Camino Section # F6

Introduction
Galicia Spain
This Walking Holiday explores the sixth section of the Camino Frances – French Way, the most traditional of all the pilgrims’ ways to Santiago de Compostela and the best known internationally.

Start in Leon, one of the greatest cities in Spain and finish in Ponferrada, built by the Templars in the 12th century. The Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James, starts on the central high plateau, and traverses the untouched Leon Mountains.

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.

Accomodation

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 Leon
Night 2: Hotel in Villar De Mazarife
Night 3: Hotel in Astorga 
Night 4: Hotel in Rabanal del Camino
Night 5: Hotel in Ponferrada

Leon - Real Colegiata San Isidoro
Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro is located in the 11th-century San Isidoro Colegiate complex, with its basilica, cloister and museum. Located in the historic center of León, it is 5 minutes’ walk from the Cathedral. The hotel has a 24-hour reception and a free WiFi zone.
All rooms feature stone walls and views of the Roman Wall or the cloister. They are heated and have a desk, wardrobe and flat-screen TV. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries.

Villar De Mazarife - Tio Pepe
The Tio Pepe Hostel is located next to the village church of Villar de Mazarife. It is a manor house, which is 70 years old, and has been restored to be opened to the public as a hostel in 2004.
There are 11 rooms in total, 2 of which have 3 and 4 bunk beds and the 6 remaining rooms are double rooms with bathroom.
In the patio you have tables and umbrellas for resting, there is also Wi-Fi available in this room. We have games for the entertainment of the Pilgrim: letters, parchís, dominoes, ladies, monopoli, table football, frog, etc ...

Astorga – Gaudi Hotel
GAUDI HOTEL was built in classical style in 1981, and was refurbished in 1996. The hotel was built with the idea of allowing guests to enjoy a warm, classical decor in wood. The hotel is located in a historic area where you can visit Roman ruins. The hotel can accommodate up to 75 guests. There are 35 rooms, including 27 doubles, 3 doubles with lounge, 4 triples and 1 single. The rooms have a view of the city’s historic area, with Antonio Gaud’s Episcopal Palace in the background. Each room has individual heating, international television, telephone, and full bathroom with hair dryer. Cots are available. WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Rabanal del Camino - La Pousada De Gaspar
LA POSADA DE GASPAR is a rural hotel of medieval construction that dates back to the 17th century and was once a pilgrim hospital. The building was completely renovated in 1991 using traditional construction elements, such as slate, stone and wood. The Inn has a capacity of 25-30 people distributed in 11 rooms (double and triple rooms). All rooms have a private bathroom, TV and Wi-Fi.

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.



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.

Riding

Itinerary

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 6/8 - Walk From Leon to Ponferrada - 101km

Day 1: Leon – Start of your journey!
The historic center of Leon is well preserved and worth visiting. Over the course of time, Leon became the capital of the kingdom in the Middle Ages; a historic enclave on the pilgrim’s road to Santiago de Compostela. Don’t miss The Pulchra Leonina (the ‘Sistine Chapel’ of Spanish architecture) & the old Hospital de San Marcos.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Leon

Day 2: Leon To Villar de Mazarife
Leaving Leon, the urban area continues almost as far as Virgen del Camino (7km). From this point on, the route becomes more interesting as you follow the historical Camino along the Plateau of Leon.
Distance: 20km  / approx. 5.5 hours (ascent: 110 m / descent: 50 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Villar de Mazarife

Day 3: Villar de Mazarife to Astorga
You pass the famous “Puente de Orbigo” and leave behind the Plateau of Leon. The Leon Mountains can be seen up ahead and the end of this stage will bring you to Astorga, the capital of Maragateria. Not to miss in Astorga: Episcopal palace, the cathedral, and the city walls.
Distance: 28km  / approx. 6.5 hours (ascent / descent: 140 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Astorga

Day 4: Astorga to Rabanal del Camino
We are now deep in the region as we gradually make our way up to the first foothills of the Leon Mountains. This part of the countryside is characterized by broom, oak trees and conifer plantations.
Distance: 20km  / approx. 5 hours (ascent: 270 m / descent: 20 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Rabanal del Camino

Day 5: Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada
One of the most rewarding days. Enjoy the beautiful broom and heather surroundings as you ascent to “Mount Irago”. Witness the “Iron Cross” on the mountain pass before making your way downwards to the wealthy area of Bierzo.
Distance: 33km  / approx. 7.5 hours (ascent: 250 m / descent: 880 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Ponferrada

Note: Here we can split the day in two stages (24 km and 8 km). Accommodation is in a superb chalet hotel in Molinaseca.

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

Rates and Dates for Camino Section # F6

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Leon
Airport: Santiago de Compostella
Transfer:

Climate:
                                                    León area