18 day Highlights of the Camino de Santiago

• Walk 8.5kms. Hours 2.5 hours. Descent 282m

Guests will need to organise their own flights to Lyon in France the day prior to the tour. Direct flights operate throughout the day from Paris to Lyon, France (1 hour 10 min flight).

Meet our representative in Lyon at 8am in the foyer of the Hotel Carlton Lyon –MGallery by Sofitel, from here we transfer (2 hour drive) to Christophe-de-sur-Dolaison at 912m near the town of Le Puy. To maximise our time, this mornings walk will take us on a section of the Camino starting in the village of Christophe-de-sur-Dolaison and walking back towards Le Puy. This offers our guests a spectacular way to arrive into Le Puy with its dramatic volcanic outcrops adorned with chapels and statues. Once we arrive into Le Puy we will enjoy a relaxing lunch in the main square and so up the atmosphere of this medieval town. After lunch, we walk directly to our hotel, Le Regina where your bags will be waiting and you can check in to your room. This afternoon you have the option to join a sightseeing tour (no extra cost) with your guide including the Cathedral and the 10th century medieval Michel d’Aiguikhe chapel dramatically perched on a volcanic rock overlooking the town. Alternatively, enjoy some free time to explore this quaint town at your leisure. The old city is a delightful maze of small streets with pastel-painted building and shops some selling lace, as this town once famed for its lacemaking. Tonight join your group for dinner in the restaurant specialising in regional food which is accompanied with French wines. In the evening after dinner you can stroll around the town and see the pretty illumination of significant buildings.

• 17kms. Optional Easier Walk: 9kms.

This morning we enjoy a wonderful breakfast in the Chateau before transferring to the next section of our walk (38 mins). Today’s walk takes us from Nasbinals to Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac. We begin in Nasbinals a charming little village nestled at 1200 metres above sea level with a 12th-century church. From here our walk gradually climbs as it crosses the Aubrac plateau a UNESCO World Heritage site with volcanic granite landscapes, stark lakes, beech forests and open green hillsides with wildflowers during spring. We cross a stone bridge over a pretty stream before reaching the village of Pascalet. We traverse to the highest point of the camino at 1324m before gradually descending into the small medieval village of Aubrac with its gothic church tower. The bells of the tower would help pilgrims in the middle ages find their way in stormy weather. We stop in this pretty town for lunch before continuing on to the villages of  Belvezet and Del Sail. We descend into the charming village of Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac, with its stone cottages set in a beautiful green valley. Afterwards, we transfer 55 mins to the remarkable Château de Labro a stylish and elegant luxury accommodation set in a historic castle with grand interiors, a gourmet restaurant, and swimming pool set amongst the vineyard your stay here will be truly unique.

Easier Option. An easier option walk is available today. Walk with the group to Aubrac. After lunch spend some time in town at leisure before travelling with the guide to Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac for free time to wander around this cute village.

• Exploring historical villages and Grotto de Peche Merle cave paintings. Afternoon walk from Caberets to St Cirq Lapopie 11.5km

After breakfast we farewell Conques and transfer to Grotto de Peche Merle, Caberets to visit the cave paintings, like that of the Spotted Horses which are over 29,000 years old. This is one of the few prehistoric cave painting sites in France that remain open to the general public. This vast 2km cave is adorned with nearly 700 prehistoric painted or engraved patterns. Afterwards, we’ll walk from Caberets to St Cirq Lapopie generally considered a moderately challenging route taking an average of 4hours. We’ll then transfer to Cahors. We enter the city by crossing the impressive Valentre Bridge, the gateway to Cahors which spans this River Lot. Cahors has a rich Celtic history before becoming a large Roman City with monuments that can still be seen today. From Cahors, we transfer to our accommodation at Chateau Mercues (15 mins). This special accommodation will be another highlight of your trip as we spend the evening in a 13th-century castle which overlooks the famous vineyard of Cahors. Formerly the residence of the Bishops of Cahors, this historic building has been transformed into an elegant hotel with lavish decor and antiques. The chateau is set amongst extensive gardens with an outdoor swimming pool. Before dinner, we enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the rooftop balcony of the castle overlooking the valley. Afterwards, we dine on the magnificent cuisine in the hotel restaurant created by the resident chef, with a range of perfectly chosen wines.

Easier Option. For those not wanting to join the afternoon walk, travel with our driver to Cahors with free time to explore this magnificent medieval town.

• 15.5kms. Shorter walking options available.

After breakfast, we farewell our hotel and transfer to the start of our last walk for the trip. (1 hr 40 mins). Today’s walk takes us from the small town of Gamarthe to Saint Jean Pied De Port in the Pyrenees. We cross the stone bridge over the river Bassaguibele and make our way to Col d’Oyhanzarre. On our walk, we pass many pretty Basque villages, beautiful rivers, chateaus and enjoy spectacular views of the Pyrenees. We eventually arrive at the gate of the old town of Saint Jean Pied de Port at the foot of the Pyrenees and our final destination. 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 our accommodation will be at the charming Les Chemins D’Elika, centrally located in Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, and you will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant featuring authentic Basque food and wine. Your dinner companions will be your fellow travellers and those joining the Camino route from here into Spain.

• 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.