The Entire Way of St James, Camino de Santiago Tours 2015

The French Way - Following Tradition 5 Weeks - The Whole Trail 31 Days / 30 nights

Some people don’t want to miss a thing, and if you have the time, you won’t regret a single moment of this journey.!! Start at the French/Spanish border and cross the entire plateau of Northern Spain. Cover 4 distinct regions and countless villages...

The French Way - 5 Week Trip

Day 1 Madrid to Pamplona

Arrival at Madrid airport and transfer via high speed train to Pamplona, your starting point and home for the first night.

Day 2 Pamplona - Puente La Reina 23 km (14 miles)

A great first day of walking awaits, passing legendary passage ‘Alto de Perdon’ and ending in Puente la Reina with its impressive XIth century bridge.

Day 3 Puente La Reina - Estella 22 km (13 miles)

Very medieval-like feeling today walking through little hamlets of the XII and XIIIth century. Estella, the final stop is a great place to discover as it is rich in typical Basque architecture.

Day 4 Estella - Los Arcos 22 km (13 miles)

Crossing the Iratxe monastery is the high point. Founded in the Xth century, you’ll be offered their traditional red wine, tough to refuse.

Day 5 Los Arcos - Logroño 28 km (17 miles)

Leaving the Navarra region and entering La Rioja, famous for their reputed vineyards. !The medieval towns and fortress walls of Torres del Rio and Viana are reminders of the harsh battles that took place along this border.

The French Way - 5 Week Trip Day 6 Logroño - Najera 29 km (17 miles)

Najera holds its name from the arabic root, meaning ‘place between the rocks’.

Located on the river banks and surrounded by bright orange cliffs, it's an obviously-appropriate name.

Day 7 Najera – Santo Domingo de la Calzada 21km (13 miles)

Today’s highlight is discovering the village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Founded by and for, pilgrims, by a hermit who settled close to the river.

Day 8 Santo Domingo de la Calzada – Belorado 23km (14 miles)

Today is a tranquil day, passing through a series of villages that have been marked in some way by the history of the Camino. Belorado was constantly disputed between the kingdoms of Castilla and Navarre.

Day 9 Belorado – San Juan de Ortega 24km (15 miles)

We end next to the XIth century Monastery of San Juan de Ortega. Famous for its decorative columns that depict the duel between Roland and the Moor Giant Ferragut.

Day 10 San Juan de Ortega – Burgos 28km (17 miles)

Today’s lovely walk passes the tiny hamlet of Atapuerca, renown for a story that is not linked to the Camino in the least. In 1992, archeological excavations discovered the remains of what is known as the ‘first European’, a Neandertal skeleton dating over 800,000 years ago.

The French Way - 5 Week Trip Day 11 Burgos – Hontanas 30km (19 miles)

After Burgos, starts the most mentally challenging sections of the Camino. You are entering the Meseta (also known as Paramos) – Spain’s high plateau desert.

Although repetitive scenery, many villages and sites you come across have their own charm and the peace and serenity found here can be very inspiring.

Day 12 Hontanas – Boadillo Del Camino 28 Km (17 Miles)

We stop today in Boadilla del Camino, known for its XVth century ‘rollo’ where people were publicly judged and a XIIIth century roman baptismal sculpted in stone located inside the Asuncion church.

Day 13 Boadillo Del Camino - Carrion De Los Condes 25 KM (15 miles)

Peaceful walk today and ending in a village that, at its peak, had over 14,000 habitants. Filled with well maintained monasteries and churches.!

Day 14 Carrion De Los Condes – Terradillos De Los Templarios 26 Km (16 Miles)

Crossing the complete desert today, no shade, no rest stops. Be sure to be well prepared.!The evening ends in a small hamlet that literally appears to be out of nowhere.

