Trek in the footsteps of pilgrims who, for centuries, have journeyed toward Santiago de Compostela. On this fully guided, small group tour, you’ll experience living traditions, warm welcomes, and a deep sense of connection that makes the Camino as moving as it is beautiful.
Start - End: Bilbao - Santiago de Compostela
Total trip: 9 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 3
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On this 9-day hiking adventure, you'll hike some of the most breathtaking scenery and oldest trails of Spain as you explore the Camino de Santiago.
Each day brings new landscapes, from the architectural wonders of Bilbao, to the golden sand beaches, quaint villages and mountain trails of Asturias to the woodland paths, ancient ruins and rugged coastline of Galicia. The Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo are sure to impress. Yet, the journey holds so much more than scenery. Trek in the footsteps of pilgrims, who, for thousands of years, made their way along the same routes to the tomb of the apostle St. James. As you hike, you'll be met with rich traditions still very much alive today in these Celtic regions, and upon reaching Monte de Gozo, you'll feel firsthand the astonishing site of Santiago de Compostela.
When your Northern Spain hiking journey comes to a close at Cape Finisterre, there's no doubt the Camino de Santiago will leave a lasting impression in your heart.
Camino del Norte
Feel the sea breeze on your face as you trace rugged coastal paths with the Atlantic stretching out beside you.
Camino Primitivo
Step into history on the oldest Camino route, winding through misty mountains and timeless villages.
Cape Finisterre
Stand at the “end of the world,” watching the sun sink into the ocean where pilgrims have gathered for centuries.
Visit Santiago de Compostela
Arrive in the heart of the Camino, where the cathedral’s spires welcome you with centuries of pilgrim stories.
Visit Bilbao
Wander from bustling pintxo bars to the gleaming curves of the Guggenheim, soaking up the city’s vibrant energy.
Visit Oviedo
Stroll cobbled streets lined with medieval treasures and feel the pulse of Asturias’ lively capital.
Visit Asturias
Breathe in green valleys, dramatic peaks, and a culture as rich and hearty as the region’s famed cider.
Visit Lugo
Walk atop the ancient Roman walls that wrap this historic city, with sweeping views around every corner.
Discover what each day holds on the Camino de Santiago as you follow the journey step by step, uncovering coastal trails, charming villages, local flavors, and moments that make the experience unforgettable.
Click the map below to explore.
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Our adventure begins in the dynamic port city of Bilbao. Here, you'll meet your guides and fellow travelers at 5:30 pm at the joining hotel. After a short orientation, we'll head down to the Estuary of Bilbao and enjoy a pleasant stroll along the water and through the marvelous old city center packed with architectural wonders.
Tonight, you'll sample authentic Basque cuisine at a local eatery.
Accommodation: Hotel Barceló Nervión, Bilbao
Meals: Dinner
Today you get your first taste of the stunning Costa Verde. After departing Bilbao we’ll drive along the dramatic Atlantic coast, passing through Cantabria on our way to the Celtic region of Asturias for our first hike following the Camino del Norte. Our delightful coastal trail leads across gently undulating terrain, through oceanside meadows and forests scattered along the rugged coastline.
We'll continue on to our overnight base in the former whaling port of Llanes. A short walking tour through the town's labyrinth of streets brings us to the town's former fish auction house. Next door we'll enjoy lunch at a seafood and cider tavern with views over the marina. After lunch, we'll continue hiking along the Camino, a spectacular seaside route following scenic clifftop paths among green meadows, linking golden beaches and sandy coves.
Accommodation: Hotel Don Paco, Llanes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 11.2 miles (18 kilometers), 5 hours 15 minutes
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,033 feet (315 meters) ascent
Today we continue our hike on the Camino, following coastal paths through elegant green meadows, alongside hidden coves and across stunning beaches. En-route we'll pass by Spanish civil war defensive structures and some surprising dinosaur footprints.
When hunger strikes, we'll stop for lunch at a lovely inlet then transfer to Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. Here, we'll learn about the relics of the Kingdom of Asturias on a guided tour of San Salvador Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage complex. You'll even have the chance to see the Cloth of Oviedo, which is believed to have been wrapped around Jesus' head in the tomb.
Accommodation: NH Oviedo Principado, Oviedo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 7 miles (11.2 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 755 feet (230 meters) ascent
The scenery changes today as we begin our hike along the Camino Primitivo, the oldest of all the Camino pilgrimage routes. Trading in the beach for forest and sand for pastureland, we'll hike towards Tineo, set high in the hills above the Narcea River valley.
