3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 5 nights in 4 star
  • 7 nights in 1-3 star hotels
Meals
  • 12 Dinners
  • 12 Breakfasts

13 Days£3440GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: BCT

Best of the Spanish Camino Trip highlights

  • Following in the footsteps of pilgrims along the medieval trail to Santiago de Compostela passing by churches and crosses marking the famous route
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow walkers
  • Staying at friendly, family run hotels and eating at hotels and restaurants with delicious local dishes
  • Visiting Bilbao and the fabulous cities of Pamplona, Burgos, Leon and Santiago with their wealth of religious and historic treasures
  • Experiencing the highlights of the Camino Trail

The Camino de Santiago, or Compostela Trail, has for centuries represented an important pilgrimage route from France, across the Pyrenees and the north of Spain to the tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela. Following the most interesting sections from Roncesvalles in Spain through famous pilgrimage cities such as Leon and Pamplona, the landscapes change daily from mountain trails to forests and open plains. With the camaraderie of a small group and local guide, the trip is fully supported throughout. At night stay in atmospheric towns in a selection of hand picked hotels where the local flavours are introduced by your hosts. This carefully crafted itinerary is a firm favourite with our travellers who are always impressed with the quality of extra touches which make this trip so special.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Bilbao

Finishing Point:

Santiago de Compostela

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Meet your guide at a central location in Bilbao at 3pm (to be confirmed prior to your departure). If you would like to visit the Guggenheim Museum you can do this in the morning, or stay an extra day in Bilbao - please ask our office for pre tour accommodation rates and suggestions. After your group meeting there's a brief stop at the Guggenheim Museum to admire the exterior of this architectural masterpiece before transferring to Roncesvalles for dinner and overnight. Transfer: approx 2.5-3hrs. Note transfer times shown here are estimates and dependent on the group, traffic and weather conditions.

Meals:  D

Your introduction to the famous pilgrimage trail begins in the historical village of Roncesvalles, high in the Pyrenees and near the French border in northeastern Navarre. Its famous local church has several relics dating back to the 8th Century and the defeat of Charlemagne by local tribes. Walk along the Camino to Alto del Erro then transfer to Pamplona and the hotel. Walking distance: 18km/11.2mi. Transfer: approx 30-45mins

Meals:  B,D

Leaving Pamplona, we'll transfer to the town of Cizur Menor to start walking. We can admire Cizur's 12th century Church of San Miguel before setting off through the village and up through countryside leading to Sierra del Perdon, where you can enjoy beautiful views. We'll pass through medieval villages and along a road to arrive at Puente la Reina, before transferring to Logroño. Situated on the Ebro river and on the border between La Rioja and Navarra, Logroño has many historic buildings and a lively tapas district. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant. Walking distance: 18km/11.2mi. Transfer: approx 1hr

Meals:  B,D

In the morning we'll visit the picturesque hilltop town of Laguardia in the wine area Rioja Alavesa, including a visit to an unusual wine cellar to learn about the wine of the region and of course have a wine tasting. We'll enter Castile e Leon and walk from Montes de Oca, through woodlands and along the foothills of the Oca Mountains, to the medieval village of San Juan de Ortega, which was built as a safe haven for pilgrims. Transfer to historic Burgos for dinner and overnight. Walking distance: 15km/9.3mi. Transfer: approx 2-2.5hrs

Meals:  B,D

In the morning we'll have a guided walking tour of Burgos, including its UNESCO listed Gothic Cathedral. We'll then transfer to Castrojeriz to walk across the Castilian meseta to Frómista. This is gentle easy walking along winding paths through the wide open plain, such a contrast to the mountains and hills of the previous days. Transfer to Carrion de los Condes for dinner and overnight. Walking distance: 13km/8mi. Transfer: approx 1hr

Meals:  B,D

Today we'll walk through the Castile landscape, characterised by small valleys and riverbeds, from Burgo Ranero to Reliegos. Later we'll transfer to Leon, once the most important city in Christian Spain. In Leon we'll have a guided city tour visiting the magnificent Gothic cathedral, built on the site of Roman baths dating from the 2nd century, and a nearby museum. Tapas crawl through the old town and overnight in Leon. Walking distance: 12km/7.5mi. Transfer: approx 2-2.5hrs

Meals:  B,D

Today's walk is between the towns of Hospital de Orbigo and Astorga. A magnificent sandstone bridge leads into Hospital de Orbigo, and from here we'll pass the holm oak and chestnut tree covered Colomba mountain and cross the Tuerto river to the fascinating town of Astorga. With Roman ruins, a Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral, the Antonio Gaudi designed Palacio Episcopal, and lovely main square, Astorga has an interesting architectural mix. Overnight in Astorga. Walking distance: 13km/8mi. Transfer: approx 45min-1hr