Day 15 Terradillos De Los Templarios – El Burgo Ranero 29 Km (18 Miles)

Another long day in distance but, once again, all on level ground. Passing the town of Sahagun, anciently known as the capital of the ‘Poor Romanesque’ due to the materials used to build their churches and buildings, with adobe being preferred to stone. !

The French Way - 5 Week Trip Day 16 Burgo Ranero - Mansilla De Mulas 19 KM (12 miles)

Mansilla de las Mulas, located on the banks of the river Esia, has a great medieval feel. Its large fortress and four main archways add to the ambiance.

Day 17 Mansilla de Las Mulas – León 20km (12 miles)

León was the capital of Christian Spain for centuries starting in the year 910 when the city was reclaimed from the Moors. Its foundation dates even further back to the Roman Empire, in the year 69. It is obviously filled with historical sites and monuments.

Day 18 León - Hospital Orbigo 31 km (19 miles)

León being a large city, we traverse it for a few kilometers until Valverde de la Virgen. The terrain onwards is mainly a gentle downhill all the way to Hospital de Orbigo. Legendary due to its impressive medieval bridge.

Day 19 Hospital Orbigo - Astorga 17 km (11 miles)

A shorter day to allow plenty of time to visit some of the fascinating sites of Astorga.

Astorga also holds some of the most important Roman ruins in the area and a fascinating cathedral. Those with a sweet tooth may prefer a quick tour and taste at the Chocolate Museum.

Day 20 Astorga - Rabanal del Camino 21 km (13 miles)

The entire day is a gradual ascension to Rabanal del Camino. As you exit the city, you’ll quickly find more tranquility, as the villages crossed are tiny and sparse. Your efforts are rewarded with great views of the mountainous region.

The French Way - 5 Week Trip Day 21 Rabanal del Camino - Molinaseca 25 km (15 miles)

A real challenging day as you continue climbing to Cruz de Hierro (the Iron cross), an emblematic place along the Camino Frances. Located atop of Mount Irago at 4,970 feet, it is the highest point along the entire Camino Frances, including the Pyrenees. Adding a stone at the foot of this cross has become an important camino ritual with many pilgrims over the centuries. A long downhill awaits on the other side.

Day 22 Molinaseca - Cacabelos 23 km (14 miles)

Today’s walk is a lot more level than it has been these last few days. We pass a series of villages located in the heart of the Bierzo valley as we admire the size of the neighbouring mountains that surround us.

Many enjoy spending time discovering the ancient castle of Ponferrada and the sites of Cacabelos.

Day 23 Cacabelos - Las Herrerias 29 km (19 miles)

Don’t let the distance fool you, it's practically all level ground.!

Passing Villafranca del Bierzo, it doesn’t take long to notice why this has always been an important stop along the Camino. The ‘Puerta del Perdon’, Villafranca Castle, the XII th century Monastery of Santa Maria all await you here.

Day 24 Las Herrerias - Viduedo 23 km (14 miles)

By far the most difficult section on the Camino Frances, no matter how one does it. The morning starts with an abrupt 8.4km climb to OCebreiro. The good news is that once here, you arrive at one of the pretties villages on the entire Camino. This village looks, feels, and to a certain extent, is, completely Celtic.

The French Way - 5 Week Trip Day 25 Viduedo - Sarria 22 km (13 miles) or 28km (17 miles) option

After yesterday's big day and what was surely a good night's sleep, we are greeted by a long 7 km downhill into the small town of Triacastela (the three Castles).!!At this intersection comes decision-making time.

One may opt for the shorter and direct route to Sarria for a total of 22km. If you would like to discover Spain’s oldest and largest Monastery (Samos), then walking an extra 6 km is well worth the detour.

Day 26 Sarria - Portomarin 21 KM (13 miles)

A great day as you’ll spend most of it in the quiet countryside, discovering the peacefulness of rural Galicia. You’ll end with a long downhill walk into Portomarin, situated along the banks of the Mino river.

