Trip ID :

DAY 1 - Pamplona
In the centre of the Autonomous Community of Navarra, on a plain surrounded by mountains, lies Pamplona, the capital of the Ancient Kingdom of Navarra. Pamplona has always been an important stopping point on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela. The Old Quarter, surrounded by walls and watched over by towers and belfries, is a medieval city of narrow streets, small squares, churches and noble houses.
By taking the extra night option in Pamplona, you can actually drive to St Jean Pied de Port. It is a fabulous loop drive back to Pamplona taking you through the French/Spanish border crossing where Emilio Estevez's character dies in the movie


      
Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities        




       

DAY 2 – To Logrono: Car 2h15 - 175km        
From Pamplona, we suggest that you head south towards Olite which was once home to the kings of Navarra. Nowadays, the medieval castle also hosts beautiful gardens with exotic animals such as lions, giraffes and many more. The wonderful Wine museum is also worth a visit! Then, you can visit Puente de la Reina, historical meeting point on the Camino. It is a pretty medieval town with some interesting buildings and a six arched stone bridge. Frome there, head towards the famous Monasterio de Irache, a few kilometres after Estella. Nearby, it is also possible to visit Bodega Irache, the same one that has been providing wine to pilgrims for centuries! You can then drive to Logrono, a city rich in history and traditions that have been preserved since the Middle Ages.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities
Meals: Breakfast 


 

   
        
DAY 3 – To Burgos: Car 2h30 - 140km
After breakfast, drive down towards San Millan de Cogollan to admire the unique 6th Century Monasteries of Suso & Yuso, UNESCO world heritage, birthplace of Castilian, the Spanish language. Short walks to visit the hilly region are also possible (ask the tourist office for local maps). Traverse of the Rioja Region, ideal for wine shopping! Santo Domingo de la Calzada, on the Camino, is an interesting buzzing  town where pilgrims wander in the medieval streets all year round. From there, you will be driving through the Oca mountains to reach Burgos, city of El Cid. Don't miss the city's UNESCO gothic Cathedral!

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities
Meals: Breakfast

 

  
               
DAY 4 – To Leon: Car 2h - 190km

Today you will cross the legendary and seemingly endless Meseta high plateau, inspirational for many pilgrims walking along the Camino, an area also full of medieval history. First, we suggest a visit to the famous Monasterio de las Huelgas, on the outskirts of the city. You can then visit the charming city of Palencia and its medieval centre, then head to Fromista and Sahagun, other highlights of the area. Finally, the beautiful city of Leon will welcome you to end the day.





Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities
Meals: Breakfast       
        
      

DAY 5 – To Ponferrada: Car 2h - 110km
En route to Ponferrada, the suggested itinerary alternates between history and nice landscapes. First, it is possible to visit the walled city of Astorga. Further on the way, you’ll go up the Leon Mountains so don't miss the picturesque town of Rabanal del Camino. Then, we suggest you head directly to Ponferrada as there is plenty to visit in the old quarter.
 At Cruz de Fero (iron cross) featured in The Way you can throw your stone like Martin Sheen in the movie and according to tradition.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities
Meals:
Breakfast       



              
 

DAY 6 – To Sarria: Car 2h - 120 km
Living Ponferrada, you will drive through vineyards surrounding by the approaching mountains of Galicia, and will reach Villafranca del bierzo, a museum town in itself. Then, follow the scenic road to O Cebreiro, picturesque hamlet located at 1300m of altitude and important stop for pilgrims en route to Santiago. It is also the first Galician town pilgrims encounter on the Camino Frances. Then, you will enjoy the scenic road down to the valley. The 6th century Samos monastery is a not to miss stop before getting to Sarria.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities
Meals:
Breakfast       
 


            
Day 7 – To Santiago de Compostela: Car 2h30 130km
You are now in the heart of Galicia. Few kilometres after Sarria is Portomarin, the next stage for pilgrims by feet, an interesting town with a fortress church which has been entirely re-built on the banks of Rio Mino to enable the construction of a dammed reservoir in the 1960's. From there, head North to Lugo to be charmed by the city's UNESCO walled centre. Lugo may not be on the Camino Frances, but it is the last major stop for pilgrims walking the Original way before reaching Santiago. You can then head South towards Monte de Gozo, few kilometres prior to Santiago and from where pilgrims of the ancient times used to see their final destination for the first time after weeks of pilgrimage. With an early start, you could reach Santiago on time for the mid-day pilgrim mass in the UNESCO listed cathedral and enjoy the afternoon to wander in the labyrinth of cobbled streets,  in the heart of this amazingly beautiful city.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities
Meals:
Breakfast      



       
Day 8 - Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.

If you wish to extend your stay and witness the amazing burning incense mass, have a look at our additional night options. It is also possible to extend your self-drive holiday until Fisterra, following the Fisterra Way. Please ask us for further information.

If you wish to extend your stay and travel to the ocean, we recommend you to add an extra night and do a day trip there.

Tips ! - Add an extra day to cross the Pyrenees and visit St Jean Pied de Port, historical start of The French Way