THE CAMINO DEL NORTE – SAN SEBASTIÁN TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
ABOUT THE BEST OF THE CAMINO DEL NORTE
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Spain’s most enchanting coastal trail on this journey along the Camino del Norte. With the majestic Cantabrian Sea to the north and striking mountain ranges to the south, you will make your way through charming fishing villages and captivating cities across four unique autonomous regions: The Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.
Your adventure begins in the Basque Country, renowned for its exquisite cuisine, fascinating cities, and strong cultural identity. From here, you will make your way to the natural wonders of Cantabria, known for its prehistoric landmarks and perfectly preserved historical villages. Nature’s drama intensifies in Asturias, where you will trek atop stunning beaches dotted with marine geysers and framed by dramatic cliffs. Finally, your adventure comes to a close amongst the rolling hills of Galicia, resting place of Saint James, the patron saint of Santiago and the protagonist of all Camino pilgrimages.
Our meticulously planned stages of the Camino allow time to explore the surrounding area. You will be treated to exclusive private tours of iconic landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum, the city of Lugo, and the Cathedral of Santiago. We will go on excursions to the Picos de Europa mountains and the Lakes of Covadonga, while learning the deep historical importance of Asturias in the Camino’s development.
Besides a feast for the eyes, this tour brings you the best culinary treasures that the north has to offer. Indulge in rich Basque tapas called pintxos, sample fresh Cantabrian seafood, and delight in Asturian cheeses, cider, and chorizo. Throughout the tour, you will be treated to our gourmet picnics, which cater to all dietary preferences and restrictions. Our clients consistently praise Spain’s gastronomy as one of the highlights of their trip.
Each day concludes in elegant accommodations, handpicked for their proximity to the Camino, charm, and quality of service. We try to use small rural farmhouses or manor houses wherever possible. These are similar to bed and breakfasts and are usually traditional houses typical of the region, full of character and run by locals.
For this tour, you will be covering 254 km/158 mi over 18 days, so we recommend a reasonable level of fitness. Having said that, we ease the load by handling all luggage transport. You simply leave your bags with your guide in the morning and we will take them to the next hotel. Our support van will also meet you at checkpoints throughout the day so you can refuel with water and snacks as well as access your day bag.
Those who complete this tour are eligible to receive the esteemed Compostela certificate. That’s because we ensure that you walk the last 100 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago, required by all pilgrims wanting the Compostela.
The Best of the Camino del Norte isn’t just a journey; it’s a fully guided and supported walking tour. Our passionate English and Spanish-speaking guides will be there for you every step of the way to ensure that you have an extraordinary experience. Join us and become a part of the remarkable history of the Camino del Norte.
PRICE
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: 5900 EUR
- Price per person for a private room: 7500 EUR
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the beautiful city of San Sebastián (known as Donostia in the Basque language Euskera), famed for its great food and beaches.
- Enjoy a private tour of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry and cited by many as being the impetus for the regeneration of this bustling port city.
- Visit the Basilica de Covadonga and the nearby Santa Cueva, or Holy Cave then take a tour of the Picos de Europa National park and the Lakes of Covadonga.
- See beautiful examples of Casas Indianas, the magnificent villas built by the many Asturians who made their fortunes after emigrating to the Americas.
- Hike over the beaches of Asturias – picturesque coves, mountain backdrops and spectacular marine geysers.
- Take a tour of the famous city of Lugo, deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Enjoy the rolling, bucolic scenery of Galicia, with its myriad of churches and chapels.
- Indulge in the incredible, authentic food and wine. Did we mention the food? And the wine? Gastronomic heaven awaits you!
- Arrive at the Plaza de Obradoiro to see the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, along with the familiar faces of all the other pilgrims who have, like you, walked hundreds of miles to get there!
TRIP FACTS
- Trip Duration: 18 days/17 nights
- Walking Distance: 254 km/158 mi
- Departure City: San Sebastián
- Arrival City: Santiago de Compostela
- Tour Availability: Guided group tour with fixed trip dates
- Accommodation: Excellent hotels, casas rurales, pazos, and manor houses
- Transportation: Van or bus (depending on group size)
- Language: English
- Guides: English and Spanish-speaking Camino experts
- Walking Hours: 6-8 hours per day
What’s Included
Ready to start walking?
- 17 nights’ accommodation
- All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 9 dinners, including wine and other drinks (While we guarantee the number of meals provided, the schedule outlined in the daily itinerary is subject to change based on restaurant availability, weather, and other factors)
- Water and snacks along the way
- Luggage transport (limited to one 23 kg/50 lb piece of luggage per person)
- English and Spanish speaking guide(s)
- The Pilgrim’s Credencial, or Pilgrim’s Passport, and scallop shell
- Camino del Norte Guide Book
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel to the start of your tour or from its end
- Meals and drinks not included in your tour
- Extraneous items purchased on your behalf by your Andaspain guide
- Guide gratuity (270 EUR/person/guide is suggested)
- Additional activities not outlined in the What’s Included section
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
We consider the Camino del Norte to be a medium level of difficulty. This is because it is one of our longer tours, involving walking 254 km/158 mi over 18 days. The route traverses much of northern Spain, known for its dramatic coastlines. Although you will mostly be walking along the coast, you must contend with a fair share of steep hills. With respect to navigation, the Camino in general is very well marked, making it easy to navigate. On this fully guided tour you will have the luxury of our support vehicle should you need it.