The Camino de Santiago is perhaps the original European walking tour, and this unique itinerary selects the best walking and scenery of the Way of St. James—the ancient pilgrimage route to the city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain’s northwestern corner. 

A condensed version of the Camino Francés—the French route—this tour traverses northern Spain, from the Pyrenees on the border with France through seven Spanish provinces. Each step is a link between the present and the past on this legendary trail that early Christians followed to the “ends of the earth”—still part of today’s landscape are medieval monasteries, hermits’ chapels, and soaring cathedrals at Burgos and Santiago—both UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

From the diverse landscapes of Basque mountain villages, the vineyards of La Rioja, and the lush meadows of Galicia, you are guided into historical city centers and Roman ruins, to hilltop towns and sweeping coastal views, as well as the Atapuerca archaeological site. Gracious Spanish hospitality is a constant—in family-run inns, a resort, and boutique hotels. 

As varied as the scenery, Spain’s intensely regional cuisine from both land and sea is superbly highlighted—delectable tapas, cured hams, and even chocolate from its Spanish birthplace at Astorga—all paired with world-renowned wines of the Rioja region and beyond.

Most days offer two options for longer or shorter hikes. Guests can walk at their own pace with meeting points organized.

Carry only your day-pack, your luggage will meet you each afternoon at your hotel.

The trip is guided and supported, meaning that you will be walking at your own pace, but with a local experienced guide as well as Kathy to help you navigate. You can choose to walk with the guide, or on your own. It is also fully supported with a mini-van moving our luggage as well as us to the beginning of trails, between cities, and avoiding most trafficked roads

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