Pyrenees to Santiago - inland route

Camino del Frances - NC2

Northern Spain Fly-drive
9 Nights From £1,200
Heritage tours
Camino de Santiago tours
Tour Highlights
  • The ‘Way of St James’, steeped in history

  • Monumental Cathedrals; Burgos, Leon, Santiago

  • Across six major wine producing regions

  • Lofty mountains, arid plains, lush green hills

  • Rich gastronomic heritage

  • Las Médulas – dramatic red-rock landscape

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9 Nights From £1,200
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Overview

Historically the most important and certainly the most travelled route to Santiago, el Camino del Frances, the Frenchman’s route, is steeped in history from start to finish.

Tour Highlights
  • The ‘Way of St James’, steeped in history

  • Monumental Cathedrals; Burgos, Leon, Santiago

  • Across six major wine producing regions

  • Lofty mountains, arid plains, lush green hills

  • Rich gastronomic heritage

  • Las Médulas – dramatic red-rock landscape

A journey into the Spanish interior, untouched by mass tourism, here you will experience the real Spain. This is a journey of contrasts starting in the high mountains of Navarra across the arid plains of the Meseta and finishing in lush green hills of Galicia. All along the way you’ll discover beautiful religious architecture from the humblest parish church to the magnificent cathedrals of Burgos, Leon and of course Santiago de Compostela, all dedicated to the glory of St James.

This could also be called the Ruta del Vino, crossing the wine regions of Navarra, La Rioja, up and coming Bierzo and finishing in Galicia, home to the fantastic whites of Alabariño.

Holiday Code: NC2


Itinerary

Day 1 & 2– Navarra

  • Gateway to the Camino de Santiago

  • Excellent local wines, not available at home

  • ‘Garden of Spain’, peppers, artichokes, asparagus

  • Fairytale castles at Olite and Artajona

  • Bull runs & pintxos in Pamplona

  • High rocky mountains & rolling green valleys

Day 1 & 2 – Navarra


Day 5– Burgos

  • Essential stop on the Camino de Santiago

  • Truly awesome cathedral, recently restored

  • Bustling old town; lively bars & restaurants

  • Spain’s best lamb & delicious black pudding

  • Atapuerca & the Museum of Human Evolution

Day 5 – Burgos

Day 6 & 7– León & El Bierzo

  • Historic crossroads; Camino de Santiago and the Via de Plata

  • Santa Maria in Leon – beautiful stained glass

  • Tapas in ‘the wet zone’ in Leon old-town

  • Las Medulas, undulating red rock formations

  • El Bierzo, lost in time, steeped in history

Day 6 & 7 – León & El Bierzo

Day 8 & 9– Santiago de Compostela, Galicia

  • Journey’s end, for centuries Europe’s most important pilgrim destination

  • World heritage city centred around the magnificent Cathedral, said to house the bones of St James

  • Guided walking tour, there’s so much to discover

  • Lively bar scene, great tapas and young Ribeiro wine, or if you prefer, a drop of Albariño

Day 8 & 9 – Santiago de Compostela, Galicia

& why not?

  • Add a stop in Bilbao or San Sebastian

  • add a stop in El Bierzo or Ribeira Sacra

  • Start in Santiago and travel eastbound

  • Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry

  • or more economical options if you're on a budget...

  • Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!

& why not?


Map


What's Included

  • Accommodation in our listed hotels – 2 sharing 1 std. double ensuite, B&B (unless specified)

  • Economy 4-door car hire (talk to us about upgrades)

  • or ferry crossings with Brittany Ferries (vehicle + 4 berth outside cabin, exclusive use)

  • Guide to Northern Spain

  • Restaurant guide covering all regions en-route

  • Instructions to find all accommodation

What's Excluded

  • Flights – but we are able to advise

  • One-way car hire charges, where applicable (see your quote email)

  • The following car hire extras – these can be added at pick-up point

    • extra driver, child seats, GPS

  • Garage parking where applicable (mostly city stops) – please ask us about parking charges

  • Local tourist taxes (where applicable)


Travel Details

Getting There

A point-to-point itinerary, this route is best enjoyed flying into the Basque Country and back from Galicia – or vice versa. See your flight options in the table below:

If your preferred local airport only connects to one of the airports at the destination, the route can be adapted to suit a single port of entry and return, interleaving the stages. Please contact us for more details.

PLEASE NOTE Flights are not included and some flights are seasonal.

Ferry: If you wish to bring your own car, classic car or motorbike, we can include the ferry crossings as part of the package – check our Santander to Santiago and back Tour - NC7 and see timetables below:


Flight Options

Choose your preferred UK airport and then select from possible destinations to see airline providers.

Getting Around

For passengers travelling by air we will include a hire car as part of the package. Normally we include a 4 door economy class car but please let us know if you would like something different.

For those coming on the ferry you will use your own vehicle but in either case we will provide full instructions to arrive at each hotel, complete with GPS, as well as a map of the area.


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Our team of experts have over 35 years travel expertise in Spain & Portugal.

You’ll receive friendly, personal service from start to finish of the booking process.

Call and speak to Andy, Leonor or Antonio about your dream holiday in Spain & Portugal...

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Why choose Caminos

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About us

With 40+ years’ experience designing holidays in Spain & Portugal, our friendly, expert team offers personal service from booking to your return. While away, you’ll have ground support from local agents.

Every trip is tailored to your budget and needs.

Call us - we’d love to hear from you!

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About our tours

Discover authentic Spain & Portugal, far from tourist crowds. Stay in charming, trusted places — from castles and palaces to rural guesthouses and Paradores.

Your pack includes maps, guidebook, and touring tips. Plus, our Vamos travel app keeps all your documents and guides in one place.

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Peace of Mind

We’ve been a fully bonded UK tour operator since 1985, so your money and holiday are protected.


We’re also members of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) — the hallmark of trusted, specialist holidays. Independent dispute resolution means you always travel with confidence.