Itinerary
- Day 1
Roncesvalles
You'll arrive in Roncesvalles on your own and settle into this medieval pilgrimage hub nestled in the Navarrese Pyrenees. The town centers around the 13th-century Collegiate Church of Santa María, along with the House of Beneficiaries and the historic hospital of Itzandegia. These buildings reflect centuries of pilgrims passing through these same routes before you.
Optional Activities
- Visit Collegiate Church of Santa María (13th century)
- Explore the House of Beneficiaries
- Visit the old hospital of Itzandegia
Landmarks Collegiate Church of Santa María - Day 2
Roncesvalles to Larrasoaña
Your first day on the French Way takes you through mostly downhill terrain despite two climbs at Alto de Mezkiriz and Alto de Erro. The stage introduces you to the pilgrimage walk without overwhelming difficulty, so you'll get a feel for the rhythm and your pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage on the French Way from Roncesvalles
- Day 3
Larrasoaña to Pamplona
After leaving the mountains, you'll walk downhill through rolling hills toward the medieval town of Larrassoaña, crossing the river Arga multiple times over historic bridges. Later, Pamplona appears with its famous San Fermín festivities (seasonal), churches, and medieval walls surrounding the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Larrasoaña to Pamplona
- Tour through the old town of Santiago de Compostela with guide
Optional Activities
- Visit Pamplona Cathedral and churches
- Explore medieval walls of Pamplona
- Experience San Fermín festivities (seasonal)
Landmarks Pamplona Cathedral Medieval Walls of Pamplona - Day 4
Pamplona to Puente la Reina
Today's main physical challenge is climbing Alto del Perdón with a 260-meter altitude gain on a steady route. From the top, you'll see the pilgrim monument and historic windmills with great views in all directions. After descending the rockier path, you'll reach Puente la Reina and its impressive medieval bridge with five arches, the 14th-century Church of San Pedro, and the Comendadoras monastery.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage with Alto del Perdón climb
Optional Activities
- Visit the medieval bridge of Puente la Reina
- Explore Church of San Pedro (14th century)
- Visit Comendadoras de Sancti Spiritus monastery
Landmarks Puente la Reina (Medieval Bridge) Church of San Pedro - Day 5
Puente la Reina to Estella
Start with a gentle 5-kilometer descent, then face a climb toward Mañeru with significant altitude gain. The medieval town of Cirauqui sits along the way where you can see a Gothic church and original sections of a Roman road still visible. The final portion descends into Estella.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Puente la Reina to Estella
Optional Activities
- Visit medieval Gothic church in Cirauqui
- Explore preserved Roman road sections in Cirauqui
Landmarks Gothic Church of Cirauqui - Day 6
Estella to Los Arcos
Convenient footpaths begin your day, but shortly after leaving Estella you'll come across the famous wine fountain. The final 12 kilometers from Villamayor de Monjardin to Los Arcos goes through farmland with minimal shade, so starting early helps especially during hot summer months.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Estella to Los Arcos
Optional Activities
- Stop at the famous wine fountain near Estella
- Day 7
Los Arcos to Logroño
You'll walk on dirt roads lined with olive groves, almond trees, and vineyards as you enter La Rioja wine country. The middle section gets more challenging before easing again on pedestrian paths past the Clavijo Castle ruins. By evening in Logroño, walk along Calle Laurel to try local wines and tapas.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Los Arcos to Logroño
Optional Activities
- Visit ruins of Clavijo Castle
- Walk Calle Laurel in Logroño
- Taste local wines and tapas in Logroño
Landmarks Clavijo Castle - Day 8
Logroño to Nájera
Two important climbs appear today: Alto de la Grajera and Alto de San Antón. Both climb evenly without serious difficulty, making this a manageable day despite the elevation gains you'll encounter.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage with Alto de la Grajera and Alto de San Antón climbs
- Day 9
Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada
You'll switch between rural and asphalt paths on this fairly comfortable stage. Vineyards gradually change to cereal fields as you progress toward Santo Domingo de la Calzada, one of the Camino's most important cities with deep Jacobean tradition, medieval streets, and a magnificent historic wall.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage to Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Optional Activities
