Spain : Galicia

Walking the Camino Frances: Burgos to Santiago

Trip code: W23CS 5 (1 reviews)

Self-guided walking

23 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 3
Stretching

13.0Kg CO2e

SUMMARY

  • Walk along one of the most famous UNESCO pilgrimage routes in the world
  • Share in a breathtaking 1000-year-old sense of achievement
  • Pilgrim Passport to record your adventure en route

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 23 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Pilgrim Passport

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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.

This trip does not include luggage transfers in the price, but they are available on request at an extra cost.

Burgos to Leon

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. The endless flat plains provide the breadbasket of Spain, merging with vast skies filled with soaring vultures and eagles and a hint of distant mountains to be traversed before reaching Santiago.

Leon to O Cebreiro

Along this stretch the Pilgrim is faced with the challenge of crossing the Cordillera Cantabria at over 1500m. Departing culturally rich Leon, the Camino winds its way over mountain and moorland. Nestling between the mountains is the Bierzo Valley where easier walking provides a welcome break from the higher paths. Fresh, locally produced white wines quench the thirst after a long day in the mountains.

O Cebreiro to Santiago de Compostela

The final stage of the Camino and one which is walked by more Pilgrims than the rest of the route passes entirely through Galicia - a land with Celtic origins. Green, lush and warm, Galicia is a verdant part of Spain with its own language of Galega. Many characteristics of Galicia resemble Wales, Ireland and Brittany as Celtic influences come through in their language, music and lifestyle. Farming is the main occupation, and most houses cultivate even the smallest parcel of land around their homes. Grain is stored in 'horreos' which rise like tombs through the mist creating a mysterious scene.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Burgos

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.

hotel details

Hotels along the Camino, Burgos to Santiago


23 nights accommodation in a variety of hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts.

Day 2: Burgos to Hornillos del Camino 20KM/ 12.5MI/ 4.5HRS

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.

Day 3: Hornillos del Camino to Castrojeriz 19 KM/ 12MI/ 5HRS

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.

Day 4: Castrojeriz to Fromista 24KM/ 15MI/ 6HRS

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.

Day 5: Fromista to Carrion de los Condes 20KM/ 12.5 MI/ 5HRS

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.

Day 6: Carrion de los Condes to Calzadilla de la Cueza 17KM/ 11 MI/ 4HRS

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.

Day 7: Calzadilla de la Cueza to Sahagun 22KM/ 14MI/ 5.5HRS

Endless flatness, endless views and a birdwatchers’ paradise.

Day 8: Sahagun to El Burgo Ranero 17 KM/ 11MI/ 5HRS

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.

Day 9: El Burgo Ranero to Mansilla de las Mulas 19KM/ 12MI/ 5HRS

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.

Day 10: Mansilla de las Mulas to Leon 18KM/ 11.5MI/ 4 HRS

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.

Day 11: Leon to Villa De Mazarife 21KM/ 13MI/ 5.5HRS

Starting from the historic cathedral you walk out through the suburbs to Villar de Mazarife.

Day 12: Villa De Mazarife to Astorga 30.5KM/ 19MI/ 8HRS

Today is an easy and fairly level walk which takes you to Astorga - another beautiful town to explore!

Day 13: Astorga to Rabanal del Camino 21KM/ 13.5MI/ 5.5HRS

Gently ascend to Rabanal del Camino crossing open countryside with far reaching views and ancient Maragato villages.

Day 14: Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca 24KM/ 15MI/ 5.5HRS

A more challenging day, ascending to the highest point on the Cordillera Cantabrica, before descending to Molinaseca in the beautiful and fertile El Bierzo valley.

Day 15: Molinaseca to Villafranca del Bierzo 31KM/ 19.5MI/ 7.5HRS

A long but reasonably level day through the El Bierzo valley to Villafranca del Bierzo – one of Spain’s most beautiful villages (day can be split).

Day 16: Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro 30KM/ 19MI/ 8HRS

It’s a long, rewarding day with stunning scenery in all directions, ending with the climb up to O Cebreiro where you stay overnight to experience this unique location (day can be split).

Day 17: O Cebreiro to Triacastela 21KM/ 13.5MI/ 7 HRS

After an early climb up to Alto de la Roque with its imposing statue of a windswept pilgrim, descend through stunning green hills to the remote village of Triacastela noting the interesting ‘horreos’ (grain stores) along the way.

Day 18: Triacastella to Sarria 17KM/ 11MI/ 7HRS

A day of lush river valleys and hilltop views to the town of Sarria – 100 km from Santiago. This is the last point from which you can walk to gain the Pilgrim’s Compostela.

Day 19: Sarria to Portomarin 21KM/ 13.5MI/ 7 HRS

Follow winding cart tracks to reach Portomarin, a town raised from the valley floor stone by stone to make way for the Mino reservoir. The village can still be seen when the reservoir is low A good stop for a rest day with historic Lugo nearby.

Day 20: Portomarin to Palas de Rey 24KM/ 15MI/ 8HRS

Quiet country lanes and tracks lead over the Sierra Ligonde to Palas de Rey.

Day 21: Palas de Rey to Arzua 28KM/ 17.5MI/ 8.5HRS

A long day of gently rolling hills as the Camino winds its way through ancient villages and farming communities. The day may be split in Melide – famous for its delicious, stewed Octopus!

Day 22: Arzua to Lavacolla 25KM / 16MI/ 8HRS

Continuing through rolling farmland and forests you become ever closer to Santiago. Lavacolla is where Pilgrims reputedly washed away weeks of dirt before entering the city.

Day 23: Santiago 9KM / 6MI/ 2HRS

Feel a special sense of achievement as you enter Santiago through the Pilgrims’ Gate and finally stand in front of the Cathedral – the sensation is quite overwhelming. Return home, stay on in Santiago ….or keep walking to Finisterre!

Day 24: Departure from Santiago

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.

Please contact our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.

REVIEWS

We had an amazing holiday on the camino de santiago trail met so many beautiful people from different parts of the world, some of the itinerary didn't match the route some of the pages in wrong order but we managed. On the 11th of September we stayed in the Domus Oncinae not the one on your list excellent food and clean .

David Pennington, 1 Sep 2023

 


Self-guided walking

23 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 3
Stretching

13.0Kg CO2e

Please call for prices.

Call: +44 1606 720199