pilgrims finish their pilgrimage here after stopping off in Santiago. One of the most intriguing aspects of Finisterre is the ancient tradition of burning clothing or symbolic items at its lighthouse, symbolizing a pilgrim’s spiritual transformation and rebirth at the journey’s end.
We then visit Muxía, an important pilgrimage site in its own right due to the legend that the Virgin Mary came here in a boat made of stone to help Saint James in his ministry. The parts of the boat are claimed to be the petrified stones found on the shoreline.
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Tour End
Distance: Tour End
Tour End
This morning, we will head to the most famous destination in Santiago and take a private guided tour of the Cathedral and surrounding area. This tour runs approx. 1-2 hours.
Finally, it’s time to say good-bye to our Camino family. We hope that you walk away with a great sense of accomplishment, lifelong friendships, and many treasured memories. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for experiencing this magical journey with us at Andaspain and we look forward to seeing you back on the Camino someday.
Extra nights on request.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included on your tour
- 15 nights’ accommodation
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners, including wine and other drinks (While we guarantee the number of meals provided, the schedule outlined in the daily itinerary is subject to change based on restaurant availability, weather, and other factors)
- Guided private tours of the cathedrals in León and Santiago de Compostela
- Water and snacks along the way
- Luggage transport (limited to one 23 kg / 50 lb piece of luggage per person)
- English and Spanish speaking guide(s)
- The Pilgrim’s Credencial, or Pilgrim’s Passport, and scallop shell
- Camino Francés Guide Book
What’s not included
- Travel to the start of your tour or from its end
- Meals and drinks not included in your tour
- Extra items purchased on your behalf by your Andaspain guide
- Guide gratuity (265 EUR/person/guide is suggested)
- Additional activities not outlined in the What’s Included section
Highlights of Part 3 of the Camino Francés
- Step into history alongside pilgrims from across the globe, united by a shared purpose and an enduring spiritual legacy.
- Take exclusive, private tours of the cathedrals in León and Santiago.
- Forge deep connections with fellow pilgrims as you walk this iconic stretch of the Camino de Santiago, sharing stories and experiences that will last a lifetime.
- Roam through undulating landscapes, where historic cathedrals, time-worn churches, serene monasteries, and remarkable monuments stand as testaments to the ages.
- Indulge in the distinctive flavors of the Camino, including such specialties as artisanal cheeses and succulent, Galician-style octopus paired with local red and white wines.
- Arrive in the buzzing Plaza de Obradoiro and bask in the splendor of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that crowns your journey
- Day trip to Finisterre, once considered to be the ‘end of the world’.
Facts about your tour
- Trip Duration: 16 days / 15 nights
- Walking Distance: 310 km / 193 mi
- Departure City: León
- Arrival City: Santiago de Compostela
- Tour Availability: Guided group tour with fixed trip dates
- Accommodation: Excellent hotels, casas rurales, pazos and manor houses
- Transportation: Van or bus (depending on group size)
- Language: English
- Guides: English and Spanish-speaking Camino experts
- Walking Hours: 6-8 hours per day
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is Part 3 of the Camino Francés?
Part 3 of the Camino Francés is a moderate level of difficulty, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. This tour is one of our longer ones and passes through varied terrain, including plains, rocky footpaths, and roads. With respect to navigation, The Camino is very generally very well-marked and easy to navigate.
What is the Compostela?
The Compostela is an official certificate issued by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela, awarded to pilgrims who complete 100 continuous km of the Camino on foot (plus the last stage ending in Santiago de Compostela). If you are a part of a guided tour, your guide will collect it for you on your behalf. If you are on a self-guided tour, you can collect it in person at the Pilgrim’s Office upon arrival in Santiago.
Can I add extra nights to my trip?
Absolutely. Additional nights can be arranged before or after your trip. If you’re traveling during peak season or heading to a popular destination like Santiago de Compostela, we recommend booking in advance. We’re happy to help, so just get in touch.
How flexible is the itinerary?
Your experience is our priority. Some activities are weather-dependent, and if conditions change (a planned picnic lunch, for example), we’ll arrange a comparable alternative, like a group lunch at a local restaurant. If you’d like to add activities to your itinerary, contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate. For a fully tailored experience, we also offer private guided tours and self-guided tours.
What is the weather like?
This trip spans northern Spain and includes a varied climate that can be extreme in summer and winter. For this reason, we organize this walk during late spring and early summer. The beginning of the tour will be across Spain’s highland plateau, which you can expect to be quite dry and warm. As we near Santiago de Compostela, we enter into a mild oceanic climate with regular rainfall and moderate temperatures.
Who are your guides?
Every one of our qualified, bilingual guides started out as a pilgrim. Most of us spent years walking the Camino before we ever thought about leading others along it. That firsthand experience is at the heart of everything we do, and sharing it with you is what keeps us coming back.
What is the typical group size on guided tours?
Our guided group tours accommodate between 6 and 15 participants. The number of guides assigned depends on group size, and we aim for one guide per every 7 to 8 participants to ensure everyone gets the attention they deserve.
I want a shorter tour, what are my options?
This tour is unique in that you get to combine forces with other pilgrims walking different sections of the Camino Francés. You can choose to walk one or several of the following sections: Part 1: St. Jean Pied de Port to Burgos, Part 2: Burgos to León, Part 3: León to Santiago de Compostela, or the Last 100 km: Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. If you are feeling up to it, you can even sign up for the full 36-day, 791 km (491 miles) Camino Francés tour and complete the entire pilgrimage.
Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release
This document contains a complete release of liability. Read it carefully before agreeing below.
The undersigned understands and agrees that the travel to foreign countries including remote and underdeveloped areas and related activities that I have chosen to take and engage in with Andaspain LLC and its affiliates are potentially hazardous and dangerous activities and carry a significant risk of serious personal injury, death, or property damage. I also know that there are natural, mechanical and environmental conditions and risks which independently or in combination with my activities may cause property damage or severe or even fatal injuries to me or others.
In consideration of Andaspain LLC and affiliates agreeing to permit me to participate in the travel, hiking, sightseeing, walking and related activities and other good and valuable consideration, I agree that I am responsible for: (a) my safety while participating in activities undertaken with Andaspain LLC and its employees, and (b) providing, utilizing, and maintaining all equipment necessary for the safe enjoyment of my participation in such events and specifically acknowledge that the following persons or entities including Andaspain LLC, or its employees, agents, representatives and subcontractors or affiliates are not responsible for my safety.
By agreeing to this Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk I acknowledge that I understand that any and all risk is expressly assumed by me, and all claims are expressly waived in advance. Additionally I understand completely and fully the terms and conditions and agree to be bound by them.
Andaspain LLC strongly encourages participants to purchase travel insurance including trip cancellation coverage.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
If you have to cancel your trip, we require the cancellation in writing. We will calculate the refund, where due, based on the day we receive your written cancellation.
The following charges will apply.
Cancellations received 121 or more days prior to trip start date: 10% of trip price
Cancellations received 120 – 91 days prior to trip start date: 15% of trip price
Cancellations received 90 – 61 days prior to trip start date: 50% of trip price
Cancellations received 60 days or less prior to trip start date: 100% of trip Price
Andaspain LLC reserves the right to cancel any of our trips due to insufficient participants – our minimum number of participants is four.
If Andaspain LLC has to cancel a trip for any reason, including insufficient number of participants, the full amount you paid to us will be refunded to you.