- Highlights of 2 main Northern Camino trails, the Camino Frances and the Camino del Norte plus Camino Vadiniense and Lebaniego and the best walking possible
- Meet and greet with a local guide on the first day of the walk and support from local drivers to transfer you on and off the track
- 12 night’s accommodation with an emphasis on authenticity and comfort, including 4-star hotels
- The Basque country including the Basque Pyrenees, Pamplona, La Rioja, Atapuerca, Tierra de Campos, Leon, Picos de Europa, Cantabrian mountains and coast, Santo Toribio de Liebana, Llanes, Oviedo, Astorga, Galicia and Sarria and Santiago de Compostela among other places
- Importantly there’s also unique access to a diverse range of regional wine regions and cuisines. Sample wines that have rarely seen beyond the shores of Spain
- Confidence in travelling with a self-guided walking company with nearly 30 years of experience
- Enjoy the cultural, culinary and scenic highlights of the Camino de Santiago at your own pace
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
PRIVATE BESPOKE CAMINO WITHOUT THE CROWDS
Avoid the hassle of dealing with the overcrowding on the Camino de Santiago by travelling by private transfer, both on and off the track. This unique tour allows us to sample the best of the walking on three of the Northern Camino Pilgrimages whilst not having to wait for transport or walking on busy roads through the outskirts of towns. When we designed this trip we always had in mind an immersive relaxed experience for groups of 4 or more, reflected in the price per person when group numbers are 4 or more.
Explore the most significant and inspiring sites and landscapes by combining the two main routes using the old connection between them along the Caminos Vadiniense and Lebaniego; the detours often taken by pilgrims to visit the important relics hidden in the depths of the Picos de Europa valleys or in the Cathedral of Oviedo.
There’s a big contrast of landscapes between the drier central plateau and the lush green pastures by the Cantabrian coast and between the flatlands of Castile and Leon and the craggy peaks of the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa. But what makes this journey even more special, are the pilgrims. Conversations are easy to strike up and stories are shared with remarkable openness, tales that inevitably reflect an improved sense of wellbeing and a better understanding of the world we’re in.
Highlights
WALK OVERVIEW
TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDEDTRIP LENGTH
13 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate
Grade 3 – Moderate
Short, steep hill sections. Chance to ride out on longer walks greater than 12km. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended. CPRICE FROM
$ 4795
per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 1095
Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.
per person
ITINERARY
WHAT’S INCLUDED
-
Pack-free walking
-
25+ years experience
-
Customised
-
Eco Travel
- 12 nights’ accommodation, rooms with ensuites, handpicked hotels and guesthouses, staying in authentic Spanish villages in excellent locations
- 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 2 evening meals
- Highlights of 2 main Northern Camino trails, the Camino Frances and the Camino del Norte, plus walks on the Camino Vadiniense and Lebaniego
- The best walking possible away from the crowds
- Meet and greet at the beginning of the walk
- A comprehensive set of walk notes with detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips in our notes (where to get the freshest produce, the best restaurants, the best wine). We also supply a walking map app to use on the track
- Transport on and off the track and luggage transfers
- Dedicated 24/7 local support on the ground in Spain for reassurance. Travelling this way means that if you wish you can also increase or decrease the walk lengths if need be
ACCOMMODATION & DINING
OVERVIEW
The accommodation on this journey has been handpicked to reflect the character and history of Spain and the Camino. They’re always very comfortable, always with an en suite, and always with lots of personality and warmth. Although star ratings are not particularly helpful when it comes to small hotels in more rustic environments, you should expect 3 and a 1/2 star standard with some 4 star upgrades along the way.
NIGHT 1
NIGHT 2
NIGHT 3
NIGHT 4
NIGHTS 5 & 6
NIGHT 7
NIGHT 8
NIGHT 9
NIGHT 10
NIGHTS 11 & 12
FOOD AND WINE
GENERAL INFO
AVAILABILITY
End of March to the beginning of November. At Easter, there may be some difficulty getting accommodation in Santiago de Compostela.
ACCESS
Ask us for our transfer information file, but in short, it is very easy to get to Bilbao from anywhere in Europe by plane or by train. International visitors may need a connecting flight. You can check the train timings at Trainline. The general rule is to book ahead for only the longer train journeys. Skyscanner and Webjet are just 2 of the many flight aggregators that might be useful in booking flights.
WALKING
We walk the most emblematic and most beautiful stretches of the Camino Frances between the Pyrenees and Santiago de Compostela as well as some sections of the Camino Vadiniense, Lebaniego and Norte. We also feel that the walks chosen convey most succinctly the changing landscapes and culture as you move along the Camino. The way the trip works is that you travel some distance by road to be dropped off at the start of a section, you are then picked up at the end of the walk and driven to your next hotel. By and large, these road transfers take between 30 minutes and an hour. By doing this it allows you to walk just the best bits and stay in way superior accommodations in less crowded locations. You walk seven stages over the course of this trip, each varies somewhat in length, but on average you will be walking around 15 km, with options most days to increase the day´s walks if you wish.
