Love Spain 2026 Camino de Santiago Greatest Hits Tour

May 29 - June 13, 2026

Please check out the daily details of our Love Spain 2026 Camino de Santiago Greatest Hits Tour itinerary from May 29 - June 13, 2026 below.  Participants can choose to participate in one of four activity options that best suit their interests, abilities, and preference. Participants in all options reside in the same accommodations in the evenings, take part in all full group activities, and get the same free day schedules, which allows for families and friends to fully participate in their area of biggest interest, yet still feel fully part of the broader community of people participating in the group as a whole. We hope you build lasting relationships and cool friendships with other participants in the full group! The options are as follows:

• Option 1: Road bike 1,027 kilometers over 10 cycling stages. This means a daily cycling stage average of just over 100 kilometers per cycling day and a motivating goal to cycle 1,000 kilometers. All routes have been carefully chosen for their beauty and should be doable by a cyclist with moderate fitness. Road bikes are recommended - either bring your own (recommended) or rent one with us in Spain. We will be in northern Spain so expect a very pleasant mild climate for the rides - perfect for cycling. You can see the approximate overall route below. There will be one train transfer from Oviedo to Leon at the end of a stage. Otherwise, all routes every day will begin at the hotel and finish at the following night’s hotel.

• Option 2: Walk 251 kilometers over 10 full-day hiking stages. This means a daily hiking stage average of just over 25 kilometers per hiking day. This is the in line with the daily average of pilgrims doing any of the Camino de Santiago routes carrying their own packs. Since hikers will have full luggage transport provided from point to point and be able to hike only with day packs, this itinerary will be challenging but doable for the average hiker. Some days will be harder than others depending on the terrain, wind direction, and climate conditions. Stages will often coincide with the starting or ending points of the overall itinerary lodging and have been carefully chosen for their overall beauty. You will be walking on four different Camino de Santiago routes - the French Camino (5 days), the Northern Camino (2 days), the Camino Olvidado “Forgotten Camino” (2 days), and the Camino Primitivo “Primitive Camino” (one day).

• Option 3: Walk 131 kilometers over 10 half-day hiking stages. This means a daily hiking stage average of just over 13 kilometers per hiking day. This option is included for Camino de Santiago hikers who want to spend more time en route sightseeing, stopping in restaurants and cafes, talking to other pilgrims, etc. Each of the ten walking days will be an abridged version of the full hiking stages walked by those choosing option 2. Possible segments each day are described in the itinerary below, but may vary some, where possible, depending on the most ideal walking segments of each individual stage. All hikers (full day and half day) will complete the Camino de Santiago by hiking the last 12 kilometers together on the 10th and final hiking day into Santiago de Compostela - the completion of the walking itinerary.

• Option 4: Join the trip as a friend or family member of any of the cyclists or hikers. Participants choosing this option will not necessarily have a set schedule every day given the overall logistical requirements on the trip, but we will do our best to use available time for your benefit. You will still be able to participate with everyone else in all group activities and meals, all activities on free days, and where possible every day, spend enjoyable time sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing en route. Or, you can choose to just enjoy the luxury hotel accommodations. You can also volunteer to take on a support role on behalf of the broader team. This will always be very appreciated! You will have an adventure of a lifetime, feel like a central part of the trip community, and see many parts of Spain from a very unique vantage point!

  All participants in options 1-3 will be able to use a pilgrim passport (a minimum of two location stamps per day are required) to earn an official pilgrim certificate called a “Compostela” upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela, which is a wonderful momento of the trip. Minimum travel requirements in order to obtain the certificate are 300 kilometers for cyclists and 100 kilometers for hikers. Rest days are interspersed regularly throughout the itinerary in scenic, relaxing locations so everyone (both cyclists and hikers) have a chance to enjoy the many splendid sights along the way.    

  Participants should fly into Pamplona on Friday, May 29 by early to mid afternoon at the latest and fly out of Santiago de Compostela on Saturday, June 13. We have a lot of experience with international travel so let us know if we can help you find the best fares and itineraries. Accommodations throughout are centrally located and extraordinarily relaxing allowing you to mix biking, hiking, great scenery, tourist attractions, comfort, and a great cause! We will be staying a total of three nights at pilgrim hostels so that you get a feel for the genuine pilgrim experience and the rest of the nights will be at luxurious four star hotels and above, including a total of nine nights at paradors - luxury hotels owned and operated by the Spanish Ministry of Tourism often in historic, ancient buildings like castles, monasteries, etc.

