• +61 (0)461 277 612

Pays-Basque, Ainhoa, Santiago de Compostela

The Pilgrim's Way

  • 14 Days
  • From 9,325
  • Spain & France
  • Moderate

Moderate: Designed for hikers with some experience, offering longer trails and varied terrain.

request Itinerary
Pilgrims Way

Highlights

  • Discover the Mystique of El Camino: More than just a path of religion, El Camino weaves together culture, sport, history, art, gastronomy, and stunning landscapes. Embark on a journey through ancient myths and legends that predate Christianity.
  • Wander the Enigmatic Galician Landscapes: Explore Galicia, a region known for its mysteries, spirits, and hidden treasures. Traverse the same trails walked by millions of pilgrims over the centuries, with medieval monasteries, villages, and pilgrim hospices along the way.
  • Start in the Unique Pays Basque: Our journey begins in Ainhoa, a picturesque Basque village in France. Experience the distinct Basque culture, language, and architecture as we set off on centuries-old trails.
  • Follow the French Route to Santiago: Walk the most scenic parts of "The French Route" marked with the iconic scallop shell, symbol of St. James. Finish in Santiago de Compostela, home to the relics of St. James the Apostle.
C63A4F84-AFA9-4EC3-BE58-3ECF1AFA08E0_1_201_a
69F9B7B0-289D-4145-AE9C-C6D149825199_1_201_a
992697C0-4583-4087-8DB8-37135AF2B526_1_201_a
89AF9157-E5C6-4583-89A9-705F13A32724_1_201_a
EA55C04F-A1D9-4618-8822-C1C12738DFF3_1_201_a
7AFA9698-85AD-40F4-8698-BEA821605D23_1_201_a
5A2C5745-CD3C-4275-BE48-9537E869061B_1_201_a
1933C432-7B70-4AE8-A8B8-B1A6F6F96FBB_1_201_a
8261955D-AC9F-4E37-B5D5-F2A37F4310CA_1_201_a
C4B42B08-4888-4997-ABE4-4F00138BD69B_1_201_a
997ADD02-CF0E-40ED-A796-0507367E440A_1_201_a
77FAE7AD-489F-42A3-9DB6-14E885101CF1_1_201_a
6E138D72-1BEF-42FA-99F2-F160C0466391_1_201_a
03A1F52C-C5A6-48C3-8EFA-248E0C63C4B2_1_201_a
1A05C419-667C-4C69-964A-9D268BA3F944_1_201_a

Overview

The Camino de Santiago, or St. James Way, is more than a route—it’s a deeply transformative journey that blends religion, history, culture, and nature into a singular experience. While many view it as simply a pilgrimage, those who have walked the path to or from Santiago de Compostela understand that it is much more than that.

Spanning over twelve centuries, the Camino weaves together myths and legends that stretch far beyond Christianity, drawing from ancient peoples and traditions. It is an enduring symbol of spiritual pursuit and human resilience, and its essence is best captured by experiencing it firsthand.

This journey takes us through Galicia, a mystical land filled with folklore, where ancient spirits, witches, and hidden treasures linger in the atmosphere. In the Middle Ages, with half a million pilgrims walking the Camino each year, the route gave rise to a network of monasteries, hospices, and villages dedicated to supporting travellers along their spiritual quest.

Our journey focuses on the most scenic and peaceful sections of “El Camino,” following marked paths through mountain landscapes and rural lanes, all symbolised by the iconic scallop shell of St. James.

We begin in Ainhoa, located in the French Pays Basque. This distinct region, with its unique Basque language and culture, contrasts beautifully with neighbouring areas. As we walk these ancient trails, largely untouched by modernity, we immerse ourselves in the timeless Romanesque architecture and the rich pilgrimage traditions that define the route.

Following “The French Way,” our path leads us to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, a revered destination believed to be the resting place of St. James the Apostle. This journey is more than just a walk—it’s an exploration of history, spirituality, and the human connection to the land.

