The French Way - Following Tradition 2 Week Classic Trip

15 Days / 14 nightsThe perfect trip for those with a little moretime. Starting in the Capital of Castilla Leon,this trip offers a perfect blend of beautifulscenery, historical sites and enough time tofully disconnect from our daily routine. Letyourself be absorbed in the daily rhythm ofwalking, meeting people along the way andtaking in the Spanish culture.

From León to Santiago deCompostela

Day 2 León - Hospital Orbigo21 km (13 miles)Leon being a large city with a sprawling urban area, weavoid it all with a quick 15 minute transfer by car toValverde de la Virgen. The terrain onwards is mainly agentle downhill all the way to Hospital de Orbigo.Legendary due to its impressive medieval bridge.

The French Way - 2 Week Trip

Day 1Madrid to León

Arrival at Madrid airport andtransfer via high speed train to León,your starting point and home for thefirst night.

Day 3 Hospital Orbigo - Astorga17 km (11 miles)

Another gently sloped day to allow more time for thebody to get used to walking but, more importantly, toallow plenty of time to visit some of the fascinating sitesof Astorga.Astorga also holds some of the most important Romanruins in the area and a fascinating cathedral. Those witha sweet tooth may prefer a quick tour and taste at theChocolate Museum.

The French Way - 2 Week TripDay 4 Astorga - Rabanal del Camino21 km (13 miles)Today, things start to get more serious, as the entire day is agradual ascension to Rabanal del Camino.

As you exit the city, you’ll quickly find much moretranquility, as the villages crossed are tiny and sparse. Yourefforts are rewarded with great views of the mountainousregion, a real highlight on a clear day.

Day 5 Rabanal del Camino - Molinaseca25 km (15 miles)

First real challenging day as you continue climbing toCruz de Hierro (the Iron cross), an emblematic placealong the Camino Frances. Located atop of Mount Iragoat 4,970 feet, it is the highest point along the entireCamino Frances, including the Pyrenees.

Adding a stone at the foot of this cross has become animportant camino ritual with many pilgrims over thecenturies. A long downhill awaits on the other side.

Day 6 Molinaseca - Cacabelos23 km (14 miles)Today’s walk is a lot more level than it has been theselast few days. We pass a series of villages located in theheart of the Bierzo valley as we admire the size of theneighbouring mountains that surround us.

Many enjoy spending time discovering the ancient castleof Ponferrada and the sites of Cacabelos, your home forthe evening.

The French Way - 2 Week TripDay 7 Cacabelos - Las Herrerias29 km (19 miles)Don’t let the distance fool you, it's practically all levelground. ! Passing Villafranca del Bierzo, it doesn’t takelong to notice why this has always been an importantstop along the Camino Frances. The ‘Puerta delPerdon’ (door of forgiveness), Villafranca Castle, theXII th century Monastery of Santa Maria all await youhere.

Day 9 Viduedo - Sarria22 km (13 miles) or 28km (17 miles) optionAfter yesterday's big day and what was surely a goodnight's sleep, we are greeted by a long 7 km downhillinto the small town of Triacastela (the three Castles).! !Atthis intersection comes decision-making time. If youare tired, one may opt for the shorter and more directroute for a total of 22km. If on the other hand, you arefeeling strong and would like to discover Spain’s oldestand largest Monastery (Samos), then walking an extra 6km is well worth the detour.

Day 8 Las Herrerias - Viduedo23 km (14 miles)

By far the most difficult section on the Camino Frances,no matter how one does it. The morning starts ratherquickly with an abrupt 8.4km steep climb to OCebreiro.The good news is that once you reach the top, you arriveat one of the prettiest, and also popular, villages on theentire Camino Frances, OCebreiro. This village looks,feels, and to a certain extent, is, completely Celtic.

The French Way - 2 Week Trip

Day 10, Sarria - Portomarin21 KM (13 miles) A great day as you’ll spend most of it in the quietcountryside, discovering the peacefulness of ruralGalicia. You’ll end with a long downhill walk intoPortomarin, situated along the banks of the Minoriver.

Day 11, Portomarin - Palas del Rei24 KM (15 miles)

Another peaceful day, slowlymeandering through local villages andhamlets. Some interesting untendedCeltic ruins can be seen along the way ifone has the strength to make a short 1km detour.

