Itinerary
- Day 1
St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles
This first day is the toughest one you'll encounter on the Camino. You're facing a 25km trek that climbs about 1,200m straight through the Pyrenees, starting from the French market town of Saint Jean Pied de Port and finishing in Roncesvalles, Spain. The steep ascent follows quiet country lanes and reaches just over 1,400m before dropping back down. Starting early pays off with great views as sunlight spreads across the valleys. You can choose between two routes: the traditional Napoleon Route with its tarmac climbs, or the Valcarlos Route if weather's rough.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided cycling from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles via Napoleon Route or Valcarlos Route (flexible based on weather and fitness level)
- Luggage courier service (if needed)
Optional Activities
- Early morning departure for sunrise views
- Valcarlos Route alternative (winter/poor weather option)
Landmarks/POIs Saint Jean Pied de Port Pyrenees Mountains Roncesvalles - Day 2
Roncesvalles to Pamplona
Begin by stopping at the Chapel of St James or the Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Mary in Roncesvalles, then cycle about 47.9km to Pamplona. You'll cross two mountain passes, Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro, before dropping to Zubiri and pushing on toward Larrasaona. Along the way you'll see the Rabies bridge at the start and then La Magdalena bridge as you enter Pamplona. Today's easier than Day 1 with gentler hills. Pamplona itself has cultural sites, tapas bars, and an impressive Cathedral worth checking out.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit Chapel of St James or Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Mary in Roncesvalles
- Guided cycling from Roncesvalles to Pamplona
Optional Activities
- Follow original Jacobean route (runs further from Arga River)
- Alternative off-road routes via N-135
- Pamplona Cathedral visit
- Tapas and wine tasting in Pamplona
Landmarks/POIs Chapel of St James / Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Mary Alto de Mezquiriz Alto de Erro Zubiri Larrasaona Rabies Bridge La Magdalena Bridge Pamplona Cathedral - Day 3
Pamplona to Logroño
This is a long cycling day, roughly 94.9km with 1,344m of climbing over about 4.5-6.5 hours. Leaving Pamplona behind with the city in your rear view, you'll pass through Cizur Menor and its 12th-century Church of San Miguel. Climb to Alto del Perdon where you leave the Atlantic Basin behind, then descend through farmland toward Puente la Reina. Grab coffee and cake in Estella partway through, then continue to Azqueta and Villamayor de Monjardin. You'll finish near Torres del Rio with its unusual 12th-century Church of the Holy Sepulchre before reaching Logroño and the Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided cycling from Pamplona to Logroño
- Optional stop in Estella (coffee and cake)
Optional Activities
- Church of San Miguel visit (Cizur Menor)
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre visit (Torres del Rio)
- Extended exploration of Logroño
Landmarks/POIs Church of San Miguel Cizur Menor Alto del Perdon Puente la Reina Estella Azqueta Villamayor de Monjardin Church of the Holy Sepulchre Torres del Rio Hermitage of the Virgen del Poyo Viana Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda Logroño - Day 4
Logroño to Belorado
Today's about 79.1km cycling through La Rioja wine country, taking roughly 4.5-5 hours. From Logroño you'll pass La Granjera dam and travel between vineyards and fruit trees. Navarrete comes up, a town known for its pottery work, and you'll get views from San Antón peak. The route continues through Santo Domingo where you cross the Puente del Santo over the Rio Oja, passing 16th-century churches like the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Calle. You'll wrap up in Belorado, an old town with Roman roots.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided cycling from Logroño to Belorado through La Rioja vineyards
Landmarks/POIs La Granjera Dam Navarrete San Antón Peak Santo Domingo Puente del Santo Rio Oja Iglesia de San Juan Bautista Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Calle Belorado - Day 5
Belorado to Burgos
A shorter 47km day that lets you explore Burgos properly. Head out early from Belorado and its interesting old center, cycling to Burgos, the birthplace of El Cid and known as Spain's Gothic capital. This is your second rest day. The Cathedral, historic center, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza del Mio Cid are all here, plus the Museo de Burgos, Hospital del Rey, and the impressive Puente de San Pablo bridge. You'll have plenty of time to wander around and take things in.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided cycling from Belorado to Burgos
- Exploration time in Burgos
Optional Activities
- Catedral de Burgos visit
- Historic Center of Burgos exploration
- Plaza Mayor visit
- Plaza del Mio Cid visit
- Museo de Burgos visit
- Eremitorio de Presillas de Bricia visit