- Explore medieval streets of Santo Domingo de la Calzada
- Visit historic walls of Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Landmarks Historic Center of Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Day 10
Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado
After leaving La Rioja, you'll enter Castilla León. Despite stops at La Grajera and San Antón, the day remains pleasant with steady, manageable ascents. When you reach Belorado, the last mountains appear before the great Castilian plateau opens up.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado
- Day 11
Belorado to San Juan de Ortega
Start with a quiet section through natural paths, then when you hit Montes de Oca, you'll face a 200-meter altitude gain that's manageable but noticeable after ten days on your feet. This relatively quiet stage gives your body time to recover.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage through Montes de Oca
- Day 12
San Juan de Ortega to Atapuerca
Leaving Villafranca Montes de Oca, you'll pass San Juan de Ortega just before Atapuerca, a gem of Spanish Gothic architecture worth your attention as you walk by.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from San Juan de Ortega to Atapuerca
Optional Activities
- Visit San Juan de Ortega (Spanish Gothic jewel)
Landmarks San Juan de Ortega - Day 13
Atapuerca to Burgos
The Sierra de Atapuerca offers good views and a pleasant, comfortable route past one of the world's most important archaeological sites. As you approach Burgos, take the river path which is far more pleasant than walking through the industrial area. Once in the city, the Gothic cathedral deserves a visit.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Atapuerca to Burgos
Optional Activities
- Visit Burgos Cathedral (Gothic)
- Explore Atapuerca archaeological site
Landmarks Burgos Cathedral Atapuerca Archaeological Site - Day 14
Burgos to Castrojeriz
Now on the Castilian plateau where sections appear flat and comfortable, but weather becomes a real challenge. Summer brings very high temperatures with little shade, while winter brings severe cold. Medieval towns along the way provide cultural interest to break up the landscape.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Burgos to Castrojeriz
Optional Activities
- Explore medieval towns along the route
- Day 15
Castrojeriz to Frómista
This stage mirrors the previous day across Castilian fields with similar climate concerns from temperature extremes. The final kilometers follow the road into Castrojeriz where you can visit the Collegiate Church of Santa María del Manzano and its Museum of Sacred Art.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Castrojeriz to Frómista
Optional Activities
- Visit Collegiate Church of Santa María del Manzano
- Explore Museum of Sacred Art in Castrojeriz
Landmarks Collegiate Church of Santa María del Manzano - Day 16
Frómista to Carrión de los Condes
When leaving Castrojeriz, the Mostelares climb begins with a 145-meter gain in less than two kilometers, the most challenging part of today but worth it for the magnificent plateau views. You'll finish in Frómista, one of the Jacobean tradition's great capitals and home to Romanesque architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage with Mostelares climb
- Day 17
Carrión de los Condes to Sahagún
This very flat stage crosses the plateau without difficulty. You'll pass Villalcázar de Sirga where the Des Mesonero monument sits alongside the Church of Santa María La Blanca. Later in Carrión de los Condes, the Monastery of San Zoilo warrants a visit.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Carrión de los Condes to Sahagún
Optional Activities
- Visit Des Mesonero monument in Villalcázar de Sirga
- Explore Church of Santa María La Blanca
- Visit Monastery of San Zoilo in Carrión de los Condes
Landmarks Church of Santa María La Blanca Monastery of San Zoilo - Day 18
Sahagún to Calzadilla de la Cueza
You're on the stage of the French Way with the fewest stops. The route follows the Via Aquitaine, the ancient Roman Road XXXIV connecting Astorga to Bordeaux, paths traveled for millennia by countless pilgrims before you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage on Via Aquitaine and Roman Road XXXIV
- Day 19
Calzadilla de la Cueza to Sahagún
After leaving Calzadilla de la Cueza, a short two-kilometer climb appears before you cross small valleys and the Valderaduey River entering León province. You'll arrive in Sahagún, a uniquely distinctive town with Mudéjar architecture. The Churches of San Tirso and San Lorenzo stand out architecturally.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage to Sahagún
