Camino Frances Highlights - 15 Days - Group Guided
15 Days
Moderate
Camino Frances Highlights - 15 Days - Group Guided
from $5,895 / person
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OverviewOverview
For more than a millennium, the Camino has been regarded as one of Europe's great pilgrimage routes. Walking with a local guide adds a deeper level of insight to the journey, creating a more immersive experience shaped by local knowledge, history and culture.
Beginning in the town of St Jean Pied de Port, walkers collect their Camino passport and follow the route into Santiago de Compostela. This 14-day walk traverses a timeless landscape, passing ancient churches and medieval towns along the way. While many walk the Camino for spiritual reasons, others are drawn by the experience of meeting fellow walkers, the richness of Spanish culture and the simplicity of life on the trail.
The grand finale is the unforgettable arrival into Santiago's Plaza de Obradoiro and the ascent to the city's impressive Baroque cathedral. Walkers collect their Compostela (pilgrim's certificate) and celebrate the achievement with those who have shared the journey. An additional day in Santiago allows time to explore this historic city at a leisurely pace.
Highlights
Hike across the stunning French Pyrenees into the Basque Country
Visit the charming 16th-century town of Pamplona
Enjoy rest days in Leon (transfer only day, no walking) and Santiago
Discover ancient villages and medieval churches
Wonder at the architecture of Antoni Gaudí in Leon and Astorga
End your journey in Santiago's spectacular Plaza de Obradoiro
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Saint Jean Pied de Port
On this first day, you can view the sights after checking in to your hotel in the centre of town.
This beautiful walled city is the modern-day starting point for the full Camino Frances route. Nestled in the French Pyrenees, the Spanish border is a mere 8km away. Visit the old prison and the popular Gate of St James as you explore the area. Before leaving, take the time to explore the old medieval walls, where you can see the original city gates at either end of the Rue de la Citadelle, the town’s main cobbled street. The guide meets the group in the hotel lobby at 6:00 PM. This is when they distribute the Pilgrim Passports, conduct a welcome briefing, and answer any questions.
Accommodation
Hotel in Saint Jean Pied de Port
Day 1: Arrive Saint Jean Pied de Port
Day 1 details
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel (14 nights)
Meals
14 breakfasts, and 9 dinners
Transfers
Luggage Transfers
Private Vehicle Transfers
Guidance & Support
Itinerary & Walk Notes
24/7 on-trip support
How We Rate This Walk
3
Auswalk Walking Grade
Moderate
Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.
Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.
Throughout this tour, you will find yourself in charming, family-run hotels and guesthouses that have been welcoming Camino walkers for many years. All rooms are en-suite, and the atmosphere across the properties is shaped by guests who are all on the same journey. As this is a well-travelled route, alternative properties may occasionally be used alongside those listed. Rest assured that any alternative will always be of equivalent quality and in keeping with the standard shown.
Single Rooms
If you are travelling with others but would prefer a single room, we recommend booking as early as possible. Availability on this popular route can be very limited and a single occupancy fee applies.
What You'll Eat
You will be provided with fourteen breakfasts and nine dinners across the holiday, with a complimentary drink included with each dinner. Many properties along the way have their own restaurants serving regional food made with local ingredients, making the evening meal a natural end to a day on the trail. Lunch is best picked up along the way, with local cheeses, cured meats and a wide variety of breads readily available along the route, and finding your own at midday is very much part of the Camino experience.
Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.
More About This Trip
The walk starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and finishes in Santiago de Compostela. The closest airport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is Biarritz (BIQ), from where a train via Bayonne reaches Saint-Jean in around an hour. Madrid (MAD) is a well-connected alternative; trains from Chamartín reach Pamplona in around 3-4 hours, with a bus connection onward to Saint-Jean taking around 2 hours.
The walk ends in Santiago de Compostela, which has its own international airport (SCQ) with connections across Europe. A regular bus links the airport to the city centre and train station, from where onward rail connections are also straightforward. Book Spanish rail tickets in advance through Renfe.
Spring brings the route to life, with wildflowers, fresh green landscapes and comfortable walking temperatures. Conditions can be changeable early in the season, with cool nights and the occasional frosty morning, so layers are worth packing.
