Others

Services stated as included

Guide

Qualified and Experienced

Meals

29 Dinners w/ accommodation (meals not included 1st night in Saint Jean, Days Off and Last Day)

Accommodation

Traditional Albergue (Hostels, 34 nights), upgrade is available for an additional cost (Pensions, small hotels)

Transport

Transport: Daily Bag Transfer and Emergency (if required), Trek is by foot only with backpack

Not included:

Others

Buses or Taxis. Accommodation before or after the trip. Lunch. Alcohol. Face masks and hand sanitiser.

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included; Travel Insurance is compulsory.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Camino Stage #1 - Trekking (Pyrenees) - Roncesvalles, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #1 - Trekking (Pyrenees) - Roncesvalles, Spain

St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles

Day 1 on the Camino Frances is approximately 25km and will take 7 to 9 hours depending on your fitness level. It is the most challenging day of the Camino (Frances).

Saint Jean Pied de Port is a beautiful, bustling French market town in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The Pyrenees is a mountain range that creates a natural border between France and Spain. This is the traditional starting point for the Camino Frances (for all non-Spaniards who traditionally start at Roncesvalles).

Although the walk up the Pyrenees is difficult, it is immensely rewarding. The peace and silence are a precursor of the times ahead on the Meseta. The views are stunning, it is worth getting up early, as the views in the morning sun are spectacular as you look down on the clouds floating below in the valleys.

In the first Pilgrim’s Guide, written by the French monk Aymeric Picaud in about 1130, he refers to Saint Jean Pied de Port as a place where evil tax collectors with clubs attack Pilgrims intending to collect extortionate taxes. This a stark warning that a pilgrimage was not easy 900 years ago especially compared to our easy comforts today.

Napoleon Route

This route is the traditional way when safe to do so (weather conditions); your body is probably not accustomed to walking all day carrying a backpack; if you have packed more than 10% of your body weight, you will feel it. If required, we can forward your pack/luggage via courier, included in your package. The route from Saint Jean is steep up quiet tarmac country lanes climbing from 200m above sea level to just above 1,400m, then descending steeply back down again into Roncesvalles at 900m, which can be hard going on your hips, knees and shins; however, we will show you how to minimize the pain ensuring your experience is enjoyable.

Valcarlos Route

FYI - the Napoleon Route can be treacherous during the winter or even spring due to snow and other hazardous weather conditions at these times, it is recommended that pilgrims use the Valcarlos Route. The Valcarlos Route is suitable for all cyclists, whereas the Napoleon is only suitable for mountain bikes, and even then, it is difficult.

Distance: 25km

Elevation Gain: 1200m

Estimated Moving Time: 7h
Day 2 Camino Stage #2 - Zubiri, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #2 - Zubiri, Spain

Day 2 on the Camino Frances is approximately 24.8km and will take 6 hours; the second part of the Camino Frances (or the first part for many Spanish pilgrims) takes us from the village of Roncesvalles to the village of Larrasoaña. Before departing for your journey, we will visit the Chapel of St James or the Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Mary in Roncesvalles.

On this day we will cross two mountain passes: Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro before descending to the village of Zubiri and from there walking four more kilometres to Larrasoaña.

Traditionally pilgrims opt to stop in the village of Zubiri due to the tiring first day, starting the next day from there early getting into Pamplona in the afternoon for Tapas and wine.

Distance: 44.65km

Elevation Gain: 748m

Estimated Moving Time: 11h
Day 3 Camino Stage #3 - (Good Friday) Pamplona, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #3 - (Good Friday) Pamplona, Spain

Zubiri to Pamplona

Day 3 on the Camino Frances is approximately 19.1km and will take 4 hours (lots of time to explore Pamplona).

The mildness of yesterday’s stage and the peacefulness of Zubiri and the Arga River will have helped us to regain our strength for today’s stage on the Camino de Santiago.

The main element of today’s stage are the bridges. We will start the day by crossing the “Rabies” bridge and will finish by crossing the La Magdalena bridge, at the entrance to Pamplona.

