The Camino Francés: From Pamplona to Santiago with the last 100 km on foot.
10 pax min.
Group tour along the Camino Francés. From Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela, the last 100 km on foot.
During this trip we’ll travel along the Camino de Santiago visiting its main cities and places of interest. Apart from that, we’ll walk the last 100 km on foot so as to receive the “Compostela” reward at the pilgrims office upon arrival in Santiago.
When we speak about the St. James’s Way it is often associated with the so-called “French Way” without considering that only in Spain there are several routes to Santiago coming from different points of the Peninsula. This way, compared to others, is the busiest and the one which has the best facilities.
It dates back to the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle and the first pilgrimages to Santiago from France. It partly runs along old Roman roads that were used by the pilgrims.
Program
Day 1: Pamplona
Flight to Pamplona airport. The group will be welcomed by a tourist guide who will be with us the whole trip. Coach transfer to the hotel in Pamplona.
Day 2: Pamplona – day trip to Roncesvalles
In the morning we’ll see the city, especially the old town and the Cathedral. In the afternoon we’ll make our way to Roncesvalles, located in the Navarre Pyrenees.and the first city to see by the pilgrims when entering into Spain along the Camino Francés. Here we’ll take a small hike.
Day 3: From Pamplona to Burgos
In the morning we depart from our hotel in Pamplona en route to Burgos. First we’ll stop in Eunate to visit its octagonal Romanesque church. Passing through the villages of Puente la Reina and Estella we get to Santo Domingo de la Calzada where we’ll visit the Cathedral. Small walk in the afternoon along the Camino de Santiago before heading for Burgos.
Day 4: Burgos
In the morning official guided tour of the city, it is important to see the Gothic Cathedral, the old town and the Cartuja de Miraflores. In the afternoon we’ll visit the convent of Las Huelgas. It is possible to arrange a trip to the monastery of Covarrubias and Santo Domingo de Silos.
Day 5: From Burgos to Leon
In the morning we board our coach and leave Burgos. First we’ll pass by the villages of Rabé de las Calzadas and Olmillos de Sasomón. We follow our way to Frómista to visit the emblematic Romanesque church of San Martín. During this journey we’ll also take a hike along the Camino.
Then we continue to Sahagún, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour.
Day 6: From León to Sarria
In the morning we’ll make our way to Astorga to visit the Cathedral and the Gaudi’s Episcopal Palace. Later we travel along the Camino to Villafranca del Bierzo, where we’ll see the church of Santiago. Then we follow the Camino de Santiago towards O Cebreiro, a village of Celtic origin. Here we can see the “Pallozas”, typical Celtic roundhouses. We’ll also visit the church of Santa María la Real. In the afternoon, transfer to Santiago.
Day 7. From Sarria to Portomarín, 23 km approx.
This first stage goes through different towns where you can visit some Romanesque churches. It mainly runs along paths and forest tracks.
On reaching Portomarín we have the possibility to visit the Romanesque church of St. Nicholas and this pretty village with its peculiar history.
Day 8: From Portomarín to Palas de Rei, 26 km approx.
First we descend to the reservoir and then we’ll start climbing the hill to the Monte San Antonio, from where we will reach the villages of Toxibó and Gonzar.
Then we will go through different villages and small towns like Hospital de la Cruz, Ventas de Naron and Eirexe until Palas de Rei.
Day 9: From Palas de Rei to Arzúa, 30 km approx.
When leaving Palas de Rei we’ll do a nice hike through forests to Coto.
About noon we’ll reach Melide, halfway point of the stage,where you can taste the octopus in one of its typical local cuisine restaurant called “pulpería”
Then across eucalyptus forests we will reach the village of Boente, from where we’ll walk to the village of Ribadiso before reaching Arzúa.
Day 10: From Arzúa to Lavacolla, 30 km approx.
This stage also goes through eucalyptus forests and brings us even closer to our destination. We’ll pass through different towns, among which you’ll find St. Irene and Amenal. In Lavacolla pilgrims were accustomed to have a bath in the river before entering the next day in Santiago.
Day 11. From Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela, 11 km approx.
Finally we get closer to our destination. We have ahead a short stage, perfect to reach the Cathedral of Santiago before 12 noon to attend to the Pilgrim’s Mass which is held every day at this time.
Before entering the city we will pass through the Monte del Gozo, whose name comes from the joy felt by the pilgrims when seeing the city for the first time.
In the afternoon we’ll visit the roof of the Cathedral and later we can have a walk around the old town. In the evening we’ll sample the local food in a traditional restaurant.
Day 12: In Santiago de Compostela
Free day to visit the city. We especially recommend to see the market town, Plaza de Abastos. We’ll also have the opportunity to visit the roof of the Cathedral or any of the city’s museums as the Museo de las Peregrinaciones (a museum dedicated to the story of pilgrimages) Transfer to the airport.
*This program is only an example as the trip can be modified according to your interests by changing the length, including more excursions..just depending on the group desires.
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