12 day Camino de Santiago Highlights walk

Guests will need to organise their own flights into Biarritz airport (4kms from Bayonne) in France to meet the group. Direct flights operate throughout the day from Paris to Biarritz, France (1 hour 20 min flight).

Meet our representative in Bayonne at 12 midday in the foyer of the Mercure Bayonne Centre Le Grand Hôtel, from here we transfer (1 hour drive) to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the capital of the historical Basque province in the Pyrenees . On arriving in the town you will be transferred directly to your hotel, the Les Pyrenees Hotel, an old coach inn where you can check in to your room. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this quaint walled town at your leisure. The town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is located at the base of the Pyrenean Mountains and the name “Pied-de-Port” actually means “foot pass.” Enjoy time to stroll along the cobbled streets of this mountain town, with its quaint arts and craft shops meandering down the hill. Tonight join the rest of your group (and those completing our French Camino) for dinner in a local restaurant specialising in traditional Basque Food which is accompanied with regional French wines.

Note this walk can be added to our 8 day Camino walk to create a longer journey across Spain or our 8 day French camino to create a French & Spain Camino experience.

• 18kms (4-5 hours). Easier Option: Cizur Menor to Uterga 11.8kms

Track notes: Track: A steep climb rewarded with views followed by a steep descent through villages.

After an early breakfast, we leave Pamplona and enjoy a short transfer to Cizur Menor (15 mins). We walk from the town of Cizur Menor, as soon entering the town we’ll spot the Church of San Miguel Archangel which once formed part of a monastery that pilgrims stayed en route to Santiago. Our track ascends to Sierra del Perdon from here you will appreciate magnificent views northwards to the Pyrenees and Pamplona. We pass the life-size installation called the ‘Monument to the Pilgrims Way’ depicting a group of pilgrims from different eras crossing the trail. From here we pass through various ancient villages before reaching the medieval town of Puente la Reina set on the river bank with its charming stone bridges and enjoy some refreshments in a local establishment. Afterwards, we transfer to the town of Burgos (2hrs). Burgos is famous for its intact medieval architecture such as its impressive gothic cathedral is a veritable jewel and full of monuments worthy of exploration and appreciation and was home to the warlord El Cid. Tonight we spend the evening at Palacio de Burgos, once a 16th century Palace, this historic building has been tastefully restored with modern interiors. it is ideally located in the centre of the old town. Tonight enjoy a wonderful dinner featuring regional cuisine and wines.

For those after a shorter option, today walk from Cizur Menor to Uterga 11.8kms and afterwards be transferred for some free time in the afternoon in Puente la Reina before meeting the group. Alternatively, travel with our logistic guide and enjoy a free day to explore the town of Puente la Reina.

• 16kms. 4 hours

Track Notes: Track: A high altitude start (1500m) means mostly downhill on natural pathways.

After breakfast, we leave Astorga and transfer to Cruz de Ferro (3o mins). The walk today is in the mountains and we begin at Cruz de Ferro, which has panoramic views over the plains below. Continue to the picturesque village of Molinaseca before strolling into Villafranca del Bierzo, nestling at the foot of the mountains. Afterwards, we arrive at Sarria. After a short stroll around the town we head to our accommodation at the charming Casa Caxiguero a 12th century typical traditional Spanish farmhouse. Enjoy the warm hospitality and quaint atmosphere with wonderful home-cooked meals featuring organic food produced in the garden all accompanied with local wines.

• 24kms 6 hours. Easier option: 13kms to Ventas de Naron

After breakfast we farewell Portomarin and head towards the town of Palas de Rei. Our day starts with a steady uphill climb taking in views of pretty Portomarin. The route takes us through the brooms, with their magnificent fragrance. Our path then follows the road to Gonzar and past Castromaior, known for its Romanesque church.  Along the path you will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. Over this stage, we will pass through Ventas de Naron, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Ligonde to see the church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed here in the modest village of Ligonde in 1520. Our guide will meet us today towards the end of the walk for our short transfer (15 mins) to our accommodation for the next 2 nights at Casa Camino, a charming Spanish Country House set on the hill overlooking the valley. Tonight enjoy a home-cooked dinner with local wines.

EASIER OPTION: For those after an easier option today walk 13kms to Ventas de Naron.

• 14kms. 4 hours

After breakfast, we farewell our hosts and transfer back to the trail at Melide. Today’s walk takes us from the town of Melide to Arzúa. The terrain becomes much easier today as we walk through the villages of Carballal, San Xuilan do Camino with its cute 12th Century church and the village of Lebereiro. We wind our walk through woodlands of oaks, pine and Eucalyptus trees. We will stop at one of the local villages along the way for lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge we will reach Furelos and continue on to Arzúa, in the province of La Coruña, famous for its local cheese. From here we are transferred to our accommodation for the next two nights at the nearby Pazo De Brandesco (10 min transfer).  This unique 17th Century grand mansion has been in the same family for the past 400 years. You’ll be amazed by its family collections that decorate the house. When we arrive enjoy a tour with the owner of this unique property (subject to him being at the residence when we arrive). Enjoy time to wander the grounds and visit their small chapel or swim in the pool. Tonight dine in the grand dining room enjoying a three-course meal served with local wine.

• 21kms. 5.5 hours

Today is the final leg of our camino walk as we make our way to our destination at Santiago de Compostela. After breakfast we transfer back to the trail (20 mins) to start our walk. Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges, all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. We walk through Lavacolla village, a place where pilgrims traditionally stopped to wash in the river and purify themselves before entering the city of Santiago. We reach Monte del Gozo (Mount of Joy) where we will see impressive views of the impressive Cathedral of Santiago. We walk into Santiago though the cobbled streets of the Old Quarter and feel the elation as we reach the Plaza del Obradoiro, one of the most beautiful and renowned squares in Spain and the end of our walk. Enjoy the views in front of you of the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago. To the left of the cathedral in the square is our impressive accommodation for the night at the Parador (also knowns as the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos.) Considered the oldest hotel in the world, in 1499 this building was a Royal hospital to house the walkers who were on the camino pilgrimage to Santiago. These days this accommodation is now an elegant hotel with the best location in the city offering a truly unique and exclusive place to stay. Tonight we join the pilgrims service at 6.30pm before enjoying a celebratory dinner in the grand vault restaurant at the Parador Hotel.