Every Inch of the Camino Francés

Tour Start 

You will meet your Andaspain guide(s) and trip companions in the heart of Pamplona. We then drive together to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, we waste no time and start our journey with a short 5 km warmup to Huntto. We then shuttle back to our hotel and have a celebratory welcome dinner.

Shuttle: 80 km / 50 mi

Walk: 5 km / 3.1 mi

Overnight: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Meals: Dinner

After yesterday’s warmup, we hope that you are feeling ready to tackle the most challenging day of the Camino. Today, you will scale the Napoleon Pass, climbing more than 1,100 meters (3,700 feet). Your hard work will be rewarded by spectacular views and a great sense of accomplishment. We will be there every step of the way to encourage you with food, snacks, and water. We cross the border into Spain and walk to our hotel, a converted monastery in the small village of Roncesvalles.

Overnight: Roncesvalles

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we walk right out of our hotel and onto the trail. We pass through the village of Burguete, one of Hemingway’s regular haunts. On today’s walk, you will get to enjoy traditional Navarran architecture, including many red-shuttered windows. Once in the woods, You might even be lucky enough to see setas, or wild mushrooms. 

We finish our walk in Zubiri. Here, you will get to see the bridge where Martin Sheen fell in the river during the movie The Way. and shuttle ahead to our hotel in Pamplona, a city famous for their delicious tapas.

Overnight: Pamplona

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we shuttle back to Zubiri to begin our walk. Today, we go through some gentler terrain than the first few days. We walk right up to our hotel in Pamplona, where we enjoy a second night’s stay. You are free to eat where you want tonight. We encourage you to check out our recommendations and try the amazing tapas in Pamplona.

Overnight: Pamplona

Meals: Breakfast

We walk right out of our hotel in central Pamplona and climb up to the famous Alto del Perdón. We will check in with you before the big climb and meet you at the top to make sure you get a great photo.

Afterwards, we head to our destination of Puente la Reina, a quaint yet historically significant town. Despite its small size, Puente la Reina once played a pivotal role as a center for the revered Knights Templar, a Catholic military order with a noble mission. Founded in 1119, the Knights Templar dedicated themselves to safeguarding Christian pilgrims embarking on sacred voyages to the Holy Lands. Originating in Jerusalem, this order consisted of nine French knights who pledged vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Along the Camino, the enduring legacy of the Knights Templar manifests itself through remarkable monuments and functional edifices that continue to serve their purpose. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Church of Saint Mary of Eunate, believed to have been constructed by the Knights Templar in the 12th century.

Overnight: Puente la Reina

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we begin by crossing the famous Romanesque bridge over the Arga River. Queen Doña Mayor, the founder of Puente la Reina, ordered the construction of this bridge in the 11th century to facilitate the passage of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Today, you will become a part of this rich history as you say goodbye to Puente la Reina and set your sights on Estella.

Our path will lead us straight to our lodging in Estella. This town boasts a captivating history intertwined with the Knights Templar and is renowned for its architectural marvels. Among these treasures is the Church of San Pedro de la Rúa, an exquisite example of Romanesque architecture featuring a breathtaking cloister and intricate façade. Additionally, the town boasts the impressive Palace of the Kings of Navarre, initially constructed as a fortress in the 12th century and subsequently transformed into a regal residence. Estella also hosts a collection of intriguing museums waiting to be explored.

Overnight: Estella

Meals: Breakfast

Today, we will have a treat in store as we stop by the famous Irache Wine Fountain, located about 6 km outside of Estella. This fountain was built in 1991 by the nearby Bodegas Irache winery to dispense free wine to passing pilgrims and visitors. Fill up your cup or water bottle and enjoy this tasty beverage as you walk.

Upon reaching Los Arcos, we will shuttle ahead to our hotel in Logroño, where we’ll stay for two nights. Logroño is a city rich in history dating back to the Roman period. It also boasts a reputation for its vibrant tapas bars, serving an enticing array of delectable small dishes and snacks paired with its world-famous wines.

Overnight: Logroño

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we shuttle back to Los Arcos to begin our walk. Today is a longer walk passing through the serene fields of the Ebro valley. Quaint little villages await you as well as panoramic views of the valley as you enter Logroño.

Tonight, we encourage you to seize the opportunity to discover Logroño, a city steeped in historical and architectural treasures. Among our personal favorites is the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda, a splendid edifice constructed in the 16th century. Its exquisite baroque facade and magnificent stained-glass windows make it an absolute must-see!

Overnight: Logroño

Meals: Breakfast

While today is another long day, you will spend it going through historic towns and a natural reservoir teeming with wildlife. The walking is relatively easy today, with very gentle ups and downs.

