This section of the Camino del Norte (Northern Camino) connects the two most important cities in the Basque Country, known for its fantastic food and impressive landscapes. This route will have you traveling along picturesque fishing villages on the Cantabric seashore and also through beautiful interior mountain landscapes and fertile valleys. Unlike on some of the other Caminos, it is physically more demanding as you will have to negotiate slopes into the mountains.
A route less traveled than the French Camino, it is an impressive journey ideal for those that have walked other Caminos or are looking for a different challenge. Besides enjoying your walk, don't forget to take the time to enjoy delicious local dishes like bacalao al pil-pil (cod) and the large variety of pintxos (tapas) available, while you taste some of the local txakoli wine. Best way to recover from your Camino efforts!
- TOUR TYPE: Self-guided
- DATES AVAILABLE: Year-round
- ACTIVITY: Walking tour
- ACCOMMODATIONS: Bed & Breakfast, rural houses, hotels
- TRANSPORTATION: Walk
From family-owned B&Bs in the smaller villages to hotels in the larger towns, all accommodations are carefully selected to ensure they are comfortable, private and provide an authentic Camino experience. You will have your own private bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.
This region boasts about its many Michelin-star restaurants. Indulge on delicious pintxos (tapas) and the many seafood specialties, like bacalao al pilpil (cod) or txangurro (spider crab). Seafood not your thing? Try their delicious steak or one of their meat stews.
Travel light on the trail and leave your bag at your hotel when you leave every morning and we will transfer it to your next hotel for you. Live the pilgrimage experience comfortably.
Itinerary
Arrive in San Sebastián by your own means. Take the time to visit this amazing city, visit its historical center and take a stroll along its Playa de la Concha beach. Do not forget to try the famous pintxos (tapas on bread) in the many cafes and restaurants that line its streets.
The first stage starts from the famous Playa de la Concha towards Mt. Igueldo. After a long strenuous climb you will reach Venta de Orio and descend to the village of Orio. From Zarautz you will be able to see the Ratón de Getaria.
This stage has continuous up and downs all along the way. The steepest descent is once you reach the Sanctuary of Itziar towards the beach at Deba.
Today you will leave the Cantabric Sea behind you as you enter the mountains of Arnoate on trails and paths surrounded by incredible landscapes.
Move further inland on easier paths until you get to the historical village of Gernika, inspiration for Picasso’s famous masterpiece.
After an initial strenuous uphill journey to Morga, the stage goes through beautiful forest trails that lead you to Lezama.
Relatively short but demanding stage as you approach Mount Avril. Arrive at the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña and enter the old town at the center of Bilbao where your journey will end.
Your tour ends after breakfast today. Spend some time in magnificent Bilbao, visit the well-known Guggenheim museum of modern and contemporary art by Frank Gehry. Tour the town and stop at one of the many renowned restaurants to indulge its fantastic cuisine after your Camino. Congratulations, you made it!
Let us know if you wish to extend your trip or you would like a transfer to your next destination in Spain.
- * Tour prices listed are per person, in double occupancy accommodations.
- Click the OPTIONAL tab for individual supplement pricing and other optional services to add to your tour
- SINGLE OCCUPANCY SUPPLEMENT: $745
- HALF-BOARD SUPPLEMENT (6 dinners): $345
- EXTRA NIGHTS: Request a quote at checkout
- TRANSFERS: Request a quote at checkout
- AIRFARE: Request a quote at checkout
