'Mountainous & traditional Galicia'. This Walking Holiday explores the seventh section of the Camino Frances / French Way, the most traditional of all the pilgrims' ways to Santiago de Compostela and the best known internationally. Starting in the mountain-hugging town of Ponferrada and finishing in Sarria, a bustling market town, this Camino crosses the magnificent O’Cebreiro Mountains before winding down to a more gentle terrain. Everyday, during the walk, you are guaranteed a high level of comfort and gastronomy. The Camino de Santiago is clearly marked with the “Scallop Shell” showing you the way. This walk can be physically demanding and requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, it’s a highly rewarding walk that includes numerous cultural highlights.
Highlights:
♦ Las Médulas - a spectacular landscape near Ponferrada, listed by the UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites
♦ Church of Santiago the Apostle – a 12th-13th centuries church
♦ Sarria - the most densely populate town on the French Way in Galicia
The quoted price (to the right) is from price! Minor price adjusting can occur due to meals plan or/and accommodation.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Ponferrada
You will be pre-booked in a traditional hotel in the heart of the town.
Day 2. Ponferrada - Villafranca del Bierzo
Today you will cross the region of Bierzo, a sunken plain nestled within a ring of mountains. It is a fertile land, whose agreeable climate allows the cultivation of many types of fruits and vegetables. In Villafranca, don't miss the garden of the "Iglesia de Santiago".
Walking: approx. 6h, 24,5km, +100m/ -90m
Day 3. Villafranca del Bierzo - O Cebreiro
Prepare for a challenging day with an ascent of 1000m. You will pass through the narrow valley of the river Valcace before tackling the ascent of O Cebreiro. Situated between the ranges of "Los Ancares" and "La Sierra do Courel", this stage involves a steep climb in the course of only a few kilometers.
Walking: approx. 7h, 28,6km, +900m/ -30m
Day 4. O Cebreiro - Triacastela
From O Cebreiro the trail passes through the "Sierra de Ranadoiro" (Ranadoiro Mountains) and, after crossing the Alto do Poio, it descends into the valley to the village of Triacastela.
Walking: approx. 5,5h, 20,4km, +100m/ -300m
Day 5. Triacastela - Sarria
Of the two Camino options, the "San Xil" Camino offers scenery that will uplift your spirits and encourage you on your way. It has many "Corredoiras" (narrow forest routes) with paved pathways that cut through typical Galician oak woods. If you wish to visit Samos, you will pass through the narrow valley of the river Ouribio, mostly following the road.
Walking: approx. 5,5h, 18km, +80m/ -830m
Day 6. Sarria - departure
After breakfast we bid you farewell.
Luggage transportation: Luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel. The baggage allowance is one item (maximum 20kg) per person. If you need to add more bags please contact us in advance.