6700 EURO PER PERSON
The Camino de Santiago was one of the busiest roads in Europe during the Middle Ages when some 500,000 people a year, from every part of Europe, walked to the tomb of St. James. The Complete Camino de Santiago is a 35-day trek along Europe’s greatest spiritual byway, takes us to a host of magnificent cathedrals, monasteries, castles, and museums, across varied landscapes, miles of vineyards, Celtic villages, great Castilian cities, through peaceful chestnut forests, along the well-marked footpaths to the great city Santiago de Compostela. It was here in the northwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula that the tomb of the apostle St James was, legendarily, discovered in the year 813. Join us on this adventure of “walking through history” from the border of France to Santiago de Compostela with experienced guides, comfortable accommodations (w/ private baths), full van support, all breakfasts and 10 lunches, and visits to historical monuments. Our itinerary will recreate, as closely as possible, the experience of the medieval traveler but with the luxury of modern day conveniences. Group size is limited to 18 pilgrims, contact us to book now before spaces are gone!
What’s Included
- Transportation from Roncesvalles to Santiago and during trip for you and your luggage
- 34 nights of hotels with private bathrooms
- Bi-lingual guide
- Daily maps & historical info Pilgrims credential (passport)
- Healthy snacks at designated checkpoints
- All breakfasts
- Two dinners with wine
- Full van support
- Guided historical tours of Burgos, Leon, and Santiago
- Day trip to Finisterre
- A lot of kilometers!!!!
Itinerary
Days 1-8: Roncesvalles to Najera
Days 8-16: Najera to Carrion de los Condes
Days 16-23: Carrion de los Condes to Astorga
Days 23 – 35 Astorga to Santiago
Location
Gallery
FAQs
How many miles do we hike per day?
We average between 10-16 miles per day. We follow the same path that the independent pilgrims are walking. With Spanish Steps, we have the luxury of a fully supported van, which carries our baggage and carries us the extra mile when needed.
What kind of hotels do we use?
We use a mix of accommodations on this trip from simple family run hotels, restored farm houses, ancient monasteries, family run Pazos, Galician manor homes and some standard hotels in larger towns. All rooms have private bathrooms. The smaller inns have no phone or TV in the room.
How does one get to Pamplona?
Many people fly directly from Madrid to Pamplona. Check with your local travel agent or online about flight connections. There are several bus connections, which will take you to Pamplona from Madrid or Bilbao. For train travel information within Spain, visit renfe.es; for bus service, visit alsa.es.
How does one get from Lugo to Madrid or Santiago?
Most people fly from Santiago to Madrid. The airport code is SCQ. Check with your travel agent and purchase your return ticket from Santiago before leaving the USA. There is also a comfortable over night train to Madrid from Santiago. Visit renfe.es for train information.
What kind of equipment should I pack?
The hikes are not fancy. I will supply you with an equipment list of basic items to pack. You are limited to one bag weighing 30-lbs and one-day pack to hold items such as your camera, rain gear and water bottle. Hiking boots/trail shoes will be your most important piece of equipment. Please be sure they are well broken in and that you have proper socks before arriving in Spain. Do bring your own hiking poles if you like to use them. Please leave your laptops at home as Spanish Steps cannot take responsibility for the transportation and safety of expensive equipment.
How do I access spending money/how much should I bring?
All breakfasts and 2 dinners are included in this Spanish Steps trip. All lunches, all but 2 dinners, snacks and beverages at the cafes and stores will be additional. Most people travel with an ATM card. Money machines are everywhere in Spain but be sure you know your PIN number before departing for this trip. Be sure your ATM card works and that you have advised your bank that you will be traveling in Spain.
How many meals are included?
Spanish Steps provides all breakfasts and 2 dinners for this 35-day tour. Most dinners will be up to the individual to pay for. The reason we include only 2 dinners is that they are served very late in Spain and some pilgrims would rather eat earlier, perhaps on their own. An average lunch or dinner will cost between €10-15 with wine. The menu del dia or menu del peregrino represents the best value for money.
What is the average age of the group?
The average age of the hiker on a Spanish Steps tour is 50 years old during the spring and fall months but younger during the summer months. Most trips are a mix of a 40/60 ratio of men to women. I have taken school groups where the age range is 13-20 years old. With an eager heart and a mind full of curiosities, any age is able to walk the Camino. We limit this group to 18 pilgrims.
Should I leave a gratuity for our guides?
This is a very common question our clients ask. As a person working hard in the service industry to please the traveler, a gratuity is much appreciated by the staff members at the end of the tour. As a general guideline, people tip around 5 Euros per day, per guide.
What is the terrain like?
The trails are well marked with yellow arrows and the scallop shell tiles. There are some long, slow climbs through farming areas but not Himalayan or Rocky Mountain like terrain. The paths are well worn and generally not difficult. We walk along a lot of secondary farming roads, paths through vineyards, beech and chestnut forests and old country roads. The terrain will vary between the different provinces and depending on weather conditions.
Is there a single supplement?
Some people would like to be matched with a roommate. I can’t guarantee a match but will try to place you with someone if there are any requests. The price of the single supplement for the Complete Camino is 1000 Euros per person. Note: This is a very long trip. Be sure you are compatible with the person you decide to travel with.
Can you provide references?
We would be delighted to share with you some references of former clients who have walked with us. If you would like to contact any former Spanish Steps participants, let us know by calling us or sending us an email.