Day 27 Portomarin - Palas del Rei 24 KM (15 miles)

Another peaceful day, slowly meandering through local villages and hamlets. Some interesting untended Celtic ruins can be seen along the way if one has the strength to make a short 1 km detour.

Day 28 Palas del Rei - Sedor 24 KM (15 miles)

Today takes you through Melide, a village that has made Pulpo Gallego legendary throughout the country. A simple recipe of octopus, potatoes and paprika but when prepared just right, lights up your taste buds!

The French Way - 5 Week Trip Day 29 - Sedor - Pedrouzo 24 KM (15 miles)

As you get closer to Santiago, you start walking through more and more Eucalyptus treed forests. The aroma is delightful as is the rest of the trail.

Day 30 - Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela 20 KM (13 miles)

A shorter distance in walking today in order to take full advantage of the city’s sites. There is tons to see and do, on top of enjoying the fulfillment of reaching your destination!

Day 31 - Santiago to Madrid 0 KM

Afternoon return via high speed train to Madrid.

HAVE EXTRA TIME?

Consider including some rest days into this trip. Some of the larger cities such as Burgos, León and Santiago de Compostela are perfect for this. Ask us for details if interested.

WANT MORE?

Continue walking from Santiago to Finistere, once believed to be the ‘end of the world’. Or, start in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France instead of Pamplona. See details on these extra days on page 11.

2015 PRICING - Per person, based on double occupancy, in Euros.

Mix of 2& 3 Star hotels & equivalent -2395€ (approximately 3,475$ CAD or US) Solo traveler supplement - 950€ (approximately 1,375$ CAD or US) Budget Private Room - 1925€ (approximately 2,785$ CAD or US) Solo traveler supplement - 745€ (approximately 1,080$ CAD or US)

Some of our preferred Lodging ASTORGA - CASA DE TEPA

An 18th century home transformed into a beautiful small hotel. Inner courtyard with garden & chairs to unwind in.

MOLINASECA - CASA EL PALACIO

This restored hotel, located on the river banks by a Roman bridge, offers great views and a tranquil environment.

SARRIA - HOTEL ALFONSO IX

A large modern hotel with all the latest amenities, ideally located on the Camino Frances in the heart of town.

ARZUA - PAZO DE SEDOR

A lovely manor home from the 17th century, beautiful and relaxing grounds, located on the outskirts of town.

PARADOR BERNARDO FRESNADA

A former convent renovated into a beautiful hotel.

Located next to the historical center of Santo Domingo.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Our preferred lodges have been carefully selected for their location, comfort, charm and consistent friendly service. They are subject to availability. Should one of our preferred lodges not be available, we will provide you with one of the same standard & price.

Booking Conditions OUR PRICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING;

- 30 nights en suite Private room & Bathroom - Luggage transfers (1 bag per person, up to 15 kilos) - High Speed Train Ticket from Madrid to Pamplona - High Speed Train Ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid - All breakfasts (only in 3 star level accommodations) - Access To 24 Hour Help Line!

- Personalized Electronic Guidebook For Each Participant Which Includes: - Camino trail map with GPS locations of your lodges - Daily route notes, elevation profiles and itinerary overview - Informative notes and videos of sites of interest - Restaurant reviews and suggestions!

- Essential services locator (banks, pharmacies, water, etc)!

- Food menu translator!

- Common Spanish phrasebook!

- Tips for how to prepare & train for the Camino - First Aid & Emergency situation tips

OUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE;

- Personal Expenses - Meals outside of breakfast - Museum entrances and paid visits - Potential taxi services to shorten days - Travel Insurance

The French Way - Following Tradition St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France to Pamplona, Spain 4 Days / 3 nights

Located at the foot of the Pyrenees, the village of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France is the official starting point of the Camino FrancĂŠs. Although strenuous, this 4 day addition adds gorgeous mountain scenery.