Autumn is many walkers' favourite time, with quieter trails, golden landscapes and pleasantly mild days. Throughout the season, local festivals add colour to the journey, from the jousting at Puente de Órbigo to the Rioja Wine Festival in Logroño and the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa. Waterproofs are worth carrying whatever the season.
The trails are well-trodden and easy to follow, and whilst some days reach up to 20 kilometres, the distances are comfortably manageable. You will follow an ancient pilgrim route across varied terrain, passing through open countryside, hilltop towns and villages, and urban stretches, with some sections running alongside roads. Walkers should remain mindful of traffic at all times. Good walking boots are essential.
Daily walks cover up to 20 kilometres with up to 500 metres of ascent and descent. You should be comfortable with both before setting out. An exercise regime of three to four sessions per week, in addition to regular walking, is recommended in preparation.
The route is waymarked throughout by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with fellow pilgrims on the trail.
You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.
A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.
Your luggage will be transported ahead of you each day to your awaiting hotel. Each day, your guide will assist you and let you know where to place luggage each morning. Due to baggage transfer limitations, each person may bring only 1 piece of luggage, with a maximum weight of 20kg.
Dates & Pricing
Choose Your Departure
Select a fixed group departure - places are limited
Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.
Notes
Camino Frances reviews
5.0
33 reviews
5 Star
32
4 Star
1
3 Star
0
2 Star
0
1 Star
0
Greg B
last month
I could not recommend Auswalk’s Full Camino Frances highly enough. The process of deciding on an itinerary with daily distances and rest days with the Auswalk Consultant was excellent and Auswalk delivered exactly what it promised. The level of hotel accommodation throughout the trip was fanatastic and the luggage transfer worked seamlessly every single time. The included breakfasts each morning meant I was off to a great start the minute I walked out of the hotel. The handful of taxi transfers to and from the Camino and hotel also worked perfectly. Finally, I thought the price was extremely reasonable. Absolute 10/10.
Richard G
2 months ago
The walk was great and all the routes / navigation maps were easy to use and follow.
Richard G
2 months ago
Getting to the start point in Sarria was quite easy - I flew into Madrid and caught the train to Sarria. The walk was great and all the routes / navigation maps were easy to use and follow.
Karen C
2 months ago
Loved the walking route, scenery amazing and all our accommodation was great.
The majority of our accommodation was very easy to locate; Leon did take us a little longer. We walked the Portugal Camino 2 years ago and loved the book/notes provided by Auswalk. Whilst the information provided by Auswalk for the French Camino were good the picture of accommodation and the directions provided to locate accommodation was fantastic on our Portugal walk.
Emma H
2 months ago
Walking the Camino is a life impacting experience and booking through Auswalk enables you to focus on the walk and not worry about where to stay at the end of each day.
Charles Anthony W
2 months ago
From the start everything that was planned by and for me worked perfectly.
Michael P
2 months ago
There cannot be a better way to experience the beautiful Tuscan countryside than on two feet. Every time you reach the top of a hill another picture-perfect landscape opens out in front of you. And take a pleasure to be doing it with only a small pack on your back, in the knowledge that the rest of your luggage will be waiting for you with a shower, some great food and wine and a comfortable bed, at the end of an exhilarating day
David S
2 months ago
As we embarked on our walk from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela , the thought was that our bags would not arrive at our daily destination. We should not have been concerned as the bags arrived as expected.
The accommodation at the end of each days stage was of a standard we expected and the hosts and the hosts were delightful and attentive.
Our thanks go Auswalk for the arranging an itinerary that worked perfectly.
Wendy S
3 months ago
I absolutely loved the Camino and once I worked out the routine everything ran smoothly, the bag transfers were excellent.
I would like to thank Bella, she was excellent to deal with and always very responsive to any questions or itinerary changes I had.
Sonja T
9 months ago
Everything was well organised, we had a nice bed and hot shower waiting for us every afternoon.
Amanda M
9 months ago
Brilliant trip. Can’t fault Auswalk, everything was effortless. Even a small hiccup was sorted with a call. Great accommodation, seamless transfers, great walking guide notes. Thank you.