Today’s stage will offer us a shorter route with gentle hills. This allows us to save our energy and enjoy the first city on the French Way, Pamplona, where we’ll find numerous cultural attractions and exquisite food:

Good Friday Parade

Tapas & Wine

Historical

Cathedral (must see)

Along the way, we will have the option to follow the original Jacobean route, which runs a bit further away from the Arga River, or we can follow a pleasant walkway to Pamplona along the riverbank (rocky path however lovely).
Day 4 Camino Stage #4 - Puente La Reina, Navarra, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #4 - Puente La Reina, Navarra, Spain

Pamplona to Puente La Reina

Day 4 on the Camino Frances is approximately 25.5km and will take 6 hours.

The route from Pamplona is a mixture of countryside and busy roads, and one of the best views that you are ever likely to have of Pamplona. Leaving Pamplona, the route is well-marked out of the city and takes you across some local parks before heading into a small valley. The first and easiest climb of today brings you to Cizur Menor a small village and suburb of Pamplona.

The 12th Century Church of San Miguel has a fortified tower that was part of the Monastery de Pamplona to Puente la Reina Maplas Hospitalarios de San Juan de Jerusalem. The church was restored during the late 20th century after being used for farm storage for more than 100 years.

The climb up the Alto del Perdon leaves the Atlantic Basin behind and the scenery changes after the descent to mostly crop fields. At the top, there are various statues of pilgrims from the past. Often there is also an Englishman who spends his summers helping pilgrims. He has been there twice as I pass. He sells cans of soft drinks and gives away tea; he also has some basic medical supplies to help pilgrims suffering from blisters.

The route from the top is dangerous underfoot. The descent is steep, and uneven, and composed of loose gravel and stones. Take it easy; walkers often hurt themselves on downhills like this more than anywhere else on the Camino.

The rest is the day is fairly easy and gently downhill through Uterga and Muruzabal, both small towns, though they both have bars.

Distance: 25.51km

Elevation Gain: 476m

Estimated Moving Time: 5.5h
Day 5 Camino Stage #5 - Estella, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #5 - Estella, Spain

Puente La Reina to Estella

Day 5 on the Camino Frances is approximately 25.1km and will take 5.5 hours.

Today’s stage on the Camino de Santiago is much easier than yesterday’s. The pilgrimage route follows a path with gentle ups and downs, with a total elevation gain of under 100 metres.

Throughout today’s journey on the French Way, we will leave behind the grain crops to slowly enter a land of vineyards that announces our arrival to the La Rioja region.

Today’s route doesn’t present the pilgrim with any major difficulties, however, at the end of the day we will be rewarded with a saltwater spring that has healing properties, for those who have begun to feel the effect of all those kilometres.

Estella (the beer) is a beautiful place with markets and a river running through the village that enhances the singing, dancing, wine and tapas.

Distance: 25.18km

Elevation Gain: 470m

Estimated Moving Time: 5.5h
Day 6 Camino Stage #6 - Torres Del Rio, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #6 - Torres Del Rio, Spain

Estella to Torres Del Rio

Day 6 on the Camino Frances is approximately 30.2km and will take 7 hours.

For most of this stage of the Camino Frances, you will pass through vineyards and farmland. Along your route, you will pass through the village of Azqueta and then Villamayor de Monjardin.

Attention! From this village on, you will not find any other village for almost three hours so make sure to stock up on water and essentials before departing Villamayor de Monjardin!

The village of Torres del Río is between a hilltop and a deep basin. Despite being a small town, it is one of the most interesting villages on the Way because of its Church of the Holy Sepulchre. An architectural jewel of 12th-century Romanesque architecture linked to the Pilgrim’s Way since its origins.

Its octagonal floor plan is reminiscent of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It also has a unique star-shaped vault inspired by the Caliphate. Originally, it was a beacon on the Way, the light emitted by the lantern that crowns the temple served as a guide for pilgrims.

