Camino de Santiago Frances

Day 1: Arrival
Individual arrival at your pilgrim hostel in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Day 2: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Roncesvalles (approx. 15.0 miles / approx. 7 hours / challenging)
The first stage on the Camino Frances leads from the French border town of Saint Jean Pied de Port across the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles in Spain. A 20km long, but mostly leisurely ascent, along flocks of sheep and with wonderful panoramas again and again, leads the pilgrim to the highest point, the Col de Lepoeder and then (sometimes a bit challenging) downhill to Roncesvalles. Alternatively, you can split the stage over 2 days and only walk about 8km to Orisson on the first day.

Day 3: Roncesvalles - Zubiri (approx. 13.3 miles / approx.6.5 hours / middle)
We leave the impressive monastery complex of Roncesvalles behind us. A very varied route, partly on asphalt, partly on forest and gravel paths or on old Roman roads, takes us through small villages and finally to Zubiri. We reach the idyllic place over a picturesque bridge.

Day 4: Zubiri - Pamplona (approx. 12.7 miles / approx.6 hours / very easy)
Today's route leads mainly through the valley of the Rio Arga. After a few kilometres we reach Larrasoana and after another beautiful stretch we reach the village of Zuriain. It is worth taking a short break here. The stage ends in Pamplona. Afternoons and evenings are best spent strolling through the old town and letting the flair of the city work its magic on you.

Day 5: Pamplona - Puente la Reina (approx. 14.8 miles / approx.7 hours / easy)
Leaving the city behind, soon you will reach Cizur Menor (12th century Romanesque church). Then the dirt road meanders along a mountain flank and up to the Alto del Perdón. The pilgrim caravan sculpture is a classical photo spot. Then it's back down into the valley via a somewhat difficult, stony section. After Obanos you finally reach Puente la Reina.

Day 6: Puente la Reina - Estella (approx. 13.4 miles / approx.6.5 hours / easy)
Out of Puente la Reina the path leads over the elegant eponymous bridge of the Queen. One of the most beautiful stages of the Camino Francés leads along grain fields and isolated vineyards. The Pyrenees are now behind us, the landscape is changing. The small town of Lorca invites you to take a break with its bars. Along the Rio Ega we reach our destination Estella-Lizarra.

Day 7: Estella - Los Arcos (approx. 13.2 miles / approx.6.5 hours / easy)
Shortly after Ayegui you reach the famous wine fountain of Irache. Then mostly gravel paths lead back along fields and vineyards to Los Arcos. Narrow alleys, small bars and cafes as well as the impressive Iglesia de Santa Maria make the place a perfect stage destination.

Day 8: Los Arcos - Logroño (approx. 17.1 miles / approx.8 hours / easy)
After an unspectacular, flat first section to Sansol, the route becomes more varied again. Many beautiful views over the hilly landscape of idyllic villages and impressive mountain peaks characterize this stage. We leave the region of Navarra and arrive in Logroño, the young and lively capital of La Rioja.

Day 9: Logroño - Nájera (approx. 18.0 miles / approx. 8.5 hours / easy)
Today we first leave Logroño and go through the Parque de San Miguel recreation area. In Navarrete, it is worth visiting the old pilgrims' hospital and the Iglesia de la Asunción. Then we go on a red sand path typical of the region and along vineyards and partly next to the motorway.

Day 10: Nájera - Santo Domingo de la Calzada (approx. 12.9 miles / approx.6 hours / very easy)
After the two long stages of the last few days, you can recover today. Except for a few small sleepy villages and the Cruz de los Peregrionos, this section is relatively unspectacular. But our stage destination Santo Domingo is rewarding us with its charm. The convent, the free-standing church tower and the cathedral with the "chicken" miracle of Santo Domingo are worth a visit!

Day 11: Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Belorado (approx. 13.7 miles / approx.6.5 hours / very easy)
A few kilometres after Santo Domingo we reach the town of Grañon, which is ideal for a (second) pilgrim breakfast. Shortly thereafter we leave La Rioja and enter the region of Castilla y León. On the next very rural section some nice villages offer a short rest before reaching Belorado.

