Best of the Camino
- Hike the best and most interesting sections of the Camino Frances
- Cross the French/Spanish border on foot through the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles
- Discover the historic cities of Logroño, Pamplona and León
- Receive your ‘Compostela’ certificate in Santiago after completing the final 100km (62miles)
- Experience the Camino community and forge life-long friendships with fellow pilgrims
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in St. Jean Pied de Port and overnightYour journey starts in St Jean Pied de Port, which straddles the French and Spanish border.
This comfortable Hotel is located very centrally in St Jean Pied De Port at the start of the Pilgrimage route to Santiago. It provides clean and comfortable accommodation for walkers before they begin their journey.
The toughest section stage 1, with a steep climb to the Roncesvalles. Then pass across the Pyrenees on a route called Ruta Imperial (Imperial Route). You will be rewarded with wonderful panoramic mountain views and a great sense of achievement. An alternative route is available along the valley for those who prefer a more gentle option.Â
This house was built originally in the eighteenth century and has recently been refurbished to accommodate pilgrims on their journey.
From Roncesvalles, you will cross two further mountain passes before continuing through beech and oak woods alongside the River Arga to the small village of Akerreta
Hotel Akerreta is a small family run bed and breakfast. The stone walled house still has many of its original features with its bread ovens and enormous wooden oak beams.
At first following the River Arga along shaded paths, today’s walk then starts to get slightly busier as you head towards Pamplona as you follows busy main roads into the city.
Pamplona is a beautiful city lined with medieval streets and famous for the running of the bulls festival which takes place one a year where daring men and women tear through the streets chased by bulls. Be prepared to enter a hustling and bustling city, quite the opposite to the Camino.Â
Castillo Javier is conveniently located and offers comfortable accommodation and a modern standard.
After the first 5km along suburban roads, you are soon back in the countryside. From Cizur Menor, a climb takes you through a field of wind turbines, with wonderful views back over Pamplona. The Arga valley then opens up ahead as you descend down to Puente la Reina.
This bright and spacious hotel is ideal for pilgrims with en-suite facilities, plasma TVs and air conditioning.
Walking through rolling farmland and vineyards will bring you to Estella, please be aware that there are few trees along this path and therefore no where to seek shelter from the sun.
There are also a few examples of Roman roadway on this section from Cirauqui to Lorca especially where the majortiy of the track is along such roman roadways. The first section will have three steep climbs up to hill top villages before you descend into Estella.
A four-star accommodation that devotes care and attention to the small details to provide a unique artistic environment that give a classic look with a unique service that will meet your highest expectations.
The majority of your walk today will take you along beautiful natural paths, starting with the first section up to Monjardin. You will have magnificient views southward of the alternative route and Luquin, both route options join for the last section to Los Arcos.
The Hostal Suetxe is a small hotel which offers rustic charm and clean, comfortable accommodation.
Wander along natural paths leading you through arable farmland, please be aware that there is little shade along this stretch and make sure you adequetely protected against the sun. Today's day is a long one and contains some short but steep sections into the rio Linares and Cornava river valleys.
Just before entering Logrono you will pass through the region of La Rioja which is renouned for the wine it produces, make sure you try a glass with your dinner!
A Marriot hotel full of fantastic amenities. Guests can immerse themselves in the exclusive indoor swimming pool, designed to make our guests are as comfortable as possible during their stay.
A private transfer will pick you up this morning and transfer you to Sarria. The journey will take approx 5 hours but is broken up with a rest stop in the beautiful city of Leon. Enjoy a few hours to have lunch and a wander round the city exploring the Cathedral and some of the beautiful architecture. Continue to Sarria, which is the last place from which you can start the Camino and still qualify for your Compostela (certificate of completion).
NH Alfonso IX Hotel is located in the heart of Camino de Santiago within the urban part of the town, in incomparable natural beauty, surrounded by gardens and bordering the river, it is very close to the monumental zone and the Roman route. You can also enjoy the famous street of the Anticuarios, (Antique dealers).
Leaving Sarria you pass Sarria Castle, with its one remaining tower, the rest destroyed in the peasants’ uprising against the aristocracy in the 15th Century.
You will be walking along shady tree-lined roads and pathways this morning, passing through pretty small hamlets such as Cortinas and A Brea, before reaching the stone marker; a photo opportunity before taking the first step on the final 100km to Santiago.
The Camino ascends to a high point at Pena dos Corvos; at 660m you will enjoy panoramic views, before descending into the lush Rio Mino valley, to Mercadoiro and then Portomarin. Enjoy the Galician ambience as you stroll up the cobbled main street and end your day by relaxing in one of the cafés surrounding the square.
