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Camino de Santiago - French Route
Galicia
Spain
The El Camino de Santiago has existed for over a thousand years! Inspiring pathways through the pristine Spanish countryside combined with carefully selected and comfortable rural
accommodations, tasty and traditional meals and no worries about carrying your own luggage around - make this one of the top self-guided (guided option available) walking holidays throughout Europe! There is no single way to follow the Way of St. James, also known in Spanish as El Camino de Santiago! In fact, there are a number of pilgrimage routes you can follow, however, some of these routes are better known than others. Santiago is considered a most important pilgrimage destination due to its association with James the Great and during the Middle Ages, the route was highly traveled by his followers. Today the route has again attracted a growing number of modern-day pilgrims from around the globe, whether celebrating for religious reasons, historical merit or simply for the awesome grandeur of the natural world all around. The route was declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in October 1987; it was also named one of UNESCO s World Heritage Sites in 1993. It was considered one of three
pilgrimages on which a plenary indulgence could be earned (the others
are the Via Francigena to Rome and the pilgrimage to Jerusalem). At the Cathedral of Santiago de
Compostela in Galicia, legend has it that
the remains of Saint James the Great, are buried there. At the end of the trip you will receive "The Compostela" - a certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims on
completing the Way (min. of 100 km). Our trips focus on the "French Way" - the most traditional of all the pilgrims routes to Santiago, and the best known internationally. The route, which crosses the north of the Iberian Peninsula, was established in the late 11th century thanks to the efforts of monarchs like Sancho III the Greater and Sancho Ramirez de Navarra y Aragon, as well as Alphonse VI and his successors, who took care of its construction and promotion. The principal routes of the Way in France and Spain were described in detail around the year 1135 in the Codex Calixtinus, an essential reference work providing details of the pilgrimage tradition. We offer 8 sections of the French Way for your self-guided exporations, while each year several guided trip options are set for Section 8 of the Camino.
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations in hotels and guesthouses with private bath. Breakfast and most dinners. Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel. Detailed Walking Notes. Map. Pilgrim passport
| A | 2012 | 7 day hike, MAP (Mid) Section 8 | 7d / 6n | €590 | $795 |
| Single supplement | €140 | $190 |
| Picnic lunches during trail | €60 | $80 |
| Split Day 4 in Melide (extra overnight) pp (dbl) | €90 | $125 |
| Split Day 4 (extra overnight) Single | €110 | $150 |
| Guided trip supplement - includes extra overnight on Day 4 and transfer at 4 PM | €200 | $270 |
| Extra night in Santiago pp (dbl) 3* | €77 | $105 |
| Extra night in Sarria pp (dbl) 2* | €44 | $60 |
| B | 2012 | 7 day hike, MAP (Peak) Section 8 | 7d / 6n | €700 | $940 |
| Single supplement | €140 | $190 |
| Picnic lunches during trail | €60 | $80 |
| Split Day 4 in Melide (extra overnight) pp (dbl) | €90 | $125 |
| Split Day 4 (extra overnight) Single | €110 | $150 |
| Guided trip supplement - includes extra overnight on Day 4 and transfer at 4 PM | €200 | $270 |
| Extra night in Santiago pp (dbl) 3* | €77 | $105 |
| Extra night in Sarria pp (dbl) 2* | €44 | $60 |
| C | 2012 | 7 day hike, MAP (Low) Section 8 | 7d / 6n | €490 | $660 |
| Single supplement | €140 | $190 |
| Picnic lunches during trail | €60 | $80 |
| Split Day 4 in Melide (extra overnight) pp (dbl) | €90 | $125 |
| Split Day 4 (extra overnight) Single | €110 | $150 |
| Guided trip supplement - includes extra overnight on Day 4 and transfer at 4 PM | €200 | $270 |
| Extra night in Santiago pp (dbl) 3* | €77 | $105 |
| Extra night in Sarria pp (dbl) 2* | €44 | $60 |
Group Leader goes FREE with group of 8+
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Trip starts at the hotel in Sarria and ends in Santiago
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€
0
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$0
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2012
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Bus from Santiago to Sarria via Lugo ~
- to be paid locally
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€
15
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$20
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2012
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Private transfer from Santiago to Sarria pp (min 2)
- to be paid locally
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€
35
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$50
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Take two buses to reach Sarria from Santiago, but the process is straightforward (€15pp). Ryanair and Iberia/BA fly direct to Santiago de Compostela from the UK.