- Puente de San Pablo visit
- Hospital del Rey visit
Landmarks/POIs Belorado Old Town Centre Catedral de Burgos Historic Center of Burgos Plaza Mayor Plaza del Mio Cid Museo de Burgos Eremitorio de Presillas de Bricia Puente de San Pablo Hospital del Rey - Day 6
Burgos to Carrión de los Condes
Today's about 84km through flat Meseta terrain, taking 4.5-5 hours. From Burgos the route's straightforward with clear waymarks. You'll pass Villalbilla de Burgos, the tiny village of Tandajos with its 13th-century church, Rabe de las Calzadas, and Hornillos del Camino, which only has about 67 people but does have a refreshment bar. Then comes Hontanas before finishing at Carrión de los Condes. Much of this stage is straight endless stretches with no shade or shelter, typical Meseta plateau stuff. Stock up on supplies in Burgos before leaving since there's not much shopping opportunity out here.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided cycling from Burgos to Carrión de los Condes
Landmarks/POIs Villalbilla de Burgos Tandajos Rabe de las Calzadas Hornillos del Camino Hontanas Carrión de los Condes La Meseta - Day 7
Carrión de los Condes to León
Around 21.76km of cycling today, taking about 4.5 hours with frequent stops to see things along the way. Starting at Carrión de los Condes (405.3km remaining to Santiago), you'll cross through more endless Meseta landscape. Stop at the Church of Santiago to see its famous Romanesque frieze sculptures on Calle San Antonio. Continue to Terradillos de los Templarios, then Puente Villarente with its impressive medieval 17-arch bridge. At Sahagún you can collect your halfway Compostella certificate. Later you'll pass through Mansilla de las Mulas, which has seven historic churches, three hospitals, and two monasteries. Finish in León with cathedral views and the chance to walk the intact medieval town walls.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided cycling from Carrión de los Condes to León
- Visit Church of Santiago (Calle San Antonio)
- Compostella halfway certificate collection at Sahagún
Optional Activities
- Swimming or cooling feet in river at Mansilla de las Mulas
- Walking medieval town walls of León
Landmarks/POIs Carrión de los Condes Church of Santiago Terradillos de los Templarios Puente Villarente Parish Church of San Pelayo Sahagún Mansilla de las Mulas River Elsa León Cathedral León Medieval Town Walls - Day 8
León
You're taking a full rest day in León, a historic city that was capital of the Kingdom of León during the 10th-12th centuries and was crucial for pilgrims on the Way of Saint James. Check out the Gothic cathedral with its incredible stained-glass windows and the 11th-century Collegiate Church of Saint Isidore. The old monastery that used to lodge pilgrims is now a luxury hotel and important Spanish Renaissance architecture landmark. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets hunting for authentic tapas restaurants serving cured meats and croquettes, experiencing the local food traditions that define this region.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Optional Activities
- León Cathedral visit with stained-glass window viewing
- Collegiate Church of Saint Isidore visit (11th century)
- Old monastery/luxury hotel visit
- Tapas restaurant exploration
- Narrow cobblestone street exploration
- Regional cuisine sampling
Landmarks/POIs León Cathedral Collegiate Church of Saint Isidore Old Monastery (now luxury hotel) - Day 9
León to Astorga
Today's about 51km to Astorga, taking roughly 3-4 hours. From León you'll head via San Marcos, and the trail leaving the city can be tricky so watch the scallop shell waymarks carefully. You have two route options: a quieter scenic route to Villar de Mazarife or the busier N-120 road. Hospital de Orbigo comes up with its impressive Gothic bridge over the Rio Orbigo, site of a legendary 1434 medieval joust where Don Suero de Quinones fought 300 knights for his freedom from an iron collar (his prize bracelet's still in the cathedral museum). You'll roll into Astorga with its nice plaza, music, food, and historic Cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided cycling from León to Astorga
Optional Activities
- Astorga Cathedral visit (must-see)
- Astorga historic city exploration
Landmarks/POIs San Marcos Gate Villar de Mazarife Hospital de Orbigo Rio Orbigo Gothic Bridge Astorga Astorga Cathedral - Day 10
Astorga to Ponferrada
A challenging 62km day with 672m elevation gain, taking about 3.5-4 hours. The trail's moderately rated and gets busy with hikers, backpackers, and other cyclists. From Astorga follow LE-142 toward the famous Cruz de Fierro (Iron Cross), the highest point on the Spanish French Way at 1,500m. The Iron Cross chapel dedicated to Santiago Apostol marks this important milestone. Drop down to Campo with its Roman fountain and Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encina. Continue to Ponferrada, the last major city before Santiago, where the fantastic Templar Castle was built in the 11th century. Check out Calle del Reloj and Plaza del Ayuntamiento too.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided cycling from Astorga to Ponferrada