Walking through the outskirts of cities, for instance, is never a lovely prospect, nor are the hundreds of kilometres of the plains of Castille. The nature of the walking depends on the region you are passing through, but by and large, it is on very good, wide paths and tracks. On one of the days, the walk is almost entirely uphill as you cross into Galicia but the gradient is steady. For details of daily walking distances and height, gains see the itinerary.
WEATHER
Since you are travelling essentially the width of northern Spain over the course of this trip, the weather will change from day too day. During the months we run this trip, we expect the weather to be basically dry until you get into Galicia where rain is much more common. Temperatures at the very start and very end of the trip should be around 10°- 20°, as you travel across the plains of Castile, things can get warmer with daytime highs of around 25°- 30°. We also time the walks to avoid the heat. The shoulder season, spring and autumn, is by far the best time as the weather is perfect for walking and the added advantage of being less crowded in the villages and towns.
See the weather average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.
DEPARTURE DATES
- DATESAVAILABILITYPRICEPER PERSONSingle OccupancyDETAILS
- 1 Mar 2024 - 30 Nov 2024AVAILABLEfrom
$5995
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$1095P/Per for 2 Pax
- 1 Mar 2024 - 30 Nov 2024AVAILABLEfrom
$4795
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$1095P/Per for 4 Pax
- 1 Mar 2025 - 30 Nov 2025AVAILABLEfrom
$6195
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$1155P/Per for 2 Pax
- 1 Mar 2025 - 30 Nov 2025AVAILABLEfrom
$4895
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$1155P/Per for 4 Pax
REVIEWS
Customer Reviews
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SIMILAR TRIPS
CAMINO PRIMITIVO – THE ORIGINAL WAY – 11 Days
Self-guided
Camino Primitivo – the original way. Walk the first stage of the Primitivo from Oviedo to Lugo in the footsteps of pilgrims along the oldest Camino de Santiago route.
CAMINO PRIMITIVO – THE ORIGINAL WAY – 11 Days
BACK What's Included- Ten nights accommodation in rooms with ensuites
- Ten breakfasts
- Luggage transfers each day so you can walk with a light pack
- Comprehensive walk and route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
- 24/7 telephone support
- Walk the world-famous Primitivo Camino from Oviedo to Lugo
- Explore the rich cultures of Galicia and Asturia in Northern Spain
- Walk the Camino but enjoy the benefit of having time to walk by yourself if you wish.
Portuguese Camino de Santiago – 14 Days
Self-guided
Blend beaches, countryside and historical towns on an ancient pilgrim walking trail from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
Portuguese Camino de Santiago – 14 Days
BACK What's Included- Walk the Portuguese Camino de Santiago (way of St James)from Porto all the way to Santiago de Compostela
- 13 night’s accommodation in 2 to 3 star character filled hotels (an upgrade to 4 star and better accommodation is available.)
- Breakfast on every day of the walk
- On the ground support from local representatives
- Our comprehensive set of notes, detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the best tapas plus a lot more)
- Total walking distance of 230km, a real challenge
- All transport on and off the track including luggage transfers
- Take advantage of nearly 30 years experience in organising self-guided walking holidays
Camino Frances: The Full Route – 36 Days
Self-guided
Complete the epic, historic Camino Frances in 36 days, walking from the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port to Spain’s Santiago de Compostela.
Camino Frances: The Full Route – 36 Days
BACK What's Included- 35 nights of accommodation & 35 breakfasts
- Add a rest day/s if you wish
- Luggage transfers as described
- Rest days in Burgos, Leon and Santiago
- Receiving your Compostela certificate for completing the full route – Pilgrim Passport
- Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
- Walk the full Camino Frances route (812km) from St Jean to Santiago de Compostela
- Solo walking is possible at an extra cost – see General Info
Camino Frances Stage 1: St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono – 9 Days
Self-guided
Complete the first stage of the historic Camino Frances in 9 days, walking from the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port to Logrono, Spain’s northeast.
