12 days

Our Journey begins in Calzadilla de la Cueza. After we leave the solitude of the Meseta, the Camino now passes through small, almost forgotten villages. In Sahagún we can explore the unique brick churches which go back to the time of the Moors. We then head towards the old royal city of León, and take a rest day to see the many sights of this ancient city: its Gothic cathedral, the Pantheon Real and, the royal sepulcher in the church of San Isidoro.

Another highlight along the way is Astorga with its many architectural gems, including the Roman city walls, its beautiful cathedral and the Bishop’s palace, designed and built by Antoni Gaudí. The next stage of the Camino hosts the famous Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross), which lies in the Montes de León. Pilgrims traditionally leave a stone at the cross, representing the weight and sorrow they may wish to leave behind – a tradition that goes back to Roman and even Celtic times. Continuing through the fertile region of Bierzo, with its excellent wines, we reach our destination in Cacabelos.

Every morning, we offer a spiritual start into the day. Usually this means, that a short, interesting, and hopefully inspiring text will be read. This part is open for anybody who would like to participate.

197 kilometres

Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao – Calzadilla de Cueza
After moving into our rooms, there will be a welcome meeting to get to know each other and to answer all questions that you might have.

Day 2: Calzadilla de la Cueza - Sahagún
We will walk through small villages towards Sahagún with its famous brick churches built in the Mudéjar-Style and enter the province of León.
22.4 km – easy

Day 3: Sahagún - El Burgo Ranero
Hiking in the high plains of the Meseta towards El Burgo Ranero with the option of taking the more secluded alternative route named Via Trajana, where one can often walk in complete solitude.
17.5 km / 20.1 km - easy

Day 4: El Burgo Ranero - Mansilla de las Mulas
Today’s destination is Mansilla de las Mulas, which earned its name from the famous cattle markets that were held here (Mulas=cattle). Again, you will have the option of taking the alternative route, Via Trajana.
19.3 km / 23.2 km - easy

Day 5: Mansilla de las Mulas - León
Leaving the Meseta, the Camino de Santiago today leads us to the impressive city of León, capital of the province and renowned for its beautiful cathedral.
18 km - easy

Day 6: Léon
León is the perfect place for a rest day, allowing us to visit the various local sights. Its Gothic  cathedral, with expansive stained-glass windows, and the church of San Isidoro, are art-historical highlights of the Camino.

Day 7: León - La Milla del Páramo - (Hospital de Órbigo)
The Camino now leads us onto a great plain and to La Milla del Páramo. We will take a quick minibus ride to get to our exclusive lodging in Hospital de Órbigo.
27.2 km – easy, but long stage
(It is possible to skip the first 7 km by taking the bus from León to Virgen del Camino and walking from there.)

Day 8: (Hospital de Órbigo) - La Milla del Páramo - Astorga
Transfer back to La Milla del Páramo. We will pass Hospital de Órbigo by foot and cross its famous bridge of 20 arches before we continue towards Astorga, which was founded by the Romans and still hosts remaining Roman architecture.
25.2 km - easy

Day 9: Astorga - Rabanal del Camino
Today’s destination is the charming village Rabanal del Camino. There is an alternative route that allows you to visit the open-air museum Castrillo de Polvazares.
19.7 km/21.2 km - medium

Day 10: Rabanal del Camino - El Acebo - Molinaseca
Beyond Foncebadón, an almost abandoned village along the Camino, we now ascend the mountains of León. The highlight of this day is the Cruz de Ferro, where pilgrims, many centuries ago, joined the tradition of leaving a stone at the cross. You can have lunch in the beautiful medieval village of El Acebo before heading towards Molinaseca.
24.6 km – descent of medium difficulty

Day 11: Molinaseca - Cacabelos
We enter the more densely populated region of Bierzo, famous for its excellent wines. The highlight of this day is the old Templar’s fortress in Ponferrada.
23.3 km - easy

Day 12: Cacabelos – Home
Ride in our minibus to Santiago de Compostela (approx. 200 km), from where you can return home. Alternatively, continue your Camino with Tour 4 to Santiago de Compostela.

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