We’ll wrap up our journey in Nájera and then head to our hotel in Santo Domingo de la Calzada. This town derives its name from Saint Dominic of the Causeway, a 12th-century saint who dedicated his life to building roads and bridges to assist pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. You will have two nights to explore this iconic Camino town.

You can have dinner at our casa rural or choose to wander around town. One dish that you should be on the lookout for is this town’s traditional chicken dish, known as pollo de la calzada. We will recommend the best places to go.

Overnight: Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We’ll start our day by returning to the historic town of Nájera. Today’s highlight includes a visit to the renowned Monastery of Santa María la Real, an architectural marvel dating back to the 11th century, commissioned by King Garcia Sanchez III of Navarre. This monastery boasts exquisite Gothic design, intricate carvings, and an enriching museum housing a valuable collection of medieval art and artifacts. Notably, it is celebrated for the remarkable woodwork adorning the church’s choir.

We’ll make our way directly to our lodging in Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Later this afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, which serves as the resting place for Saint Dominic of the Causeway. This 12th-century Cathedral showcases a captivating blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in its facade and boasts breathtaking stained-glass windows. Interestingly, it’s also inhabited by live chickens, a fact that holds a surprising story you won’t want to miss!

Overnight: Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we continue to walk along country lanes before crossing into Castilla y León, the largest region in Spain. We will remain here for the majority of the Camino Francés before passing into Galicia.

We will arrive in Belorado for lunch. This area is known for its migas (fried bread crumbs) and pisto (a type of vegetable stew). We will recommend the best restaurants to try these dishes. At the conclusion of our walk, we will shuttle to our hotel.

Overnight: Villafranca Montes de Oca

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we shuttle back to Belorado and begin our walk. When we finish, we’ll head to Burgos, where we’ll spend the next two nights. Burgos, an esteemed city situated in Castilla y León, holds a prominent place on the Camino de Santiago. This city boasts a storied past that dates back to Roman times and is renowned for its exquisite architecture, cultural heritage, and picturesque setting. Wander through the enchanting streets and charming squares of Burgos’ historic district, where you’ll encounter stunning architectural gems at every turn. The city is also home to several iconic landmarks, including the Monastery of Las Huelgas, the Miraflores charterhouse, and the Burgos Castle.

For dinner, we recommend sampling the local dishes of lechazo (suckling lamb slow-roasted in a woodfired oven) and morcilla de Burgos (spiced-blood-and-rice sausage).

Overnight: Burgos

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we shuttle back to San Juan de Ortega to begin our walk. We will finish back in Burgos, where we welcome pilgrims joining us for the next segment and wish buen camino to those who are leaving. Together, we take a guided, private tour of the Cathedral of Burgos. This stunning 13th-century Gothic cathedral is considered one of the most important religious buildings in Spain. The cathedral features intricate carvings, beautiful stained-glass windows, and a museum that houses a collection of medieval art and artifacts. The celebrations continue with a dinner at our favorite restaurant in the old town center of Burgos.

Overnight: Burgos

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we walk right out of the big city of Burgos to the small town of Hornillos del Camino.

Following our walk today, we’ll be transported to our cozy two-night accommodation in Castrojeriz. This picturesque town is renowned for its commanding hilltop castle, which served as a crucial bastion along the Camino de Santiago during the Middle Ages. This fortress played a pivotal role in safeguarding pilgrims and the surrounding area from potential dangers. The panoramic vistas from the castle alone make the ascent worthwhile, and we encourage you to seize the opportunity to explore this exceptional landmark during your leisure time. If you are in the mood to relax, you can get a massage from our hotel’s masseur.

Overnight: Castrojeriz

Meals: Breakfast

Today, we embark on a captivating journey, passing by the majestic ruins of the ancient Monastery of San Antón. Built in the 12th century by the Knights of St. Anthony, this remarkable sanctuary served as a hospital for pilgrims under the devoted care of the Hospital Brothers.

Historically, the monastery played an integral role in treating ergotism, a fungal disease that often afflicted weary pilgrims. The Hospital Brothers were expert in alleviating these symptoms and providing compassionate care to those affected.

As we delve into the annals of this historic monument, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Knights of St. Anthony and their remarkable contributions to the well-being of pilgrims. The monastery’s architectural wonders, a fusion of Romanesque and Gothic elements, are sure to leave you in awe.

Overnight: Castrojeriz

Meals: Breakfast

We walk right out of our hotel and make the climb to the Alto de Mostelares (914 meters of altitude) vista point. Here, you can enjoy 360-degree views of a stunning section of the Meseta.

After our walk, you will have time explore the town of Frómista. This town is renowned for its two significant churches: San Martín de Tours and San Pedro. The Church of San Martín de Tours dates back to the 11th century and stands out as a brilliant example of Romanesque architecture. It is particularly notable for its intricately designed nave, arches, and columns, which showcase the craftsmanship of the era.