Hotels & Cuisine

On this journey through Northern Spain, we stay exclusively in Parador and Pousada hotels, known for their luxurious settings and deep historical roots. These state-run establishments are often housed in historic buildings, furnished with antiques, and offer a unique glimpse into the region’s culture. Alongside their historical significance, the hotels are renowned for their commitment to showcasing local specialities in their restaurants, turning each meal into a celebration of regional flavours.

Our adventure begins in the idyllic village of Ainhoa, one of the most picturesque spots in the Pays Basque. Here, we settle into a cozy 17th-century hotel, once a hostel for pilgrims travelling the French Route. Classified as a historical monument, the hotel exudes charm, offering a secluded garden, a swimming pool, and a sauna. Dining here is a refined experience, with the restaurant boasting a Michelin star for its exquisite cuisine that highlights the best of Basque culinary traditions.

Crossing the border into Spain, we find ourselves in the historic village of Sos del Rey Catolico, where our Parador is nestled. This charming village, a Spanish National Trust monument, provides the perfect backdrop for the hotel’s elegant interiors. The restaurant focuses on time-honoured Spanish dishes like roast lamb, marinated rabbit, and a freshly prepared medieval cake. The blend of history and hearty, rustic cuisine immerses us in the flavours of a bygone era.

Continuing our journey, we arrive at the Parador in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, located within a former convent rebuilt in 1595. The tranquil atmosphere of the old monastery complements the hotel’s culinary offerings, which emphasise local produce and traditional dishes. Specialities such as artichokes with clams, sautéed vegetables with lamb, and tender roasts of suckling pig and kid are accompanied by the finest Rioja wines. For dessert, the renowned “ahorcaditos de Santo Domingo” (pears in wine with chocolate sauce) provides a sweet finish to the meal.

In Leon, we are welcomed into the grandeur of the Parador “Hostal San Marcos,” a former hospital and monastery that served as the headquarters of the Order of Knights of St. James. This 5-star hotel is one of the most important buildings in the Parador chain, and its restaurant offers a superb introduction to the culinary traditions of Leon. Dishes such as lamb, local sausages, trout, and an array of delicate desserts showcase the region’s rich flavours and are a testament to its gastronomic heritage.

Our journey concludes in the picturesque village of Portomarin, where we stay at a cozy Pousada directly on the pilgrims’ trail. The hotel’s breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and distant mountains provide a peaceful retreat. Here, we savour the distinct tastes of Galician cuisine, where local produce takes centre stage. The experience is capped with a sampling of the famous Portomarin liquors, a fitting end to our culinary exploration of Northern Spain.

At each stop, the Parador and Pousada hotels offer not just luxurious accommodations but also an authentic immersion into the local culture, history, and cuisine. Each meal, crafted with regional ingredients and traditional recipes, brings the essence of Northern Spain to life, making this journey an unforgettable blend of history, comfort, and gastronomic delight.

For this journey, we’ll be traveling comfortably in spacious 9-seater minivans. These vehicles are perfect for accommodating our group, allowing ample room for luggage and personal space while ensuring we stay together as we explore various destinations. The minivans are well-equipped with modern amenities, providing a smooth and convenient ride across Europe’s scenic roads. Their size and flexibility make them ideal for navigating both bustling city streets and rural landscapes, ensuring we can reach even the most remote and charming locations with ease.

