The French Way is the route of the Camino de Santiago par excellence. It is the most internationally recognized itinerary with the greatest historical tradition, where most of the medieval pilgrimage routes converge.
Our special proposal will allow you to comfortably walk part of the Camino and enjoy its variety of landscapes, but also its impressive monumental heritage, reach the tomb of the Apostle Santiago and be able to obtain indulgence.
Please contact us for information on availability and prices of this fantastic Camino!
MONDAY – Madrid – León – 338 km.
Morning:
Hrs. 09:30 am Departure from Madrid by luxury coach en route to León, the ancient capital of the kingdom of León, from the 10th to the 14th century. We will make a technical stop near Tordesillas.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in León enjoy lunch at an emblematic restaurant in the city (lunch included).
We then transfer to the local hotel or Parador de San Marcos (according to the chosen dates) and have some rest. Late afternoon enjoy a walking tour of León to admire its superb Gothic Cathedral of Santa María, the impressive Collegiate Church of San Isidoro, jewel of the Leonine Romanesque and seat of the Royal Pantheon, the Casa Botines, in modernist style, and its charming historic center.
Dinner included at the Parador or at the Hotel (according to the chosen dates).
Overnight.
TUESDAY – León – Villafranca del Bierzo – 139 km
Morning:
At 9:30 a.m. we board our bus end depart to Astorga. We stop en-route at the Órbigo Bridge to make part of the path on foot, following the tradition of the Camino de Santiago.
Walking section: starting from Puente de Órbigo (León) and walk part of the way to Hospital de Órbigo – 2.2 km (50 min).
We then continue to Astorga by coach: upon arrival we visit to the Episcopal Palace of Gaudí, the Cathedral of Santa María, built almost a thousand years ago, its medieval wall and the Plaza Mayor with its monumental town hall. We then continue through the Maragatería region and stop in the picturesque town of Castrillo de los Polvazares, one of the most beautiful in Spain, to enjoy our lunch (included) and taste the typical Cocido Maragato.
Afternoon:
We will then continue the way and make a stop * in Rabanal for a visit including its beautiful churches such as La Asunción or the Chapel “Ermita del Bendito Cristo de la Vera Cruz”.
* the stop will be made according to the arrival time.
Walking section: starting from Foncebadón (León) and walk part of the way through the fields to Cruz de Ferro – where we will leave our stone – 2.4 km (50 min).
Board our motorcoach and cross the beautiful town of El Acebo, with its elegant balconies. We then stop in Molinaseca, one of the most beautiful towns on the Camino de Santiago, famous for the bridge of the pilgrims, to admire the landscape of this charming town with picturesque palaces, large houses and sanctuaries. Then continue to Villafranca del Bierzo, a unique town and “Marquisate” since the times of the Catholic Monarchs. Its noble castle, the Collegiate of Cluny and the Monastery of St. Francis of Assisi testify to its historical importance.
Dinner included at the Parador or at the Hotel (according to the chosen dates).
Overnight.
WEDNESDAY – Villafranca del Bierzo – Sarria – 77 km.
Morning:
At 9:30 a.m. we enjoy a walking tour of the historic center of Villafranca del Bierzo and view its monuments such as the Castillo de los Marqueses de Villafranca, the Colegiata and the Monastery.
At 10:30 a.m. we leave for Galicia and stop in O Cebreiro. Here we will admire the famous “pallozas”, of Celtic origin (before the arrival of the Romans).
Walking section: starting from the village of O Cebreiro (Lugo) to walk part of the way to the village of Liñares (Lugo) – 4.1 km (1 h. 20 min.)
Afternoon:
We continue toTriacastela and stop to eat a homemade Galician menu at local restaurant – included. We then continue the route to the Royal Abbey of San Julián de Samos: founded in the 6th century by San Martín, it was rebuilt in 1558 in the Renaissance style, after a terrifying fire.