Distance: 30.25km

Elevation Gain: 550m

Estimated Moving Time: 6.5h
Day 7 Camino Stage #7 - Logrono, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #7 - Logrono, Spain

Torres del Río to Logroño

Day 7 on the Camino Frances is approximately 21.7km and will take 5.5 hours.

We leave Torres del Río at its highest point and take a path crossing the road and ascending, the hermitage of the Virgen del Poyo comes into view. A sanctuary built in ashlar stone dating from the 16th century, but which has been renovated on several occasions. Leaving the hermitage behind, we pilgrims return to the road and take a path towards Bargota. Continuing along the road, we reach a track that descends comfortably down the Cornava ravine. There is a difference in height of 125 metres due to water erosion, so you must be careful. Some sections come out onto the road; we will continue the way along the hard shoulder. After one kilometre, we reach Viana, the last village on the Pilgrim’s Way in Navarre.

This part of the French road begins in Torres del Río, passes through Viana and ends in Logroño in front of the Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda. In the 10th century, the Camino de Santiago crosses the Ebro River over a bridge that gives rise to a town that would eventually become the city of Logroño.

Logroño is our first RNR (rest and relaxation) of three key rest days.

Distance: 21.76km

Elevation Gain: 378m

Estimated Moving Time: 4.5h
Day 8 Camino Stage #Rnr (Rest And Relaxation) - Day Off
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #Rnr (Rest And Relaxation) - Day Off

Day 8, a day of rest :)

Logroño ’Points of Interest’

Sta. Mª de La Redonda Procathedral

Santa María de Palacio Church

Puente de Piedra bridge

La Rioja Museum

Santiago el Real Church

Church of San Bartolomé (Logroño)

Los Peregrinos Fountain

Paseo del Espolón (Logroño)
Day 9 Camino Stage #8 - Najera, La Rioja, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #8 - Najera, La Rioja, Spain

Logroño to Najera

Day 9 on the Camino Frances is approximately 30.1km and will take 7 hours.

Passing through the natural environment surrounding the La Granjera dam, we leave Logroño to face a long stage of 30 kilometres that runs between vineyards and fruit trees. During the day, we will pass through Navarrete, a town with a long-standing pottery tradition, and we will get to enjoy the magnificent views that the San Antón peak offers us.

Distance: 30.15km

Elevation Gain: 427m

Estimated Moving Time: 6h
Day 10 Camino Stage #9 - Santo Domingo De La Calzada, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #9 - Santo Domingo De La Calzada, Spain

Najera to Santo Domingo

Day 10 on the Camino Frances is approximately 21.8km and will take 5 hours.

The route between Nájera and Santo Domingo de la Calzada is the ninth stage for us pilgrims that started the Way of Saint James in Saint Jean Pied de Port. It is a twenty-one-kilometre route that passes through vineyards and large fields of cereal. This stage ends in one of the most important towns in the Jacobean tradition.

Distance: 21.86km

Elevation Gain: 384m

Estimated Moving Time: 4.5h
Day 11 Camino Stage #10 - Belorado, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #10 - Belorado, Spain

Santo Domingo to Belorado

Day 11 on the Camino Frances is approximately 23.5km and will take 5 hours.

We leave Santa Domingo by the Puente del Santo bridge over the Rio Oja and pass the 16th century Iglesia de San Juan Bautista and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Calle before arriving at Belorado, a town which can be traced back to Roman times.

Distance: 23.53km

Elevation Gain: 365m

Estimated Moving Time: 5h
Day 12 Camino Stage #11 - Burgos, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #11 - Burgos, Spain

Belorado to Burgos

Day 12 on the Camino Frances is approximately 24.5km and will take 5.5 hours.

One of the most interesting stops during this section of the Camino Frances is undoubtedly the city of Belorado and its old town centre. This section ends in the beautiful city of Burgos, the birthplace of “ El Cid ”. Burgos is known for being the Gothic capital of Spain.