- Cruz de Fierro (Iron Cross) visit at 1,500m elevation
- Templar Castle visit (discounted pilgrim rate)
Optional Activities
- Chapel of Santiago Apostol visit (Cruz de Fierro)
- Campo's Roman fountain and Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encina exploration
- Calle del Reloj (Clock Tower) exploration
- Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) visit
Landmarks/POIs Astorga Cruz de Fierro LE-142 Motorway Campo Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encina Ponferrada Templar Castle Calle del Reloj Plaza del Ayuntamiento - Day 11
Ponferrada to Samos
This is a long, challenging 88.9km day with 1,322m elevation gain, taking 4.5-6.5 hours. You're heading to Villafranca del Bierzo, a beautiful mountain town surrounded by nice countryside. The St. James Church here is one of only two churches on the Camino where pilgrims can get a plenary indulgence. Before leaving, grab supplies since settlements are sparse for the next bit. You can take the main road through Pereje to Trabadelo or choose a harder scenic route with climbs and descents. The second-hardest climb on the Camino comes next, a tough 600m ascent over 29km to O Cebreiro at 1,335m in Galicia. The Villafranca to O Cebreiro section gains over 900m total. From O Cebreiro you'll descend to Samos and its important monastery.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided cycling from Ponferrada to Samos
- Villafranca del Bierzo St. James Church visit
Optional Activities
- O Cebreiro and surroundings exploration
- Sierra de O Courel visit
- Campodola natural monument visit
- Monastery of Samos visit
Landmarks/POIs Ponferrada Villafranca del Bierzo St. James Church Pereje Trabadelo O Cebreiro Sierra de O Courel Campodola Monastery of Samos Samos - Day 12
Samos to Palas del Rey via Sarria
About 66.5km today through beautiful Galician countryside with 1,016m elevation gain, taking roughly 4.5 hours. The terrain's scenic with chestnut trees, moss-covered fieldstone rock fences, and a mix of trails and roads. Pass through Sarria, a popular starting point for pilgrims doing just the final 100km (needed for a basic Compostella certificate). At the 700km point you'll get your Compostella certificate. Continue to Ferreiros then Palas del Rey, a small attractive town where the main street curves down and around an incline. There's local shops, bars, and cafes for grabbing food and watching people. Elevation reaches 651m on this stage.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided cycling from Samos to Palas del Rey
Optional Activities
- Sarria exploration (popular 100km starting point)
- Compostella certificate collection at 700km point
Landmarks/POIs Samos Sarria Ferreiros Palas del Rey - Day 13
Palas del Rey to Santiago de Compostela
Your final cycling day, about 68km with 1,014m elevation gain, taking around 3.5-4 hours. If you leave at 4am you can ride in as the sun comes up over Santiago de Compostela. The landscape starts flat, letting you move smoothly through medieval villages, local chapels, and cross-arched stone bridges. Much of the route runs shaded through oak and eucalyptus forests with their distinctive fragrance. Pass Melide where the Camino Primitivo joins this route. Arzua (around 7,000 people) is the last major town before Santiago, with the Parish Church of St James and La Magdalena convent ruins. Continue through Santa Irene with its 18th-century chapel, then Arca do Pino, Amenal, and Labacolla. Climb to Monte del Gozo where you first see Santiago Cathedral. Make your final descent, collect your stamp, and get your Compostella certificate.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided cycling from Palas del Rey to Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago Cathedral arrival and final Compostella stamp
Optional Activities
- Arzua Parish Church of St James visit
- Convent of La Magdalena ruins exploration
- Santa Irene 18th-century chapel visit
- Monte del Gozo summit visit (first view of Cathedral)
Landmarks/POIs Palas del Rey Melide Arzua Parish Church of St James Convent of La Magdalena Santa Irene Santa Irene Chapel Arca do Pino Amenal Labacolla Parish Church of San Pelayo Monte del Gozo San Marcos Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - Day 14
Santiago de Compostela
Your last day is for rest and celebration in Santiago de Compostela. You can visit the Cathedral for religious reflection or just to soak it all in. The city itself deserves exploring, and there's plenty of local food and wine to try. Celebrate what you've accomplished over the past two weeks, enjoy the atmosphere, and start thinking about your next steps or arranging travel home.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Continental style with Tea/Coffee), Lunch (On the road), Dinner (Pilgrim Dinner)
Optional Activities
- Santiago Cathedral exploration (religious)
- City of Santiago de Compostela sightseeing
- Local food and wine celebrations
- Rest and relaxation activities
Landmarks/POIs Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
