Camino - French Route F7 Galicia Spain This Camino Walking Tour 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. O’Cebreiro is a megalithic village with round stone houses, with an amazing church, Santa Maria Real, where you can find the most important religious remains of Galicia (the miracle of Santo Milagro with a Chalice and Paten turning into the body and blood of Jesus Christ). The Chalice and Paten are the symbol of Galicia and are on the Galician Flag. The remains of Don Elias Valina Sampredo, the father of the modern Camino and ‘inventor’ of the yellow arrow, are also in the Church. 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. Walking Tour Meeting: Ponferrada Airport:   Santiago de Compostella Transfer: Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes

On our trips you are guaranteed a high level of comforts and gastronomy. The Camino is clearly marked with the “Scallop Shell” showing you the way. The walking can be physically demanding and will require a reasonable level of fitness. However, it’s a highly rewarding venture that includes numerous cultural highlights along the way

French Route 7/8 - Walk From Ponferrada to Sarria - 96km

Day 1: Ponferrada- Start of your journey
You will be pre-booked into a traditional hotel in the heart of the town.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Ponferrada

Day 2: Ponferrada to 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 fruit and vegetables. In Villafranca, don’t miss the garden of the “Iglesia de Santiago”.
Distance: 23km  / approx. 6 hours (ascent: 100 m / descent: 90 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Villafranca del Bierzo

Day 3: Villafranca del Bierzo to 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.
Distance: 30km  / approx. 7 hours (ascent: 900 m / descent: 30 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in O Cebreiro

Day 4: O Cebreiro to 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.
Distance: 21km  / approx. 5.5 hours (ascent: 100 m / descent: 300 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Triacastela

Day 5: Triacastela to 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.
Distance: 19km  / approx. 5.5 hours (ascent: 80 m / descent: 830 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Sarria

Day 6: Sarria, end of the Camino
After breakfast we bid you farewell.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                                    Sarria area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	49	52	57	59	64	70	74	76	72	64	55	51
Average Low Temperature (°F)	35	35	37	39	44	49	53	53	49	45	40	37
Average High Temperature (°C)	10	11	14	15	18	21	24	24	22	18	13	10
Average Low Temperature (°C)	2	2	3	4	7	10	12	11	10	7	4	3
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	13	12	11	12	11	6	4	4	7	12	13	13

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The French Way in its entirety stretches from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela, and is divided into eight sections. Some of the most popular cities along the route include Pamplona, Leon, and Sarria. All sections of the Camino Frances stretch across the northern region of Spain, creating very seasonal weather.

Summer
Like most countries in the Western Hemisphere, Spain in summer can be very warm. In fact, from June to August the temperatures in this region average at around 27°C (80°F). The sun is shining for a majority of the days every month. However, in Sarria in particular, there is a higher chance of rain.

Fall
When the season turns to fall, the temperature on the Camino shifts as well. Temperatures cool to around 23°C (73°F) in September, 18°C (64°F) in October, and 13°C (55°F) in November. As the temperatures drop, there is also a higher chance of rain along the route. Like before, in Sarria specifically, there are more predicted rainy days than sunny days.

Winter
As winter hits the region, the temperatures drop drastically. Averaging around 9°C (48°F) or 10°C (50°F), the weather in the northern region of Spain is typically rainier.

Spring
In March, April and May, the temperatures slowly get warmer. With temperatures increasing from 13°C (55°F) in March to 18°C (64°F) in May, the days still have a tendency to be half rainy and half sunny.

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Accommodations
Our accommodation is selected based on a number of criteria, including location, comfort, services, price and character.
Please note, in case of non-availability of the below mentioned Hotels on the requested dates, similar ones will be used.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Ponferrada
Night 2: Hotel in Villafranca del Bierzo
Night 3: Hotel in O Cebreiro
Night 4: Guesthouse in Triacastela
Night 5: Hotel in Sarria

Ponferrada - Bierzo Plaza
The Aroi Bierzo Plaza opened in 2009 and is in the heart of Ponferrada, by the town hall. Its attractive rooms all offer free Wi-Fi access and air conditioning. The hotel is set in a historic building with elegant arches. Most rooms have a balcony, and all are en suite.

Villafranca del Bierzo - Casa Mendez
Overlooking the River Valcarce, 500 m from the center of Medieval Villafranca del Bierzo, Hostal Restaurante Méndez is on the Santiago Pilgrimage Route. The country-style heated rooms feature a satellite TV and have a private bathroom.
A laundry service is offered and free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.

O Cebreiro - Hotel O'Cebreiro
The hotel is located in a building rehabilitated in 2002 and which had previously been a jail and town hall. It has 5 double rooms with full bathroom. All rooms have exposed stone, abuardillado ceiling and chestnut wood creating a cozy atmosphere for relaxation and rest. Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Triacastela - Casa David
This pension offers comfortable and clean rooms. There are different types of rooms available: single, double and triple. All rooms have bathroom, heating, TV and free WiFi. The house also has a garden and outdoor rest area, as well as a covered terrace with TV. It has a washing machine and dryer available.

Sarria - Alfonso IX
Hotel Alfonso IX is a modern hotel in the center of the town of Sarria, on the popular Camino de Santiago. The hotel has its own fitness center and pool. Surrounded by gardens and close to the river, this well-equipped hotel features a lovely natural setting.
The hotel has a total of 57 rooms, 2 Junior Suites and 1 Luxury Suite, spread over 3 floors. All rooms feature internet access, air conditioning / heating, ensuite bathroom with hairdryer, safety box, TV and a phone.



Meals
Breakfasts and 3 dinners are included. Breakfast are eaten at the hotels and evening meals in the restaurant’s hotel or a restaurant nearby. It is usually a set menu.

Special diets and dietary restrictions:
We can only request dietary requirements to our suppliers for the following diets:
– Diabetic - Suitable for reduced sugar, hyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and carbohydrate controlled meal requests.
– Gluten Intolerant/Celiac also known as low gliadin, non-tropical sprue, Celiac disease, low wheat, wheat free, gluten restricted diet. A Gluten Intolerant Meal eliminates all foods prepared with wheat, rye, barley and oats.
– Vegetarian  (No meat – no fish). Nuts may be used as a protein substitute.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		--
Horses:		--
Pace:		5-7 hours per day, 96km total
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    Moderate
Riders:		Min 1	Max 16

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements