Self-guided walking
10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
14.0Kg CO2e
The famous Camino de Santiago, also known as St James' Way and the French Way, is a wonderful 500-mile trail which has been walked by pilgrims for over 1000 years. For most pilgrims, the Camino de Santiago ends at the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - reputedly the final resting place of St. James the Apostle, although a further few days of walking takes the pilgrim to 'the end of the earth' at Finisterre with its downward pointing scallop shell signifying the actual ending, and where pilgrims once burned their boots.
Without doubt this journey is about more than the usual joys of walking! The Camino may be walked for religious or non-religious reasons or perhaps just the desire to hop out of the fast lane to reflect on life and refresh the soul. For whatever reason, a very special atmosphere arises from the comradeship quickly established between pilgrims of many nationalities - each walking for their own personal reasons.
In the province of Castilla y Leon, this is the land which named the Spanish language of Castillian dating back to the Muslim Invasion. Inhabitants are swarthy and the food robust. Villages are timeless combinations of ancient adobe houses, hillside 'hobbit' like storage cellars and imposing, lonely churches. Castrojeriz and Mansilla de las Mulas provide cultural stops amongst the plains. Arriving in Leon is breathtaking as a Gothic Cathedral of majestic proportions dominates the skyline. Within the Cathedral, a riot of colour reflecting from its magnificent stained-glass windows dances off the cool stone walls providing you with a perfect place to reflect on your journey across the Meseta.
This trip does not include luggage transfers in the price, but they are available on request at an extra cost.
Today you arrive in Burgos and enjoy some time exploring the city and relaxing before your Camino starts in earnest tomorrow! One of the city's most famous landmarks is its stunning cathedral, constructed in the Gothic style. Burgos is also one of the larger cities on the route of the Camino de Santiago and is an excellent place to pick up your Pilgrims passport and start your journey.
You stay at Selected hotels.
Hotels along the Camino, Burgos to Leon
10 nights accommodation in a variety of hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts.
The Camino soon leaves the city and passes through attractive rolling farmland. Cross a few rivers and climb a few hills before reaching the pretty village of Hornillos. As no accommodation here, transfer to Burgos for overnight and opportunity to explore more of the city.
A day of remoteness crossing typical ‘paramo’ landscapes of bleak moorland. Folds in the gentle hills hide picturesque villages – some of the most beautiful along the Camino.
Depart the beautiful castellated village of Castrojeriz by crossing a Roman walkway and bridge over the river before a short, sharp climb to Alto de Mostelares brings the reward of magnificent views. Descending across rolling hills of many shades to walk alongside a canal to Fromista with its fine examples of Romanesque architecture.
Two route options are available today as the Camino splits between a quiet but longer path with a distinct mediaeval feel to it, or a shorter faster roadside route. Both converge at the beautiful village of Villacalzar de Sirga. Overnight in the mediaeval town of Carrion de los Condes.
An easy day with much of the route following a Roman Road, if skies are clear, you will see the Cordillera Cantabrica in the far distance – stunning if snowcapped.
Endless flatness, endless views and a birdwatchers’ paradise.
A choice of routes again, either follow the road or detour through the isolated village of Calzadilla de los Hermanillos with its fine examples of adobe houses. A few small hills, groves of trees and flowing streams signify a change in the landscape as you approach El Burgo Ranero. Transfer back to Sahagun.
The sweeping, open countryside gives constant views of the horizon and the Cordillera Cantabrica ahead. The complete absence of settlements and trees creates an almost desert like landscape with the land becoming more fertile as you draw closer to the walled town of Mansilla.
Hills and mountains now fill the horizon as you continue on to Leon. At the end of this stage, there are magnificent views as you descend into the city.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £210.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £210.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air prices include our standard flights/transfers
Out: EasyJet from London Gatwick to Madrid 07:20/11:00.
Return: EasyJet from Madrid to London Gatwick 16:35/18:00.
Please note transfers are not included in the price of this holiday. Please see below for more information.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open from 9am today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided walking
10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
14.0Kg CO2e
