Excursion to León, Astorga and Castrillo de los Polvazares

About this tour

This 11-hour excursion traces three centuries of Spanish heritage across León province. Start in Castrillo de los Polvazares, a hilltop village of honey-coloured stone and narrow lanes, then move to Astorga to explore its Roman foundations, cathedral and Gaudí's palace. The day centres on León's vast Gothic cathedral and vibrant old quarter, where you'll have time to hunt down local jamón and cider. An air-conditioned coach handles the driving between stops.

Highlights

• Castrillo's cobbled streets and period architecture unchanged for centuries
• Astorga's Roman archaeological layer and Gaudí's eccentric palace design
• León Cathedral's soaring stained glass and carved facade
• Casa Botines—Gaudí's only work outside Catalonia
• Barrio Húmedo's taverns and pintxos bars for lunch
• Guided commentary at León and Astorga with vehicle transport included

What to expect

Expect a coach-based cultural run with three distinct stops. Castrillo is compact and walkable on foot—allow 45 minutes to absorb the medieval layout. Astorga offers a guided tour of key sites including the cathedral interior and palace grounds. In León, your guide covers the highlights before releasing you into the old town for 2–3 hours of independent exploration. The pace is moderate; most walking happens within town centres rather than over countryside. Bring water and comfortable shoes—cobblestones dominate.

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