Optional Activities
- Visit Church of San Tirso in Sahagún
- Visit Church of San Lorenzo in Sahagún
Landmarks Church of San Tirso Church of San Lorenzo - Day 20
Sahagún to El Burgo Ranero
Leaving Sahagún, you'll cross the Cea River toward Bercianos del Camino and eventually reach El Burgo Ranero. This comfortable journey takes you between cornfields characteristic of the León region.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Sahagún to El Burgo Ranero
- Day 21
El Burgo Ranero to Mansilla de las Mulas
This very flat stage runs practically straight on comfortable dirt roads and through wooded areas offering shade, especially welcome during summer heat. You'll encounter hardly any populated areas between the two points, and by evening you can relax on the banks of the river Esla in Mansilla de las Mulas.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from El Burgo Ranero to Mansilla de las Mulas
Optional Activities
- Relax on the banks of the river Esla in Mansilla de las Mulas
- Day 22
Mansilla de las Mulas to León
Roads with heavier traffic appear as you near León. The Portillo Hill with its great view signals your arrival at León, one of the main cities on the Camino. Once there, check out the Cathedral, Casa Botines by Gaudí, and Hospital de San Marcos. Walk through the old town and stop in Barrio el Humedo for delicious tapas.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage to León
- Tour through the old town of Santiago de Compostela with guide
Optional Activities
- Visit León Cathedral
- Explore Casa Botines by Gaudí
- Visit Hospital de San Marcos
- Walk through the old town
- Stop at Barrio el Humedo for tapas
Landmarks León Cathedral Casa Botines Hospital de San Marcos - Day 23
León to San Miguel del Camino
This variant of the Historic Way runs parallel to the national N-120 as a practically continuous flat route. You'll pass through towns like San Miguel and Fresno set among the characteristic cornfields of the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage on the Historic Way variant
- Day 24
San Miguel del Camino to Hospital de Órbigo
Terrain begins showing bumps that increase as you approach Galicia. Between Villadangos de Páramo and the Hospital de Órbigo, which you'll reach crossing a magnificent bridge over the river, the flat plateau landscape continues. This becomes the last town where you'll see slightly mountainous terrain.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from San Miguel del Camino to Hospital de Órbigo
Optional Activities
- Cross the magnificent bridge over the river at Hospital de Órbigo
- Day 25
Hospital de Órbigo to Astorga
Astorga appears as your destination, a small city full of Roman remains where the French Way and the Vía de la Plata meet. It's also the capital of the Maragatería region with its unique cultural heritage to explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage to Astorga
Optional Activities
- Explore Roman remains in Astorga
- Visit Maragatería region capital
Landmarks Astorga - Day 26
Astorga to Foncebadon
You're entering deeper into the Montes de León where terrain becomes increasingly hilly as you progress through this mountainous region.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage through Montes de León
- Day 27
Foncebadon to Ponferrada
Bumps and climbs return as you make your way through challenging mountain terrain typical of this area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage through mountain terrain
- Day 28
Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo
Ponferrada awaits as the capital of the Bierzo region, known for its rich food culture featuring dishes like botillo and wines with their own denomination of origin.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Ponferrada
Optional Activities
- Taste local Bierzo wine and gastronomy
- Day 29
Villafranca del Bierzo to Las Herrerías
In the heart of the Bierzo region, you'll walk fairly comfortable trails through fields and vineyards. Villafranca del Bierzo has the Church of Santiago famous for the Puerta del Perdón (Door of Forgiveness), which opens only during Jacobean years, along with the Holy Door of the Cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage through Bierzo region
Optional Activities
- Visit Church of Santiago with Puerta del Perdón (Door of Forgiveness)
- Explore Holy Door of Cathedral of Santiago
Landmarks Church of Santiago - Day 30
Las Herrerías to O Cebreiro