Amanda M
9 months ago
Brilliant trip. Can’t fault Auswalk, everything was effortless on our self guided walk. Even a small hiccup was sorted with a call. Great accommodation, seamless transfers, great walking guide notes. Thank you.
Jon G
10 months ago
Auswalk did a great job in organising our walk for us. Everything went like clockwork. We loved the walk and were happy with the luggage transfers and most of the accommodation was good.
Marla C
10 months ago
When you’re already on the ground you don’t even need the trail notes/ walking routes. You just get on with the flow. You will never get lost. If you plan to do the Camino de Santiago, look no further than Auswalk. Seamless and you are in good hands.
Lisa S
10 months ago
This trip. Was perfect. We loved that we could break down the long day into 2 days. All the accommodation was right in the Camino route so there was no extra walking to get to it. The hotels were all lovely with delicious breakfasts. I would definitely recommend Auswalk and use them again.
Vera R
10 months ago
Being my first Camino (and hiking) adventure, I was absolutely thrilled with the experience. My journey from St Jean Pied de Port to Logroño was incredible — from the stunning landscapes and diverse terrain to the wonderful people I met along the way, many of whom have become lifelong friends from around the world. It was truly a life-changing experience. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful challenge and personal growth. A little training beforehand definitely helps (something I wish I’d done more of!).
Vera R
10 months ago
Being my first Camino (and hiking) adventure, I was absolutely thrilled with the experience. My journey was incredible — from the stunning landscapes and diverse terrain to the wonderful people I met along the way, many of whom have become lifelong friends from around the world. It was truly a life-changing experience. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful challenge and personal growth. A little training beforehand definitely helps (something I wish I’d done more of!).
Crystal M
11 months ago
From start to finish our booking process and walk was well organised and simple. Our consultant Bec went above and beyond with informing us of our quite extensive list of accommodation and transfers. Our luggage was moved seamless, each hotel exceeded our expectations and contact with Auswalk was easy and quick. We will definitely be using Auswalk again !
Ray A
11 months ago
One of best experiences of our lives, and made so much easier and stressless adventure.
Wendy S
last year
Auswalk continue to provide an excellent service. Is is good to use an Australian company - easy to make arrangements, managing the foreign exchange risk etc. Accommodation and luggage transfer were without fault.
Lolita V
last year
The organisation is perfect. The choice of hotels is fabulous. Facilities, food and service are highly commendable. Kudos to Ausswalk for providing the best service.
Keven R
last year
I have recently completed the Camino Walk. Having the Notes and App provided by Auswalk was a great help in both my preparation for the walk and to follow during the walk itself. The accommodation was very good and well located and the luggage delivery service worked perfectly. I had great weather and shared the walk with many other helpful and friendly people from many different countries. Great.
Sonia T
last year
In the event you are researching to do the Frances Camino from Saint Jean Pied De Port to Santiago de Compostela and aren’t certain if Auswalk would be a good fit. Trust me, they are beyond amazing! My POC was Bella, she was an absolute superstar. To give you an example. I was walking with my good friend and it was going to be my friends birthday on the trip. I requested my friend have her own room and awaiting wine and nuts upon her arrival. Not only did Bella arrange this specific touch. The gentleman at the counter, kept the surprise to himself and also came around the counter and gave my friend a big happy traditional kiss on both cheeks. This special touch would not have occurred, if not for Bella at Auswalk!
Why would I choose Auswalk? They replied to my initial enquiry within 24 hours. They answered every question. Bag transfers were seamless. All accommodation venues were excellent. The older, smaller authentic venues were my favourites, but even the big hotels were ok too. I think we just loved immersing ourselves in the true French and Spanish authentic ways. Well done Auswalk - you have our vote hands down?