Burgos is our second RNR (rest and relaxation) of three key rest days.

Burgos is our second RNR (rest and relaxation) of three key rest days.

Distance: 24.49km

Elevation Gain: 489m

Estimated Moving Time: 5.5h
Day 13 Camino Stage #Rnr (Rest And Relaxation) - Day Off
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #Rnr (Rest And Relaxation) - Day Off

Day 13, a day of rest :)

Burgos ’Points of Interest’

1. Catedral De Burgos

2. Historic Center of Burgos

3. Plaza Mayor

4. Plaza del Mio Cid

5. Museo de Burgos

6. Eremitorio de Presillas de Bricia

7. Puente De San Pablo

8. Hospital del Rey

Burgos is a city in Spain located in the autonomous community of Castile and León. It is the capital and most populated municipality of the province of Burgos. Burgos is situated in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, on the confluence of the Arlanzón river tributaries, at the edge of the central plateau. The municipality has a population of about 180,000 inhabitants. The Camino de Santiago runs through Burgos.
Day 14 Camino Stage #12 - Hontanas, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #12 - Hontanas, Spain

Burgos to Hontanas

Day 14 on the Camino Frances is approximately 27.2km and will take 6 hours.

Before leaving Burgos, don’t forget that the next big city, Leon is six days away, thus if you need to buy walking gear or some rare items, be sure to do it now as the options for shopping will be quite limited during the next days.

Getting out of Burgos is easy and the way is well marked. The first place you reach is Villalbilla de Burgos, a suburb town where not much can be seen. Next is Tandajos, where we can find a café and shop. The church here dates back to the 13th century.

The village of Rabe de las Calzadas is 30 minutes from here and two hours away is Hornillos del Camino. This small village has only 66 inhabitants but there is a bar where you can drink and refill your bottle; from Hornillos del Camino we walk almost three more hours to reach Hontanas.

Distance: 27.28km

Elevation Gain: 165m

Estimated Moving Time: 5.5h
Day 15 Camino Stage #13 - Boadilla Del Camino, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #13 - Boadilla Del Camino, Spain

Hontanas to Boadilla del Camino

Day 15 on the Camino Frances is approximately 32.1km and will take 7 hours.

The absence of trees during this stretch makes us pilgrims more vulnerable to weather conditions, something we need to take into account. We depart from Hontanas towards the ruins of the hospital of San Antón, founded in the 12th century. The Antonianos were a monastic order tending to ailing or injured pilgrims.

Distance: 32.16km

Elevation Gain: 294m

Estimated Moving Time: 6.5h
Day 16 Camino Stage #14 - Carron De Los Condes, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #14 - Carron De Los Condes, Spain

Boadilla del Camino to Carron de los Condes

Day 16 on the Camino Frances is approximately 29.8km and will take 7 hours.

This day should run effortlessly across the flatland and through small Castilian villages. The first stop us pilgrims find after leaving Boadilla del Camino is the Canal de Castilla, an old waterway in which cereal was once transported in barges towards the Bay of Biscay and is used today for irrigation. Following the Canal we reach Frómista, almost 6 kilometres into today’s walk, with its Romanesque church of San Martín.

Distance: 29.82km

Elevation Gain: 262m

Estimated Moving Time: 6h
Day 17 Camino Stage #15 - Terradillos De Los Templarios, Castilla Y Leon, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #15 - Terradillos De Los Templarios, Castilla Y Leon, Spain

Carrion de los Condes to Terradillos de Templarios

Day 17 on the Camino Frances is approximately 26.9km and will take 6 hours.

In this stage, we face endless straight stretches without shade or shelter, beginning with a brief visit to Carrión (405.3 kilometres to Santiago). Crossing the streets of San Antonio, where we will find the church of Santiago with its famous frieze sculptures, an example of Romanesque splendour.

