Overview
Duration: 42 Nights
Distance: 773 KM
Base Price: From €2,810.00
This self-guided pilgrimage takes you on the full Camino Francés, the classic Camino de Santiago route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Spanning nearly 800 kilometers over 41 walking days, this journey is the quintessential Camino experience, combining mountain passes, vineyard valleys, Castilian plains, and the green hills of Galicia.
Your walk begins in Saint-Jean, a picturesque Basque town at the foot of the Pyrenees. From here, you cross into Spain at Roncesvalles, then traverse Navarra’s fertile valleys, La Rioja’s celebrated wine country, the vast Meseta of Castilla y León, and the wooded hills of Galicia. Along the way, you’ll pass historic pilgrimage cities such as Pamplona, Burgos, and León, before culminating your walk at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of Saint James.
Accommodations are reserved for each night: hotels in Saint-Jean, Pamplona, Burgos, León, and Santiago, with shared dormitory lodging in between. Pilgrims seeking extra privacy can upgrade to private or single rooms. Two bonus days are included in Pamplona, Burgos, and León, giving you time to rest and enjoy the culture of these cities. A final free day in Santiago provides space for reflection, attendance at the Pilgrim’s Mass, and exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Optional services—including baggage transport, extra nights at key stops, and a two-night extension to Finisterre on the Atlantic coast—let you customize your pilgrimage. Beginning in Saint-Jean ensures that you walk the Camino in its most complete form, a life-changing trek that connects you with centuries of tradition and the fellowship of fellow pilgrims.
This is the Camino in its fullest measure: challenging, immersive, and profoundly rewarding. It is ideal for those who want to walk the entire French Way from the very beginning, experiencing all the landscapes, cultures, and stories of the Camino Francés.
Map of the route
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (hotel overnight)
Day 1 - Arrive in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (hotel overnight)
Description
Arrive in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the Basque gateway to the Camino. Explore its cobbled streets, historic citadel, and the Porte St-Jacques, then rest before the mountain crossing.
distance: 26.4 km
ascent: 1418 m
descent: 655 m
% hard surfaces: 58
difficulty rating: 10
Day 2 - Walk Saint-Jean to Roncesvalles
Day 2 - Walk Saint-Jean to Roncesvalles
Description
The Camino begins with its most demanding climb over the Pyrenees. Stunning mountain views and pastoral landscapes lead to the monastery village of Roncesvalles.
distance: 27.1 km
ascent: 1431 m
descent: 654 m
% hard surfaces: 59
difficulty rating: 10
Day 3 - Walk from Roncesvalles to Zubiri
Day 3 - Walk from Roncesvalles to Zubiri
Description
Descend through beech and oak forests into small Navarrese villages before reaching Zubiri on the Arga River.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
Day 4 - Walk Zubiri to Pamplona
Day 4 - Walk Zubiri to Pamplona
Description
Walk through rolling farmland and stone hamlets, entering Pamplona, capital of Navarra, known for its Gothic cathedral and lively plazas.
distance: 21.1 km
ascent: 399 m
descent: 479 m
% hard surfaces: 47
difficulty rating: 7
Day 5 - Rest Day in Pamplona
Day 5 - Rest Day in Pamplona
Description
A free day to explore Pamplona’s citadel, taste pintxos in its cafés, and prepare for the walk westward.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
Day 6 - Walk Pamplona to Puente la Reina
Day 6 - Walk Pamplona to Puente la Reina
Description
Climb the Alto del Perdón with its pilgrim monument and sweeping views, then descend to Puente la Reina, famed for its medieval bridge.
distance: 25 km
ascent: 486 m
descent: 592 m
% hard surfaces: 42
difficulty rating: 7
Day 7 - Puente la Reina to Estella
Day 7 - Puente la Reina to Estella
Description
Vineyards and olive groves accompany you to Estella, “the Toledo of the North,” with its historic churches and plazas.
distance: 21.7 km
ascent: 485 m
descent: 412 m
% hard surfaces: 30
difficulty rating: 7
Day 8 - Estella to Los Arco
Day 8 - Estella to Los Arco
Description
Stop at the Irache Wine Fountain before continuing through farmland to the medieval town of Los Arcos.
distance: 21.8 km
ascent: 439 m
descent: 415 m
% hard surfaces: 19
difficulty rating: 7
Day 9 - Los Arcos to Viana
Day 9 - Los Arcos to Viana
Description
A gentle stage into Viana, a hill town with lively squares and the tomb of Cesare Borgia.
distance: 18.7 km
ascent: 402 m
descent: 374 m
% hard surfaces: 27
difficulty rating: 6
Day 10 - Viana to Navarette
Day 10 - Viana to Navarette
Description
Enter La Rioja, passing through vineyards to Navarrete, long known for pottery and pilgrim tradition.
distance: 21.9 km
ascent: 335 m
descent: 294 m
% hard surfaces: 69
difficulty rating: 7
Day 11 - Navarette to Nàjera
Day 11 - Navarette to Nàjera
Description
A short walk into Nájera, where the monastery of Santa María la Real anchors the Camino’s heritage.
distance: 16.4 km
ascent: 217 m
descent: 241 m
% hard surfaces: 20
difficulty rating: 6
Day 12 - Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Day 12 - Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Description
Walk farmland paths to Santo Domingo, legendary town of the chicken miracle and home to a grand cathedral.
distance: 21.6 km
ascent: 397 m
descent: 248 m
% hard surfaces: 35
difficulty rating: 7
Day 13 - Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado
Day 13 - Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado
Description
A shorter stage across rolling countryside, ending in Belorado with its historic square and pilgrim hospitality.
distance: 22.9 km
ascent: 390 m
descent: 258 m
% hard surfaces: 32
difficulty rating: 7
Day 14 - Belorado to San Juan de Ortega
Day 14 - Belorado to San Juan de Ortega
Description
Climb into pine and oak forests, finishing at the monastic hamlet of San Juan de Ortega.
distance: 24.3 km
ascent: 516 m
descent: 282 m
% hard surfaces: 10
difficulty rating: 8
Day 15 - San Juan de Ortega to Burgos
Day 15 - San Juan de Ortega to Burgos
Description
Descend into Burgos, a city celebrated for its Gothic cathedral and medieval heritage. Overnight in hotel.
distance: 27.4 km
ascent: 195 m
descent: 322 m
% hard surfaces: 52
difficulty rating: 8
Day 16 - Rest Day in Burgos
Day 16 - Rest Day in Burgos
Description
A rest day to explore Burgos’ cathedral, plazas, and museums before the Meseta.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
What's Included
- All (42) overnight accommodations
- Private rooms at start and finish plus at bonus days
- Dormitory accommodations in intermediate towns
- Extra days - Pamplona, Burgos, León and Santiago
Options Available
- Private rooms throughout
- Baggage transport each day
- Additional extra day in Santiago
- 2-night trip to the Atlantic coast at Finisterre at journey's end
What You Provide
- Transport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and from Santiago de Compostela
- All meals (we're happy to recommend eateries in several towns)
- Adequate gear for a walk of nearly 800 kilometers
- Adequate fitness to walk from 16-28 kilometers per day on varied terrain
