Camino Frances Complete – Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago – 30 Nights

Quick Facts

About & Details

Itinerary

• Day 1 – Arrival in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

  Arrive in the beautiful Basque town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the traditional starting point of the Camino Francés. Explore the cobbled streets, collect your pilgrim passport and prepare for the adventure ahead.

• Day 2 – Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles

  Cross the Pyrenees on one of the most memorable stages of the entire Camino. Climb steadily through dramatic mountain scenery before descending into Spain and the historic pilgrim town of Roncesvalles.

  15 miles (24km) and 4,400ft (1,340m) of ascent

• Day 3 - Roncesvalles to Zubiri

  Descend through forests and traditional Navarrese villages as you leave the mountains behind. The route follows shaded woodland trails and peaceful country roads.

  14 miles (22km) and 1,300ft (400m) of ascent

• Day 4 – Zubiri to Pamplona

  Follow the River Arga through charming villages before arriving in the historic city of Pamplona, famous for its medieval old town and annual running of the bulls.

  12 miles (20km) and 850ft (260m) of ascent

   

• Day 5 – Pamplona to Puente la Reina

  Climb to Alto del Perdón for spectacular views before descending to the beautiful medieval bridge at Puente la Reina where several pilgrimage routes converge.

  15 miles (24km) and 2,000ft (610m) of ascent

• Day 6 – Puente la Reina to Estella

  Walk through vineyards, olive groves and picturesque villages before reaching the historic market town of Estella.

  14 miles (22km) and 1,250ft (380m) of ascent

• Day 7 – Estella to Los Arcos

  A classic Camino stage passing vineyards and open countryside. Visit the famous wine fountain at Irache before continuing to Los Arcos.

  13 miles (21km) and 1,000ft (300m) of ascent

• Day 8 – Los Arcos to Logroño

  Cross into the Rioja wine region and arrive in the vibrant city of Logroño, renowned for its tapas culture and historic centre.

  17 miles (28km) and 1,300ft (400m) of ascent

• Day 9 – Logroño to Nájera

  Walk among vineyards and rolling hills through the heart of Spain’s most famous wine-producing region.

  18 miles (29km) and 1,300ft (400m) of ascent

• Day 10 – Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada

  Continue through the fertile Rioja countryside to one of the Camino’s most famous pilgrimage towns.

  13 miles (21km) and 650ft (200m) of ascent

• Day 11 – Santo Domingo de la Calzada to San Juan de Ortega

  Leave La Rioja behind and enter the province of Burgos. Today’s route passes through quiet farming villages and open countryside before reaching the small pilgrim village of San Juan de Ortega, home to a beautiful 12th-century monastery.

  17 miles (27km) and 1,650ft (500m) of ascent

• Day 12 – San Juan de Ortega to Burgos

  Walk through pine forests and rolling farmland before descending into the magnificent city of Burgos. The city’s UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral is considered one of the finest in Europe and is a highlight of the entire Camino.

  16 miles (26km) and 1,150ft (350m) of ascent.

• Day 13 – Burgos to Hontanas

  Leaving the city behind, the Camino enters the vast Meseta, a landscape of open plains, wheat fields and endless skies. This section offers a very different Camino experience and provides an opportunity for quiet reflection.

  19 miles (31km) and 1,300ft (400m) of ascent

• Day 14 – Hontanas to Frómista

  Continue across the Meseta through traditional Castilian villages. Visit the impressive ruins of the Monastery of San Antón and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of one of Spain’s most iconic pilgrimage landscapes.

  18 miles (29km) and 1,150ft (350m) of ascent.

• Day 15 – Frómista to Carrión de los Condes

  A shorter day follows the Canal de Castilla and passes through productive agricultural land before arriving in the historic pilgrimage centre of Carrión de los Condes.

  12 miles (20km) and 500ft (150m) of ascent.

• Day 16 – Carrión de los Condes to Terradillos de los Templarios

  Walk one of the classic Camino stages across the open Meseta. Long, straight paths lead through quiet countryside and traditional villages before reaching Terradillos de los Templarios.

  16 miles (26km) and 650ft (200m) of ascent

• Day 17 – Terradillos de los Templarios to Sahagún

  A relatively gentle day passing through a series of small villages linked to the Camino’s rich medieval history. Arrive in Sahagún, once one of the most important pilgrimage centres in northern Spain.