Meanwhile, the Church of San Pedro, also referred to as the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, also hails from the 11th century and displays a captivating blend of architectural styles. Its grand façade, adorned with sculptures, opens the way to an interior of exceptional beauty, featuring slender columns and ribbed vaults.

Overnight: Frómista

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We walk right out of the hotel in Frómista to our next one in Carrión de los Condes. This section is known for its flat terrain characterized by expansive fields and open landscapes.

In the evening, you are free to visit the Monastery of Santa Clara and the Romanesque church of Santa María del Camino. We also recommend that you attend the evening prayers, or vespers, from the local nuns of the Order of St. Augustine. If you are lucky, you might even be treated to their renowned musical talent.

Overnight: Carrión de los Condes

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you will enjoy a picturesque stretch along ancient Roman roads. This route takes you through vast fields, charming villages, and serene countryside landscapes. At the end of the day, we shuttle back to our hotel, where you will be free for dinner.

Overnight: Carrión de los Condes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You can relax a bit on today’s short walk. Together, we will have a special lunch in a small village where you get to experience the food and culture of the local people. This area is famous for its lamb dish served with potatoes. Later, we cross the half way point of the Camino Francés at the Virgin del Puente hermitage! After finishing our walk, we shuttle to our cozy albergue in Ledigos.

Overnight: Ledigos

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After yesterday’s restful day, we hope you are prepared for the longest segment on the Camino. But, there’s no need to fear as this section is especially flat and rewarding, with beautiful vistas as you follow the Roman roads that lead to León.

As there are very few places to stop for lunch, we will provide you with a complimentary to-go lunch. At the end of the day, we shuttle ahead to León where we will stay for 2 nights. There, you can book a massage or relax in the pool.

Overnight: León

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we walk right up to our hotel in the heart of old town. We celebrate together over lunch in the famous Barrio Húmedo and say hasta la próxima (until next time) to those pilgrims who are leaving.

Overnight: León

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you are free to rest and explore. In the afternoon, we will meet up with the pilgrims who are joining us for the last segment of our journey. Together, we enjoy an exclusive, private guided tour of the Santa María de León Cathedral. This magnificent gothic-style Cathedral boasts one of the largest collections of medieval stained glass in the world and has a fascinating history. We also tour the Basilica de San Isidoro and the historical old town of León. In the evening, we return to Barrio Húmedo to dine with the newcomers to our group.

Overnight: León

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we walk right out of our hotel past the Parador de León, a 16th century monastery made famous by the movie, The Way.

At the end of the day, we shuttle ahead to Astorga, where we stay for two nights. We will provide a tourist map of this ancient city, which includes opening times and entrance fees. We recommend Gaudi’s Palace, the chocolate museum, and the cathedral. You can have dinner in the hotel restaurant or explore the old town and dine al fresco in the famous square.

Overnight: Astorga

Meals: Breakfast

Our journey takes us across the stunning 13th-century bridge in Hospital de Órbigo. This remarkable monument features 21 arches engineered to manage the water flow during the historically significant flood season. Today, thanks to upstream reservoirs controlling the river’s water levels, this bridge enjoys a well-earned respite from its past responsibilities.

The bridge is also the backdrop to the enduring legend of Don Suero, a valiant knight who once dueled on the bridge to win the affections of his beloved lady. We walk directly to our accommodation in Astorga, where we will have a second night to enjoy this enchanting city.

Overnight: Astorga

Meals: Breakfast

We walk right out of our hotel in Astorga and finish in the small village of Foncebadón. Tonight, we shuttle to our casa rural in the majestic hamlet of Rabanal del Camino. There, you will have the opportunity to listen to the enchanting vespers, or evening prayers.

Overnight: Rabanal del Camino

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we walk to the Cruz de Hierro, or the Iron Cross. This is an important site of many traditions related to the Camino. One such tradition involves leaving a stone at the foot of the cross to symbolize leaving your burdens behind. We will have a checkpoint at the Iron Cross in order to participate in this ritual together and get a photo to remember this moment! We continue through the town of Molinaseca and finish in the larger town of Ponferrada, home to the Castle of the Knights Templar. 

Overnight: Ponferrada

Meals: Breakfast

Today we walk through beautiful vineyards that produce the Galicia red wine, Mencia. Today, we recommend dining in the 17th Century hospital-turned-restaurant for the best in local cuisine. This area is famous for its roasted red peppers and cherries. We walk right into our historic hotel situated right on the main plaza in Villafranca del Bierzo.

Overnight: Villafranca del Bierzo

Meals: Breakfast

Today we have an option of a flat walk along the road; or a more challenging route over a hill that is much harder but with stunning views among a chestnut forest. We walk right into our hotel in Las Herrerías which is the village just before the famous climb to O Cebreiro.

