Arrive in Leon, check into your hotel in the heart of the wonderful city and receive the first stamp in your 'Camino Passport'. Depending on your time of arrival we recommend taking time to immerse yourself in the history of Leon's stunning architecture. From the famous Convento de San Marcos, considered to be the most important Spanish Renaissance building in the country; to its beautiful French style gothic cathedral; and the basilica of San Isidoro with its royal pantheon decorated in colourful frescoes; the city's architecture tells a fascinating story of its history and is bursting with charm for you to discover. It is also home to Gaudi's Casa Botines. The famous architect not only produced master pieces in Barcelona but in the north of Spain too. Casa Botines is the first example of his work you will see along your Camino. As the evening draws in the city truly comes alive with the vibrant bars and restaurants bustling with locals, pilgrims and tourists alike.

The first day of your Camino takes you through some spectacular scenery as you make your way towards Hospital de Orbigo, and the silhouettes of the spectacular Picos de Europa mountain range begin to appear on your skyline. As you approach the town your route will take you over the famous Passo Honroso Bridge. Famed for its 20 arches, this fantastic 204m long medieval bridge has been a passing point for pilgrims over the Orbigo River since the 13th Century. Legend has it that noble knight Don Suero de Quinones was imprisoned by his love for Dona Leonor, and in order to win her affections promised to challenge all knights who passed the Passo Honroso Bridge to a jousting duel and a festival is held annually in his honour. Having completed the longest day of your trip you can enjoy a tasty dinner at your accommodation and perhaps a glass of wine too.

FESTIVAL: Each year, on the first weekend of June, the locals celebrate this legend with the Passo Honroso Medieval Jousting Festival. The town comes alive with people dressed as knights, monks, peasants and archers, while jousting shows, medieval dances and games take place. It is a true Spanish Fiesta.

NOTE: If you would prefer, it is possible to shorten your walk today to 27km. This is easily managed by taking a public bus from Leon to La Virgen del Camino where you can begin your Camino journey.

Today's stage of the way will take you through the gently rolling farmlands of the so called Valley of the Churches passing first through the village of Villares de Orbigo, to the hamlet of Santibanez de Valdeiglesias, nestled on the fertile plain of the Orbigo River. From here your route becomes somewhat rural with only the scallops' of St James to lead you through the farmlands, first to the village of San Justo de la Vega and just a few kilometres further, the splendid town of Astorga. You will have time to check into your hotel and take a stroll through the streets of this popular pilgrim town. Perched upon a hilltop, with a backdrop of mountains to the west, Astorga has much to offer; from its beautiful cathedral to the second Gaudi designed building of your way, the Bishops' Palace. You will have time to explore before enjoying an evening meal at your hotel.

Your way today will take you steadily uphill through the region of la Maragateria, crossing the hills of Monts de Leon before arriving in Rabanal del Camino. This charming little stone-built village has been a popular stopping point for pilgrims throughout the centuries as a final resting point before the terrain becomes more rugged. It has played an important role in the Camino's history with the Knights Templar settling here and in the larger town of Ponferrada on the opposing side of the mountains to ensure that pilgrims made a safe journey. You too will stay here for the evening, enjoying an evening meal at your accommodation and enjoying the bohemian feel the town now holds.

Your route today will take you past one of the key landmarks of the French Camino, the Cruz de Ferro (1500m); the highest point of the French Way and arguably the best panoramas of the entire route. The metal cross atop a 5m high wooden pole acts as a welcoming beacon for pilgrims helping them on their way, however its original purpose is somewhat of a mystery to historians. The most popular theory is that St. James himself erected the cross. Today, the cross is part of a tradition of the pilgrimage with pilgrims bringing a stone from their home to leave at the foot of the cross to symbolise leaving the burdens behind, hence the mound of stones which now surround the cross.

Having absorbed the views and tranquillity the Cruz de Ferro offers you descend through Manjarin and on through El Acebo and Molinaseca. You will soon reach your final goal of the day and the second outpost of the Knights Templar, Ponferrada, with its magnificent castle which once housed them. Having completed your way for today you can soak up the town's historic atmospheric centre with a glass of wine over a selection of tapas. We recommend the house wine; it will likely be from the fantastic local vineyards!

This morning you will have opportunity to further explore the beautiful old quarter of the town where the 16th century town hall and Torre de Reloj dominate over the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Heading off on your way, today offers contrasting landscape as you first walk through Compostilla, a former mining town and on through the wine region of Bierzo. Passing through small villages you will reach the town of Cacabelos where the Archaeological Museum is worth a quick visit before continuing on to Villafrana del Bierzo. With its impressive 12th century Church of Santiago Villafranca it is here where ill pilgrims could be gifted the same indulgencies as if they had reached the Cathedral in Santiago including the jubilee blessing. Your journey for today ends in Villafranca del Bierzo.

Today will take you along the so called 'queen' of the stages of the St James as you ascend to the town of O Cebreiro, the first town of Galicia. Your route will take you over the rolling landscape offering fantastic views along valleys, across farmlands and over the small hamlets below. The landscape here is scattered with small hamlets many of which have just 50 inhabitants or less, making your way a particularly peaceful one today. This is a symbolic stage as you cross into Galicia and reach ever closer to Santiago de Compostela and is often a point of reflection as you recall how far you have come on your journey, the people you have met, the landscapes you have seen and that you are already at the half way point of your journey. Completing a final ascent you will reach O Cebreiro recognisable by its Palloza dwellings. These fascinating circular buildings topped with thatched roofs date back to Neolithic origin and were typical of this region up until the 20th century when modern building concepts were introduced to the area. You will have time to explore the Pallozas before checking in to your accommodation for the evening.

