Looking for an adventure that awakens your body mind and soul? A journey that will enliven your spirit and feed your authentic true self? A mystical magical experience connecting with the earth and a group of amazing, like-minded, supportive people, where everyone is welcome and accepted exactly as they are?
Imagine walking 5-14 miles a day along the gorgeous Northern coast of Spain. Exploring the beauty and quaint towns along the way. Being a pilgrim, walking an ancient path, feeling the energy of the thousands who have traveled this path before.
Whether it be a conscious spiritual pilgrimage or just an opportunity to get away and move at a slower pace for a while. Walking, being present only to what is in front of you, quieting your mind, finding your peace within is the experience of the Camino. On this pilgrimage, you choose how much walking you would like to do each day.
Connecting with your fellow pilgrims and meeting others from around the world, all walking the Camino with the same goal, to get to Santiago de Compostela, a city in northern Spain, where it is said the remains of St. James an original disciple of Jesus of Nazareth is housed in a gorgeous Cathedral.
You cannot help but be transformed by this journey. The walking can be challenging for the body, but as we reach our destinations, a different town and hotel each day, there is your luggage and a clean comfortable room waiting to welcome you for the evening. Typically there is plenty of time to rest, take a hot shower, explore the town and try the local cuisine. And the best part is meeting up with your fellow travelers and exchanging the days stories over a nice meal.
The Camino De Santiago, a.k.a. the way of Saint James is a large network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching all across Europe culminating at the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The Camino Frances is the most traveled route and to do the entire way takes about 35 days of walking, it is 500 miles across Spain.
This was my first Camino experience and it is a great way to go if you have the time and the inclination. But as many of us do not have that kind of time there are many other ways to do the Camino in a shorter time period. There really are no rules or regulations, everyone’s Camino is unique and personal and can be deeply transformational.
Arriving in Santiago is a magical experience you do not want to miss. Not only do we celebrate our arrival, we witness the hundreds of international pilgrims arriving from all of the different routes, some walking for months finally reaching Santiago, is an experience you will not soon forget. Get ready for many tears, high fives, hugs and photos!
As we celebrate in Santiago and contemplate our return home, we realize somehow we are changed. We are ready for the next steps on our life journey and know deep within our souls that with love and an open heart and an open mind all things are possible!
This will be my third time walking the Camino, and would love nothing more than to share it with you!
Camino de Norte or The Northern Way is the Camino de Santiago route which follows the gorgeous northern coast of Spain. To walk the entire route which is over 500 miles long, would take around 5 weeks. Our itinerary begins in Bilbao, Spain and 11 days later ends in Santiago de Compostela.
We have chosen the best of the Camino Norte, averaging 7 miles per day. The posted miles per day are only suggestions, there is always an opportunity to walk less or more. This gives you the flexibility to really listen to your body and see what you feel like for that day. There is always support from our van or a cab, just a phone call away. My suggestion of 7 miles per day gives us plenty of walking time along with ample time to explore the beautiful towns we will be staying in each night.
Praise!
See what others are saying about taking this journey with Jennifer…
Loved every minute of my Camino adventure! Jennifer’s thorough, thoughtful planning and communication plus cheerful willingness to help me with my plans made readying for the trip easy. Her hotel choices were excellent — enjoyed the variety. Best of all was the camaraderie of the group: care and concern for others along with ample alone time to take in the beauty, history and majesty of where we were. Lots of laughter too — and gratitude for miracles along the way, like Victor, Raj and other Camino Angels — of whom YOU are the best!
Itinerary
Day 1 ~ Bilbao
Arrive in the Basque city of Bilbao, home of the famous Guggenheim Museum. We will meet our fellow travelers over dinner featuring local specialties. Arriving a day early is a great idea as there are many things to do in Bilbao, while adjusting to the time change.
“But the beauty is in the walking-we are betrayed by destinations”
Gwyn Thomas
Day 2 ~ Castro Urdiales
We will transfer to Onton and walk 7 miles, our route today features striking views of the coastline. Our home tonight is Castro Urdiales, a beautiful seaside town on The Bay of Biscay. A must see is the Iglesia de Santa Maria.