  A portion of your registration fee will go to support local leadership development in Europe via NOVO and Impact Europe.  

Itinerary

friday, MAY 29

All participants should fly into the Pamplona, Spain airport arriving by mid afternoon at the latest. You will then need to seek transport to nearby Roncesvalles (we may be able to pick you up at Pamplona airport but this is not guaranteed) where we will start our trip by staying at the Albergue de Peregrinos de Roncesvalles (see photo on the left). We will have a group dinner in the evening at the Albergue and there is an evening blessing for pilgrims at the nearby chapel. We will also pick up our pilgrim passports in the afternoon, cyclists will prepare bicycles, and we will have a general introductory/organizational meeting for all trip participants. Then, get a good night’s sleep in preparation for the first stage the following day.

saturday, MAY 30

After breakfast, cyclists will depart for a 103-kilometer ride finishing In Villamayor de Monjardin (see photo on the right) where the group will stay at the Albergue Oasis Trails and possibly the Albergue Municipal if required. Here is the Strava route for the day. The first 70 kilometers of the route will largely be in descent, but there is a sting in the tail at the end of the stage with a climb up to our destination.

The walkers will be driven from Roncesvalles to Puente La Reina (about 1 hour and 10 minutes) for a photo at the historic bridge on French Route of the Camino de Santiago.  Full day hikers can either start at Puente La Reina or be driven forward to Maneru.  The route for the full day walkers is 31.2 kilometers if starting at Puente La Reina or 26.3 kilometers if starting in Maneru and finishing in Villamayor de Monjardin.  The half day walkers can be dropped in the village of Villatuerta, walk through Estella, and finish in Villamayor de Monjardin for a total of 13.3 kilometers.  All walkers will finish at the lodging for the evening.  Two great references describing the walk options this day are this link for the Camino route between Puente La Reina and Estella, and this link: for the Camino route between Estella and Villamayor de Monjardin. 

sunday, may 31

Cyclists will ride northward on a 118 kilometer ride through Basque Country to the gorgeous coastal city of San Sebastian (photo to the left) where the entire group will stay at the conveniently located Hotel Ilunion San Sebastian. Here is the Strava route for the day.

The full day walkers will start walking early after breakfast from the lodging in Villamayor de Monjardin and finish off in the stunning town of Viana (approximately 30 kilometers).  The half day group will be driven forward from Villamayor de Monjardin to Los Arcos and will walk 18 kilometers to Viana.  See this link for the Camino route between Villamayor de Monjardin and Los Arcos and this link for the route between Los Arcos and Viana. After time to sightsee and eat in Viana all walkers will be driven from there to our hotel in San Sebastian (about an hour and 45 minutes).

monday, June 1

Free day to explore San Sebastian, go to the beautiful beach, or visit one of San Sebastian’s famous pintxo bars (right) for delicious tapas. San Sebastian is known as one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. Kick back, relax, and enjoy our day off - everything is in easy walking distance.

tuesday, june 2

Cyclists will ride 111 kilometers from San Sebastian inland to our lodging at the Parador de Argomaniz. Here is the Strava route for the day.

The full day walkers will walk on the Northern Route from San Sebastian to Zarautz (22.2 kilometers) – a beautiful route along the northern Basque coast (see left).  The half day walkers will be driven to the top of Monte Igueldo and be either dropped there or a bit further along on the Camino del Norte to Zarautz.  A good description of this stage is at this link. All walkers will finish up and meet in Zarautz and from there drive about one hour to our lodging at the Parador de Argomaniz.

wednesday, June 3

On a lighter day, cyclists will ride 83 kilometers from our Parador de Argomaniz to the pilgrim hostel Casa Camino Antigua or an alternative lodging in Zalla due to the limited capacity of the hostel. Here is the Strava route for the day.

After breakfast, all walkers will depart on a 45-minute drive to the Cathedral of Saint James in Bilbao, the starting point of the Camino Olvidado “The Forgotten Camino”.  The full day hikers will walk from there 28.6 kilometers on the Camino Olvidado to our lodging in Zalla at the Casa Camino Antiguo. After exploring Bilbao, the half day hikers will be driven ahead on the Camino Olvidado to Alonsotegui and from there will walk 17.6 kilometers on the Camino Olvidado to our lodging.  This link describes the first 25.3 kilometers of the stage and this link the final 3.3 kilometers of this stage as well as the stage on Thursday, June 4.

thursday, june 4

Cyclists will head west for 115 kilometers to the Parador de Santillana del Mar (see photo left). Here is the Strava route for the day.