The hotel is very pleasant and provides a relaxed atmosphere with spacious rooms and a great breakfast. Remember your swim wear as there is a pool and sauna which is open in the summer months.
Cross the Minho river then follow the Camino route as it climbs steadily upwards, then pass through the settlement of Gonzar and Castromaior, where you’ll find the tiny Romanesque Church of Santa Maria.
Continue along country roads edged by bright yellow gorse, pine and oak trees. Upon reaching the high point of today’s Camino at Sierra de Ligonde (750 m), descend to the ancient hamlet of Ligonde. After passing Eirexe you cross the Alto Rosario, and descend into the village of Palas de Rei.
Casa Benilde is a local and welcoming hotel in Palas de Rei. Often spoken of as the friendliest accommodation on the route, you will be sure of a delightful stay here.
Leaving Palace de Rei, you will soon reach San Xulian do Camino, a classical Camino village with a tiny 12th Century church dedicated to Saint Julian. After crossing the provincial border you pass through the hamlet of O Coto and village of Leboreiro. Perhaps stopping for lunch at the town of Melide, famed for its octopus dishes ‘pulpo Galega’.
The shaded forests of oak and chestnut give way to eucalyptus and pine before you ascend to Arzúa.
This accommodation is located in the heart of Arzúa, with 29 bedrooms. They all have TV, heating, private bathroom but not air conditioning. There is an elevator, a guests´ lounge and a small cafeteria. On the ground floor you´ll find the restaurant which serves traditional Galician cuisine.
Leave the old quarter of Arzúa as the Camino leads past oak tree forests, that give way to lush meadows. Visit the medieval shrine at Santa Irene, dedicated to a martyr saint from Portugal, and the Baroque fountain of healing waters.
Throughout the day you’ll be passing different villages: Brea, Calzada, Rua and A Calle; the meaning of which is synonymous with ‘Camino’.
This property offers comfortable cottages with 3 double bedrooms and 1 single, all with private bathroom and TV, living room with gallery. There are also 3 tourist apartments for 2-4 persons, each consisting of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room with fireplace and terrace. Dining is available. It has swimming pool and garden to relax into the summer.
Today you can look forward to a fabulous day walking to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The Camino leads first to San Paio and Lavacolla, where it was traditional for pilgrims to wash in the river before reaching Santiago.
Tall eucalyptus trees sway in the wind as you make your way to the ‘Mount of Joy’ of Monte del Gozo (368 m). From here, catch sight of your goal - the impressive spires of Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral. The final kilometres of your walk take you through the beautiful streets of Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hotel is located in the heart of the city, just 800 meters from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
After breakfast your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.
This trip has a carbon score of 15kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 15kg is equivalent to 88.5 candy bars. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience the highlights of one of the world’s greatest pilgrimages, but don’t have the time to do the full trail. With our first-hand knowledge and experience, we carefully designed this itinerary to ensure you make the most of two weeks on the trail whilst still qualifying for your Compostela certificate. Graded as moderate, expect the first few days to be the most strenuous as you hike over the Pyrenees Mountains. The trail then gradually climbs and falls over rolling hills before flattening out as you near Santiago. Overnight in a mix of rural hotels and hostels all private en-suite rooms.
Pilgrimages | For those looking to follow a path of self-discovery. Our Pilgrimage and Camino routes take you on a journey through diverse landscapes and local flavours, while meeting like-minded adventurers along the way.
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years
This itinerary is graded moderate overall, and includes daily hiking distances of 9-18 miles. Expect most days to be over 13 miles. The first section of the trail from St. Jean Pied de Port to Akerreta is graded as moderate/strenuous as it involves some steep ascents through the Pyrenees. You will be hiking for between 5-8 hours each day and will follow a mixture of dirt tracks, minor roads, and established footpaths.
Our Camino Tours include small rural hotels and hostels close to the route of the Camino. You will always have a private room and en-suite (attached) bathroom. When staying in Leon, Pamplona, Sarria and Santiago, you will stay in 3* hotels, the other nights will be in a mixture of rural hotels and hostels.
Single Rooms
Single rooms are available, although a supplement is payable. The price for a single room is available on the included tab of this tour and in the booking engine.
Meals
A light continental breakfast is included each morning, which can sometimes just be coffee, bread and orange juice. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Every place you stop will have evening meals available, you can get a pilgrims menu for about 10 Euros which includes 3 courses, wine and water!
Extra Nights
We can add extra nights if you wish, allowing you to have rest days in between the longer hiking days.
The Camino is very easy to follow. The route is marked with yellow painted arrows and a yellow shell on a blue background. The detailed travel pack we supply includes a detailed guidebook including maps, a detailed information pack for planning and preparing for your Camino, detailed instructions of how to find your overnight accommodation and everything you need for your Camino.