“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”
Friedrich Nietzsche
Day 3 ~ Laredo
A lovely 7 mile coastal walk to El Pontarron. From here we will be transferred to Laredo in the province of Cantabria, where we will have plenty of time to enjoy this popular beach resort town.
“If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep walking.”
Zen proverb
Day 4 ~ Noja
We will start our 7 mile walk today on the beach in Laredo, catch a small ferry crossing to Santona. Continuing on another gorgeous coastal stretch to Noja, a village situated on the sea surrounded by lush countryside and majestic mountains.
“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”
John Muir
Day 5 ~ Santillana Del Mar
Bypassing the crowded city of Santander, we will be transferred to Barreda for a short 6 mile walk. Arriving early gives us plenty of time to explore and enjoy Santillana Del Mar, known as one of the most charming towns in Spain.
Day 6 ~ Comillas
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast today as we are then transferred to Cobreces for a 7 mile walk to Comillas. This beautiful coastal village known for its exquisite architecture has much to see including pristine beaches and parks, cobblestone streets and the “El Caprichio” designed by the famous Gaudi.
“Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Day 7 ~ Ribadesella
Today we have a choice of the day off or a 7 mile walk. Leaving Cantabria, we enter the Asturias region. We will pass many monasteries on the sea today and have lunch in San Vicente De La Barquera, a fishing/resort town dominated by the ruins of its 8th century castle. Tonight our accommodations are in the “secret seaside hamlet” of Ribadesella. More gorgeous beaches and ancient caves are ready to explore.
“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Day 8 ~ Gijon
We begin our journey today at the church of Santa Maria Magdalena in Ribadesella. A 7 mile walk leads us to many sites to be seen today, including many beautiful beaches and the cheerful market towns of Colunga and Villaviciosa, the apple capital of Spain. Our destination today is Gijon, a bustling seaside city with much to do and see including botanical gardens, Roman bath ruins and a world-class aquarium. A must try is the famous Asturias Cider.
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.”
James A Michener
Day 9 ~ Ribadeo
Today we transfer out of Gijon and enter the Galicia region of Spain. Depending on how we are feeling, there are many options for walking today, a little or a lot! One stand out place to visit today is El Pito, a small town shaped by the powerful Selgas family. The 19th century palace is styled after the Italian Renaissance and home to a massive art collection. Tonight we reside in our last seaside town, Ribadeo. A must see, depending on the time of the tides is the Playa de las Catedrales.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
Helen Keller
Day 10 ~ Lavacolla
Our final day before Santiago, we will transfer to Rua and be rewarded with a 7 mile shaded path filled with many trees, creeks and stone bridges. We will stay in Lavacolla this evening, a town where in the Middle Ages, pilgrims paused to clean themselves in the river, prior to their arrival in Santiago.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Lao-Tzu
Day 11 ~ Santiago de Compostela
We depart early today for our 7 mile walk ending our pilgrimage with our arrival in Santiago de Compostela. We arrive in time for the noon mass, if you choose, and much time shopping and celebrating!
“Not all who wander are lost.”
J.R.R. Tolkein
Day 12 ~ Departure
Breakfast is included today. We say our good-byes as we depart Santiago with many fond memories, hugs and lifelong friends.
“He who would travel happily must travel light.”
Antoine de St. Exupery
What’s Included
- 11 night accommodations in 3 and 4 star hotels
- All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners (including house wine)
- Luggage transport
- All transfers and transportation listed above
- Pilgrim packet including daily maps, credential and scallop shell
* IMPORTANT NOTE:
THIS IS CONSIDERED A LEVEL 3 OUT OF 5, SO YOU SHOULD BE IN DECENT PHYSICAL SHAPE. THAT SAID, THERE IS ALWAYS THE OPTION OF TAKING A CAB ALL OR PART OF THE WAY EACH DAY.
What’s Not Included
- International travel to and from Spain
- Meals not listed above
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Activities/tours not listed above
Pricing & Terms
Being that every journey is custom, Jennifer would like to personally assist you with any questions you may have and/or if you would like to sign up. Please give a call or email and she promises respond within 24 hours.
- $500 deposit is required to hold your space.
- $3,900 USD Single Occupancy or $3,200 USD Double Occupancy
- If cancelled before final balance paid, 25% will be refunded.
- 100% balance is due 45 days from start of trip.
- This is non refundable.
Travel insurance is highly recommended.