  7.5 miles (12km) and 330ft (100m) of ascent

• Day 18 – Sahagún to León

  Continue west through the plains of Castile before arriving in the vibrant city of León. The city’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, lively tapas scene and historic old quarter make it one of the highlights of the Camino Francés.

  16 miles (25km) and 980ft (300m) of ascent

• Day 19 – León to Villar de Mazarife

  Leave the city behind and follow quiet rural paths through agricultural landscapes. This alternative route is favoured by many pilgrims for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional villages.

  14 miles (22km) and 650ft (200m) of ascent

• Day 20 – Villar de Mazarife to Astorga

  Cross the fertile plains of León Province and continue towards the foothills of the Montes de León. Arrive in the historic city of Astorga, famous for its Roman heritage, cathedral and the striking Episcopal Palace designed by Antoni Gaudí.

  19 miles (31km) and 1,300ft (400m) of ascent

• Day 21 – Astorga to Rabanal del Camino

  Today’s route begins the gradual ascent towards the mountains. Pass through traditional Maragato villages before reaching the charming pilgrim village of Rabanal del Camino.

  12 miles (20km) and 1,650ft (500m) of ascent

• Day 22 – Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada

  One of the most dramatic stages of the Camino. Climb to Cruz de Ferro, the symbolic high point of the pilgrimage, before descending through mountain villages and chestnut forests to the historic town of Ponferrada.

  20 miles (32km) and 2,300ft (700m) of ascent

• Day 23 – Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo

  Follow the fertile Bierzo Valley, known for its vineyards and fruit orchards. Arrive in the beautiful town of Villafranca del Bierzo, often referred to as “Little Santiago”.

  15 miles (24km) and 980ft (300m) of ascent

• Day 24 – Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro

  A challenging but rewarding mountain stage. Climb steadily into Galicia, enjoying spectacular views before arriving in the iconic mountain village of O Cebreiro, famous for its traditional stone houses and Celtic heritage.

  17 miles (28km) and 4,000ft (1,220m) of ascent

• Day 25 – O Cebreiro to Triacastela

  Traverse the high Galician mountains through remote landscapes, traditional farming communities and panoramic viewpoints before descending into Triacastela.

  13 miles (21km) and 1,650ft (500m) of ascent

• Day 26 - Triacastela to Sarria

  Choose between two historic Camino variants before arriving in Sarria, the most popular starting point for pilgrims completing the final 100 kilometres to Santiago.

  11 miles (18km) and 980ft (300m) of ascent

• Day 27 - Sarria to Portomarín

  Walk through ancient oak forests, charming hamlets and rolling Galician countryside. Cross the reservoir bridge into the historic town of Portomarín.

  13 miles (22km) and 1,650ft (500m) of ascent

• Day 28 - Portomarín to Palas de Rei

  A steady climb through rural Galicia, passing traditional villages, woodland trails and small Romanesque churches along the way.

  15 miles (25km) and 1,650ft (500m) of ascent

• Day 29 – Palas de Rei to Arzúa

  A long and rewarding stage through some of the most beautiful countryside on the Camino. Pass through Melide, famous for its Galician octopus restaurants, before continuing to Arzúa

  18 miles (29km) and 1,650ft (500m) of ascent

• Day 30 – Arzúa to O Pedrouzo

  Your final full day on the Camino passes through eucalyptus forests and quiet villages as anticipation builds for tomorrow’s arrival in Santiago.

  11 miles (19km) and 1,000ft (300m) of ascent

• Day 31 – O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela

  Complete your pilgrimage as you make your way to Santiago de Compostela. Enter the historic city and arrive at the magnificent cathedral, where pilgrims have celebrated the completion of their journey for over a thousand years. Spend time exploring the UNESCO-listed old town and reflecting on your achievement.

  12 miles (20km) and 1,150ft (350m) of ascent

Notes:

We will always endeavour to accommodate you in the locations detailed in the above itinerary. Due to very high demand, some accommodation providers may occasionally have limited availability and so we may need to accommodate you in an alternative location, nearby. In this case, we will arrange a taxi transfer for you to take you from the trail to your accommodation and back again the following morning. An additional charge may be payable. We will notify you of this when confirming your booking.

Please note: This itinerary is a guide only. Timings and mileages are approximate.