Day 12 - Palas del Rei - Sedor24 KM (15 miles) Today takes you through Melide, a village that hasmade Pulpo Gallego legendary throughout thecountry. A simple recipe of octopus, potatoes andpaprika but when prepared just right, lights upyour taste buds!

2015 PRICING - Per person, based on double occupancy, in Euros.3 Star hotels & equivalent -1295€ (approximately 1,875$ CAD or US)Solo traveler supplement - 445€ (approximately 645$ CAD or US)Budget Private Room - 1095€ (approximately 1,585$ CAD or US)Solo traveler supplement - 245€ (approximately 355$ CAD or US)

The French Way - 2Week Trip

HAVE EXTRA TIME?Consider extending your stay in Santiago de Compostela by a day ortwo to fully enjoy the city sites or even take a day trip to Finistere,once believed to be the ‘end of the world’. Ask us for details.

Day 13 - Sedor - Pedrouzo24 KM (15 miles) As you get closer to Santiago, you start walkingthrough more and more Eucalyptus treed forests.The aroma is delightful as is the rest of the trail.

Day 14 - Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela20 KM (13 miles)

A shorter distance in walking today in order totake full advantage of the city’s sites. There is tonsto see and do, on top of enjoying the fulfillment ofreaching your destination!

Day 15 - Santiago to Madrid0 KM

Afternoon return via high speed train to Madrid.

Some of our preferred Lodging

ARZUA - PAZO DE SEDORA lovely manor home from the 17th century, with beautifuland relaxing grounds, located on the outskirts of town.

IMPORTANT NOTICEOur preferred lodges have been carefully selected for their location, comfort,charm and consistent friendly service. They are subject to availability. Should oneof our preferred lodges not be available, we will provide you with one of thesame standard & price.

HOTEL ALTAIRModern rooms in an ancient home. Located on the edge ofthe historical center, where it is much quieter and tranquil.

ASTORGA - CASA DE TEPAAn 18th century home transformed into a beautiful smallhotel. Inner courtyard with a garden & chairs to unwind in.

MOLINASECA - CASA EL PALACIOThis restored hotel, located on the river banks by a Romanbridge, offers great views and a tranquil environment.

SARRIA - HOTEL ALFONSO IXA large modern hotel with all the latest amenities, ideallylocated on the Camino Frances in the heart of town.

Booking ConditionsOUR PRICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING;

- En suite Private room & Bathroom- Luggage transfers (1 bag per person, up to 15 kilos)- High Speed Train Ticket from Madrid to León- High Speed Train Ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid- Transfer by car on day 2 between León and Valverde de Virgen- All breakfasts (only in 3 star level accommodations)- Access To 24 Hour Help Line!- Personalized Electronic Guidebook For Each Participant

Which Includes:- Camino trail map with GPS locations of your lodges- Daily route notes, elevation profiles and itineraryoverview- Informative notes and videos of sites of interest- Restaurant reviews and suggestions!- Essential services locator (banks, pharmacies, water, etc) !- Food menu translator!- Common Spanish phrasebook !- Tips for how to prepare & train for the Camino- First Aid & Emergency situation tips

OUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE;- Personal Expenses- Meals outside of breakfast- Museum entrances and paid visits- Potential taxi services to shorten days- Travel Insurance

Our Services

PERSONAL ‘GUIDE’Our Electronic Guide offers you directions, tipsand advice every step of your journey.

PERSONALIZED ITINERARYWe tailor all of our trips specifically to yourneeds, ensuring you get the trip you want.

FREEDOMSelect when you want to stop, where and whatto eat. Experience the Camino your Way.

LODGING VARIETYUnderstanding your needs and expectations,our team scopes the best places for all budgets.

TOP SERVICEOur staff is here for you from start to finish.Dedicated to make this is a trip of a lifetime.

LUGGAGE TRANSFERWe ensure your bags are waiting for you atyour destination at the end of your day’s walk.

Give yourself the best of both worlds:-Flexibility of traveling

on your own

-Security & Supportof a guided trip

“Whether you hike theentire route or just thelast stretch - it’s anexperience that willstay with you forever.”

- Rick Steves, USNationwide Columnist

Rayo Active Travel Inc, 113 Tuscany Way NW, Calgary, AB, T3L 2A4info@rayotravel.com