LEÓN-FONCEBADÓN- CRUZ DE FERRO- O´CEBREIRO-SARRIA

With our walking boots on and the credential stamped, we wish each other Buen Camino!! The greeting that the pilgrims exchange wishing the best. Today we walk several sections of the French Camino with a special meaning in its history. The Cross of Iron, O'Cebreiro and San Roque´s Hill are milestones on the French Camino that connect you with its soul and that you should know before reaching Sarria. Don´t panic! Today's walk is a warm-up, just to stretch our legs and prepare for tomorrow's stage.

- Walking: 13,4 km/8,3 miles

- Accommodation: Sarria /B/D

PORTOMARÍN – PALAS DE REI

Leaving Portomarín we walk through country lanes in a rural area of tiny hamlets, oak and pine forests and gentle slopes while discovering the rich art patrimony of today´s stage. An elegant stone hórreo (granary) and one of the best examples of Cruceiro dated 1670, are part of it. We cross a pre-Roman Castro (hillfort) which gives us an idea of how Galicians lived before the arrival of the Romans. Palas de Rei, an important place during the Middle Ages, is the end of our stage.

- Walking: 25 km/15,5 miles

- Accommodation: Lestedo-Pambre /B/D

MELIDE-ARZÚA

In this stage, we usually see local farmers working in the cabbage, kale or potato fields while the cattle graze near picturesque villages. Numerous streams cross our path while we walk through dreamlike forests. After some gentle ups and downs we arrive at Ribadiso da Baixo, an architectural ensemble formed by a medieval bridge and an old pilgrim hospital by the Iso river. The town of Arzúa is known for its appreciated cheese, Arzúa-Ulloa, and also by its ´melindres´, syrupy glazed cakes, or the ´ricos´, butter cookies. A sweet reward at the end of our stage!

- Walking: 14,3 km/8,9 miles

- Accommodation: Eidian-Castañeda-Arzua /B/D

O´PEDROUZO –SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

The joy of arriving in Santiago help us to walk the last 20 km. Flat stage in which we cross the last eucalyptus forests, hamlets and rural environment before entering ´civilization´. We pass in front of the beautiful hermitage of San Paio and cross the stream of Lavacolla, where the pilgrim of medieval times washed themselves thoroughly to arrive clean at the Cathedral. From Monte do Gozo we see the towers of the Cathedral in the distance for the first time. In a gentle descent we enter the city through the Porta do Camino, historic entrance to the walled city, and after walking the last hundred meters, we reach the Plaza del Obradoiro with the gorgeous Cathedral and Pórtico de la Gloria awaiting us! This is the moment to say a well-deserved: Congratulations, well done!!

After checking in our hotel, we have time to relax, wander the city or get our Compostela Certificate!

- Walking: 20 km/12,4 miles

- Accommodation: Santiago /B/D

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Santiago is a magical city, with a very special soul. ´Compostela´ means ´field of stars” in latin language. After breakfast, we begin the guided tour of this magnificent and surprising city, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Walking through the charming squares and streets of its historic center we discover its amazing history, the main monuments and sandstone or granite buildings, among them the magnificent cathedral, the original food market, second most visited place in Santiago; beautiful hidden corners, churches and even an enclosed convent where we can buy pastries made by the nuns. Santiago de Compostela is a lively city with streets full of shops, bars and restaurants surrounded by a pleasant and special atmosphere that will captivate you.

- Walking: No long distance walking

- Services: Breakfast and guided tour in Santiago de Compostela