Tour Dates for 2012
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| C |
2012
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01/01
- 03/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day hike, MAP (Low) Secti...
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1
/16
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Reserve
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| B |
2012
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04/01
- 06/30
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7d / 6n
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7 day hike, MAP (Peak) Sect...
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1
/16
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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07/01
- 08/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day hike, MAP (Mid) Secti...
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1
/16
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Reserve
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| B |
2012
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09/01
- 09/30
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7d / 6n
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7 day hike, MAP (Peak) Sect...
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1
/16
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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10/01
- 10/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day hike, MAP (Mid) Secti...
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1
/16
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Reserve
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| C |
2012
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11/01
- 12/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day hike, MAP (Low) Secti...
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1
/16
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Reserve
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Guided trip options for Section 8 in 2012:
May 5, June 9, July 14, Aug 6, Sept 10
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Rates do not include:
Lunches, some dinners, drinks. Airport transfers.
On our trips you are guaranteed a high level of comforts and gastronomy. The Camino is
clearly marked with the “Scallop Shell” showing you the way. The walking can be
physically demanding and will require a reasonable level of fitness. However, it’s a
highly rewarding venture that includes numerous cultural highlights along the way!
Section 1 - Walk From
St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona - 68km
 A taste of Pyrenees & Basque Country
5
Days/4 nights, half Board, en-suite, available year round - optional split Day 2
It starts in France at St-Jean-Pied-de-Port and finishes in Pamplona, the town
famous for its Bull Run festival. At first it follows the 'Route Napoleon' over
the Roncesvalles Pass (1500m), and then crosses the Basque country onto more
gentle terrain. --
detailed itinerary
Section 2 Walk From
Pamplona to Logrono - 88km
 La Rioja wine region
6
Days/5 Nights, Half Board, hotels en-suite, year round
Start your walk in Pamplona, famous for its Bull Run festival, and finish in
Logrono at the heart of the Rioja wine region. Enjoy an attractive hike in hilly
Navarra with its 12th-century castles, picturesque villages, and vineyards.
--
detailed itinerary
Section 3 From Logrono to
Burgos - 115km
 Vineyards, sunflowers and authentic villages
7
Days/6 Nights, Half Board, en-suite, all year round
Starts from Logrono in the heart of the famous Rioja region and finishes in
medieval Burgos. This section is slightly flatter than the previous; it crosses
the hilly province of Burgos, passing typical villages, vineyards and ruined
castles.
--
detailed itinerary
Section 4 Walk From Burgos to Sahagun - 111km
 Castilla y Leon's valleys, rivers & plateaux
8
Days/7 Nights, Half Board, en-suite, year round
Starting from Burgos, the medieval city and hometown of "El Cid", and finishing
in Sahagun, a town renowned for its unique Roman churches, this Camino is
certainly one of the most rewarding in terms of culture and natural
surroundings.
--
detailed itinerary
Section 5 Walk
From Sahagun to Leon - 53km
 Meseta Plateau: a place for meditation
5
Days/4 Nights, Half Board, en-suite, year round
Start from Sahagun, a medieval town renowned for its architecture, and finish in
Leon, one of the greatest cities in Spain. The Camino, or Way of Saint James,
crosses the vast Castilian Plateau (900m) and passes through its wealthy
villages.
--
detailed itinerary
Section 6 Walk From Leon to
Ponferrada - 99km
 Medieval & Roman heritage of Leon
6
Days/5 Nights, Half Board, en-suite, year round
Start in Leon, one of the greatest cities in Spain and finish in Ponferrada,
built by the Templars in the 12th century. The Camino, or Way of Saint James,
starts on the central high plateau, and traverses the untouched and eerie Leon
Mountains.
