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Traverse the centuries of time as well as Northern Spain on the medieval Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail. This trip offers a chance to walk a section of the Spanish Camino from St Jean Pied de Port in France, across the Pyrenees and onwards to the city of Leon. Known as 'The Way of St James' in France, this fascinating stage of the Camino de Santiago winds its way across borders, passing a multitude of churches and monasteries and through villages, towns and cities including Pamplona, Burgos and Logrono, with their vast cultural, historical and architectural heritage. Immerse yourself in the tradition of the Camino, which resembles a travelling museum of Romanesque art.
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21kg of CO2-e PP per day
(465kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrival in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France)
Make your own way to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the capital of the Basse-Navarre and the Pays de Aze. It is also one of the three remaining French provinces of the old Kingdom of Navarre. There is time in the afternoon to take a stroll along the cobbled streets and up to the town lookout. You can also explore the many arts and craft shops. We recommend that you purchase supplies for lunch tomorrow as you will only pass one café/bar on the route. You should also collect your pilgrims stamp from the Pilgrim Office or Tourist Office.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Enter Spain, cross 3 passes to Roncesvalles (7hrs)
The Camino begins with crossing the old Roman bridge over the River Nive. Today's walk is quite impressive as you climb towards the Franco-Spanish border. The first section you will be hiking through pastoral lands with impressive views of the Pyrenees. You will cross three cols today (including Col Lepoeder at 1430m), and this is quite an exposed stage so remember your hat, sunscreen and water. Arrive in Roncesvalles with its historic monastery. Today is quite long - we recommend an early start. Distance: 25km/15.5mi Option: It's possible to split this stage - walk to Orisson (7.5km) or Valcarlos then transfer back to Saint Jean for overnight, transferring back in the morning to recommence walking. A supplement applies for the return transfers plus an extra night in Saint Jean is required, must be requested at time of booking.
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Through typical Basque country to Zubiri or Akarreta (6 or 7hrs)
This stage offers Pyrenean landscapes and welcoming Navarrese villages with a Jacobean tradition. While the trail largely descends from Roncesvalles, there are two summits along the way - Alto de Mezkitirz and Alto de Erro. The villages you'll pass are quite small, surrounded by cultivated fields, animal barns and meadows, and there are lovely wooded areas of beech and oak. Continue to Zubiri, or if staying in Akerreta past the local quarry and the town of Larrasoana to your hotel. Distance: 23 or 28km /14.4 or 17.5mi
Day 4
Enter Navarre and walk to Pamplona (3-4hrs)
Today's walk has a few ups and downs however there is a shorter distance to cover. Continuing through the valley you follow the course of the Arga river and pass through Zuriain and other small towns such as Irotz where the 16th century Church of San Pedro is located, and up the side of Mount Narval to reach the Santa Marina Hermitage in Arleta. From Buriin, a village that disappeared in the 14th Century, there is a steep descent into Villava. The route then connects to Burlada and leads you to the final climb into Pamplona – a wonderful walk into this historic city. Dinner is not included tonight so you are free to sample the local pinxtos (tapas). Distance: 20km or 15km/12.5 or 9.4mi
Meals: B
Day 5
To Puente la Reina (6hrs)
Leaving Pamplona you make your way to Puente la Reina, a city of museums. From Pamplona's main square, follow the Camino signs to navigate your way out of the city. The route takes you from the old town through parks in the modern part of the city before the landscape opens out. You can take a short detour that will allow you to view the octagonal chapel of Eucate, one of the Roman jewels of the trail of Aragon. A steep climb from Zariquiegui to Sierra del Perdón past wind farms takes you out of the Pamplona basin. Continue to Uterga and on to Puente la Reina. Distance: 24km/15mi
Day 6
Continue via Mañeru to Estella (5.5hrs)
Leave Puente la Reina by crossing the medieval bridge. On this stage you will walk through the countryside with olive, almond and oak trees, following the Arga River. Reach the village of Mañeru and Cirauqui with its Roman road, then walk through a treeless landscape and vineyard on the way to Lorca. Continue through Villatuerta before arriving in Estella. A highlight here is the church of San Pedro de la Rúa. Distance: 21km/13mi
Day 7
Walk via the Irache monastery to Los Arcos (5.5hrs)
This stage allows a detour to discover the imposing Irache Monastery and its ‘Fuente del Vino' (wine fountain) – choose to fill your water bottles with wine or water! Today’s walk is mainly through open fields, you will not pass through any villages. Continue to Plaza de Santa María and the Iglesia de Santa María in the centre of Los Arcos and your hotel. This is a very small town with a couple of cafes/bars. Distance 22km/13.7mi
Day 8
Cross into La Rioja and on to Logroño (7hrs)
Your last day's walk passes many places of historic interest, leading from Navarre to the well-known wine centre of Rioja. Not far into the walk you will reach the village of Sansol where you can stop to buy some refreshments or lunch before heading to Viana, crossing the San Pedro River and continuing through farmlands and on to Logroño. Walk around the town before descending to the stone bridge which leads into Logroño. It is a beautiful city with a lively tapas district. Logroño has an annual wine festival. Harvest celebrations last all week and the main event coincides with the feast of San Mateo (St Matthew) on 21 September. Distance: 28km/17.4mi Option: It's possible to split this stage and stay overnight in Viana, continuing to Logroño the following day. A supplement applies, must be requested at time of booking. Distance: approx 18km/11.2mi to Viana and 10km/6.2mi the following day.