Day 12: Belorado - San Juan de Ortega (approx. 14.8 miles / approx.7 hours / easy)
Today is a very varied and hilly stage. The last few kilometres before San Juan, which run through a fragrant pine forest, are also beautiful and picturesque. Once you have arrived at your destination, it is worth visiting the monastery complex of San Juan de Ortega.

Day 13: San Juan de Ortega - Burgos (approx. 16.0 miles / approx. 7.5 hours / easy)
Today's stage first takes us through forests, then along fields in the direction of Burgos. After Orbaneja-Riopico there are 2 variants, one along the airport and through the industrial area and a second one that first goes southwest and finally through a beautiful park right into the center of Burgos.

Day 14: Burgos - Hornillos del Camino (approx. 13.0 miles / approx. 6 hours / easy)
After Burgos the Meseta begins, the central Spanish high plateau. Initially still hilly, the landscape becomes flatter towards León. Grain fields and partly abandoned old stone villages line this stage. In keeping with the landscape, Hornillos del Camino looks like an old western town, with houses lined up left and right along the Camino.

Day 15: Hornillos del Camino - Castrojeriz (approx. 12.4 miles / approx.6 hours / easy)
After a few kilometers we reach Hontanas, another sleepy place hidden in a small valley. Along the way we pass San Antón, an old monastery and pilgrim hospital. Via an alley we reach the destination of the day, Castrojeriz. If you still have strength, you can visit the ruined castle enthroned above the village and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Meseta.

Day 16: Castrojeriz - Frómista (approx. 15.3 miles / approx.7.5 hours / easy)
Shortly after Castrojeriz, a steep ascent may challenge our breath. The following plateau puts the pilgrim in a meditative mood before an equally steep descent awaits him. The beautiful views of the wide landscape are worth the effort. The last few kilometers to Frómista are scenic along a canal.

Day 17: Frómista - Carrion de los Condes (approx. 11.7 miles / approx.5.5 hours / very easy)
In the village of Poblacion de Campos we can choose again between two variants. The slightly longer but nicer path goes to the right via Villovieco in the direction of Villacázar de Sirga. Once there, it is worth visiting the imposing church and stopping at the café on the opposite side.

Day 18: Carrion de los Condes - Terradillos de los Templarios (approx. 16.3 miles / approx.8 hours / easy)
A typical Meseta stage is on the agenda for today – we go straight ahead for kilometres along fields of grain. If you set off early, you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise behind you when the weather is good. Terradillos de los Templarios used to belong to the Templars and still exudes the charm of the old order of knights.

Day 19: Terradillos de los Templarios - Bercianos del Real Camino (approx. 14.4 miles / approx.7 hours / easy)
After a few smaller towns we come to the small chapel Ermita de la Virgen del Puente just before Sahagun. If this is really the half-time of the Camino Francés remains questionable, but certainly it is a nice resting place for a nice photo. After Sahagun, just before Calzada del Coto, we can again choose between 2 variants. We take the southern path towards Bercianos del Real Camino.

Day 20: Bercianos del Real Camino - Mansilla de las Mulas (approx. 16.3 miles / approx.8 hours / easy)
Today the landscape is becoming again more varied agein. The plains of the Meseta slowly turn into a gentle hilly landscape. Sunflower fields and grain fields line the way.

Day 21: Mansilla de las Mulas - Léon (approx. 11.5 miles / approx.5.5 hours / very easy)
A rather unspectacular stage that takes us through the suburbs of León today. The camera can safely remain in the backpack until the end of the stage. But León is full of charms. A visit to the imposing cathedral is a must, and an extensive long walk through the beautiful old town.