Ainhoa

Hotel Ithurria - Les Collectionneurs

Sos del Rey Católico

Parador de Sos del Rey Católico

Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Parador Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Leon

Parador de Leon

Portomarín

Pousada de Portomarín

begins

10 May 2025

Biarritz, France

ends

23 May 2025

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Price

AU$ 9,325

Single supplement

AU$ 1,615
enquire
Our fourteen days on the Paradors & Road to Santiago was most impressive. We entered the world of the pilgrims who had walked this way for hundreds of years. The whole road was geared to aid the pilgrims today as in ancient times. The team, Sabina and Pasquale, made themselves invaluable to us and we could not fault their patient kindness and assistance along with good humour and morale raising. Our group had differing capabilities but we were never made to feel how difficult this was for them. Their concern for our welfare was always felt and appreciated by us (especially on the mountain in the almost hurricane)!! The Paradors we stayed in were quite awe inspiring, historic of course and very comfortable and it was great to prowl around them, learning their history and how they fitted in to the towns in which they were situated. The Basque region in France we particularly enjoyed to start with. Our accommodation there, with its Michelin 1 star cuisine was much enjoyed - especially the cake, with beautiful presentation, made for my birthday. Also, there was the kind gift, card and hug from Sabina and Pasquale (and notified by Trish!!) Our group was very friendly and harmonious and everyone was helpful to each other along the paths. We were disappointed to miss out on our last Parador but the alternative accommodation was adequate and the staff made quite an effort for us. The scenery in the first days and last days was particularly lovely with often snow capped mountains hovering and it was good to be tramping there. Santiago our destination was a fabulous ending to an inspiring holiday. Best Wishes and our thanks Graham, Sabina and Pasquale.
Val and Peter Merricks North, Australia
This was our 2nd Gourmet Wwalkabout Tour. Our initiation was your 1st walk in Corsica. The scene this time was set after our first morning together as a group out of Biarritz, with delightful group of fellow Pilgrims and two very special guides, Sabine and Pascal who couldn't do enough to make our tour so memorable. Together, we walked nearly 130km of the Camino, experienced some fabulous food and wine and stayed in some very different accommodation. Our hotel in Aiahnoa, certainly set the benchmark for the tour. A family owed hotel with a one hat Michelin chef! As you would expect their were some real personalities in our group which always made for plenty of laughs. The two weeks flew, culminating in our final night at the Parador at Santiago de Compostela. Whilst we may not have qualified as real Pilgrims, by walking the last two hundred kilometers, we loved every minute of it and it provided plenty of inspiration for our next trip. Thanks to Graeme and Gabriella and their team, another winner!
Sue and Peter Newport, Australia
I recently had a wonderful experience as I and eleven other travellers, enjoyed a taste of the Camino de Santiago. As we walked through the various sections of the northern Spanish countryside, meeting pilgrims on the Camino, we gained a real insight into life in those regions as well as the centuries old pilgrimage. And the scenery was magnificent At the end of each day we relaxed in the comfort and fascinating surroundings of our Parador accommodation; at times it was like staying in a museum. However, the grandeur of the Paradors was no match for the delightful family run Hotel Ithurria at Ainhoa, our base for four nights in the French Basque region, where we enjoyed nightly stories from our host Stefan on the local region, including the smuggling. Being on a walking holiday, I had expected to lose some weight during the fourteen days, however I had not allowed for the of the evening meals and local wines. Again, the culinary delights of the Hotel Ithurria need special mention. Above all, gilding the experience, were our two guides Sabine and Pascal. They were golden. They never stopped in their mission to ensure all was well for our group. Their attentiveness was wonderful and they did a great deal behind the scenes each day and evening ensuring that everything was as it should be. Thank you again Sabine and Pascal. Thank you Walkabout Gourmet Adventures - ten out of ten.
Shirley Victoria, Australia
The Pilgrim's Way was our first Adventure with Walkabout Gourmet Adventures and won't be the last. The combination of meeting like minded people, walking through interesting country side in regional France and Spain, staying at great Paradors and the fantastic wine and food made this holiday very special the best we have ever been on. Walking along parts of The Camino Trail, we saw many historic and interesting villages and chatted with several Pilgrims who were following the way of St James. We particularly enjoyed walking through the farms and past the houses of the local villages. The coffee shops and bars that we stopped at along the way were a welcome break where we enjoyed a hot cuppa or a cold ale. Showery days were few and only added to the adventure. The picnic lunches were a highlight where we could relax and enjoy our lunch in a convenient spot beside the track. At one time we were in the shade of an almond tree eating our fresh bread that we bought from the local village shop before the walk. It was a relaxing walking holiday where we could chat and get to know the others in the group. We enjoyed the company of a great group of people. Our guides, Graeme and Pascal went out of their way to look after us all. They were familiar with the areas and were very informative giving us history lessons as we went. Both were easy to talk to while walking along the trail and helped us out on many occasions with the foreign languages. Graeme went out of his way on one of our free days to help us find a shop and came with us to purchase some new boots. These little things added a personal touch to make the adventure most enjoyable.
John and CherylHervey Bay, Australia