Day 9
Walk to Najera (7-8hrs)
Today you will start your walk on the historic Rúa Vieja out of Logroño, passing through the park of La Grajera to the village of Naverrete and the ruins of the 12th century San Juan de Acre pilgrim hospital. The Alto de San Antón offers great views then continue to Nájera. It's a long stage without steep slopes. Distance 30km/18.6mi Option to split this day and stay overnight in Navarrete - supplement applies and must be requested at time of booking. Distance Logrono-Navarrete 13km/8.1mi, Navarete-Najera 17km/10.5mi
Day 10
Continue to Santo Domingo de la Calzada (5-6hrs)
From the Monastery of Santa Maria la Real, the trail continues to the hilltop town of Azofra, in the centre of the Cañas valley. After this it is an easy walk to the historic town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, known for its legend of the Rooster and the Hen. Distance 21km/13mi
Day 11
Walk to Belorado (6-7hrs)
This stage of the walk is on fairly flat terrain, running parallel or near to the national road. Grañón, Redecilla del Camino and Castildelgado are just a few of the villages you will find along the way. Leave La Rioja and enter Castilla y León with its fields, mainly sown with cereals. Overnight in Belorado. Distance 22km/13.8mi
Day 12
To San Juan de Ortega (7 or 8.5hrs)
Today's walk is long and requires a considerable ascent to the Montes de Oca (1162m), but once there you will enjoy unbeatable views. Continue to San Juan de Ortega for overnight. Due to availability, overnight may be in Atapuerca further along the route, or at times in Villafranca Montes when return transfers are required (additional cost applies). Distance 24km/15mi (or 30km/18.8mi to Atapuerca)
Day 13
Continue to Burgos (5-6hrs)
This morning you will pass through a series of villages including Atapuerca to reach Burgos, with its impressive Gothic cathedral and the Monastery of Las Huelgas. Your accommodation is centrally located for ease of access to the many attractions in Burgos. Distance 27km/16.8mi (20km/12.5mi if you stay in Atapuerca)
Day 14
Walk from Burgos to Hornillos, transfer to Isar (6hrs)
The first stage of this Camino takes you into the rural Meseta landscape through vast fields of wheat, barley and oats. It's a peaceful walk via Tardajos to Hornillos. In the afternoon, a short transfer at 3pm (included) takes you to your accommodation in Isar. Distance 22.3km/14mi
Day 15
Morning transfer to Hornillos, walk to Castrojeriz (5hrs)
A morning transfer (at 8.30am, included) will take you back to Hornillos to continue your Camino. Today's walk continues on the plain, with a couple of small hills along the way. Pass by wheat fields to Hontanas and the ruins of the Convent of San Antón. Finally along a flat stretch will see you arriving at the pretty village of Castrojeriz. Distance 21km/13.2mi
Day 16
Walk to Fromista (8hrs)
Today's walk is through a quiet, open landscape. Leaving Castrojeriz, the path leads uphill to the Alto de Mostelares, from where you will descend towards the river Piserga, the natural border of two typically Castilian provinces, Burgos and Palencia. Continue and from Itero de la Vega you follow the Canal de Castilla into the historic town of Frómista. Distance 26km/16.3mi
Day 17
Continue to Carrion de los Condes (5.5hrs)
This stage takes you along quiet, flat trails bordering crop fields and through small towns such as Población de Campos, Revenga de Campos and Villalcázar de Sirga. Later you reach Carrión de los Condes, a heritage jewel with important monuments including the Church of Santa María del Camino and the monastery San Zoilo, now a hotel. Overnight in Carrion. Distance 19km/11.8mi
Day 18
Walk to Calzadilla de la Cueza (4.5hrs)
This stage is quite short, allowing you more time in Carrion de los Condes. The Camino opens onto a rural environment on today's straight stretch. Weather permitting, enjoy the silhouette of the Cantabrian Mountains in the distance. Cross the Cañada Real Leonesa, sometimes sharing the path with flocks of sheep, and make your way to the small village of Calzadilla de la Cueza. Distance 17km/10.6mi
Day 19
Walk to Sahagún (6.5hrs)
From Calzadilla de la Cueza the first couple of kilometres are uphill. Continue through the towns of Lédigos, Terradillo de Templarios and Moratinos, before arriving at Sahagún. The Church of San Lorenzo dating from the 12th and 13th centuries and built in the Mudéjar style is interesting. You will have two nights here. Distance 23km/14.4mi
Day 20
Walk to El Burgo Ranero, transfer to Sahagún (5.5hrs)