--
detailed itinerary
Section 7 Walk From Ponferrada to
Sarria - 93km
 Mountainous & traditional Galicia
6
Days/5 Nights, Half Board, en-suite, year round
Starting in the mountain-hugging town of Ponferrada and finishing in Sarria, a
bustling market town, this Camino crosses the magnificent O’Cebreiro Mountains
before winding down to a more gentle terrain.
--
detailed itinerary
Section 8From Sarria to Santiago de
Compostela - 111km
The last 100km towards Santiago: the final effort
7 Days/6 Nights, Half Board, en-suite, year round
The route begins in Sarria and finishes in Santiago de Compostela. Traverse the
hilly landscapes of Galicia, certainly some of the most beautiful of all the
caminos. Reward your efforts in Santiago de Compostela, the heart and hub of all
pilgrimages on the Way of St. James. --
detailed itinerary
This is the
list of the sections and their stages
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| The French Route |
Stage |
Place |
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1 |
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port |
0km |
Section 1
Pyrenees & Basque Country |
2
3 |
Roncesvalles
Zubiri
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26km
22km
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4 |
Pamplona |
20km |
Section 2
From Basque Country to Rioja |
5
6
7 |
Puente de
la Reina
Estella
Los Arcos
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23km
19km
20km |
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8 |
Logrono |
26km |
Section 3
Medieval Rioja |
9
10
11
12 |
Najera
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Belorado
St Juan de Ortega |
26km
21km
22km
24km |
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13 |
Burgos |
22km |
Section 4
From Hills to the Plateau |
14
15
16
17
18 |
Hornillos
del Camino
Castrojeriz
Fromista
Carrion de los Condes
Calzadilla de la Cueza |
20km
18km
25km
19km
16km
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19 |
Sahagun |
22km |
Section 5
Villages of the Castillian Plateau |
20
21 |
El Burgos
Ranero
Mansilla de las Mullas |
17km
19km
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22 |
Leon |
17km |
Section 6
The Mountains of the Templars |
23
24
25 |
Villadangos del Paramo
Astorga
Rabanal del Camino |
22km
26km
19km |
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26 |
Ponferrada |
32km |
Section 7
Mountains of O'Cebreiro |
27
28
29 |
Villafranca del Bierzo
O'Cebreiro
Triacastela |
23km
28km
21km |
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30 |
Sarria |
21km |
Section 8
Galicia, the last 100 km! |
31
32
33
34 |
Portomarin
Palas do Rei
Arzua
Rua-Opino |
23km
23km
28km
18km
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35 |
Santiago de Compostela |
12km |
Meeting:
Sarria
Airport:
Santiago de Compostella
Distance:
2 hrs 15 min.
Take two buses to reach Sarria from Santiago, but the process is straightforward (€15pp). Ryanair and Iberia/BA fly direct to Santiago de Compostela from the UK.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
16 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more
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Our accommodation is selected based on a number of criteria, including location, comfort, services, price and character.
We always try to book accommodation that is both on/near the Camino and also close to the historical quarter or center of the town/city. This is facilitated by the fact that the Camino usually goes through the heart of each town and/or city.
In larger towns, which are usually at the beginning and end of each section, we book hotels of a 3* standard. In smaller towns/villages/hamlets in between the larger towns, we choose hotels or guesthouses of a 2* standard. However, there could be some exceptions to this rule, for example, in some small villages, our selection depends on local infrastructure and it may happen that the only possibility is a non-rated guesthouse. This does not mean it is not up to our standards only that it does not have an official classification, which is usually due to the rural and remote nature of parts of the Camino.
Given the reasons stated above, we do believe that a 2* hotel located in the historical center is a better choice than a 3* hotel located in the outskirts of the town at a distance from the Camino. If our first choice is not available, we will use another accommodation of the same standard and price. If there is no such accommodation available, we may contact you to offer either an upgrade at a premium, or a downgrade with a refund, again based on local infrastructure in each area.
We are determined in our motto: to provide our customers with the best available on the Camino.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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--
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Pace:
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Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
16 riders
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Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Camino de Santiago - French Route
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