Best of the Spanish Camino
13 Days Starting in Bilbao, Spain and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Visiting: Bilbao, Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, Leon, Astorga, Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro, Portomarin, Santiago, Santiago de Compostela
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BCT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Best of the Spanish Camino" tour, tracing the historic pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Experience the camaraderie of fellow walkers as you traverse medieval trails marked by ancient churches and crosses. Delight in stays at charming, family-run hotels and savor local culinary delights. Explore the cultural treasures of Bilbao, Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, and Santiago, each brimming with religious and historical significance. Enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and the traditional Galician ritual of Queimada. With a support vehicle for luggage and transfers, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort, ensuring a memorable Camino experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Bilbao, Meet Your Guide And Transfer To Roncesvalles*
Location: Bilbao
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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 transferring to Roncesvalles for dinner and overnight.
Note: the July 2024 departure will stay overnight in Pamplona, with a transfer to Roncesvalles tomorrow morning for the walk.
Day 2 : Pyrenees Walk To Alto Del Erro (4-5Hrs), Transfer To Pamplona
Location: Pamplona
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your introduction to the famous pilgrimage trail begins in the historical village of Roncesvalles, high in the Pyrenees and near the French border in northeastern Navarre. Its famous local church has several relics dating back to the 8th Century and the defeat of Charlemagne by local tribes. Walk along the Camino to Alto del Erro then transfer to Pamplona and the hotel.
Distance: 18km/11.2mi
Day 3 : Camino Walk Including Puente La Reina (4-5Hrs), Transfer To Logroño
Location: Logroño
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 (1hr). 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.
Distance: 18km/11.2mi
Day 4 : Visit Laguardia, Walk Montes De Oca To San Juan De Ortega (3-4Hrs), Overnight Burgos
Location: Burgos
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Distance: 15km/9.3mi
Day 5 : Walk From Castrojeriz To Fromista (4Hrs), Transfer To Carrion De Los Condes
Location: Burgos
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Distance: 13km/8mi
Day 6 : Walk Along The Castile Landscape (3Hrs) And Transfer To Leon
Location: Leon
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Day 7 : Walk From Hospital De Orbigo To Astorga (3Hrs)
Location: Astorga
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Distance: 13km/8mi
Day 8 : Walk From Cruz De Ferro To Molinaseca (4Hrs), Visit Villafranca, Transfer To Hererrías
Location: Villafranca del Bierzo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Distance: 16km/9.9mi
Day 9 : Visit O Cebreiro, Walk To Triacastela (4Hrs), Samos Monastery And On To Sarria
Location: O Cebreiro
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Distance: 18km/11mi
Day 10 : Walk To Portomarin (5Hrs), Transfer To Arzúa
Location: Portomarin
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Distance: 18km/11mi
Day 11 : Walk The Last Stage Of The Camino From Lavacolla To Santiago (3Hrs)
Location: Santiago
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Day 12 : Morning Tour In Santiago, Afternoon Visit To Cape Finisterre And Farewell Dinner
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 13 : Trip Concludes
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5 nights in 4 star -
12 breakfasts, 12 dinners
12 breakfasts and 12 dinners are included. Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of bread or toast, tea, and coffee. Dinner may start with soup, rice, or pasta, followed by either an egg, chicken, red meat, or fish dish.
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12 nights in charming hotels
12 nights in charming hotels all on a twin share basis, specially chosen for their comfort and local flavor.
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English speaking guide
An English-speaking guide will be with you throughout the tour, along with local city guides in Burgos, Leon, and Santiago on days 5, 6, and 12.
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Support vehicle for luggage and transfers
A support vehicle will be available for luggage and transfers. Note that porterage is not included, and you will carry your own luggage to and from the vehicle.
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Entrances to key landmarks
Entrances to Burgos Cathedral, León Cathedral, San Isidoro church, Santiago Cathedral, and Samos Monastery are included.
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Winery visit and tasting
A winery visit in Laguardia with tasting and a traditional Galician ritual (Queimada) in Arzua are included.
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Travel to and from key locations
Travel to Bilbao and from Santiago de Compostela is included.
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included
Lunches daily and beverages other than at breakfast and dinner are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you book a single room.
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Sightseeing and entrance fees unless specified
Sightseeing and entrance fees unless specified as included are not covered.
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Storage of luggage and porterage
Storage of luggage and porterage are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Accommodation
5 nights in 4 star. During the trip you will stay in a collection of hand picked accommodation ranging from a charming rural posada to modern city hotels, hotels housed in historic buildings to atmospheric inns. Location is one of the key factors, with clean, mainly spacious rooms, helpful staff and a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Generally our meals will be taken at the hotel and this is another key factor in our selection process.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported, you will only need to carry a day pack with your daily requirements (rain jacket, waterbottle, camera etc).
Grading
This is a guided walk with average daily stages of 3 to 5 hours. The km shown are the maximum each day as there are options to shorten the walking on most days by eg, staying onboard the support vehicle and being dropped off further along the trail. The trip is graded moderate as it is mainly on well defined trails, with a few off path sections only. There are many ups and downs and walking poles are definitely a good idea. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Mode of Transport
Travel to Bilbao and from Santiago de Compostela. Support vehicle for luggage and transfers. (reasonable luggage allowance permitted however please note space in the vehicle is limited. Note porterage is not included - you will carry your own luggage to and from the vehicle).
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the trip, you will stay in a collection of hand-picked accommodations ranging from charming rural posadas to modern city hotels, hotels housed in historic buildings, and atmospheric inns. The accommodations are selected for their location, clean and spacious rooms, helpful staff, and a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Generally, meals will be taken at the hotel.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 12 breakfasts and 12 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of bread or toast, tea, and coffee. Dinner may start with soup, rice, or pasta, followed by either an egg, chicken, red meat, or fish dish.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, there will be an English-speaking guide throughout the tour, as well as local city guides in Burgos, Leon, and Santiago on days 5, 6, and 12.
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Is there a support vehicle available during the tour?
Yes, there is a support vehicle for luggage and transfers. However, please note that porterage is not included, so you will need to carry your own luggage to and from the vehicle.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included?
Yes, entrances to Burgos Cathedral, León Cathedral, San Isidoro church, Santiago Cathedral, and Samos Monastery are included.
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Is there any special activity included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a winery visit in Laguardia with tasting and a Queimada (traditional Galician ritual) in Arzua.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you will only need to carry a day pack with your daily requirements such as a rain jacket, water bottle, and camera.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The trip is graded as moderate, with average daily stages of 3 to 5 hours. The walks are mainly on well-defined trails with a few off-path sections. There are many ups and downs, so walking poles are recommended. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
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What happens if I can't complete a day's walk?
There are options to shorten the walking on most days by staying onboard the support vehicle and being dropped off further along the trail.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Bilbao and ends in Santiago de Compostela.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.