Camino Frances Stage 1: St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono – 9 Days
BACK What's Included- 8 nights of accommodation & 8 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers as described
- Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
- Begin the journey of walking the full Camino Frances route from St Jean to Logrono
- Hike 171km across the French Pyrenees into the Basque country
- Visit the 16th-century town of Pamplona, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway
- Discover ancient villages and medieval churches
Overview
SELF GUIDED
13 DAYS
Moderate
Book now
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
PRIVATE BESPOKE CAMINO WITHOUT THE CROWDS
Avoid the hassle of dealing with the overcrowding on the Camino de Santiago by travelling by private transfer, both on and off the track. This unique tour allows us to sample the best of the walking on three of the Northern Camino Pilgrimages whilst not having to wait for transport or walking on busy roads through the outskirts of towns. When we designed this trip we always had in mind an immersive relaxed experience for groups of 4 or more, reflected in the price per person when group numbers are 4 or more.
Explore the most significant and inspiring sites and landscapes by combining the two main routes using the old connection between them along the Caminos Vadiniense and Lebaniego; the detours often taken by pilgrims to visit the important relics hidden in the depths of the Picos de Europa valleys or in the Cathedral of Oviedo.
There’s a big contrast of landscapes between the drier central plateau and the lush green pastures by the Cantabrian coast and between the flatlands of Castile and Leon and the craggy peaks of the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa. But what makes this journey even more special, are the pilgrims. Conversations are easy to strike up and stories are shared with remarkable openness, tales that inevitably reflect an improved sense of wellbeing and a better understanding of the world we’re in.
Highlights
- Highlights of 2 main Northern Camino trails, the Camino Frances and the Camino del Norte plus Camino Vadiniense and Lebaniego and the best walking possible
- Meet and greet with a local guide on the first day of the walk and support from local drivers to transfer you on and off the track
- 12 night’s accommodation with an emphasis on authenticity and comfort, including 4-star hotels
- The Basque country including the Basque Pyrenees, Pamplona, La Rioja, Atapuerca, Tierra de Campos, Leon, Picos de Europa, Cantabrian mountains and coast, Santo Toribio de Liebana, Llanes, Oviedo, Astorga, Galicia and Sarria and Santiago de Compostela among other places
- Importantly there’s also unique access to a diverse range of regional wine regions and cuisines. Sample wines that have rarely seen beyond the shores of Spain
- Confidence in travelling with a self-guided walking company with nearly 30 years of experience
- Enjoy the cultural, culinary and scenic highlights of the Camino de Santiago at your own pace
WALK OVERVIEW
TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDEDTRIP LENGTH
13 DAYS
WALK GRADE
ModerateGrade 3 – Moderate
Short, steep hill sections. Chance to ride out on longer walks greater than 12km. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended. CPRICE FROM
$ 4795
per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 1095
Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.
per person
Itinerary
ITINERARY
What’s Included
WHAT’S INCLUDED
-
Pack-free walking
-
25+ years experience
-
Customised
-
Eco Travel
- 12 nights’ accommodation, rooms with ensuites, handpicked hotels and guesthouses, staying in authentic Spanish villages in excellent locations
- 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 2 evening meals
- Highlights of 2 main Northern Camino trails, the Camino Frances and the Camino del Norte, plus walks on the Camino Vadiniense and Lebaniego
- The best walking possible away from the crowds
- Meet and greet at the beginning of the walk
- A comprehensive set of walk notes with detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips in our notes (where to get the freshest produce, the best restaurants, the best wine). We also supply a walking map app to use on the track
- Transport on and off the track and luggage transfers
- Dedicated 24/7 local support on the ground in Spain for reassurance. Travelling this way means that if you wish you can also increase or decrease the walk lengths if need be
Accommodation & Dining
ACCOMMODATION & DINING
OVERVIEW
The accommodation on this journey has been handpicked to reflect the character and history of Spain and the Camino. They’re always very comfortable, always with an en suite, and always with lots of personality and warmth. Although star ratings are not particularly helpful when it comes to small hotels in more rustic environments, you should expect 3 and a 1/2 star standard with some 4 star upgrades along the way.
NIGHT 1
NIGHT 2
NIGHT 3
NIGHT 4
NIGHTS 5 & 6
NIGHT 7
NIGHT 8
NIGHT 9
NIGHT 10
NIGHTS 11 & 12
FOOD AND WINE
General Info
GENERAL INFO
AVAILABILITY
End of March to the beginning of November. At Easter, there may be some difficulty getting accommodation in Santiago de Compostela.
ACCESS
Ask us for our transfer information file, but in short, it is very easy to get to Bilbao from anywhere in Europe by plane or by train. International visitors may need a connecting flight. You can check the train timings at Trainline. The general rule is to book ahead for only the longer train journeys. Skyscanner and Webjet are just 2 of the many flight aggregators that might be useful in booking flights.
