Camino de Santiagoan ancient trail across Northern Spain

The day starts with a pickup from hotels in Bilbao for our 3-4 hour bus journey to St Étienne de Baïgorry, where we spend our first night. On our way to St Étienne we take a detour to the beautiful seaside city of San Sebastian where we experience our first pintos (tapas) lunch. We then continue on to our lovely hotel in St Étienne de Baïgorry to drop our bags.
Later in the afternoon we drive to St Jean Pied de Port, a picturesque French town at the foot of the Pyrenees. This is the last stop in France for pilgrims crossing the Pyrenees en route to Santiago. We visit the Pilgrims Office to collect our Pilgrims Passports to begin our journey to Santiago.

Walking distance: 17km

Today we trace the ancient pilgrim’s route along an old Roman road that once connected Astorga to Bordeaux. Crossing the Pyrenees, today’s walk offers some of the most magnificent scenery on the Camino. Entering into Spain we arrive in Roncesvalles, the first stop for pilgrim's after crossing the border.

Walking distance: 19km

From the village of Roncesvalles we commence our walk through the beautiful lower regions of the Pyrenees Mountains towards the small town of Zubiri. We walk through beechforest, charming villages and lovely open farmland. After a short climb to Alto Ero we begin a lovely decent into Zubiri where our vehicle is waiting to transfer us to Pamplona.

Walking distance: 18km

We transfer to the small village of Zariquiegui, where we begin our for the day walk. Our path takes us through rolling countryside to the village of Puenta La Reina, where we enjoy lunch. In the afternoon we continue to the small town of Cirauqui. From here, we transfer to the stunning town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

This morning we have time to explore Laguardia before taking a trip to the renowned Marqués de Riscal winery for a guided tour.

Walking distance: 12km

We transfer to just outside Villa Franca Montes de Orca, which stands at the edge of the Montes de Orca, a forested, mountainous region. A path leads up through trees and meadows where we enjoy a magnificent panorama over forests to distant mountain peaks. Finally we come to a clearing and the church of San Juan de Ortega. From here, we transfer to Burgos and spend the afternoon exploring the ancient city and its magnificent cathedral of Santa MarÍa.

Walking distance: 9km

We begin our walk a short distance from the town of Hontanas. Following the Garbanzuelo stream and we pass the ancient ruins of the lost village of San Miguel and St. Anthony’s Convent, before arriving into the historic town of Castrojeriz. Our waiting vehicle transfers us to the town of Leon and your bed for the night.

Today is at leisure and you a free to explore the tree-lined boulevards and medieval architecture of Leon or take a day to relax and put your feet up at our hotel.

Walking distance: 22km

After a well-deserved rest day, we set off with gusto for a full day of walking. From the town of Castrillo de Polvazares we cross the historical region of Maragateria before climbing the Montes de Leon – where our efforts are rewarded with some of the best views of the Camino. Following lunch in the village of Rabanal del Camino, we continue to Cruz de Ferro, where pilgrims traditionally place a stone at the base of the famed iron cross. From here we are transferred a short distance to the town of Villafranca del Bierzo.

Walking distance: 16km

Today we begin our walk at the town of Las Herrerias, and pass through chestnut groves, orchards and open hills until finally arriving into the region of Galicia. Our path slowly winds its way uphill, providing beautiful vistas, before we arrive at the mountain top hamlet of O’Cebreiro, nestled between the Os Ancares and Serra do Courel mountain ranges. From here we transfer to Monteforte de Lemos.

Walking distance: 19km

Transferring back to O’Cebreiro this morning, we set out along a mountain ridge, taking in stunning views, before gradually descending along country lanes into a landscape studded with farms, villages and small land holdings. We finish today’s walk at the village of Triacastela and transfer to Monteforte de Lemos for the night.

Walking distance: 23km

Transferring to the town of Sarria, we begin a gentle day of walking through gently undulating terrain, passing pristine streams, chestnut stands and green pastures before our final descent to the banks of the River Mino and across the bridge to Portomarin. From here, our waiting vehicle transfers us to our accommodation in the city of Lugo.

Walking distance: 22km

This morning we drive a short distance to see the Vilar de Donas, the former monastery church of the Order of Santiago located in a quiet rural setting west of Portomarin. Afterwards, we have coffee in the town of Palais de Rei and continue on the Camino along country lanes and through sleepy hamlets, stopping for lunch in the town of Melide. We finish the day near the historic town of Arzua.

Walking distance flexible

From Arzua the Camino passes through eucalyptus forests before continuing to San Marcos, Monte de Gozo and finally arriving at Santiago de Compostella. This city founded on myth and legend is unquestionably one of the most beautiful and intact in Spain.

In the afternoon you have the option to join a tour of the cathedral before a final celebratory dinner with the group.