Walking tour of the Camino de Santiago - Spain In the footsteps of Saint James

Day 1: Switzerland - Narbonne

Journey to Narbonne in France.

Day 2: Narbonne - Pamplona

Your journey continues to Spain. In the afternoon you arrive in the historic pilgrim city of Pamplona. You will take a walk through the narrow lanes of the old town and visit the famous citadel and the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real. Behind its neoclassical façade lies a magnificent Gothic building.

Day 3: Puente la Reina - Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Burgos

Over the "Alto del Perdón" hill you reach Eunate. You walk along the “Camino Francés” to the picturesque village of Puente la Reina with its well-known pilgrim bridge and former Templar church. Onward journey via Logroño to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, which became famous through the "Legend of the Miracle of the Chicken“. By coach you reach Juan de Ortega, from where you walk along forest and field paths to Agés. Onward journey by coach to Burgos, the old capital of Castile. (Walking time approx. 2 hrs)

Day 4: Burgos – León

In the morning you visit the magnificent Cathedral of Burgos, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The inviting riverside promenade is also worth seeing. Today's walking stage takes you from Rabé de las Calzadas to Hornillos del Camino, a typical village on the Camino. You continue by coach to Hontanas, famous for its pilgrim hospice. Onward journey via Fromista to the ancient city of León, dominated by its twin-towered cathedral. (Walking time approx. 2.5 hrs)

Day 5: León - Ponferrada

In León you visit the Basilica of San Isidoro with the Pantheon of the Kings, the cathedral and the Hospice of San Marcos (viewed from the outside). Drive via Astorga to Foncebadón. Walk to Cruz de Hierro. Onward journey to Ponferrada. The old town centre lies at the foot of an impressive castle founded by the Order of the Knights Templar. (Walking time approx. 2 hrs)

Day 6: Ponferrada - Santiago

The last stage of the Camino Francés leads through small villages that are nevertheless significant for pilgrims, with numerous churches and pilgrim hostels. You wander through meadows and fragrant eucalyptus forests to Boente. Shortly before Santiago, from the famous “Mount of Joy”, you will already see the impressive and venerable Cathedral of Santiago, the destination of countless pilgrims. Through the old town you reach the tomb of the Apostle James. (Walking time approx. 2 hrs)

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela

(Optional programme) In the morning you get to know the impressive cultural capital of Santiago on a city tour. The main attraction is the "Plaza de Obradoiro", surrounded by stately buildings, on which the mighty cathedral rises. The afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 8: Santiago de Compostela - Oviedo

You leave the important pilgrimage site and drive to Playa de las Catedrales, home to the world-famous rock formations. Today's walking section follows the Camino del Norte, the northern pilgrim route, along the stunningly beautiful coast from Foz back to Playa de las Catedrales. Today's destination is Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. (Walking time approx. 2.5 hrs)

Day 9: Oviedo - Santander - Bilbao

You drive to the elegant seaside resort of Santander with its fashionable Belle Époque villas, set on a spacious bay overlooking the Bay of Biscay. After a short stop, onward journey to Bilbao. The city impresses with its new, modern architecture combined with an old town well worth seeing.

Day 10: Bilbao - Clermont Ferrand

Today you can choose to fly back to Switzerland or travel by coach across the French border to Clermont Ferrand.

Day 11: Clermont Ferrand - Switzerland

Return journey to Switzerland.

Note

The walking sections may vary depending on the group and the weather. Subject to change.