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A Guided Trip – 10 Days & 9 Nights. 7 days walking.
The oldest of all the Ways to Santiago is the “Camino Primitivo” – the route taken in the early 9th century by the reigning Christian monarch Alfonso II to visit the Apostle’s recently discovered tomb. The “Camino del Norte” along Iberia’s northern coast came into use shortly thereafter and was used by many pilgrims to link up with the Camino Primitivo.
Our exclusive itinerary features the most beautiful sections of the Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo. We begin with 3 days of spectacular paths on the “Camino del Norte” along the rugged Atlantic coast of Cantabria and Asturias,before heading inland to begin 2 days of hikes on the Camino Primitivo, following the ancient route on lovely forest and mountain trails in the deeply rural terrain of Asturias.
On reaching the Roman walls of the Galician city of Lugo, we spend 2 days exploring the best stages en-route to Santiago de Compostela and end our journey with a final hike on pagan pilgrimage trails at Cape Finisterre.
Iberian Adventures were the 1st to run trips on this fabulous Camino route, beginning in the late 1990′s. Nobody knows this route like we do. Join us and we’ll show you some of the many secrets of this oldest of all the Caminos!
Private dates available on dates of your choice for groups of 2 or more. Just ask!
Santander – several daily connections from Madrid by air, rail or bus.
B+ / C- (Easy to Moderate)
The ground underfoot is quite easy with mostly gently rolling terrain & occasional steep ascents. Surfaces range from hard-packed earthen paths and dirt or muddy farm tracks to ancient paved trails and quiet asphalted backroads.
14.5 – 24.5 km / 9 – 15 miles.
Most days are about 5 to 6 hours of walking. Daily distances might seem challenging, but completing this itinerary is well within reach of anyone who maintains a moderate level of fitness!
In Santander, Oviedo, Lugo and Santiago we use quality 4* hotels in great locations in the pedestrian-only zones of the old cities. In rural areas, we use mostly 3* or equivalent, small family-run hotels and inns. All properties have en-suite bathrooms and are personally chosen for their comfort, character, location and overall quality, with a preference for stylishly restored historic buildings.
Minimum: 4 Maximum: 12
2024 DEPARTURES
3150 € per person in a twin or double bedded room
425 € single room supplement
EXTRA NIGHTS IN SANTANDER
95 € per person in a twin or double bedded room.
65 € single supplement.
EXTRA NIGHTS IN SANTIAGO
105€ per person in a twin or double bedded room.
70 € single supplement.
Extra night prices include breakfast and taxes.
Santander: located in a privileged location, surrounded by wide open spaces and beaches, Santander became popular among the Spanish monarchy and gentry at the end of 19th century. Highlights are the palace of La Magdalena, the streets around the Puertochico -where some of the best and authentic restaurants for sea food and Cantabrian gastronomy are- and the historic building of Mercado del Este, no longer a farmers’ market but an interesting place to sip some wine and eat delicious quick bites!
Oviedo: dubbed the “cleanest city in Spain”, with a beautifully conserved, pedestrian-only old quarter, and a cathedral containing relics that made it Spain’s second most important pilgrimage site after Santiago de Compostela.
Lugo: very important in the history of the Camino, the world’s best preserved Roman walls encircling the old town and its impressive cathedral with the Holy Sacrament on permanent display combine to merit its UNESCO World Heritage.
Coastal Camino Trails: this trip features 3 days of hikes on the coast of Cantabria and Asturias, some of the most beautiful walking terrain in all of Europe. Scenic paths, beautiful sandy beaches, rocky coves, green pastures and gorse and heather clad clifftops.
Asturias: a “principality” within Spain, this is the peninsula’s most mountainous region and the Camino traverses its most rural and isolated corner, home to western Europe’s largest populations of wolves and brown bears. Here, traditional lifestyles prevail, and the people are fiercely proud of their Celtic legacy and indomitable spirit – the Christian Reconquest of Iberia from the Moors began here with the 1st major defeat of the Moors at the Battle of Covadonga in 792.
Fewer pilgrims, wilder terrain and more authenticity: the first part of this Camino covers mountainous, remote and wild landscapes with relatively few towns and villages, chapels, churches and pilgrim’s refuges. The more challenging terrain and relative scarcity of services results in noticeably fewer pilgrims and a sense of authenticity often lacking on the much busier French Way.
Santiago de Compostela: one of the world’s great historic cities, its ancient granite-clad old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to Galicia’s regional government, one of Europe’s oldest universities and the magnificent cathedral that has drawn millions over the centuries like a magnet, it virtually buzzes with a unique energy and is a fascinating place to explore.