WALKING
We walk the most emblematic and most beautiful stretches of the Camino Frances between the Pyrenees and Santiago de Compostela as well as some sections of the Camino Vadiniense, Lebaniego and Norte. We also feel that the walks chosen convey most succinctly the changing landscapes and culture as you move along the Camino. The way the trip works is that you travel some distance by road to be dropped off at the start of a section, you are then picked up at the end of the walk and driven to your next hotel. By and large, these road transfers take between 30 minutes and an hour. By doing this it allows you to walk just the best bits and stay in way superior accommodations in less crowded locations. You walk seven stages over the course of this trip, each varies somewhat in length, but on average you will be walking around 15 km, with options most days to increase the day´s walks if you wish.
Walking through the outskirts of cities, for instance, is never a lovely prospect, nor are the hundreds of kilometres of the plains of Castille. The nature of the walking depends on the region you are passing through, but by and large, it is on very good, wide paths and tracks. On one of the days, the walk is almost entirely uphill as you cross into Galicia but the gradient is steady. For details of daily walking distances and height, gains see the itinerary.
WEATHER
Since you are travelling essentially the width of northern Spain over the course of this trip, the weather will change from day too day. During the months we run this trip, we expect the weather to be basically dry until you get into Galicia where rain is much more common. Temperatures at the very start and very end of the trip should be around 10°- 20°, as you travel across the plains of Castile, things can get warmer with daytime highs of around 25°- 30°. We also time the walks to avoid the heat. The shoulder season, spring and autumn, is by far the best time as the weather is perfect for walking and the added advantage of being less crowded in the villages and towns.
See the weather average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.
Departure Dates
DEPARTURE DATES
- DATESAVAILABILITYPRICEPER PERSONSingle OccupancyDETAILS
- 1 Mar 2024 - 30 Nov 2024AVAILABLEfrom
$5995
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$1095 - 1 Mar 2024 - 30 Nov 2024AVAILABLEfrom
$4795
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$1095 - 1 Mar 2025 - 30 Nov 2025AVAILABLEfrom
$6195
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$1155 - 1 Mar 2025 - 30 Nov 2025AVAILABLEfrom
$4895
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$1155
Similar Trips
SIMILAR TRIPS
CAMINO PRIMITIVO – THE ORIGINAL WAY – 11 Days
Self-guided
Camino Primitivo – the original way. Walk the first stage of the Primitivo from Oviedo to Lugo in the footsteps of pilgrims along the oldest Camino de Santiago route.
CAMINO PRIMITIVO – THE ORIGINAL WAY – 11 Days
BACK What's Included- Ten nights accommodation in rooms with ensuites
- Ten breakfasts
- Luggage transfers each day so you can walk with a light pack
- Comprehensive walk and route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
- 24/7 telephone support
- Walk the world-famous Primitivo Camino from Oviedo to Lugo
- Explore the rich cultures of Galicia and Asturia in Northern Spain
- Walk the Camino but enjoy the benefit of having time to walk by yourself if you wish.
Portuguese Camino de Santiago – 14 Days
Self-guided
Blend beaches, countryside and historical towns on an ancient pilgrim walking trail from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
Portuguese Camino de Santiago – 14 Days
BACK What's Included- Walk the Portuguese Camino de Santiago (way of St James)from Porto all the way to Santiago de Compostela
- 13 night’s accommodation in 2 to 3 star character filled hotels (an upgrade to 4 star and better accommodation is available.)
- Breakfast on every day of the walk
- On the ground support from local representatives
- Our comprehensive set of notes, detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the best tapas plus a lot more)
- Total walking distance of 230km, a real challenge
- All transport on and off the track including luggage transfers
- Take advantage of nearly 30 years experience in organising self-guided walking holidays
Camino Frances: The Full Route – 36 Days
Self-guided
Complete the epic, historic Camino Frances in 36 days, walking from the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port to Spain’s Santiago de Compostela.
Camino Frances: The Full Route – 36 Days
BACK What's Included- 35 nights of accommodation & 35 breakfasts
- Add a rest day/s if you wish
- Luggage transfers as described
- Rest days in Burgos, Leon and Santiago
- Receiving your Compostela certificate for completing the full route – Pilgrim Passport
- Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
- Walk the full Camino Frances route (812km) from St Jean to Santiago de Compostela
- Solo walking is possible at an extra cost – see General Info
Camino Frances Stage 1: St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono – 9 Days
Self-guided
Complete the first stage of the historic Camino Frances in 9 days, walking from the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port to Logrono, Spain’s northeast.
Camino Frances Stage 1: St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono – 9 Days
BACK What's Included- 8 nights of accommodation & 8 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers as described
- Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
- Begin the journey of walking the full Camino Frances route from St Jean to Logrono
- Hike 171km across the French Pyrenees into the Basque country
- Visit the 16th-century town of Pamplona, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway
- Discover ancient villages and medieval churches
blog
ENQUIRE NOW
If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.
Monica Pinda
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