Day 22: Léon - Villar de Mazarife (approx. 13.1 miles / approx.6.5 hours / easy)
The way out of the city is also an experience. You pass the former monastery of San Marco and the Basilica de San Isidoro. After the village of Virgen del Camino, the hustle and bustle of the big city is over. We follow the turn-off to the left and walk over dirt roads in the direction of today's destination, Villar de Mazarife

Day 23: Villar de Mazarife - Astorga (approx. 19.5 miles / approx.9 hours / easy)
After a few kilometres along the country road, you first go to Hospital de Orbigo, where an imposing bridge leads into the village. Then it goes mostly hilly on dirt roads. On a plateau just before Astorga, a break at the snack bar "La Casa de los Dioses" is good (voluntary donations). Astorga attracts with all kinds of chocolate specialties, a beautiful cathedral and the Palacio Gaudí.

Day 24: Astorga - Rabanal del Camino (approx. 16.0 miles / approx. 7.5 hours / easy)
Varied stage, sometimes next to the country road, then on old cobblestones through picturesque villages, on narrow pilgrim paths and along forests. In Rabanal del Camino we recommend a visit to the small church, which in its simplicity stands in stark contrast to the imposing cathedrals in the larger cities.

Day 25: Rabanal del Camino - Ponferrada (approx. 16.6 miles / approx.8 hours / middle)
Today is one of the highlights of the Camino Francés on the program - the Cruz de Ferro. Here, at the highest point of the Way of St. James, pilgrims place a symbolic stone they have brought from home under the iron cross. A moving moment for every visitor. Then the path goes downhill, again through villages with the typical stone houses, until we reach Ponferrada. The old Templar castle is worth a visit, even if your tired legs say something different.

Day 26: Ponferrada - Villafranca del Bierzo (approx. 15.0 miles / approx. 7 hours / easy)
While we hike through the hilly landscape the vineyards are a welcoming change. And they are like a reminiscence of past Camino days. In general, this is a scenic stage today. In Villafranca del Bierzo it is time to relax, as tomorrow we have the challenging hike up to O Cebreiro ahead of us.

Day 27: Villafranca del Bierzo - O Cebreiro (approx. 17.3 miles / approx.8 hours / difficult)
At first slightly uphill and relatively steep from La Faba, it goes up to O Cebreiro. Many small towns and vantage points allow us to take a welcoming break. Our destination is an old museum village whose history goes back to the 9th century.

Day 28: O Cebreiro - Triacastela (approx. 12.9 miles / approx.6 hours / easy)
The region of Castilla y León is now behind us. A long but incredibly beautiful descent is in front of us. The Camino shows its most beautiful side. It only gets flatter just before Triacastela. As long as no herds of cows block our way, we are making a good progress.

Day 29: Triacastela - Sarria (approx. 15.5 miles / approx.7.5 hours / middle)
From Triacastela you may take an alternative route via Samos. This is about 7 km/ 4.3 miles longer, but offers pleasantly a secluded path and a monastery from the 5th century that is worth seeing. The main path is also scenically attractive and mostly leads along narrow streets to Sarria.

Day 30: Sarria - Portomarín (approx. 13.8 miles / approx.6.5 hours / easy)
From Sarria, the Camino leads along forest paths first to Barbadelo and then through small villages, along grain fields and finally through forests to Portomarín. In between, small cafés invite you to take a break. Finally, you reach Portomarin after crossing an impressive bridge.

Day 31: Portomarín - Palas del Rei (approx. 15.4 miles / approx.7.5 hours / easy)
Similar to yesterday, the camino again leads through an agricultural environment. Depending on the season, the mild climate ensures an opulent plant splendor. In Villar de Donas we can visit a Romanesque church from the 13th century, before we reach Palas de Rei via small towns.

Day 32: Palas del Rei - Arzúa (approx. 17.7 miles / approx.8.5 hours / middle)
Plant lovers will have their pleasure on this stage. Cactuses, palm trees, big aloe vera plants, banana trees, huge hydrangeas and finally eucalyptus forests line our path, which is pleasant and slightly hilly.

Day 33: Arzúa - O Amanal (approx. 12.0 miles / approx. 6 hours / easy)
Again eucalyptus forests and scenic varied sections on narrow mostly unpaved paths lead us closer and closer to Santiago. Many nice bars and cafés line the path, but also many pilgrims who travel this section.