A fairly flat stage lets you relax and prepare for tomorrow's big climb. The route follows the old N-VI and runs alongside the river Valcarce with a final stretch of almost two kilometers downhill.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage along river Valcarce
- Day 31
O Cebreiro to Triacastela
The mythical climb to O Cebreiro begins, the French Way's gateway to Galicia and the biggest climb in Spanish territory. This almost 700-meter altitude gain along La Faba hill challenges many, but countless pilgrims say it's the most beautiful and exciting stage. Arrive in O Cebreiro and enter the magical Ancares region with its Jacobean tradition.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage with O Cebreiro climb
Optional Activities
- Explore O Cebreiro village
- Enter the magical Ancares region
Landmarks O Cebreiro - Day 32
Triacastela to Sarria
Characteristic ups and downs define this stage. You'll start toward San Roque's statue of the Pilgrim, then climb to O Alto do Poio at 1,337 meters altitude. While the distance is short, the climb makes it one of the most complicated stages before you descend toward Triacastela.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage with San Roque and O Alto do Poio climbs
Optional Activities
- Visit Pilgrim statue on San Roque
- Day 33
Sarria to Barbadelos
This short stage heads toward San Xil through a quiet area with a pleasant walk through beautiful landscapes. You'll cross the San Xil Valley, one of the most beautiful in all of Galicia, before reaching Sarria.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage through San Xil Valley
- Day 34
Barbadelos to Portomarin
Sarria marks the starting point for many pilgrims as it sits very close to the mythical final 100 kilometers, the minimum distance needed for the Compostela. This first stage runs flat without many climbs through deepest Galicia with chestnut trees, oaks, rivers, and charming towns like Barbadelos and Ferreiros. The old town of Portomarin lies under the Belesar reservoir waters as the river Miño indicates your approach.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage from Sarria on the final 100km section
Optional Activities
- Explore charming towns of Barbadelos and Ferreiros
- Experience Galician landscapes
Landmarks Portomarin - Day 35
Portomarin to Ligonde
You'll hike toward Serra de Ligonde climbing up to 725 meters where green landscapes mix with paved areas and you'll start seeing the famous Cruzeiros (stone crosses). Highlights include the villages of Castromaior, Ventas de Narón, and Ligonde.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage with Serra de Ligonde climb
Optional Activities
- Explore villages of Castromaior, Ventas de Narón, and Ligonde
- See famous Cruzeiros stone crosses
- Day 36
Ligonde to Melide
Walking toward Campo dos Romeiros, an important meeting point for pilgrims, then to Leboreiro with a pleasant walk through lush forests. You'll cross a medieval bridge to reach the river at Melide.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage through fields and forests
Optional Activities
- Visit Campo dos Romeiros pilgrimage meeting point
- Cross medieval bridge at Melide
Landmarks Melide - Day 37
Melide to Arzua
After leaving Lugo province, you'll enter A Coruña province. The kilometers ahead let you enjoy charming towns like Boente and Castañeda before reaching Arzua, famous for the cheese produced in the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage to Arzua
Optional Activities
- Explore villages of Boente and Castañeda
- Taste Arzua cheese
Landmarks Arzua - Day 38
Arzua to Pedrouzo
This short and quiet stage gives you time to process everything from the long journey before arriving in Santiago tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage to Pedrouzo
- Day 39
Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
Excitement and mixed feelings fill this final stage. Start early to join the pilgrimage mass at 12:00. You'll reach Lavacolla first, then climb Monte do Gozo where the cathedral comes into view from afar. Finally arrive at the Plaza del Obradoiro and feel your well-deserved personal satisfaction.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking stage to Santiago de Compostela
- Tour through the old town of Santiago de Compostela with guide
- Typical Galician cheese tasting in a cheese dairy in Santiago de Compostela (Monday-Saturday, 10:00-13:30 / 17:00-20:30)
Optional Activities
- Attend pilgrimage mass at 12:00 in the Cathedral
Landmarks Plaza del Obradoiro Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Monte do Gozo 
- Day 40
Santiago de Compostela
Check out and tour services end.