Meals:  B,D

The walk today is in the mountains and we begin on foot at Cruz de Ferro, which has panoramic views over the plains below. Continue to the picturesque village of Molinaseca before we transfer to Villafranca del Bierzo, nestling at the foot of the mountains, with time to explore on foot. Later we'll transfer to Herrerias de Valcarce for dinner and overnight. Walking distance: 16km/9.9mi. Transfer: approx 2hrs

Meals:  B,D

Our route today takes us from the province of Castile to Galicia. This is another beautiful section through the mountains as we transfer to O Cebreiro, with its imposing church and wonderful views of the Galician countryside. It is also an important point of pilgrimage. From O Cebreiro we walk to Triacastela then transfer to Samos Monastery for a short visit. Transfer to Sarria for dinner and overnight. Walking distance: 18km/11mi. Transfer: approx 2-2.5hrs

Meals:  B,D

From Sarria we'll walk along tracks and paths through hamlets, farmland and woodlands to Portomarin. The town was relocated higher up the slopes after its original site was flooded following construction of the Belesar reservoir. Many monuments were moved to the new site stone by stone, including the church in the main square. Quite a feat! This is rural Galicia at its best. Transfer to Arzúa for Queimada, dinner and overnight. Walking distance: 18km/11mi. Transfer: approx 1hr

Meals:  B,D

Santiago is our destination today. We drive to Lavacolla then walk into Santiago. We'll arrive in time to visit the amazing Gothic Cathedral and explore the historical centre. Tonight you have time to attend the evening pilgrims mass at 7:30pm. Overnight Santiago. Walking distance: 12km/7.5mi. Transfer: approx 30mins

Meals:  B,D

This morning there's a guided tour in Santiago de Compostela. In the afternoon we take a half day excursion to Cape Finisterre, a symbolic destination as it was historically considered the edge of the known world. Farewell dinner and overnight Santiago. Transfer approx: 3-4hrs

Meals:  B,D

Your tour concludes after breakfast. We highly recommend staying an extra night in Santiago to further explore the historic and beautiful town at your own pace - please ask for our rates. We can assist with a private transfer to the airport on request - supplement applies.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 12 breakfasts, 12 dinners (beverages and coffee included). Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of bread or toast, tea and coffee. Dinner may start with soup, rice or pasta, followed by either an egg, chicken, red meat or fish dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit, crême caramel, etc. Dinners can be at the hotel or at local restaurants and in Leon, is a light tapas meal. Please note in Spain dinners are generally served between 8pm – 9.30pm
  • 12 nights in charming hotels all on a twin share basis - specially chosen for their comfort and local flavour
  • English speaking guide throughout and local city guides in Burgos, Leon and Santiago (days 5. 6 and 12)
  • Support vehicle for luggage and transfers. (reasonable luggage allowance permitted however please note space in the vehicle is limited. Note porterage is not included - you will carry your own luggage to and from the vehicle)
  • Entrances to Burgos Cathedral, León Cathedral, San Isidoro church, Santiago Cathedral, Samos Monastery
  • Winery visit in Laguardia with tasting, Queimada (traditional Galician ritual) in Arzua
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Bilbao and from Santiago de Compostela
  • Meals not listed as included: Lunches daily, beverages other than at breakfast and dinner
  • Travel insurance
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees unless specified as included
  • Storage of luggage, porterage
  • Tips
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Charming Hotels

During the trip you will stay in a collection of hand picked accommodation ranging from charming rural posadas to modern city hotels, hotels housed in historic buildings to atmospheric inns. Location is one of the key factors, with clean mainly spacious rooms, helpful staff and a comfortable relaxed atmosphere.

Comfortable Rooms

You will stay in comfortable rooms with ensuite facilities. Generally our meals will be taken at the hotel and this is another key factor in our selection process.

Suitability

moderate

3

This is a guided walk with average daily stages of 3 to 5 hours. The km shown are the maximum each day as there are options to shorten the walking on most days by eg, staying onboard the support vehicle and being dropped off further along the trail. The trip is graded moderate as it is mainly on well defined trails, with a few off path sections only. There are many ups and downs and walking poles are definitely a good idea. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.

Departure dates


Priceper person from

£3440GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement - max 3 per departureGBP£550
*Prices listed are per person

Best of the Spanish Camino Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Best of the Spanish Camino Videos

Walking the Camino de Santiago with UTracks