Camino Frances Stage 4: Leon to Sarria – 11 Days

OVERVIEW

Walk from Leon to Sarria on stage 4 of the Camino Frances (French Camino), and traverse the regions of Castilla y Leon and Galicia. Before heading off 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 enjoy wandering the streets and the city’s lively ambience.  From Leon, follow the centuries-old route across the rise and fall of northern Spain’s rolling 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 world-famous Camino Frances from Leon to Sarria
  • Explore the architecture of Leon
  • Sample Spanish wines of Castilla y Leon
  • Spend each day walking alongside fellow pilgrims on this world-famous route
  • The Camino is one of the world’s best treks to complete solo or with friends
  • Follow old Roman roads into medieval towns and hilltop villages
  • Try local tapas dishes of Padrón Peppers and Galician-style octopus

AT A GLANCE

TRIP LENGTH
11 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate to Challenging
PRICE FROM
$ 915 per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 355 per person

ITINERARY

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 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

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.

GENERAL INFO

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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 individual towns or regions. From the jousting festival at Passo Honroso Puente through to the Rioja Wine festival in Logroño and the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.

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)

WEATHER

The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can change from temperate warm days 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.

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)

THE WALKING

We grade this walk as Moderate to Challenging only because of the back-to-back walking days for 9 days over 183km. We may have to shorten or even lengthen the walking day to make the accommodation bookings work. Of course, we will let you know if this happens. 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 sustain climbs to hilltop towns, villages, and 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 enjoyable; an exercise regime of 3 to 4 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. We would also advise that you regularly walk back-to-back days to prepare for the duration of this tour which is 40 days.

The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with the many other walkers on the trail, it’s straightforward to find your way. For each walk, you will be provided daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use them for your own device.

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HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The tour starts in Burgos and ends in Leon.

The best way to reach Burgos is by arriving by air in Madrid. See skyscanner.com.au

From Madrid, it is a 2-hour train journey or a 4-hour bus journey to Burgos.

Getting away from Leon by train is very easy, 2.5 to 4 hours back to Madrid.  Flights do leave from Leon but to a limited destination (Barcelona). Trains go to many destinations in Spain, so please see trainline.com to make a booking or research where you might want to head next.

 

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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
    Single Occupancy
    Details
  • 1 Mar 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $ 950

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 375
AT A GLANCE
TRIP LENGTH
11 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate to Challenging
PRICE FROM
$ 915 per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 355 per person
Overview

Walk from Leon to Sarria on stage 4 of the Camino Frances (French Camino), and traverse the regions of Castilla y Leon and Galicia. Before heading off 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 enjoy wandering the streets and the city’s lively ambience.  From Leon, follow the centuries-old route across the rise and fall of northern Spain’s rolling 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 world-famous Camino Frances from Leon to Sarria
  • Explore the architecture of Leon
  • Sample Spanish wines of Castilla y Leon
  • Spend each day walking alongside fellow pilgrims on this world-famous route
  • The Camino is one of the world’s best treks to complete solo or with friends
  • Follow old Roman roads into medieval towns and hilltop villages
  • Try local tapas dishes of Padrón Peppers and Galician-style octopus
Itinerary
What’s Included
  • 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

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.

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 individual towns or regions. From the jousting festival at Passo Honroso Puente through to the Rioja Wine festival in Logroño and 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 change from temperate warm days 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 walk as Moderate to Challenging only because of the back-to-back walking days for 9 days over 183km. We may have to shorten or even lengthen the walking day to make the accommodation bookings work. Of course, we will let you know if this happens. 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 sustain climbs to hilltop towns, villages, and 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 enjoyable; an exercise regime of 3 to 4 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. We would also advise that you regularly walk back-to-back days to prepare for the duration of this tour which is 40 days.

The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with the many other walkers on the trail, it’s straightforward to find your way. For each walk, you will be provided 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 Burgos and ends in Leon.

The best way to reach Burgos is by arriving by air in Madrid. See skyscanner.com.au

From Madrid, it is a 2-hour train journey or a 4-hour bus journey to Burgos.

Getting away from Leon by train is very easy, 2.5 to 4 hours back to Madrid.  Flights do leave from Leon but to a limited destination (Barcelona). Trains go to many destinations in Spain, so please see trainline.com to make a booking or research where you might want to head next.

 

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
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Mar 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from $ 950
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 375
Faqs

FAQS

Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?

Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.

Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?

Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.

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 8 days and 7 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 or Leon to Santiago in 16 days.

ENQUIRE NOW

If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.
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