French Way Ultreya CoachFrom Pamplona to Finisterre

We will welcome you at the airport and accompany you by private coach to Pamplona, the historic capital of Navarra. Once settled into your hotel, enjoy some time in the Old Town, a lively maze of medieval streets, elegant squares, historic churches and inviting pintxo bars. This evening, a special welcome dinner featuring regional cuisine and local wines brings everyone together for the first time. It is a relaxed introduction to the group and to the remarkable landscapes, cities and selected walks that lie ahead. Overnight in Pamplona.

The day opens at Alto del Perdón, where the celebrated sculpture of medieval pilgrims overlooks the plains of Navarra. Nearby, the isolated Romanesque Church of Santa María de Eunate has welcomed travelers since the 12th century. Its mysterious octagonal design and possible connection to the Knights Templar make it one of the Camino’s most fascinating monuments. From Eunate, walk through peaceful countryside and the historic village of Obanos to Puente la Reina. Cross its magnificent medieval bridge before traveling to Estella for the night. Your private coach remains available throughout the walk.

Leave medieval Estella along one of Navarra’s most rewarding Camino sections. The trail passes the Monastery of Irache and its famous wine fountain before climbing through vineyards, olive groves and woodland toward Villamayor de Monjardín, beneath the ruins of its hilltop castle. After the walk, travel to San Millán de la Cogolla to visit the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Suso and Yuso. Suso originated in the 6th century, although much of the surviving monastery dates from the 10th and 11th centuries. Below it, the grand Monastery of Yuso, where you will spend the night, was largely built between the 16th and 18th centuries and preserves an exceptional library connected to the earliest written Spanish.

Today’s Camino winds through the vineyards and red-earth landscapes of La Rioja toward Nájera, once an important royal capital. After the walk, experience the region’s winemaking heritage with a privately guided winery visit and tasting, learning how its landscape, climate and traditions have shaped one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions. The journey continues through Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a historic pilgrimage town whose cathedral preserves the curious legend of the rooster and the hen. By evening, arrive in Burgos, where the soaring cathedral and beautifully preserved medieval center provide a memorable setting for the night.

The morning is devoted to Burgos, one of the great cities of the French Way. Its UNESCO-listed cathedral is a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and the burial place of El Cid. Beyond the cathedral, the historic center stretches along the River Arlanzón, with medieval gateways and elegant promenades. Then walk from Hornillos del Camino, beneath the immense skies of the Meseta, following rolling tracks through wheat fields to Hontanas. Hidden in a hollow until the final approach, the village appears almost unexpectedly. Tonight’s hotel occupies the former Monastery of San Zoilo in Carrión de los Condes, renowned for its magnificent Renaissance cloister.

After breakfast, travel approximately 90 minutes to León, one of the most culturally rich cities on the French Way. A guide will reveal its magnificent Gothic cathedral and extraordinary medieval stained glass, together with the Romanesque treasures of San Isidoro and the narrow streets and historic squares of the Old Town. The afternoon offers time to visit Gaudí’s Casa Botines, browse the local shops or simply relax after several days of walking. León is also famous for its generous tapas tradition, particularly around the lively Barrio Húmedo. Dinner and an overnight stay in the historic center complete this unhurried day.

After visiting Astorga and Gaudí’s striking Episcopal Palace, travel into the Montes de León and walk from Foncebadón to the Cruz de Ferro. At this emblematic Camino landmark, generations of pilgrims have left stones symbolizing the burdens they wish to leave behind. The trail continues through the mountain landscape to Manjarín before descending into the vineyards of El Bierzo. Spend the night in Villafranca del Bierzo, historically known as “Little Compostela” because of its importance to pilgrims unable to complete the journey to Santiago.

Cross into Galicia at O Cebreiro, a timeless mountain village of stone pallozas, sweeping views and one of the oldest surviving churches on the Camino. Later, begin walking in Triacastela, following the quieter southern route through the secluded Samos Valley, with its chestnut woodland, riverside paths and traditional hamlets. The great Benedictine Monastery of Samos provides a magnificent end to the walk. Founded in the 6th century, it has welcomed pilgrims for more than a thousand years and is renowned for its impressive cloisters. After visiting the monastery, continue to the Parador of Monforte de Lemos for the night.

This is it! Only 11 km separate you from your goal: the resting place of Saint James in Santiago Cathedral. Cross the river at Lavacolla and climb to Monte do Gozo, where the cathedral towers finally appear on the horizon. Soon, the Camino leads you through the historic streets of Santiago and into Praza do Obradoiro. Pause before the majestic cathedral and take in the moment, you have reached Santiago together. Your hotel is only a few minutes away, leaving time to request your Compostela, explore the cathedral and attend Pilgrim Mass at 7:30 pm. This evening, celebrate your achievement over a wonderful dinner in our beloved city.

Beyond Santiago, the journey reaches the wild Atlantic landscapes of the Costa da Morte. In Muxía, the Sanctuary of A Barca stands above the ocean in a dramatic setting shaped by waves, granite rocks and centuries-old legends linking the Virgin Mary to the pilgrimage. The coastline then leads to Fisterra, the “end of the world” of Roman tradition and a symbolic continuation of the Camino. Explore the fishing village before visiting its celebrated lighthouse, where land meets the vast Atlantic. Return through the Galician countryside for a final dinner and a second night in Santiago.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Santiago and, depending on your departure time, perhaps one last walk through its quiet stone streets. Your private transfer will collect you from the hotel and take you to Santiago Airport for your onward journey. The Camino ends here, but the landscapes crossed, historic places visited and experiences shared across northern Spain will remain long after everyone returns home. We hope this will be the first of many journeys with Ultreya Tours.