Sonia T
last year
In the event you are researching to do the Frances Camino from Saint Jean Pied De Port to Santiago de Compostela and aren’t certain if Auswalk would be a good fit. Trust me, they are beyond amazing! My POC was Bella, she was an absolute superstar. To give you an example. I was walking with my good friend and it was going to be my friends birthday on the trip. I requested my friend have her own room and awaiting wine and nuts upon her arrival. Not only did Bella arrange this specific touch. The gentleman at the counter, kept the surprise to himself and also came around the counter and gave my friend a big happy traditional kiss on both cheeks. This special touch would not have occurred, if not for Bella at Auswalk!
Why would I choose Auswalk? They replied to my initial enquiry within 24 hours. They answered every question. Bag transfers were seamless. All accommodation venues were excellent. The older, smaller authentic venues were my favourites, but even the big hotels were ok too. I think we just loved immersing ourselves in the true French and Spanish authentic ways. Well done Auswalk - you have our vote hands down ?
Sonia T
last year
In the event you are researching to do the Frances Camino and aren’t certain if Auswalk would be a good fit. Trust me, they are beyond amazing! My POC was Bella, she was an absolute superstar. To give you an example. I was walking with my good friend and it was going to be my friends birthday on the trip. I requested my friend have her own room and awaiting wine and nuts upon her arrival. Not only did Bella arrange this specific touch. The gentleman at the counter, kept the surprise to himself and also came around the counter and gave my friend a big happy traditional kiss on both cheeks. This special touch would not have occurred, if not for Bella at Auswalk!
Why would I choose Auswalk? They replied to my initial enquiry within 24 hours. They answered every question. Bag transfers were seamless. All accommodation venues were excellent. The older, smaller authentic venues were my favourites, but even the big hotels were ok too. I think we just loved immersing ourselves in the true French and Spanish authentic ways. Well done Auswalk - you have our vote hands down?
Sonia T
last year
In the event you are researching to do the Frances Camino and aren’t certain if Auswalk would be a good fit. Trust me, they are beyond amazing! My POC was Bella, she was an absolute superstar. To give you an example. I was walking with my good friend and it was going to be my friends birthday on the trip. I requested my friend have her own room and awaiting wine and nuts upon her arrival. Not only did Bella arrange this specific touch. The gentleman at the counter, kept the surprise to himself and also came around the counter and gave my friend a big happy traditional kiss on both cheeks. This special touch would not have occurred, if not for Bella at Auswalk!
Why would I choose Auswalk? They replied to my initial enquiry within 24 hours. They answered every question. Bag transfers were seamless. All accommodation venues were excellent. The older, smaller authentic venues were my favourites, but even the big hotels were ok too. I think we just loved immersing ourselves in the true French and Spanish authentic ways. Well done Auswalk - you have our vote hands down ?
Anita D
last year
My friend and I recently completed the Camino from Sarria to Santiago De Compostela. Auswalk arranged accommodation, transportation and a large range of resources, maps etc. The whole process was seamless, hassle free and at a very affordable cost. We would definitely recommend Auswalk to anyone interested in the Camino.
Passenger
Anita D
last year
My friend and I recently completed the Camino walk. Auswalk arranged accommodation, transportation and a large range of resources, maps etc. The whole process was seamless, hassle free and at a very affordable cost. We would definitely recommend Auswalk to anyone interested in the Camino.
Richard G
last year
I found Auswalk to be fully supportive and helpful in arranging my Camino. Everything went well. Pickups, hotel bookings, luggage transfers- all went perfectly. I couldn’t have expected any more - it was great
Karen K
2 years ago
Well organised and a ln outstanding guide made our walk unforgettable
Jane
2 years ago
Our walking trip was fabulous from start to finish. Auswalk provided great self guided walking notes and organised all our accommodation and meals. Just fabulous with lots of luxury.
Sharee Potter
2 years ago
Highly recommend! It was a well organised tour, great accommodation and excellent communication along the way. It saves us hours of planning.
