Start the historical, UNESCO-protected Camino Frances with the first stage, walking from the trail head in St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono over nine days. Since the discovery of Saint James' tomb in the 9th century, pilgrims have walked the full 700km route to reach Santiago's spectacular cathedral in Plaza de Obradoiro. In Stage 1, walk in the footsteps of the millions of pilgrims that have embarked on this journey, traversing the French Pyrenees and northeastern Spain.
Over 171kms, follow the iconic scallop shell markers through a patchwork of rolling countryside. There are many reasons to walk the Camino – for your own spiritual journey or simply for the physical and cultural experience. There are also daily encounters with other walkers that make the pilgrimage on this famous long-distance Camino route truly unique.
During this tour you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are en-suited and, typically, in the style of the Camino; accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route, similar accommodations can be used other than that listed. Therefore the accommodations shown are only an indication of the class of what will be booked and we will do our best to match the standard if we cannot get what is displayed.
Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.
Dining
You will be provided with 8 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.
You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant, which serves regional dishes using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally. This is a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.
This tour is available from the start of April through October. Regardless of when you travel, there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to individual towns or regions. From the Rioja Wine festival in Logroño or the running of the bulls in Pamplona and the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.
The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warm days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent, and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees. However, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days.
We grade this walk as Moderate because there are only 7 back-to-back walking days over 171km. We may have to shorten or even lengthen the walking day to make the accommodation bookings work. Of course, we will let you know if this happens. The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well-defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads as you follow the truest route possible.
You should be used to walking up to 28km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will sustain climbs to hilltop towns, villages, and the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.
A moderate active lifestyle makes the walking enjoyable, an exercise regime of 3 to 4 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks.
The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with the many other walkers on the trail it’s very easy to find your way. For each walk, you will be provided daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use them for your own device.
The tour starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port and finishes in Logrono. The best way to reach Saint Jean is by arriving at one of the following airports; Madrid or Biarritz (Bayonne Train Station). See skyscanner.com.au
From Madrid, a 3 to 4-hour train journey connects (from the airport as well) to Pamplona. Then a 2 hr bus ride on to St Jean.
From Biarritz (Bayonne), it is an hour by train to St Jean.
Getting away from Logrono by train or air is very easy. Flights go from Logrono twice a day to Madrid.
Trains go to many destinations in Spain, so please see trainline.com to make a booking or research where you might want to head next.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
Start the historical, UNESCO-protected Camino Frances with the first stage, walking from the trail head in St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono over nine days. Since the discovery of Saint James' tomb in the 9th century, pilgrims have walked the full 700km route to reach Santiago's spectacular cathedral in Plaza de Obradoiro. In Stage 1, walk in the footsteps of the millions of pilgrims that have embarked on this journey, traversing the French Pyrenees and northeastern Spain.
Over 171kms, follow the iconic scallop shell markers through a patchwork of rolling countryside. There are many reasons to walk the Camino – for your own spiritual journey or simply for the physical and cultural experience. There are also daily encounters with other walkers that make the pilgrimage on this famous long-distance Camino route truly unique.
During this tour you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are en-suited and, typically, in the style of the Camino; accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route, similar accommodations can be used other than that listed. Therefore the accommodations shown are only an indication of the class of what will be booked and we will do our best to match the standard if we cannot get what is displayed.
Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.
Dining
You will be provided with 8 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.
You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant, which serves regional dishes using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally. This is a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.
This tour is available from the start of April through October. Regardless of when you travel, there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to individual towns or regions. From the Rioja Wine festival in Logroño or the running of the bulls in Pamplona and the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.
The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warm days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent, and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees. However, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days.
We grade this walk as Moderate because there are only 7 back-to-back walking days over 171km. We may have to shorten or even lengthen the walking day to make the accommodation bookings work. Of course, we will let you know if this happens. The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well-defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads as you follow the truest route possible.
You should be used to walking up to 28km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will sustain climbs to hilltop towns, villages, and the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.
A moderate active lifestyle makes the walking enjoyable, an exercise regime of 3 to 4 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks.
The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with the many other walkers on the trail it’s very easy to find your way. For each walk, you will be provided daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use them for your own device.
The tour starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port and finishes in Logrono. The best way to reach Saint Jean is by arriving at one of the following airports; Madrid or Biarritz (Bayonne Train Station). See skyscanner.com.au
From Madrid, a 3 to 4-hour train journey connects (from the airport as well) to Pamplona. Then a 2 hr bus ride on to St Jean.
From Biarritz (Bayonne), it is an hour by train to St Jean.
Getting away from Logrono by train or air is very easy. Flights go from Logrono twice a day to Madrid.
Trains go to many destinations in Spain, so please see trainline.com to make a booking or research where you might want to head next.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?
Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.
Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?
Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.
Q: Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?
Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.
Q: Can my children walk with me?
We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.
Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?
Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.
Q: Can we reduce the days walked?
We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 8 days and 7 nights.
Q: Can we extend the days walked?
Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer the ultimate Camino walk, you may wish to look at walking the full Camino route for 40 days or Leon to Santiago in 16 days.