You will leave Sahagún by crossing the bridge over the river Cea. On arrival at Calzada del Coto the Camino divides into two paths. Follow the path to the left through Bercianos del Camino to reach El Burgo Ranero. In the afternoon, a transfer at 3pm (included) will take you back to Sahagún and your hotel. Distance 18km/11.2mi
Day 21
Transfer to El Burgo Ranero, walk to Mansilla de las Mulas (5.5hrs)
This morning you transfer back to El Burgo Ranero (at 8.30am, included) to continue your walk. This stage leads you to Mansilla de las Mulas, not far from León. The route is a little more demanding than the previous days, as you head into the hills on a gradual, continuous ascent. There are very few villages along the way. Mansilla is where the two branches of the walk reunite. Distance 19km/11.8mi
Day 22
Walk to Leon (5hrs)
Cross the bridge over the river Esla to leave Mansilla, and then the river Porma at Villarente. From the Alto del Portillo there are great views to the city of León, dominated by its cathedral. A short and steep descent will lead you into the city centre. Leon is one of the most historic towns of the Camino and in Spain. There is evidence of Roman occupation as well as the Moors; however it was the Knights Templar who built the castles and fortifications in the Middle Ages. Ensure you take time to visit the old city. One of Leon’s glories is without doubt the Cathedral. Constructed from the 13th Century for a period of 200 years the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro houses an impressive collection of early manuscripts. The town walls are of Roman and medieval construction. Overnight in Leon. Distance 18.6km/11.6mi
Day 23
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request - please ask for our rates.
What's included
What's not included
Daily walks are between 16-30km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. Some of the route is on paved surfaces – you should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straightforward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Taxi and bus services operate between towns in the event that you are unable to walk on a particular day.
Per Person, Twin Share
The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 14 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
There are many bars and cafes at various points along the trail where you can stop and fill up on a slice of Spanish Tortilla, or a bocadillo. These spots will also have facilities you can use if you're buying something, and will often be happy to refill your water bottle.
Card is accepted is most places, but please be aware that some individual bars or cafes may be cash only. You will also find along the way some special stamps offered for donations - it is worthwhile having some coins handy for these.
In order to secure your place on the trip we recommend you book as soon as you are ready. Bookings open for the following year in mid September.
We are able to cater for gluten free diets, however at times, choices are limited. Breakfasts served at the hotels are generally continental style and we suggest bringing your own gluten free breads or cereals. We also recommend bringing your own snacks. Generally in Europe it is quite easy to purchase gluten free foods from supermarkets and shops, but can be harder in restaurants.
This trip can be booked from 1 February to 15 November. The summer months tend to be busy months on the Camino Trail and the weather can be quite hot. In our experience starting the trip in late April or May, or from September to early October, is the best time to travel. The trail is less busy and the weather is cooler. Galicia experiences rain year round.
The Pilgrim's Passport or 'Credencial' is included on this trip and you will receive one locally. The Pilgrim's Passport makes a great souvenir and way to track your walk. You can ask to have your Pilgrim's Passport stamped at churches, your hotels and many other places along the route.
The Compostela is a certificate of completion of the Camino de Santiago and you must walk at least the last 100km into Santiago to receive it. As such you would not receive the certificate at the conclusion of this trip, however you should absolutely still fill your Pilgrim's Passport with stamps as this will become a great memory of your trip.
The Camino Trail is exceptionally well waymarked, with yellow arrows and markers used frequently throughout the route. It is nearly impossible to get lost on this walk.
It is possible to book an extra night at any of the hotels we use which would allow you to have a rest day. However, this does need to be advised at the time of booking.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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