Monica Pinda
3 years ago
The Camino in Style offers the rare ability to experience four different Camino trails in one trip; from inland forests and plains to cliffs along the Cantabrian Sea, and the raw majesty of the Cantabrian mountains, “chocolate box” picturesque villages and scenery, and cities showcasing centuries of checkered history. Despite the large volume of pilgrims, locals along the trails (and in the cities) were kind and helpful. Our group members carried various physical constraints, but we were able to tailor our days and walking distances to suit. Walking shorter distances and arriving in destination towns by mid-afternoon allowed valuable time to explore. Every night location had something to offer and evening ‘wanders’ were well-rewarded
Frequently asked questions
Your main luggage is transferred between accommodations each day, so you only need to carry a daypack on the trail. Bags must be left at the hotel reception by 9am — earlier if possible to avoid delays. The maximum weight is 20kg per bag in Spain and 13kg in France. Please do not attach items such as bags, umbrellas or footwear to the outside of your luggage as the transfer service cannot be held responsible for lost items. Broken wheels and handles are also not covered by the transfer service. If you are carrying valuables in your luggage, please let the transfer service know so they can take extra care.
Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.
Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time.
We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.
Absolutely. Many people choose to complete stages of the Camino as a solo walker. There are many people walking the route, and many of the overnight stays welcome hordes of walkers, which means you can choose to walk your own journey or join in the camaraderie of walking with others.
Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.
Lugrono and Burgos are vibrant towns, which has been welcoming Camino walkers for centuries!
Both Burgos and Legrono are great plalces to add a rest day.
Coverage is generally good in towns and populated areas along the route, though more remote and mountainous stretches can be patchy. Auswalk provides GPX files that can be downloaded and viewed offline, making navigation straightforward even without reception. Always follow the Camino scallop shell waymarkers — the route is exceptionally well signed throughout.
Breakfast is included in your package each day. For lunch, dinner and personal expenses, a budget of approximately €35 to €50 per day is a reasonable guide. Pilgrim menus at local restaurants are a budget-friendly option and a genuine part of the Camino experience. Your budget should also account for snacks, drinks and any optional activities along the way.
Yes. While credit cards are widely accepted in larger towns, smaller villages, cafes and rural establishments often prefer or only accept cash. Carry a mix of both and withdraw cash in larger towns where ATMs are more readily available. The currency in both France and Spain is the Euro.
Shops, cafes and most services close during the afternoon siesta, typically from around 2pm to 5pm or later. Plan your lunch stops and any shopping around these hours to avoid being caught out.
Yes. As only breakfast is provided as part of your package, lunch and dinner are your own to arrange, giving you full flexibility along the route. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can inform your accommodation hosts. On check-in, reconfirm your requirements directly with reception. Pilgrim menus at local restaurants typically offer good variety and can usually accommodate common dietary needs.
The Camino passes through many significant religious sites, including cathedrals in Pamplona, León and Santiago de Compostela. Dress respectfully when visiting. Covering shoulders and knees is customary at most churches and cathedrals along the route.
Key items include comfortable and well broken-in hiking shoes or boots, a lightweight waterproof jacket, a hat, sunscreen and a 25 to 30 litre daypack. Walking poles are useful in the earlier mountainous stages but less necessary on the flatter terrain closer to Santiago. A basic first aid kit, including blister treatment, is strongly recommended. A full packing list will be provided after your booking is confirmed.
The Camino is a deeply personal journey and there is no single right way to walk it. Whether you take a taxi on a tough day, stay in a private hotel or simply walk at your own pace, what matters most is what you bring to the journey. Auswalk is here to make your Camino as comfortable and memorable as possible, however you choose to walk it.
Want to Know More?
The Camino Frances Experience
Wonder
Cross the Pyrenees from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles on the Napoleonic route
Admire León’s cathedral, Gaudí’s Casa Botines and Astorga’s Episcopal Palace
Auswalk into Plaza de Obradoiro and Santiago’s majestic cathedral for your Compostela
Wellness
Camaraderie on the Camino - Strangers become family, silence becomes prayer, every step a pilgrimage of the soul.
Spend two nights in Santiago rest your tired legs and soak up the pilgrim atmosphere
Unwind in Santo Domingo’s former pilgrim hospital, now a luxury Parador
Nature
Panoramic valleys from Alto del Perdon and oak-beech woods beyond Roncesvalles
Heather, oak and far-reaching views on the climb to Cruz Ferro
Galicia’s green hills, eucalyptus woods and O Cebreiro’s stone houses
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