All walkers will start from the Casa Camino Antiguo in Zalla walking further on the Camino Olvidado.   The full day hikers will walk 18.9 kilometers on the Camino Olvidado to Nava de Ordunte.  The half-day hikers will walk 8 kilometers on the Camino Olvidado where there will be lots to explore before driving to pick up the full day hikers in Nava de Ordunte.  This link describes the route for both half day and full day hikers. All hikers will then drive together  for one hour and forty-five minutes from Nava de Ordunte to our lodging for the night at Parador de Santillana del Mar.

friday, june 5

Free day in Santillana del Mar, (see photo right) which Jean Paul Sartre in one of his novels described as “the most beautiful town in Spain.” Enjoy!

saturday, june 6

Cyclists will ride 113 kilometers largely along the north coast from the Parador de Santillana del Mar to the Parador de Cangas de Onis. Set back from the Cantabrian coast is the stunning Picos de Europa mountain range (see photo left). Here is the Strava route for the day.

The hikers rejoin the Camino del Norte departing together from our lodging at the Parador de Santillana del Mar.  The full day hikers walk 22 kilometers to Comillas and the half-day hikers walk 11.8 kilometers to Cóbreces where they will be picked up and driven to Comillas to wait for the full day hikers.  A description of the full route is here. Once all hikers arrive in Comillas and have a chance to explore this interesting town, they will drive together for about an hour and ten minutes to our lodging at Parador de Cangas de Onis.

sunday, june 7

Cyclists will ride a short 71 kilometers from the Parador de Cangas de Onis to the train station in Oviedo where they will catch a train for the 90-minute train ride to Leon, home to the famous gothic Cathedral of Leon (photo right). We will be staying at the 5-star Parador de Leon. Here is the Strava route for the day.

All hikers will depart right after breakfast for a one-hour drive from our lodging at Parador de Cangas de Onis to the Cathedral of El Salvador in Oviedo, the starting point of the Camino Primitivo (Primitive Camino).  All hikers will start walking together in Oviedo.  The full day hikers will walk 25 kilometers on the Camino Primitivo to Grado – a spectacularly beautiful route but possibly the most challenging of the entire tour.  The half day hikers will walk 12 kilometers to El Escamplero and then be driven to the end of the stage in Grado.  See this link for more information about the Camino Primitivo and this stage, Once all hikers arrive in Grado they will drive for one hour thirty-five minutes together from there to the Parador de Leon.

monday, june 8

In Leon, both cyclists and walkers rejoin the French Camino for several days all the way to Santiago de Compostela. On this day, cyclists will ride 122 kilometers from Leon to the Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo. En route, they will pass by the iconic Iron Cross “Cruz de Hierro” where pilgrims stop to place rocks at its base. This is our Strava route for the day.

All hikers will drive out from Parador de Leon together.  The full day hikers will be dropped at Murias de Rechivaldo (40-minute drive from the Parador de Leon) on the French Camino and from there hike 23.4 kilometers to the Iron Cross “Cruz de Hierro”.  The half day hikers will be driven further ahead on the French Camino to Santa Catalina de Somoza and from there hike on the French Camino 11 kilometers to Rabanal del Camino where after sightseeing and resting there will be picked up in the car and be driven further to the Iron Cross.  Here is a link to a description of the majority of the stage (the Iron Cross is 2.2 kilometers after Foncebadon). After all the hikers reunite at the Iron Cross, they will take a one-hour drive to the Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo.

tuesday, june 9

Free day in Villafranca del Bierzo to enjoy this ancient town (see photo right) on the French Camino de Santiago. Our Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo has a spa to enjoy for those so inclined.

wednesday, june 10

Cyclists will ride from Villafranca del Bierzo approximately 80 kilometers to Casa Morgade (pictured left) which is an old Galician farmhouse located right on the pilgrim walking trail. (Note: part of the route will be done by vehicle transfer due to highway conditions reducing overall kilometers and net climbing from what is on our Strava route for the day.

All hikers will be driven from the Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo to the Monastery at Samos where the full day hikers will begin their 26.9 kilometer hike to our lodging at Casa Morgade.  The half day hikers will be driven further ahead to Sarria where they will hike 12 kilometers from Sarria to Casa Morgade – one of the most spectacularly scenic parts of the French Camino in Galicia. Here is a link that describes the French Camino from Samos to Sarria and here is a link that describes the French Camino from Sarria to Casa Morgade.

thursday, june 11

On our final riding day, cyclists will traverse the Galician hills for 115 kilometers and finish the overall pilgrimage ride at the central plaza in Santiago de Compostela (see photo right) in front of the Cathedral where James the Apostle is said to be buried. Our luxurious Parador de Santiago de Compostela is right on the plaza - a welcoming, historic end to our journey. Here is the Strava route for the day.