The Route

Reviews

Find some of the reviews our wonderful customers have left for us below, or read them all here!

Heather Parr
3 months ago

Maximum Adventure exceeded expectations, planning a trip for me last minute and off season through the glorious Lake District. The hotels were top rate, as was the food and my daily gluten free sandwich. Nathalie got the route guide sent to me in a couple of days and the baggage service was impeccable. It was the only tour guide company that responded immediately to my last minute request. Looking forward to more adventures with your company!!!

Chris Evans
3 months ago

David and I walked the Speyside Way in September 2023 and very much enjoyed the adventure. Maximum Adventure Ltd organised our nightly accommodation and uplifting of our luggage in a seamless manner, which made the whole trip so easy with no stress. This is the second time that I have personally used Maximum Adventures Ltd and I would recommend them to others as they offer a friendly and efficient service.

Göte Fredriksson
4 months ago

We realy appreciated the tour we did on Hadrians Wall path in May. Beautiful scenery, decent weather, god arrangements including lodging, transport, bagagehandling etc. We came well prepared . In this preparation Maximum adventures gave us great support, as we are coming from abroad with no knowledge of conditions on the path. We had great BnBs and could concentrate on de daily walks that gave us great pleasure. Thank you England and Hadrians Wall path for your friendly reception and well mantained walking path. Thank you Maximum Adventures for your good service. We would love to come back in the future.

Jerry Kashinski
4 months ago

Maximum Adventure did a great job for us. With less than a month's notice, it set up an itinerary, lodging and luggage porterage for a walk from Carlisle to Newcastle, England along Hadrian's Wall. The lodging was fantastic, as was the itinerary and support during the walk. We'd definitely use Maximum Adventure again and would recommend them without reservation!

Fiona Reilly
5 months ago

I was part of a climb on 23/09, didn't think I would make ut, but I did. The descent was a different story.. I got jelly legs and lost my confidence. If it wasn't for James, my Sherpa would never have made it. Can't thank him enough, Will, met you briefly. Both of them were very knowledgeable, we had the most amazing views at the summit...the pain is still worth it and

Tom Graham
5 months ago

I walked the West Highland Way with my dad and brother. The organisation was excellent by Samantha. Itinerary and instructions were clear and all the bookings and luggage transfers went smoothly. As a result we were able to ensure the fantastic walk and not worry about anything. I would happily recommend Maximum Adventure to others.

Sarah Bracken
5 months ago

Absolutely brilliant guide - knowledgeable, interesting and humorous in addition to looking after our safety so well - making sure we ate and suggesting when to layer up! Would highly recommend!

Diana Straub
6 months ago

We just got home from our 8-days Hadrian's Wall hike and we just loved it! Everything was perfectly organized! We had great B&Bs and hotels with very friendly, welcoming and helpful staff. Our favorite was the Dacre House with Clare. But then again, all were great! The luggage was always at the day's destination, no matter how early we got to the accommodation. The description of how to get to the accommodations were clear and precise. The road map and the guide book were waiting for us as we got to the first B&B and were very helpful and interesting Thanks, Maximum Adventure!

Kristin Hentschel
6 months ago

Praise for the West Highland Hike and the Maximum Adventure planners, esp. our planner Samantha. Great experience in every regard.

Simon Bradish
6 months ago

Booked for the 3 UK Peaks adventure, it was organised perfectly and everything when to plan. Accommodation was good, transport excellent, our guide (Patrick) brilliant, so cannot fault the trip and adventure. I personally expected too much from myself and was unable to fully summit as this adventure is not for beginners, I climbed Kilimanjaro in 2003 when I was 42 and twenty years later, although relatively fit, my endurance didn't last. So I did a half summit for Ben Nevis & Scafell, thanks to Patrick for letting go back down on my own, it was brilliant. With Snowdon, a half summit is tricky as you can't descend the way you go up, so I decided to do some hiking in the area while the rest of the group did the climb. I took a chance and went to the ticket office and managed to get a single return ticket up to the summit of Snowdon at 9am which returned down by 11.30am. I was hoping to see my group on top and spring a surprise but the weather was terrible. I highly recommend the trip but make sure you are fit enough otherwise as there is an emphasis on time, so a slow walk up is going to slow everyone down and really delay the trip. Have Fun, Simon Bradish