Overnight: Las Herrerías

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you will conquer the last big climb on your Camino journey to the village of O Cebreiro, famous for its thatched houses. We will finish our day by crossing into Galicia, the final region of the Camino. From here, you will notice the Celtic influence on the area. Watch out for bagpipes and witch symbols along the Way. At the end of the day, we shuttle ahead to our hotel in Sarria, where we will stay for two nights.

Overnight: Sarria

Meals: Breakfast

There is a split on the Camino today. We take the off-road route of San Xil to enjoy the nature. At the end of the walk, we can drive you back for a guided tour of the Samos Monastery, an active Benedictine monastery.

Tonight, we will have dinner together at our favorite restaurant in town. There, we will choose from a variety of organic local meat, fresh fish, and a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan options.

Overnight: Sarria

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

You will pass the 100 km marker today. Congratulations! You are almost done with your journey. We will make sure we are there to capture the moment.

We will step out of our hotel in Sarria, make our way down to the river, and head into the lush greenery. Once you complete today’s walk, you are free to explore the charming village of Portomarín. This picturesque town dates back to the Middle Ages but was relocated to its current position higher up the hillside to create the Belesar Reservoir during Franco’s regime. Many monuments were painstakingly transferred, stone by stone. Even today, fragments of these monuments lie scattered about the town, bearing numbers designating the order of their relocation.

Overnight: Portomarín

Meals: Breakfast

This stage takes you alongside country roads, through quaint villages with traditional Galician architecture, and over hilly woodlands. If time allows, we can walk or drive 4.5 km off the Camino to the church at Vilar de Donas. The church and family monastery were given to the Order of Santiago in 1184, and many of the Gallego members of the order are buried here. The local guide will happily show you the frescos from the 15th century. At the end of the day, we shuttle ahead to our accommodation.

Overnight: Monterroso

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we are treated to lunch in Melide, one of the oldest towns along the Camino de Santiago. Melide is famous for its Sunday market, where you can buy Pulpo a Feira, or octopus tossed with rich, paprika-infused olive oil and served with Galician potatoes called cachelos. Today, you will have the opportunity to savor this specialty at a local restaurant along with a traditional bowl of local white wine. We will ensure that there are other options, such as fresh salads, chorizo, and Spanish tortilla.

We finish the day in Ribadiso, a small village that boasts the oldest known bridge on the Galician section of The Camino. This is a great opportunity to revitalize your tired feet in the cool river water. Afterwards, we shuttle to the town of Arzúa, famous for its cheeses, including queso de tetilla, or little breast cheese. Here, we will stay for two nights in a traditional Galician manor house, also known as a pazo. There, you will have time to relax, enjoy a drink in the courtyard, or have a massage if the masseur is available.

Overnight: Arzúa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your day starts from Ribadiso, a small village that boasts the oldest known bridge on the Galician section of the Camino. From here, you can look forward to winding paths through eucalyptus forests and quaint Galician pueblos as we hone in on the last stretch to Santiago de Compostela. After walking, we will shuttle back to Arzúa where you will be free to eat dinner at our pazo or walk into town. You can also book a massage if the hotel masseur is available.

Overnight: Arzúa

Meals: Breakfast

This stage marks the exciting last day of your pilgrimage. After a morning of walking, we regroup at the pilgrim’s last hill, Monte de Gozo. Here, you are treated to a first glimpse of the Cathedral spires. From here, the group will walk approximately 5 km to our destination of Plaza Obradoiro. Your pilgrimage is complete! Congratulations! While you check into your hotel, your guide will go to the pilgrim’s office to collect your Compostela. You will then have the opportunity to attend pilgrim’s mass before we head to our final celebratory dinner.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we drive to the “end of the world”, or at least what used to be considered as such until the Middle Ages. Many pilgrims finish their pilgrimage here after stopping off in Santiago. One of the most intriguing aspects of Finisterre is the ancient tradition of burning clothing or symbolic items at its lighthouse, symbolizing a pilgrim’s spiritual transformation and rebirth at the journey’s end.

We then visit Muxía, an important pilgrimage site in its own right due to the legend that the Virgin Mary came here in a boat made of stone to help Saint James in his ministry. The parts of the boat are claimed to be the petrified stones found on the shoreline.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Tour End

This morning, we will head to the most famous destination in Santiago and take a private guided tour of the Cathedral and surrounding area. This tour runs approx. 1-2 hours.

Finally, it’s time to say good-bye to our Camino family. We hope that you walk away with a great sense of accomplishment, lifelong friendships, and many treasured memories. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for experiencing this magical journey with us at Andaspain and we look forward to seeing you back on the Camino someday.

Extra nights on request. 

Meals: Breakfast