The impeccable organisation behind the scenes made the Pilgrim`s Trail a wonderful, stimulating experience. Both Graeme and Pascal's duty of care was evident the entire trip. Not only did they assist physically when required, especially myself, but they shared their cultural knowledge of each area which meant the walk was both educational and rewarding. The standard of accommodation was excellent, the opportunity to dine in local restaurants was appreciated as well as free time to explore and relax. Furthermore, I found the Pilgrim's Trail was spiritually rewarding, making me aware of those countless other pilgrims who had walked the same paths all those centuries ago. Finally, finishing the walk in the magnificent city of Santiago de Compostela (where I saw adult men on bicycles crying in sheer relief or sadness in the magnificent Cathedral Square) is something I will never forget. Thank you Graeme.
HelenPerth, Australia
We are still basking in the glow of having participated in The Pilgrim's Way', our third walk with Walkabout Gourmet. This walk has been so well-conceived and we feel exhilarated by the experience of walking the 'best parts' of the Camino. There are so may unforgettable aspects - the spectacular mountain scenery in the Pyrenees foothills; the walks through farmland past fields of wheat and through little villages; the camaraderie of our fellow walkers; the beautiful cathedrals and chapels; the superb accommodation and delicious food and wines; the exchanged greetings of 'Hola! Buen Camino!' with other 'pilgrims', some of whom were completing the entire Camino of 800km. Our sincere thanks to Graeme and Pascal for their care, attention and good company.
Jen and BarrySydney, Australia
This was our first guided walking holiday and we loved it. Just the right amount of walking through picturesque countryside of quaint Basque villages, farms and historical Spanish cities. The food was delicious if a bit too plentiful! Our guides Graham and Pascal were knowledgeable, warm & friendly; nothing was too much trouble. As the main holiday organiser of my husband and I what I really appreciated was that every last detail was taken care of. This meant I could completely relaxed. It was also great to be walking with 12 others; getting to chat and know others from different walks of life yet sharing the bond of the adventure together. Since our return I have been recommending Walkabout Gourmet Adventures to friends and work colleagues as we had such a wonderful, satisfying experience. We are in the midst of planning our next walking adventure with them...
JenniferSydney, Australia
I loved the variety on this walk, which covered some of the most scenic stretches of the Camino. We passed alongside patchwork fields of green and yellow, through wooded forests, alongside streams and in and out of history. Stopping in ancient stone villages and cathedral cities such as Burgos and Leon meant we got the best of both the walking and the historical. Accommodation highlights were the family run hotel in Ainhoa with its Michelin starred restaurant and the former monastery, now parador in Leon. Thank you Graeme for a wonderful trip, and special thanks to Pascal who was always caring and mindful of the different needs and abilities of the group.
PennyMelbourne, Australia
This was my second trip with WGA, the first one being Follow the Gourmet Trail in Italy in 2014. The Pilgrims Way surpassed all my expectations. The cuisine was wonderful, as was the accommodation in the historic Paradores of Spain. However, for me, the highlight of the trip was the chance to experience the Camino. Walking with, and chatting to the pilgrims who walk the whole 790kms was something I will never forget - and has in fact inspired me to perhaps give it a go one day. Graeme, our guide, was fantastic. His knowledge of the Camino and his ability to impart to us the significance of this walk for the pilgrims made such a difference. Thank you, WGA! I look forward to my next adventure.
YvonneHobart, Australia
The Pilgrim's Way is a completely different way to see and understand northern Spain. Apart from the magnificent scenery and fantastic location - the Paradors of Spain have to be experienced to be believed! - walking the Pilgrim's Way and having the opportunity to visit places like Leon, Burgos and Santiago de Compostela, as well as the villages along the way, gave me a whole new insight into part of Spain's history. Ainhoa in France and the Hotel Ithurria were also fabulous as our starting point. Even though it's been 10 years since I travelled (through Italy) with Walkabout Gourmet, WGA has lost none of its expertise in organisation, support, great company and showing off some of Europe's finest in terms of food, wine, walking trails, and places to stay. I've already been checking out the brochure for my next WG trip!
LorneOrange, Australia
A fantastic insight into the journey of a pilgrim. Our journey began in the French Basque country where the scenery was fantastic, the walking challenging and the food delicious which seemed to go well together. The next part of the walk gave us snippets of the huge scale of the different landscapes, the steep hills and flat walking tracks that the pilgrim trail included. We went through some wonderful Medieval towns with lovely cathedrals and churches. Drank and ate Tapas at the many Bars and Restaurants, stayed at some very historic Paradors and Hotels. The meals were Gourmet and mostly included. I enjoyed the last few days before we ended in Santiago de Compostela, we met many pilgrims and shared their stories at the many Bars along the way. It was an amazing atmosphere at the end when the pilgrims arrived at their destination and the Pilgrims Mass was very emotional for all. I would like to thank Graeme and Pascal for looking after us all and making every day so enjoyable.
Patricia Mount Eliza, Australia
A truly fantastic experience. Clearly much research had gone into selecting the various walks, accommodation and restaurants. The two vehicles were perfect for carrying the relatively small group (15) and Graeme & Pascal were there to help in every way possible. My wife and I appreciated the fact that the tour saw no pressure on those unable to complete all the walking. I suffered from blisters and yet wasn't made to feel excluded even though I missed some of the walking. The gastronomic experiences, notably in Ainhoa, were outstanding and the pre-dinner gatherings for drinks really bonded a group of likeminded "adventurers". The Pilgrim's Way has my strongest endorsement. It was a truly wonderful and unique experience.
PeterPerth, Australia
Previous
Next
Booking Enquiry
Your Name
Your Name
Request Itinerary
Your Name
Your Name
Need more details?