Distance: 29.96km

Elevation Gain: 114m

Estimated Moving Time: 5.5h
Day 18 Camino Stage #16 - Puente Villarente, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #16 - Puente Villarente, Spain

Terradillos de los Templarios to Puente Villarente

Day 18 on the Camino Frances is approximately 27km and will take 6 hours.

Puente Villarente is most notable for its medieval bridge of 17 arches.

The bridge, which already impressed Aymeric who calls it ‘huge’ in the twelfth century and the functional disposition of the hospital in which it was established that there would be an ass on the verge of, was recognized as the first ambulance to pilgrims, ready to carry the sicks to Leon stand out in this town.

Moreover, in this village, you can find the Parish Church of San Pelayo.

Distance: 26.94km

Elevation Gain: 124m

Estimated Moving Time: 5h
Day 19 Camino Stage #17 - Mansilla De Las Mulas, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #17 - Mansilla De Las Mulas, Spain

Puente Villarente to Mansilla de las Mulas

Day 19 on the Camino Frances is approximately 23.5km and will take 5 hours.

We pass through Sahagún (midway or halfway point is a town and municipality of Spain, part of the autonomous community of Castile and León and the province of León. It is the main populated place in the Leonese part of the Tierra de Campos natural region. Sahagún contains some of the earliest examples of the mudéjar architecture.

Compostella halfway Certificate.

There is a nice place for a swim in the river in the northwest corner of Mansilla (if warm enough, otherwise cooling our feet is a must). We cross over the small pedestrian bridge towards the camping place (not the road bridge that the Camino crosses) located in the northwest corner of town. Getting there will take us through several of Mansilla’s small plazas.

The walled enclave, founded in 1181 by King Ferdinand II is strongly linked to the Camino and lived in an age of splendor, as is reflected in its architectural activity that led to it having seven churches, a house for pilgrims, three hospitals and two monasteries.
Day 20 Camino Stage #18 - Leon, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #18 - Leon, Spain

Mansilla de las Mulas to Leon

Day 20 on the Camino Frances is approximately 28.5km and will take 5.5 hours.

Today’s walk leads us out of Mansilla by way of a medieval bridge over the River Elsa and then leads onto a dirt track that once again runs alongside the N120 (road).

The walking today is easy with only one small rise and fall between Arcahueja and Leon.

As the day passes it will become obvious that we are closing on another major city, the last major city until Santiago, though Ponferrada is a very large town which you will pass through within the next few days.

The two Camino routes enter the town at different points, the Camino Real, (Road Route), enters via the south gate, Puerta de Santiago, which has lost its arch; the Roman Road route enters via the east gate, Arco de los Concepcion, which is the only town entrance with an intact arch.

Much of the original town walls, (built by Fernando II of Leon in the 12th century) are intact and at some point, we can walk along them for great views (photos).

Distance: 28.57km

Elevation Gain: 116m

Estimated Moving Time: 5h
Day 21 Camino Stage #Rnr (Rest And Relaxation) - Day Off
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #Rnr (Rest And Relaxation) - Day Off

Day 21, a day of rest :)

Leon ’Points of Interest’

Steeped in history, León has the monuments to prove its rich heritage. Besides a brief stint under the Moorish rule of Al-Mansur in the 10th century, León’s heyday was in the 10th to 12th centuries when it was capital of the Kingdom of León. During this medieval period, León was an important stop for pilgrims on the Way of Saint James route to Santiago de Compostela.

The old monastery that lodged pilgrims over the centuries is now a luxury hotel and is an important landmark of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Other remarkable buildings include the 11th-century Collegiate Church of Saint Isidore and the city’s magnificent Gothic cathedral with its spectacular stained-glass windows.

León’s renowned gastronomy is part of its rich cultural heritage. Tourists enjoy sampling regional culinary specialties at the city’s authentic eateries. Hidden within a maze of narrow cobblestone streets are lively little tapas restaurants that serve delicacies such as cured meats and croquettes.
Day 22 Camino Stage #19 - Villar De Mazarife, Castilla Y Leon, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #19 - Villar De Mazarife, Castilla Y Leon, Spain

Leon to Villar De Mazarife

Day 22 on the Camino Frances is approximately 14km and will take 2.5 hours.

