Best of the Spanish Camino

Meet your guide at a central location in Bilbao at 3pm (to be confirmed prior to your departure). If you would like to visit the Guggenheim Museum you can do this in the morning, or stay an extra day in Bilbao - please ask our office for pre tour accommodation rates and suggestions.

After your group meeting there's a brief stop at the Guggenheim Museum to admire the exterior of this architectural masterpiece before we transfer to Pamplona for dinner and overnight.

Transfer: approx 2-2.5hrs.

Note transfer times shown here are estimates and dependent on the group, traffic and weather conditions.

After breakfast, we transfer to the historical village of Roncesvalles, high in the Pyrenees and near the French border in northeastern Navarre, where the famous pilgrimage trail begins. Its famous local church has several relics dating back to the 8th Century and the defeat of Charlemagne by local tribes. We walk along the Camino to Alto del Erro then transfer to Pamplona and our hotel.

Walking distance: 18km/11.2mi, Approx ascent/descent: +250m/-500m, Transfers: approx 1 hr and 30-45mins

Leaving Pamplona, we'll transfer to the town of Cizur Menor to start walking. We can admire Cizur's 12th century Church of San Miguel before setting off through the village and up through countryside leading to Sierra del Perdon, where you can enjoy beautiful views. We'll pass through medieval villages and along a road to arrive at Puente la Reina, before transferring to Logroño. Situated on the Ebro river and on the border between La Rioja and Navarra, Logroño has many historic buildings and a lively tapas district. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.

Walking distance: 18km/11.2mi, Approx ascent/descent: +450m/-550m, Transfer: approx 1hr

In the morning we'll visit the picturesque hilltop town of Laguardia in the wine area Rioja Alavesa, including a visit to an unusual wine cellar to learn about the wine of the region and of course have a wine tasting. We'll enter Castile e Leon and walk from Montes de Oca, through woodlands and along the foothills of the Oca Mountains, to the medieval village of San Juan de Ortega, which was built as a safe haven for pilgrims. Transfer to historic Burgos for dinner and overnight.

Walking distance: 15km/9.3mi, Approx ascent/descent: +400m/-250m, Transfer: approx 2-2.5hrs

In the morning we'll have a guided walking tour of Burgos, including its UNESCO listed Gothic Cathedral. We'll then transfer to Castrojeriz to walk across the Castilian meseta to Frómista. This is gentle easy walking along winding paths through the wide open plain, such a contrast to the mountains and hills of the previous days. Transfer to Carrion de los Condes for dinner and overnight.

Walking distance: 13km/8mi, Approx ascent/descent: +150m/-250m, Transfer: approx 1hr

Today we'll walk through the Castile landscape, characterised by small valleys and riverbeds, from Burgo Ranero to Reliegos. Later we'll transfer to Leon, once the most important city in Christian Spain. In Leon we'll have a guided city tour visiting the magnificent Gothic cathedral, built on the site of Roman baths dating from the 2nd century, and a nearby museum. Tapas crawl through the old town and overnight in Leon.

Walking distance: 12km/7.5mi, Approx ascent/descent: +100m/-180m, Transfer: approx 2-2.5hrs

Today's walk is between the towns of Hospital de Orbigo and Astorga. A magnificent sandstone bridge leads into Hospital de Orbigo, and from here we'll pass the holm oak and chestnut tree covered Colomba mountain and cross the Tuerto river to the fascinating town of Astorga. With Roman ruins, a Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral, the Antonio Gaudi designed Palacio Episcopal, and lovely main square, Astorga has an interesting architectural mix. Overnight in Astorga.

Walking distance: 13km/8mi, Approx ascent/descent: +250m/-250m, Transfer: approx 45min-1hr

The walk today is in the mountains and we begin on foot at Cruz de Ferro, which has panoramic views over the plains below. Continue to the picturesque village of Molinaseca before we transfer to Villafranca del Bierzo, nestling at the foot of the mountains, with time to explore on foot. Later we'll transfer to Herrerias de Valcarce for dinner and overnight.

Walking distance: 16km/9.9mi, Approx ascent/descent: +300m/-900m, Transfer: approx 2hrs

Our route today takes us from the province of Castile to Galicia. This is another beautiful section through the mountains as we transfer to O Cebreiro, with its imposing church and wonderful views of the Galician countryside. It is also an important point of pilgrimage. From O Cebreiro we walk to Triacastela then transfer to Samos Monastery for a short visit. Transfer to Sarria for dinner and overnight.

Walking distance: 18km/11mi, Approx ascent/descent:+400m/-700m, Transfer: approx 2-2.5hrs

From Sarria we'll walk along tracks and paths through hamlets, farmland and woodlands to Portomarin. The town was relocated higher up the slopes after its original site was flooded following construction of the Belesar reservoir. Many monuments were moved to the new site stone by stone, including the church in the main square. Quite a feat! This is rural Galicia at its best. Transfer to Arzúa for Queimada, dinner and overnight. Walking distance: 18km/11mi, Approx ascent/descent: +450m/-650m, Transfer: approx 1hr

Santiago is our destination today. We drive to Lavacolla then walk into Santiago. We'll arrive in time to visit the amazing Gothic Cathedral and explore the historical centre. Tonight you have time to attend the evening pilgrims mass at 7:30pm. Overnight Santiago.

Walking distance: 12km/7.5mi, Approx ascent/descent: +250m/-200m, Transfer: approx 30mins

This morning there's a guided tour in Santiago de Compostela. In the afternoon we take a half day excursion to Cape Finisterre, a symbolic destination as it was historically considered the edge of the known world. Farewell dinner and overnight Santiago.

Transfer approx: 3-4hrs

Your tour concludes after breakfast.

We highly recommend staying an extra night in Santiago to further explore the historic and beautiful town at your own pace - please ask for our rates.

We can assist with a private transfer to the airport on request - supplement applies.