Your day begins on the most beautiful crest of a ridge offering fantastic morning views. From this point your route is largely downhill, as you make your way down through the green countryside of Galicia and pine and eucalyptus woodland. This section of your Camino is much more populous than yesterday providing many opportunities to stop off and enjoy a coffee in the villages along the way. Finally you reach the small town of Triacastela from where you will take a short private transfer to your accommodation in neighbouring Samos.

Today begins with a short transfer back to Triacastela to pick up your way where you left. From Triacastela you have an option of choosing one of two ways to Sarria. The first takes you north of the village of Samos and through the countryside. This option is the most direct and 6 km shorter, however, we recommend making the additional effort and taking your second option.

Your second option will take you along a scenic route and is relatively easy under foot as you make your way through the villages of San Cristobo, Lucio and Renche before reaching Samos where you stayed the previous evening. While Samos is a small village it has a magnificent abbey which warrants the extra kilometres; there has been a monastery here since the 6th century but keen architects will note the one which stands today dates to the 18th century following a fire in 1536 when the original was destroyed. You will have time to absorb this fantastic building before continuing on through rural landscapes to Sarria, a popular starting point on the French Camino as it marks the final 100km to Santiago. You will spend the evening here and the opportunity to enjoy the buzz of the excitement of those who have made it to the last 100km and those who are yet to begin their journey.

Feeling rested, your route today will take you through the green heartland of Galicia where the landscape is scattered with pretty stilted grain stores known as horreos. As you pass through this bewitching landscape and quaint little villages you will have plenty of opportunity to stop and enjoy tasty Galician delicacies in one of the local cafes before crossing the fantastic Roman bridge over the Mino River to your final goal; Portomarin. This lovely village was completely moved, brick by brick in 1962, to its current location following the construction of a dam which would flood the village's original location. During the dry season, when water levels drop, some of the remains of the village can still be seen. Spending the night in the village you can enjoy a relaxed evening meal in your accommodation.

This morning will comprise of a steady ascent as you make your way through the village of Gonzar to Castromaior where there is a fortified settlement providing a taste of what Castro culture was like before the invasion of Roman culture, which too has left its mark on the village with its small Romanesque church. Continuing you will pass through small villages where you can enjoy a spot of lunch. Your route soon levels out taking you through fragrant eucalyptus plantations and leading you to Palas de Rei. The town was a major hub for pilgrims during the Middle Ages as they gathered to face the final stretch of their journey together. Today, the town remains a popular overnight stop for pilgrims and is a hive of activity. You too will spend the night in the town before taking the final few days of your journey

Today you say farewell to Palas de Rei passing the modern Santiago Peregrino statue to re-join the French Way through the verdant landscape and the beautiful traditional houses known as pazos, each with a raised granary much like the horreos. You will soon reach Melide where the Camino Primitivo which originates in Asturias, and the French Camino join together. Melide is an interesting town and you may wish to pay a visit to the museum housed in the former Hospital de Peregrinos showcasing its history. As you leave the town you will also pass the 12th century Iglesia de Santa which has an impressive stone altar and beautiful frescoes which are worth a look. Finally you arrive in Arzua and your home for the evening. The town has a long history of welcoming pilgrims and although now in ruins the 14th century convent of La Magdalena once provided shelter for poor pilgrims. You will have time to appreciate this special town before enjoying an evening meal and resting for the final stages of your Camino journey.

Your penultimate day on the French Camino will take you to Lavacolla, where it is tradition for pilgrims to carry out the ritual of washing their feet in the river. Leaving Azura you will follow broad tracks and through short sections of woodlands, passing through quaint hamlets. You will notice the Camino is a little busier now that not only the Camino Primitivo has joined this route but also the Camino del Norte which joins shortly after Arzua. Walking together with pilgrims who have taken a different path you will make your way ever closer to Santiago de Compostela. You will pass through Santa Irene with its hermitage dedicated to the Portuguese holy martyr and baroque fountain which is said to have healing waters. Not long after you will arrive in Lavacolla where you can enjoy your final evening on the trail.

Today is the day you complete the French Camino from Leon. Having followed tradition and bathed your feet in the river you begin your final day on the Camino Frances. A final ascent over the Monte de Gozo, which at an elevation of 370m, provides the most satisfying first glimpse of Santiago de Compostela and the towers of the cathedral. Descending from Monte de Gozo the final few kilometres soon pass as you enter the city and reach your final goal; the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This is often an emotional moment as the realisation of your way sinks in. Heading to the Pilgrims' Office you can exchange your Pilgrims Passport for your well-earned Compostela certificate. You will have time to explore this magnificent city, visit the cathedral, the Plaza de Obradoiro, the Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos and the cloister before making your way to your hotel to enjoy an evening meal.

PILGRIMS MASS: Each day a pilgrims mass is held in the cathedral at 12pm and 7.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10pm and 9.30pm on Sundays or public holidays.

PLEASE NOTE: the Cathedral de Santiago is undergoing restorations in preparation for the 2021 holy year celebrations. The exterior of the cathedral is now complete and works have begun on the interior. While the cathedral remains open as usual access to some sections of the interior will be restricted while works are undertaken and the daily pilgrims mass will be held at the nearby San Francisco Church.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and further explore the historical city of Santiago de Compostela before making your onward journey.