It is fairly easy to lose the Camino leaving Leon, most of the waymarks are on the ground so care has to be taken not to miss any. Fortunately, the locals are great with pilgrims and will stop you and point you in the right direction if they see you walking in the wrong direction.

We will follow the discreet shells out of Leon, past the flawless cathedral and out of the city via San Marcos. There are two routes for today. Our route follows a nicer, quieter route to Villar de Mazarife (our direction), whereas the main route runs parallel to the busy N-120 for most of today.

The way out of Leon is fairly uninspiring through rubbish dumps and industrial areas, but not as long and tough as the route into Burgos.

Distance: 13.67km

Elevation Gain: 143m

Estimated Moving Time: 2.5h
Day 23 Camino Stage #20 - Astorga, Leon, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #20 - Astorga, Leon, Spain

Villar De Mazarife to Astorga

Day 23 on the Camino Frances is approximately 24km and will take 4.5 hours.

We pass through Hospital de Orbigo and a gothic bridge over the river Orbigo. This bridge is the site of a legendary medieval jousting competition. Don Suero de Quinones was a wealthy knight from León who was rejected by the woman he loved. As a result of his heartbreak, he had an iron collar secured around his neck and swore he would not remove it until he had bested 300 knights in jousts. The call went out and knights from all over the kingdom came for the Holy year 1434. Quinones succeeded in his quest freeing him from the torment of love. He took off the collar and made a pilgrimage to Santiago where he left a bejewelled bracelet which can still be seen in the cathedral museum.

Easy walk into the beautiful city of Astorga (one of my favourites): Lovely Plaza, Music, Food and Dancing, Historic Cathedral (a must)

Distance: 24km

Elevation Gain: 205m

Estimated Moving Time: 4.5h
Day 24 Camino Stage #21 - Foncebadon, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #21 - Foncebadon, Spain

Astorga to Foncebadon

Day 24 on the Camino Frances is approximately 27km and will take 6 hours.

The heavily trafficked point-to-point trail features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is accessible year-round; therefore, we will come across many Pilgrims’ walking, riding etc.

Distance: 31.86km

Elevation Gain: 236m

Estimated Moving Time: 6.5h
Day 25 Camino Stage #22 - Ponferrada, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #22 - Ponferrada, Spain

Foncebadon to Ponferrada

Day 25 on the Camino Frances is approximately 29.6km and will take 6.5 hours.

The route leaves Foncebadón and follows closely along the LE-142 motorway until the famous Cruz de Fierro or Cruz de Hierro, which indicates the 1,500m elevation at this point of the Camino, the highest on the Spanish side of the French Way. This is also the place where the chapel devoted to Santiago Apóstol can be found.

We will stop at Campo, with its Roman fountain and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encina.

The capital of El Bierzo is the last city on the French Way before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Ponferrada can boast of its fantastic Templar Castle, erected in the 11th century and preserved throughout the ages. We, Pilgrims, can also visit the Calle del Reloj with its tower, and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento with the Town Hall at a discounted rate.

Distance: 26.89km

Elevation Gain: 601m

Estimated Moving Time: 5.5h
Day 26 Camino Stage #23 - Villafranca Del Bierzo, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #23 - Villafranca Del Bierzo, Spain

Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo

Day 26 on the Camino Frances is approximately 25.8km and will take 5.5 hours.

Heading to Villafranca del Bierzo, a gorgeous mountain town surrounded by idyllic countryside. The St. James church in Villafranca del Bierzo is the only other church on the Camino de Santiago where pilgrims can receive a plenary indulgence.

Distance: 29.58km

Elevation Gain: 319m

Estimated Moving Time: 6h
Day 27 Camino Stage #24 - O Cebreiro, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #24 - O Cebreiro, Spain

Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro

Day 27 on the Camino Frances is approximately 29.5km and will take 6.5 hours.