Request a detailed itinerary

or Call +61 (0)461 277 612

contact us

DESTINATIONS

  • Australia
  • new Zealand
  • europe
  • Middle East
  • africa
  • asia

TRAVEL STYLES

  • Hiking
  • Culinary
  • Wellness
  • City
  • Safari
  • Private

CALENDAR

LA RÉSIDENCE SAINT MARY

  • Home

OUR STAYS

  • Blanche
  • Béatrice
  • Eleonor
  • Sancie

ABOUT

  • About us
  • Our guests
  • our hotels and cuisine
  • our philosophy
  • our story
  • our team
  • contact us

PRESS

  • Traveler Notes
  • Press Articles

FOLLOW US

Instagram Facebook-f Twitter Youtube

CONTACT US

735 Callignee Sth Rd
Callignee North, VIC 3844
Victoria, Australia

  • +61 (0)461 277 612
  • info@walkaboutgourmet.com

Newsletter

Subscription

Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates of our destinations, tours, and many more!

© 2024 walkabout gourmet adventures PTY LTD

ABN 63131608896

Scroll to Top
Request Itinerary
Your Name
Your Name
Booking Enquiry
Your Name
Your Name

Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in

Address

184 Mayfield St. Hopewell
Junction, NY 12533

Phone

+ 844 1755 – 444 11

Email

contact@example.com

Facebook Youtube Twitter Instagram