Easily one of the loveliest stretches of the Camino: from the world-famous Basque city of Pamplona to the gateway to the vast, high plains of Spain. The route crosses the world-famous La Rioja wine region, with an overnight in the Riojan capital of Logroño, center of Northern Spanish tapas culture. Hear the story of the miraculous chickens at Santo Domingo de la Calzada and finish in historic Burgos, home of the Spanish hero El Cid as well as the location of one of Spain’s most elaborate and beautiful medieval cathedrals. A 1/3 deposit reserves your place.

• May 29, 2022 – Overnight in Pamplona– Gather at your hotel in this world famous Basque provincial capital to enjoy dinner and meet your fellow travelers. Marvel at the intact medieval walls or trace the course of the annual Running of the Bulls.
• May 30, 2022 – Pamplona to Puente la Reina (24.4km/15.2miles)– A gentle climb up to Alto del Perdón provides sweeping views back to the Pyrenees and wide vistas ahead to the vast farmland of Western Navarre. Overnight at the medieval pilgrim town of Puente la Reina and enjoy is picturesque bridge and pilgrim church.
• May 31, 2022 – Puente la Reina to Estella (21.6km/13.4miles)– A day spent walking on rolling hills among grain fields and vineyards with an overnight at picturesque Estella.
• June 1, 2022 – Estella to Los Arcos (21.6km/13.4miles)– Free wine is on tap at the Irache Winery and afterward transit on rolling hills through vineyards and farmland. Quiet Los Arcos hosts one of the most elaborate Baroque church interiors in Northern Spain.
• June 2, 2022 – Los Arcos to Logroño (28.2km/17.5miles)– Cross into the Spanish wine region of La Rioja, passing through medieval Viana for lunch and arriving at Logroño, self-proclaimed culinary capital of Spain and site of Calle Laurel, home of La Rioja’s tapas culture.
• June 3, 2022 – Logroño to Nájera (28.5km/17.7miles)– The extravagant altarpiece at Navarette is a showpiece of golden religious iconography, then the riverfront cafes and quiet streets and museums of the Old City of Nájera offer an outdoor rest or a quiet walk among tombs of the Kings of Navarre.
• June 4, 2022 – Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada (22.1km/13.7miles)– The vineyards transition to fields of grain under wide open skies before arriving at the majestic Cathedral of Santo Domingo, site of the famed chicken miracle.
• June 5, 2022 – Santo Domingo to Belorado (22.5km/14.0miles) –Beautiful views of rolling hills and frequent villages allow walkers ample stops to refuel before arriving at the round, central plaza of Belorado, overlooked by ruins of its medieval castle.
• June 6, 2022 – Belorado to San Juan de Ortega (24.0km/14.9miles) –The forest of the Montes de Oca once held wolves and bandits that preyed on pilgrims, but now it is a pleasant, shaded walk, punctuated by the Monastery of San Juan de Ortega and its window that shines on the statue of the Virgin at the equinox.
• June 7, 2022 – Agés to Burgos (23.2km/14.4miles) –The quiet countryside slowly turns to vibrant city, culminating in the charming center city of Burgos, with its UNESCO World Heritage cathedral and fascinating Museum of Human Evolution.
• June 8, 2022 – Depart Burgos– Plan to return next year for another 2-week leg of the multi-year journey to Santiago de Compostela.

Price includes overnight accommodation, breakfast each morning, all dinners (except Logrono’s “Tapas/Pincho Exploration” and baggage transfer. Your tour host and guide is Sandy Brown, pilgrim guidebook author. A 1/3 deposit reserves your place.

The walk from Santiago to the Atlantic adds another dimension to the Camino pilgrimage as it transports you from medieval Santiago to the edge of Europe. Romans and Celts are said to have journeyed here to find renewal in the never-ending crash of waves or the deep orange and red of the sunset. The distances are sometimes long and the weather wet, but two quaint villages await at journey’s end – Finisterre, just 3km from dramatic Cape Finisterre, and Muxía, a smaller town with its own seaspray showered cape. This unforgettable tour is led by Luke Brown, experienced pilgrim and musician, who will play his guitar and sing for you as the sun sets over the Atlantic.

June 16, 2022 – Gather in Santiago: Over dinner we will orient you to the upcoming days’ adventures. Overnight in Santiago.

June 17, 2022 – Santiago to Negreira (21.2km/13.2miles): Look back to a vista of Santiago de Compostela not often seen by Camino pilgrims, then turn toward the emerald green walk among small farms until your overnight at the town of Negreira.