Day 34: O Amanal - Santiago de Compostela (approx. 12.0 miles / approx. 6 hours / easy)
The last stage – once again the scent of eucalyptus, before we go through the suburbs first to Monte do Gozo and past the well-known pilgrimage monument, perhaps taking a last break up there before we proudly and happily reach Santiago via the Rúa dos Concheiros and through the Porta do Camino entering the old town and finally standing in front of the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela.

Day 35: Santiago de Compostela
Relax and discover the diversity of one the most important old town in Europe.
You have the whole day to maybe visit the pilgrim museum or even the rooftop of the cathedral.

Day 36: Departure
Today it's time to say goodbye and, if possible, slowly enjoy your way home.
Alternatively, we recommend that you continue your Camino to the so-called end of the world - to Cape Finisterre, which in reality is not the westernmost point of Europe.

Apparel    

•     backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs
•     sleeping bag (alterntively a thinner sleeping bag made of silk or cotton) - 0.2-1.0 Kg/ 0.4-2.2 lbs
•     2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts
•     2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool)
•     1 long sleeve (best merino wool)
•     2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended)
•     (possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters)
•     2 funtional underpants
•     hiking boots (no seakers)
•     1 sweater
•     flipflops or crocs and/ or sandals
•     rain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbs
•     wind stopper
•     small travel towel
•     sun hat
•     possibly tent & camping mat - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs
•     poss. bathing suit (for the portugese and spanish Camino de la Costa)

    
Sanitary Articles    

•     washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag)
•     shower gel (small travel version)
•     toothpaste (small travel version) & dental floss
•     toothbrush
•     disinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister pads
•     deer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 ml
•     magnesium
•     sun cream - 50-100 ml
•     deodorant
•     headache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400)
•     razor
•     ear plugs
•     tissues
•     tiger balm

    
Technical Equipment    

•     headlamp
•     ebook-reader
•     phone
•     camera
•     pocket knife

    
Documents & Money    

•     purse
•     cash
•     credit card
•     passport (for non-europeans) or ID
•     train tickets
•     health insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans)
•     emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank

    
Miscellaneous    

•     Pilgrim Guide & Itinerary
•     Pilgrim’s Credencial
•     diary & pen
•     St. James's scallop
•     sunglasses
•     drinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 l
•     zip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system)
•     first aid kit
•     trekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stick
•     stone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés)

Services included:

• Accomodation with breakfast (in either single resp. double room with shower/wc in simple to medium category)
• Pilgrim´s Starter Kit (Pilgrim's Guide, Pilgrim's Pass, Pilgrim's Shell, description of stages)
• Luggage transportation service (exclusion of luggage transport upon request)
• Typical galician cheese tasting in the old town of Santiago de Compostela
• 24h emergency number
• Transfers
   

Dates:
All year/ best travel period from the beginning of April until the mid of October.

Add-on:
Camino Finisterre afterwards within about 3-4 additional days.

Notes
You can choose your travel period individually. We recommend a travel time between mid-April to mid-October. Please try to register your trip with us up to 6 weeks before departure.
Arrival arranged independently on your own. We would be happy to help you find a suitable train connection.
Transfers to/from the train station are not included unless otherwise stated. On request, we would be happy to organize a transfer from/to the train station or airport (price for a maximum of 3 people with luggage). Upon request, we can help you book a private transfer for departure. Otherwise, we recommend taking a taxi or public transport to your first (or from your last) accommodation. For more details see the recommendations in our itinerary.
Changes to the pilgrimage route according to individual wishes are possible, such as stage combinations for instance. Price on request.
Remember your identity card or passport.
We recommend - depending on the level of difficulty - to ensure that you are in good physical condition. Sure-footed mountaineering boots are also necessary. A head for heights is also advantageous.
Please note the current entry and health regulations and recommendations, according to which a corona vaccination is also essential.
Take a look at the health and entry regulations of your travel country.
There is no minimum number of participants.
The organizer of this trip is SLOWTRAVEL.