Considered the second hardest climb gaining over 900m elevation throughout the day; however, Galicia awaits :)

The portion between Villafranca del Bierzo and O Cebreiro is more difficult, firstly because it spans over 29 kilometres and secondly because the last part of the journey consists of a 600 metres ascent.

Before leaving Villafranca del Bierzo we will ensure to stock up on supplies, depending on the route we take, we might not find another settlement for the next three hours.

There are two possible routes we can take in the first part of the day. The first one follows the main road and passes through Pereje before reaching Trabadelo and the second one is a more difficult, albeit a more scenic route where you climb and descend. We will be taking the scenic route :)

Distance: 25.76km

Elevation Gain: 309m

Estimated Moving Time: 5h
Day 28 Camino Stage #25 - Samos, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #25 - Samos, Spain

O Cebreiro to Samos

Day 28 on the Camino Frances is approximately 32km and will take 7 hours.

The visit to O Cebreiro and its surroundings can take a whole morning. It also has several natural attractions nearby. The closest is the Sierra de O Courel, without forgetting the natural monument folding Campodola; and the important monastery of Samos.

Distance: 29.52km

Elevation Gain: 903m

Estimated Moving Time: 6h
Day 29 Camino Stage #26 - Ferreiros, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #26 - Ferreiros, Spain

Samos to Ferreiros (via Sarria 700km point)

Day 29 on the Camino Frances is approximately 29.4km and will take 6 hours.

This a beautiful trail. Chestnut trees everywhere, fieldstone rock fences along the trail and in the fields with most covered in moss.

We will pass through Sarria today which is a popular starting point for people wanting to do the last 100 km of the Camino. It is apparently a good thing in Spain to have a Compostella listed on your resume, and you can receive one for walking the last 100km (2-3 days); three are available; first is the halfway point (Sahagun), second is the 100km (basic) or the third which is the original and full distance Camino (Frances) 779.5km. The additional cost however lists out the distance of 779.5km with a cost of approximately $2.

It is fact that for pilgrims (us) that have walked longer, this is a bit of a culture shock as the new peregrinos are not yet " in the groove". New backpacks, clean shoes, smell good and well dressed and not remotely tired or complaining of sore feet etc.

Distance: 32.08km

Elevation Gain: 447m

Estimated Moving Time: 6h
Day 30 Camino Stage #27 - Palas Del Rey, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #27 - Palas Del Rey, Spain

Ferreiros to Palas Del Rey

Day 30 on the Camino Frances is approximately 34.9km and will take 7.5 hours.

A long day as we march forward with the goal in sight elevation increases to 651m.

Palas de Rey is a small, but a pretty little town with its main Palas de Rey strip being on a road that arcs its way down and around an incline.

As a town to live in (or near to), Palas de Rey has all of the local facilities required for modern living with a number of shops and enough bars and cafes for some casual social activity and people-watching.

Distance: 29.43km

Elevation Gain: 593m

Estimated Moving Time: 6h
Day 31 Camino Stage #28 - Arzua, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #28 - Arzua, Spain

Palas Del Rey to Arzua

Day 31 on the Camino Frances is approximately 30.1km and will take 6.5 hours.

The landscape is flat and allows a smooth hike initially passing through medieval villages, local chapels and cross-arched stone bridges.

Today is an easy day, apart from the length of the route, it is easy underfoot and there are no long steep ascents or descents. The Spanish call this section the “leg breaker” not due to the surface, but due to the length.

Much of the day is shaded and shortly after Melide, where the Camino Primitivo joins the Frances, you will walk through Oak and Eucalyptus Forest (Australians will think they’re at home) with the wonderful smell. Melide is where the Camino Primitivo joins with the Camino Frances.

Arzua is the last large town you will pass through before Santiago, (pop circa 7,000). Historically there is little to see apart from the local parish Church of St James and the ruins of the Convent of La Magdalena. The church, rebuilt in 1955, has two statues of Santiago one as a pilgrim and the other as the Moorslayer.