The full day hikers leave Casa Morgade (which is right on the French Camino) and walk 11 kilometers to Portomarín where they will meet up with the half day hikers who will be driven there from Casa Morgade (half day hikers could optionally choose to do this segment).  From Portomarín, all hikers will be driven one hour and ten minutes to San Paio (just by the Santiago de Compostela airport) and walk together the last 12.3 kilometers into the central plaza of Santiago de Compostela, finishing in front of the Parador de Santiago de Compostela thereby completing the walking tour and joining all the other celebrating pilgrims in the central plaza!  Thus, full day hikers will walk a total of 23.3 kilometers.  Here is a link with a description of the last walking section.

friday, june 12

One final luxurious free day based out of the centrally-located Parador de Santiago de Compostela. Everyone should visit the Pilgrim office to make sure they receive their official pilgrim certificate, the “Compostela.” Time to reflect back on the wonderful pilgrimage together and explore Santiago de Compostela. We are working on getting a private guided tour to the historic cathedral. In the evening, we will schedule one final evening meal together as a group to say goodbye before packing our bags and departing the following day.

saturday, June 13

Everyone flies out of Santiago de Compostela which has quick and easy connections to multiple points in Europe for easy onward connections! Time to say goodbye and hope you will join us at Love Spain for another adventure of a lifetime!

Registration and Payment

In order to become an official participant in the Love Spain 2026 Camino de Santiago Greatest Hits Tour, everyone must register and pay below.  Scroll down on the registration filling in all items as you go.  Once you have completed the registration, proceed to make your payment.  

The total per person cost of the full Love Spain 2026 Camino de Santiago Greatest Hits Tour beginning on May 29, 2026 and ending on June 13, 2026 is 2,199 euros.  However, if you register and pay before January 31, 2026, you are eligible for the early bird special registration price of 2,099 euros.

All payments are fully refundable until April 1, 2026 after which point they become fully nonrefundable, though they are transferable to another person. Please ensure you have trip insurance that covers unexpected or unplanned cancellation after the trip registration deadline. The final registration deadline is April 1, 2026, but better to register early and pay the early bird price as often space fills quickly.

These prices do not include a 6% credit card processing fee, which is also required if paying by credit card.  Payment covers all internal Spain travel during the trip (with the small exceptions noted below), vehicle backup, lodging, and breakfasts during the entirety of the trip starting from lodging on the night of May 29, 2026 and ending with breakfast on June 13, 2026. Lodging will normally be very high quality hotels ( tour price assumes double occupancy and occasionally triple occupancy in hotel rooms unless noted otherwise and multiple people in rooms on the three nights in pilgrim hostels. A single room supplement can be paid if desired for the hotel room stays). 

Payment does not cover international travel, lunches, dinners, tips, snacks, drinks, entrance fees, and incidentals.  Payment for cyclists does not include your train transfer (which should not be a significant cost) from Oviedo to Leon on June 7. Payment will not cover anyone’s transport to the airport at the end of your trip or airport pickup and transport to your lodging at the beginning of the trip, although, as possible, we will attempt to do some airport pickups in Pamplona at the beginning of the trip. In all cases, we will work with you to help ensure you choose ideal flights for both arrival and departure at the beginning and end of your trip to ensure your transitions are as smooth and easy, and upon request, advise you so that your international travel is as cheap and comfortable as possible. Participants should fly into Pamplona arriving on May 29 and departing from Santiago de Compostela on June 13.

We are currently considering designing brand new cycling uniforms (jersey and shorts) for cyclists and dri-fit shirts for walkers and other participants. Additional cost for these will be added once this information becomes available.

Please note that you may also pay by wire transfer, which could save you some money as the fees, especially on Wise.com are less than the credit card transaction fee. Please read instructions below in the payment section to see which option (wire transfer or credit card payment) you feel most comfortable with.

Thank you for your interest in the Love Spain 2026 Camino de Santiago Greatest Hits Tour.  If you have any questions or we can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to get in touch via the Contact Us page.  Please note that you will not be considered fully registered for the Love Spain 2026 Camino de Santiago Greatest Hits Tour until you have fully completed and submitted your registration below, emailed your passport, and made your trip payment.  In the past, places have filled up quickly so the earlier you register and pay the better.