Walking section: From the town of Renche (Lugo) to walk part of the way to the Monastery of Samos (Lugo) – 4 km (1 h. 20 min.)
We then continue by bus and the next stopover on the road will be Sarria. After settling in the Hotel we will make a walking tour of this town so closely linked to the Camino, to view its monuments such as the Fortress of the Marquis of Sarria, the Magdalena Monastery and the Crest Houses now converted Hostels for pilgrims.
THURSDAY – Sarria – Santiago de Compostela – 128 km
Morning:
Departure from the Hotel at 9:30 a.m. bound for the town of Portomarín where we can admire the impressive natural environment and its Romanesque churches. We will eat in a panoramic restaurant with views of the river Miño and the reservoir.
Walking section: Stop near the village of Vilachá (Lugo) to walk part of the way to Portomarín (Lugo) and climb the steps of the Ermita de las Nieves and up to the emblematic church of San Juan de Portomarín – 2,5 km (50 min).
Afternoon:
After eating in Portomarín, we will go to Palas de Rei and visit the beautiful Romanesque Church of Vilar de Donas (12th century) famous for its medieval frescoes. We also stop in the town of Arzúa, famous for its exquisite soft cheese. We then continue to Santiago de Compostela: before arriving we stop at the mythical Monte do Gozo, to admire the views of the city and its great Cathedral.
Walking section: After admiring the views from Monte do Gozo (Santiago) we will walk the last part of the Camino to reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – 4 km (1 hr 15 min).
Dinner à la carte at the Parador or at the Hotel – according to the chosen program.
Overnight.
FRIDAY – Santiago de Compostela
Morning:
After breakfast, a full day of art and history awaits us visiting the holy city of Santiago de Compostela. The Cathedral of Santiago (11th century), will be our first visit, along with the monumental Plaza del Obradoiro, where we also find the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos -the Parador-, and the Palace of the Xunta de Galicia. Entering the Cathedral and admire its newly restored “Pórtico de la Gloria”, one of the most beautiful in Romanesque style, is without a doubt the most emotional moment of any pilgrim.
Behind the Cathedral we visit the Monastery of San Martín Pinario (the second largest in Spain after El Escorial), and the Praza da Inmaculada – with the north facade of the Cathedral.
In the south we have the Praza das Platerias, where the only Romanesque facade of the Cathedral is preserved. Next, we visit the emblematic Praza da Quintana with the famous Clock Tower, and cross the Holy Door. We also view the historic university Colegio Fonseca with its Renaissance façade and its landscaped patio, and other monuments. After walking through the Franco and tasting some wines, we have lunch at the prestigious San Clemente Restaurant (lunch included). We then have some time to visit the Alameda Park with its unique sculptures and the Sargadelos ceramic benches.
Afternoon:
Free afternoon in Santiago. Anyone who wishes can attend the Pilgrim’s Mass at 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral – Main Altar- (it is recommended to be half an hour before due to capacity limitations).
Dinner à la carte at the Parador or at the Hotel – according to the chosen program.
Overnight.
SATURDAY – Santiago – Lugo – Madrid – 601 km
Morning:
After having breakfast at the Hotel or the Parador, we prepare to leave for Madrid on our bus, making a stop to visit the historic city of Lugo, founded by the Romans, and which will receive us with its monumental Roman wall that still stands today. Our city sightseeing tour includes the Cathedral, the Roman wall, its Romanesque churches and the stately homes. At the end of our visit we enjoy a typical Galician meal in a well-known restaurant of the city.
We then continue our journey by coach to Madrid.
In the afternoon we arrive in Madrid – end of our services.
* Note:
The overnight stay in the hotel is scheduled for departure dates: July 26 and August 23
The overnight stay in the Parador is scheduled for departure dates: August 9, September 6 and 13
On the departures of August 9, September 6 and 13, instead of staying two nights in Santiago, the overnight stay will be as follows: one night in Santiago and the following in Lugo.
Itinerary, hotels and stops are subject to change by the Travel Organization or the guide.