After a break for a well-deserved and picturesque lunch, we'll continue hiking through dense forest until we reach an abandoned 12th-century Benedictine Monastery that once played an important role in providing aid and support to pilgrims on their way to Santiago. We'll take time to explore the ruins before transferring to our hotel in Tineo.
Accommodation: Hotel Palacio de Meras, Tineo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 10.3-12.8 miles (16.6-20.6 kilometers ), 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,350 feet (400 meters) ascent, 1,590 feet (485 meters) descent
Be sure to have your camera ready as today we embark on perhaps the most spectacular section of the entire Camino Primitivo. Our hike takes us uphill through one of Spain's most uninhabited regions until we reach an isolated pass showcasing 360-degree views of mountain forests and green hillsides. Be sure to keep your eye out for wild horses grazing nearby! After taking time to enjoy the views, we descend to a tiny ridgetop hamlet and medieval chapel.
At the hike’s end, we transfer to the tiny parish of Berducedo for a well-deserved lunch. We finally enter Galicia on our way to Lugo, whose 3rd-century Roman walls surrounding the old town are a UNESCO World Heritage site. On arrival, the rest of the day is free time for you to rest, relax, and explore the twisting streets of this fascinating city . Dinner is on your own tonight.
Accommodation: Gran Hotel de Lugo, Lugo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: 6.9 miles (11.1 kilometers), 4.5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,182 feet (665 meters) ascent, 1,689 feet (515 meters) descent
This morning we’ll begin by touring Lugo’s historic walls and visiting its renowned cathedral before setting out on our final hike along the Camino Primitivo. Today, we meander through fairytale-like forest paths and into tiny hamlets scattered across the Galician countryside. We'll stop for lunch in Melide, a town where the Camino Primitivo and Camino Frances merge into a single Way.
If your stomach isn't already grumbling, hunger is sure to strike as soon as you smell the freshly baked pastries and almond cakes ever so apparent in Melide's historic centre. After, we'll continue along the Camino through grand oak forests before calling it a day.
Accommodation: Pazo de Sedor or De Rectoral Lestedo, Melide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 6-7.9 miles (9.6-11.8 kilometers), 3-3.5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 755-935 feet (230-285 meters) ascent, 558-705 feet (170-215 meters) descent
We start the day off right with our first hike on the Camino Frances. We'll see many more pilgrims this morning compared to the previous day's solitude. Afterward, we transfer to Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy), located on the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. Here, just like the pilgrims, you'll see your first glimpse of the city's famous cathedral spires. Our hike then continues to Plaza del Obradoiro, Santiago's grandiose square. Take time this afternoon to explore the city and sit down for a relaxing lunch on your own.
If you'd like, you can rejoin the group for a tour with a local guide and attend a pilgrim's mass at the cathedral. You may even get to witness the swinging of the Botafumeiro, which is one of the largest incense censers in the world.
Dinner is on your own tonight, allowing you more time to explore the wonders of the city.
Accommodation: Hotel Monumento San Francisco, Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 5.9 miles (9.6 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 730 feet (225 meters) ascent, 930 feet (385 meters) descent
This morning we'll delight our senses with an early visit to Santiago's bustling market, where an incredible selection of seafood, meat, vegetables, and fruit await. We'll then drive to Cape Finisterre, the final destination for many pilgrims who walked the Way of St. James. The cape is also the historical ‘Land's End’ reached by pagan pilgrimages predating Christianity. As we enjoy a hillside trail to the cape and lighthouse, take in the spectacular views of Costa da Morte (Coast of Death), so named for the innumerable shipwrecks over the centuries.
After a hearty seafood lunch, we return to Santiago. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to discover the sights of the city. This evening we meet for a celebratory dinner at one of the area's finest restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel Monumento San Francisco, Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3.2 miles (5.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 705 feet (215 meters) ascent, 410 feet (125 meters) descent
After a final breakfast, we'll say our goodbyes. You can choose to transfer on your own to Santiago's airport or continue your explorations of this fascinating region of Spain.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
On the first day of the trip we’ll meet you at Hotel Nervión at 5:30pm for dinner with your fellow adventurers. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Bilbao, though you must make your own way to this pick-up point at the pre-designated time.
Your trip ends after breakfast and you're welcome to fly out any time. You'll need to make your own way to the Santiago de Compostela Airport, located 20 minute drive from the joining hotel.
Arrival: If you're flying in on the first day of the trip, we recommend arriving in Bilbao by 4pm.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Santiago de Compostela any time after breakfast for both domestic and international. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Spain. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s, historic pilgrim lodges along the trail, that have been accommodating guests for centuries.
While there are laundry facilities in Tineo and Lugo, and also in Santiago at the end of the trip, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry a once during your trip, with the best time being during our stay in Santiago.
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By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.
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