Distance: 34.95km

Elevation Gain: 651m

Estimated Moving Time: 7h
Day 32 Camino Stage #29 - San Marcos, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #29 - San Marcos, Spain

Arzua to San Marcos

Day 32 on the Camino Frances is approximately 35.7km and will take 6 hours.

The first part of this day you will pass through several hamlets. The first notable stop might be in Santa Irene, where a small 18th-century chapel is located.

After passing Arca do Pino and Amenal, the Camino continues to Labacolla where the parish church of Sabugueira dedicated to San Pelayo is found.

Monte del Gozo (Mount of Joy) is the summit from where pilgrims can first have a glance at the Santiago cathedral.

Distance: 30.15km

Elevation Gain: 566m

Estimated Moving Time: 6.5h
Day 33 Camino Stage #30 - Santiago De Compostela, Spain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Camino Stage #30 - Santiago De Compostela, Spain

San Marcos to Santiago de Compostela

Day 33 on the Camino Frances is approximately 5.4km and will take 1 hour (Sunrise).

An early start as the sunrises over Santiago de Compostela. From here there is only a small walk downhill and we have reached your final destination, the Santiago cathedral, the reliquary of the body of the Apostle Saint James.

Last Stamp, Compostela :)

Please note!

It is possible to reduce the trip time by (one-day) not stopping just short of Santiago de Compostela and pushing on from Azura.

Reducing the RNR days by one or two days.

This multi-day tour can be achieved within a flat 30 days; however, rest and recovery are important as this Camino (Frances) is challenging.

+30

33 days tour

Camino De Santiago (Francés) Guided *Trek*

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Itinerary of your trip Camino De Santiago (Francés) Guided *Trek*

Camino Stage #1 - Trekking (Pyrenees) - Roncesvalles, Spain

Camino Stage #2 - Zubiri, Spain

Camino Stage #3 - (Good Friday) Pamplona, Spain

Camino Stage #4 - Puente La Reina, Navarra, Spain

Camino Stage #5 - Estella, Spain

Camino Stage #6 - Torres Del Rio, Spain

Camino Stage #7 - Logrono, Spain

Camino Stage #Rnr (Rest And Relaxation) - Day Off

Camino Stage #8 - Najera, La Rioja, Spain

Camino Stage #9 - Santo Domingo De La Calzada, Spain

Camino Stage #10 - Belorado, Spain

Camino Stage #11 - Burgos, Spain

Camino Stage #Rnr (Rest And Relaxation) - Day Off

Camino Stage #12 - Hontanas, Spain

Camino Stage #13 - Boadilla Del Camino, Spain

Camino Stage #14 - Carron De Los Condes, Spain

Camino Stage #15 - Terradillos De Los Templarios, Castilla Y Leon, Spain

Camino Stage #16 - Puente Villarente, Spain

Camino Stage #17 - Mansilla De Las Mulas, Spain

Camino Stage #18 - Leon, Spain

Camino Stage #Rnr (Rest And Relaxation) - Day Off

Camino Stage #19 - Villar De Mazarife, Castilla Y Leon, Spain

Camino Stage #20 - Astorga, Leon, Spain

Camino Stage #21 - Foncebadon, Spain

Camino Stage #22 - Ponferrada, Spain

Camino Stage #23 - Villafranca Del Bierzo, Spain

Camino Stage #24 - O Cebreiro, Spain

Camino Stage #25 - Samos, Spain

Camino Stage #26 - Ferreiros, Spain

Camino Stage #27 - Palas Del Rey, Spain

Camino Stage #28 - Arzua, Spain

Camino Stage #29 - San Marcos, Spain

Camino Stage #30 - Santiago De Compostela, Spain

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Camino De Santiago (Francés) Guided Trek

Itinerary of your trip Camino De Santiago (Francés) Guided Trek