Santiago is Spanish for St James (the Apostle), so a rough translation of Camino de Santiago would be the Way of St James.
Basically, it’s a number of ancient pilgrimage trails covering Europe, which all come together at the tomb of St James – in Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral.
There are many, many different trails, such as the English, the Silver, the Madrid, the Aragonese, the Northern … to name but a few.
But the most popular by far is the French Way or Camino Francés which, in total, is nearly 500 miles long.
Starting at St Jean-Pied-du-Port near Biarritz in France, it’s joined at various points by other Ways or Caminos and, of course, ends in the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia – north-west Spain.
Although most of the Caminos boast good paths and the land is fairly flat, not many of you will manage to walk the full 500 miles of the French Route, for example.
So, we’ve picked out a variety of walking tours that allow you to enjoy specific sections of a trail.
Many visitors return year-after-year, exploring different sections each time.
If you wish to arrange your own accommodation, we recommend this excellent hotel search engine to find the best prices going. Or, you can simply fill in the hotel search box below to compare prices …
Perhaps you’re keen to experience a more unusual way of journeying the Camino de Santiago?…
If that’s your case then, instead of Camino de Santiago walking tours, why not consider a tour by horseback or bicycle …
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO WALKING TOURS
Let’s start with a selection of Camino de Santiago walking tours.
The first one allows you to walk the last 100 kms of the trail, and this means you’ll be able to receive La Compostela certificate …
Camino de Santiago walking tours – 8 days
Walk part of the French Way to Santiago, getting your Pilgrimage passport stamped at churches, monasteries and cathedrals and receiving your Compostela Certificate. You walk while a chauffeur takes your luggage to your next stopover … more details …
Walk Parts of Camino de Santiago During Festival of St James
Spend 9 days walking selected parts of the Camino de Santiago during the festival of St James – 25th July. You’ll start in Santiago, explore the city and surrounds, and finish in Porto, Portugal … more details …
7 Day Camino de Santiago Tour Combining Walk/Self-Drive – Start Bilbao
Starting point with this tour is Bilbao Airport, where you pick up your rental car and combine walking and driving along the French Way. Includes some guides and meals … more details …
7 Day Camino de Santiago Tour Combining Walk/Chauffeur Drive – Start Bilbao
Walk just 2-3 hours a day along scenic parts of the French Trail, combining walking with the services of a specialized guide and driver … more details …
Camino de Santiago walking tours – half day
Discover the secrets of Santiago’s history with this half-day walking tour of the city accompanied by official, English-speaking guide … more details …
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO CYCLING TOURS
Have you considered journeying the Way by bike rather than hike?
You’ll manage to cover more ground …
St James Way Cycling Tour – 8 Days
An increasingly popular bike tour – pick up point is Madrid, cycling starts at Burgos, where you follow an interesting 200-mile trail to Santiago … more details …
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO HORSEBACK TOURS
Exploring the Trail on horseback has long been popular …
Ride The French Trail to Santiago – 7 days
Starting at Cebreiro, near Lugo, you’ll cross beautiful countryside rich in history on horseback, arriving at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral on the sixth day … more details …
Ride The Portuguese Trail to Santiago – 7 days
Starting point is Braga, near Vigo, and you’ll enjoy amazing coastal scenery and wonderful historic remains on your way to Santiago … more details …
Ride The French Trail from Astorga – 10 days
You’ll saddle up in the mythical village of Rabanal of the Way, Astorga and spend your days riding through outstanding countryside of historic interest, finally arriving at Santiago … more details …
Camino de Santiago walking tours, bike tours, and horseback tours are not only a tremendously enjoyable way of getting to know the pilgrimage center and its surrounds.
You’ll also get to experience the amazing local cuisine and wines.
Enjoy!
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