Camino Frances: Guided Highlights 15 Days

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. Later, collect your pilgrim’s passport before your first day of walking tomorrow.

Accommodation: Hotel Central Saint- Jean-de-port

Begin your Camino walk, following in the footsteps of thousands before you. Departing Saint Jean on foot, head over the old bridge and under the statue of St James, patron saint of Spain. Here, a challenging trail begins to climb to the Roncesvalles Pass (1450m), as you follow the old Napoleonic military route. Guided by the scallop shell way markers, cross the border into Spanish Basque country, which is truly unique. Unlike the rest of Spain, the region has its own culinary traditions and a very unique language.

Walk: 25km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: La Posada de Roncesvalles

Today takes you through amazing mountains, woods and meadows as your feet become more accustomed to the rhythms of the Camino. Depart Roncesvalles along a trail lined with oak and beech trees to arrive in the scenic village of Auritz / Burgette. Enjoy the views here against the majestic backdrop of the Pyrenees.Continue onwards through the village of Aurizberri / Espinal which is a great place to pick up some provisions before heading over the Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro mountain passes. After a steep descent, arrive in the village of Zubiri and its medieval bridge, the Puente de la Rabia (Bridge of Rabies). In olden times, people believed that animals would be cured of rabies if they crossed the bridge three times! The day ends in the village of Zubiri .

Walk: 22km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hosteria de Zubiri

Today you head to the lively town of Pamplona, famed for its Running of the Bulls festival. The River Arga guides the way past hills covered in a variety of different trees. As you get closer to Pamplona, the rural landscape slowly disappears, passing some smaller towns along the way. Pamplona is a sight to behold and one of the jewels of the Camino Frances. Check out the cathedral, the Citadel of Pamplona, the Museum of Navarra and other famous sights. Weave your way through a maze of medieval lanes, exquisite architecture and lively bars as you arrive at the 16th-century old town. One of the most popular bars to visit, Café Iruna was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, who spent many years in Pamplona and set his modernist novel ‘The Sun Also Rises’ in the city.

Walk: 20km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tres Reyes

Today after breakfast we transfer by private bus to the city of Leon which will take about 4hrs. Once we have arrived in Leon and checked into accommodation you will have the whole afternoon and evening to explore this ancient city which was the capital of the Leon kingdom in the Middle Ages. Some interesting places to visit are the old Convento de San Marcos and The Cathedral of Leon – Pulchra Leonina, often called the Sistine Chapel of Spanish architecture. From the vantage point of Portillo Hill, you will enjoy excellent views across to Leon. The city boasts an outstanding array of restaurants to sample as you explore.

Walk:
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Silken Luis de León or of a similar standard in León

A short transfer (45mins) in the morning brings us to the medieval town of Hospital de Orbigo crossing the 200m-long arched bridge of Paso Honroso (“Honourable Crossing”) which dates from the 12th Century. In June each year, the town hosts a colourful festival to commemorate the medieval knight, Don Suero, who famously challenged all comers to joust with him on the Paso Honroso as a display of his affection for his true love. The Camino continues through the small hamlets before a short climb to the larger hilltop town of Astorga, your destination for today. Founded by the Romans in 14BC, the remains of some of the original Roman walls and ruins of Roman villas with beautiful mosaic floors can still be seen. You can also visit Gaudi’s impressive Episcopal Palace, the Astorga Cathedral, and if you have time, the chocolate museum which recreates the ambiance of a chocolate shop in the late 1800s.

Walk: 17km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Gaudí Astorga or of a similar standard in Astorga

Leaving Astorga we take a short transfer to Foncebadon (45min) where we start our walk today. The route climbs towards the high point of Cruz Ferro (iron cross). At just 1500m, take a moment to enjoy the far-reaching views across the Camino. There are many theories as to the origins of the cross, but it is believed to have been erected in the 11th century. Traditionally, pilgrims will leave a small rock with a message on it for loved ones who they have bought from home. From the cross, the route descends into the delightful village of Molinaseca. At Molinaseca we then transfer to Sarria (1.5-2hr approx) for the evening. Sarria is where the vast majority of pilgrims begin their Camino. From here it is just over 100km to Santiago de Compostela.

Walk: 20km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Alfonso IX

Begin the day by walking through a woodland of ancient oak, birch and chestnut forests. Marked by the famous scallop shell waymarks of this world-renowned route, stroll alongside fellow pilgrims as the trail undulates across grazing pastures and farm tracks, passing through tiny hamlets where you see many traditional barns. Descend into Portomarin via the bridge across the Mino Reservoir, the former site of Portomarin town. In the 1960s Portomarin was moved brick by brick to higher ground, including the imposing structures of the San Nicolas and San Pedro churches.

Walk: 23km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Pousada de Portomarin or of a similar standard in Portomarin

The day begins with a steady climb through pine forests, corn fields and across meadows. Today’s high point is Sierra Ligonde (720m). Here you can make a small detour to the 14th-century Romanesque church of El Salvador at Vilar de Donas, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago. The last gentle climb of the day passes through age-old villages before descending into the town of Palas de Rei (Palace of the Kings), where you will spend the night.

Walk: 25km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Pulperia Pension Casa Camino I or of a similar standard in Palas de Rei

Today follows secluded trails through woodlands and into a region dotted with medieval castles, churches and ancient settlements. After leaving Palas de Rei you will soon reach the classic Camino village of San Xulian with its tiny 12th-century church. The trail continues to climb, crossing Porto de Boi and through the villages of Campanilla and Leboreiro, where you can visit a 13th-century Romanesque church. Before arriving in the ancient town of Melide, famous for the classic Galician dish of “pulpo a galega” (octopus).

Walk: 15km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Melide

After Melide the Camino passes through Boente and Castaneda before arriving in Arzua, a village famous for its cheese. At the end of the day take some time to try the renowned cheese varieties from this region. Along this route you’ll cross the river Iso over an ancient Roman bridge and pass through quintessential northern Spanish countryside.

Walk: 15km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Pension Restaurante Teodara

The penultimate day of walking weaves its way towards Santiago across farmland and woodland. The trail heads through several villages, including Cortobe and Fondevila which have seemingly stood still in time since the middle ages. A gentle ascent leads up to the 18th-century hilltop chapel of Santa Irene (named after a Christian martyr). The last few km of today’s route follow a shaded trail through eucalyptus woods before arriving in the lively town of Rua your destination for today.

Walk: 20km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Pensión Residencial Platas or of a similar standard in Rua

Today, the Camino leads you into the heart of Santiago de Compostela to the majestic cathedral in Plaza de Obradoiro. Leaving Rua, rural trails give way to a more urban environment as fellow walkers begin to converge for the last leg of this historic route. As you pass through Lavacolla, before crossing the stream, tradition would usually see pilgrims bathe and purify themselves in preparation for their arrival to Santiago. The final stretch to Santiago heads into the magnificent historic centre where you can present your pilgrim passport and receive your ‘Compostela’ certificate.

Walk: 20km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez

Today is all about soaking up and exploring Santiago. There is a full day to experience this beautiful city, taking in the sights such as the cathedral, the UNESCO world heritage historic quarter plus the numerous art galleries and museums. And its a great opportunity to pass a few hours in a cafe relaxing over a long lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez

Depending on onward travel plans today is chance to enjoy a relaxing breakfast for finally leaving Santiago de Compostela and the Camino.

Meals: Breakfast