The French Way - 5 Week Trip

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THIS ADDITION

As you may have noticed, we try to encourage people to start out of Pamplona, Spain rather than St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, all related to the first stage between St-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles. Here is why; 1- The first stage is a 25km day of walking with over 1100m of climbing and 400m of descent with little or no services (water refilling options, etc.). No other day anywhere along the Camino comes close to being this strenuous and, this is only day 1! Most people are not over jet lag yet.

2- This day being so strenuous, the body is not quite used to walking each day - there is a tendency for blisters and exhaustion to develop by the end of this stage. Blisters that can plague the rest of your trip and sometimes the effects can be so bad, it has forced people to return home early.

3- This passage over the Pyrenees should not be taken too lightly either - this is a large mountain range where snow can fall any time of year (although very rare between May-September) and fog is commonplace also - both impeding seeing the trail properly and increasing the risk of being lost. That said, on a clear day, it is among the most beautiful stages of the whole Camino so - it is a roll of the dice on what weather you will have.

Starting out of Pamplona will reduce your chances of very bad blisters having less strenuous first days over more even terrain (day 1 from Pamplona will still give you a big enough challenge!), giving the opportunity for your body to get accustomed to walking every day and to what the Camino is like.

Finally, other than the scenery, you are not missing out on many sites of historical significance and can still get a great experience starting just a few kilometers past St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Pamplona is a great city to spend a day or two recovering from jetlag if you need it before embarking on your Camino.

Those with a lot or some trekking experience may not be turned away much by the above. For those who are in their first trekking experience, should consider starting from Pamplona or Roncesvalles (just over the mountain pass).

The French Way - 5 Week Trip Day 1 St-Jean-Pied-de-Port 0 km

Work your way to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. This village is the starting point of the Camino Frances towards Santiago de Compostela, where three French routes merge before crossing the mountain pass into Spain.

Many people choose to fly into Paris or Bordeaux, France and take the train into St-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Day 2 St-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Roncesvalles 25 km (16 miles)

A beautiful but demanding start to the trip as you’ll spend most of it climbing in the Pyrenees. The rewards though are well-worth every effort as the views and tranquility of the mountains are breath-taking. We end in the small village of Roncesvalles in Spain. A morning shuttle can be arranged for those who want to shorten the distance.

Day 3 Roncesvalles - Zubiri 22 km (13 miles)

Another peaceful day in the mountains. The terrain is not as difficult as yesterday’s stage as we pass through more villages and witness the more laid-back way of life in these parts.

Day 4 Zubiri- Pamplona 22 km (13 miles)

A shorter day so you can arrive earlier in Pamplona and take full advantage of the city’s sites.

2015 PRICING - Per person, based on double occupancy, in Euros.

Mix of 2& 3 Star hotels & equivalent -215€ (approximately 315$ CAD or US) Budget Private Room - 165€ (approximately 240$ CAD or US) Solo supplement - 95€ (approximately 135$ CAD or US)

Our Services

PERSONALIZED ITINERARY

We tailor all of our trips specifically to your needs, ensuring you get the trip you want.

PERSONAL ‘GUIDE’

Our Electronic Guide offers you directions, tips and advice every step of your journey.

FREEDOM

Select when you want to stop, where and what to eat. Experience the Camino your Way.

LODGING VARIETY

Understanding your needs and expectations, our team scopes the best places for all budgets.

LUGGAGE TRANSFER

We ensure your bags are waiting for you at your destination at the end of your day’s walk.

TOP SERVICE

Our staff is here for you from start to finish.

Dedicated to make this is a trip of a lifetime.

Give yourself the best of both worlds: -Flexibility of traveling on your own -Security & Support of a guided trip

“Whether you hike the entire route or just the last stretch - it’s an experience that will stay with you forever.”

- Rick Steves, US Nationwide Columnist

Rayo Active Travel Inc, 113 Tuscany Way NW, Calgary, AB, T3L 2A4 info@rayotravel.com