We reserve the right to cancel this trip if there are not sufficient participants. We will know this in advance and recommend not buying your plane tickets until confirmation.
As Travel can be unpredictable we reserve the right to change the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances. This said, we will always substitute with something equal or better.
A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim
Read an actual day from Jennifers journal.
Day 9 walking from Najera to Santo Domingo
Dinner last night at a restaurant around the corner from the hotel it was nice but again was too late for me to eat. Garlic soup, a broth filled with rich peppers onions and garlic very, light and comforting, I must try this at home. Then a delicious grilled chicken skewer very simple infused with smoky garlicky flavor. when asked if I wanted red or white, which always comes with the Pilgrim meal, I said red, they came over and put a whole bottle of local red on the table, no label and it was delicious!
This morning I had a lovely breakfast at the hotel and out at 8 AM. Only a few other pilgrims starting out this morning. A nice temperature with light cloud cover, perfect for walking. As I was leaving town a sweet local women around 80 years old stopped and looked at me with the most kind loving smile. She said hola, buenos dias, Buen Camino, and then she started walking with me for a bit, showing and pointing the way, although it was very clearly marked. Such a sweet supportive simple gesture, she just wanted to help be of service to a pilgrim. As I waved goodbye and thank her, I cried.
I walked through more wheat fields filled with vibrant red poppies and other wildflowers white, yellow, and purple. Walking through vineyards with baby grapes, the first stages of a delicious Rioja wine. The way today was quiet, I passed a few pilgrims and several more passed me. At one point I heard English behind me and knew that Americans were coming, as they approached the guy handed me a peach, and we said Buen Camino, American? Yes they responded where from California, me too, where? Palm Springs OMG wow me too! what a small world. This was my meeting of Heather and Craig. We walked and talked for a few miles, I took a break after a steep uphill and they moved on. As I finally made it into town my feet aching once again I sat and changed into my sandals. Heather and Craig came up behind me and sat with me handed me their contact info and hoped to see each other again. ( note> we have….and remain good friends!)
I found my hotel, it was OK a bit noisy but clean and once again the innkeeper was very kind. I showered and tried to nap to no avail so went out into town to try and find some inserts for my boots take some photos and wait for dinner hour. It is quite busy where I am, so head back to the quieter Square and find my spot for a glass of wine and writing. A patio at the gorgeous Parador hotel, beautiful and majestic, why am I not staying here? It is all perfect I know but I need to research and stay at one of these historic hotels soon. It is peaceful, church bells just rang at 6 PM, locals just returning from siesta, Sun high and bright, mothers with strollers and small children. And of course you can always tell who the pilgrims are, because they have changed into their sandals and they are all limping along slowly . How lucky I am, thank you is all that is needed.
Back to the hotel, I had arranged for a 7 PM dinner, early for this area. The innkeeper was waiting for me and invited me downstairs to the dining room, it was only me there, she brought local red wine and water, a small plate of tapas and a large plate of vegetables, green beans, carrots sliced potatoes, a bit overcooked but still fresh vegetables was a very nice treat. And bread of course bread, bread all the time with every meal! The next course was a salad, simple and then chicken. She said in broken English, this is my specialty Pollo con salsa, it was absolutely delicious! she came and asked me how it was and in my broken Spanish I said yes yes very good, muy Bien! then she came and we tried communicating through gestures. I had my translator and said ” I feel your heart in your food.” I don’t know if she knew exactly what I was trying to say, but she smiled, no words were necessary.
Nobody else ever came for dinner I felt honored and taken care of. We said our good nights and off to bed I went, feeling blessed and grateful, I slept like a baby.
Praise!
See what others are saying about taking this journey with Jennifer…
I am so thankful that I had this opportunity to make memories and friendships that I wIll cherish forever. It was an amazing adventure! The scenery was breathtaking and the people we met along the way were kind and friendly. The food way yummy too. I felt happy and at peace. When I look back on my photos it warms my heart and puts a smile on my face. It’s all about the journey. Buen Camino!
Friendships blossom, kindred spirits emerge. Birds singing, cows chickens and goats in the fields. A master piece for the eyes to behold. Walking with Jennifer is a delight in itself. Laughter, joy, quiet all emotions rise. Never forget to smell the flowers.