In addition to the printed route notes, you will receive in your travel pack, you will also have access to our Macs Adventure App, allowing you to follow the route on richly detailed mapping on your cell.Â
- 14 Nights accommodation in small rural hotels and hostels.
- 14 Breakfasts.
- Baggage Transfers.
- Private transfer from Logrono to Sarria with a stop in Leon.
- A detailed information pack including guidebook, route notes, maps and local information.
- 24/7 emergency telephone support.
- Return travel to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port/from Santiago.
- Lunches, dinners, snacks or drinks.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal Equipment.
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.
- Additional nights’ accommodation
You can start the Best of the Camino on any day of your choosing between March and Mid-November.
Time of Year
The weather on the Camino will change slightly as you travel from the Pyrenees over to Galicia. The spring months of March and April tend to offer nice mild conditions for walking although the nights can be quite cold at this time of year and there can be quite a lot of rain in the region of Galicia at this time. The summer months of July and August can get very hot and humid. The autumn from late September through to October offers cooler temperatures again although daylight hours start to become less at this time. The region of Galicia in particular experiences higher rainfall than the rest of Spain so you should come prepared with waterproofs!
The best place to fly into to get to St Jean is Biarritz Airport. You can get here easily from London and Manchester Airports with Ryanair or if you are traveling internationally it is often a good idea to fly into Paris and either take the train down to Bayonne with SNCF, or to take an internal flight with Air France or Easyjet to get to Biarritz. From Biarritz, you simply take the bus from outside the airport to Bayonne rail station (20 mins) and then from there take the mountain railway up to St Jean (1.5 hours) which you can book in advance with SNCF.
We can also arrange private transfers from Biarittz Airport to St Jean if you want a hassle-free start to your journey!Â
Ryanair fly direct to London Stansted Airport in the UK from Santiago and Easyjet fly direct to London Gatwick. For destinations outside the UK, you can fly to Paris with Vueling or via Madrid with Ryanair.
From Santiago Airport to city centre and vice-versa
From Santiago you can arrange a private transfer through Macs Adventure, to ensure a smooth end to your Camino. Alternatively, a bus runs between the airport and Plaza de Galicia in Santiago, stopping at different points in the city (Pazo de Congresos, Capilla San Lázaro, the bus station, the railway station, Rúa da Rosa, and others). From the airport the bus departs from 00:00 to 23:30, every half hour (duration 20 mins). Please see the Santiago Airport website for current timetables.
From Santiago to Madrid by train
If you would prefer to travel by rail, you can take a train (fast trains are available, 6h30 duration approx.) from Santiago to Madrid with RENFE.
By Bus within Spain
There are good bus connections from Santiago to other cities within Spain – see http://www.alsa.es for bus schedules.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
Baggage transfers are included (max 20kg / 44lbs per person). Your main bag will be transferred each day between your overnight accommodation so that you only need to hike with a day backpack.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Pilgrim Passport
The Pilgrim Passport is issued by the Church of St James, you will find this in your pack waiting for you at your first hotel. Alternatively, you can obtain one at the start of your walk in the Pilgrims’ Office or the local church in town. You need to get the passport stamped in churches, restaurants and hotels along the way. At the end of the walk, in Santiago, you can obtain your Compostela Certificate (only if you have walked the last 100km).
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard hiking gear such as good hiking boots or shoes, lightweight clothes, waterproofs and a day pack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
This walk is graded as moderate and includes daily walks of between 15-28km so you will be walking for between 5 and 8 hours each day. The trail consists of a mixture of dirt tracks, minor roads and footpaths.
Yes, many of our guests travel solo. Although the nature of the Camino means that they soon join up with other pilgrims. There is a single room supplement payable for solo walkers.
Yes, some people prefer to walk carrying their own bags as a true pilgrim would have. You can select the option for removing the baggage transfers in Step 2 of the Booking Engine.
You can start on any day of your choosing between March and mid-November, subject to availability.
Yes, although we find our standard itineraries are perfect for most walkers, we can add additional nights at any point of the Camino and tailor-make the trip to meet your needs.
A mixture of farm/dirt tracks, minor roads and footpaths. The route is well marked and easy to follow.
We suggest you book as far in advance as possible as the Camino is extremely popular. We will always try and accommodate late booking requests.
Although you can walk the Camino most of the year we would recommend April/May/June and September/October when the weather is at its best for walking. July and August can be very hot and are busy.
Public transport and taxis are available if you are need of support contact ourselves or our local partners and we will be more that happy to help.
Unfortunately we are unable to change your accommodation bookings and itinerary once you start walking as alternative accommodation is generally not available at such short notice.
We strongly suggest that you have travel insurance which covers you for cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury before and during your trip.
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