June 18, 2022 – Negreira to Olveiroa (34.5km/21.4miles): The journey’s longest day will test your stamina, but the green terrain is a feast for the eyes and a rest for the soul. Small towns and green hayfields mark the path, with an overnight at the farming village of Olveiroa.

June 19, 2022 – Olveiroa to Corcubión (21.7km/13.5miles): Much of the day is spent in forest preserves among windswept trees, their growth stunted by the constancy of winds off the sea. From a vista above the ocean see your first glimpses of Cape Finisterre. Walk through the fishing town of Cée and then overnight in the quaint seaside town of Corcubión.

June 20, 2022 – Corcubión to Finisterre (10.7km/6.6miles): The short stage allows a late start from your hotel. Climb the ridge and find the first of several beaches leading to the town of Finisterre. Weather permitting, take off your shoes and walk in the waters of the Atlantic on 2km-long Langosteira Beach. After dinner, head on the 6km roundtrip walk out to the cape to enjoy sunset over the Cape. Overnight in Finisterre.

June 21, 2022 – Finisterre to Muxía (29.5km/18.3km): Often within site of isolated ocean beaches, this undulating walk culminates in the seaside village of Muxía, the place where tradition holds that the Virgin Mary came to Spain to help Saint James on his missionary journey. After dinner, head to Santa Maria della Barca, a church built right at the stony point overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Overnight in Muxia.

June 22, 2022 – Muxia to Santiago: After breakfast you’ll take the van service from Muxia back to Santiago and either have an optional overnight or head on to your next destination after an unforgettable walk to the sea.

After enjoying the capital of the Renaissance, figuratively step back in time to ancient forests and monasteries of the Middle Ages. The beautiful Casentino National Forest is the setting and St Francis’s beloved Santuario della Verna atop serene Mount Penna with its active Franciscan convent is the first goal. His hometown is the final destination. In between, walk among the towns and forests that were his inspiration, including the town of Gubbio where he made peace with the wolf, and Montecasale where he converted the three thieves. At Valfabbrica he was robbed and stripped and of course, at Assisi he was born and was buried. No itinerary brings you closer to the person and the legend that walking from Florence to Assisi on the Way of St Francis.

• September 5, 2022 – Gather, overnight in Florence – Capital of the Renaissance, gather here to meet other participants and orient yourself to the walk.
• September 6, 2022 – Florence to Pontassieve (18.9km/11.7miles) – Walk along the quiet banks of the Arno River among locals.
• September 7, 2022 – Pontassieve to Consuma (17.8km/11.1miles) – Vineyards turn to forests as you climb to the first reaches of the Casentino National Forest where you’ll remain for the next days.
• September 8, 2022 – Consuma to Stia (17.0km/10.6miles) – Almost exclusively on paths and gravel roads, see the green side of Tuscany and the first hints of breathtaking mountain views. Sita stands at the headwaters of the Arno amidst forests of oak, birch and pine.
• September 9, 2022 – Stia to Camaldoli (16.6km/10.3miles)– For over 1000 years monks and hermits have called Camaldoli their home. See their chapels and shop among their soaps and medicinal herbs at Camoldoli Hermitage and Monastery.
• September 10, 2022 – Camaldoli to Badia Prataglia (15.0km/9.3miles) – Take the van uphill for a visit to the Camaldoli Hermitage where hermit monks live and pray to this day, then walk among forests to the lovely resort town of Badia Prataglia, nestled in a narrow valley of the Casentine forest. See the 1000 year old crypt, last remnant of the abbey from which Badia Prataglia gets its name.
• September 11, 2022 – Badia Prataglia to Santuario della Verna (20.1km/12.5miles) – Take the van for a brief trip to the start of the hike, then walk across the Madrioli Pass with views of the Adriatic Sea in good weather to Monte Penna, site of the beloved Santuario della Verna, a functioning Franciscan convent and one of Italy’s holiest places.
• September 12, 2022 – Santuario della Verna to Pieve Santo Stefano (15.2km/9.4miles) – After a downhill walk on forested paths the Tiber Valley opens up and the mountain town of Pieve Santo Stefano welcomes us.
• September 13, 2021 – Pieve Santo Stefano to Sansepolcro (24.3km/15.1miles) –Take the van to the Viamaggio Pass, then walk mostly downhill in forests to Sansepolcro, stopping along the way at Montecasale, one of the oldest St Francis sites, where the saint converted three thieves. Athletic walkers can begin walk to Viamaggio, stopping at the 8th c Cerbaiolo hermitage to see this beautifully restored site that was given to St Francis in 1216 and was an overnight stay for St Anthony of Padua.
• September 14, 2022 – Sansepolcro to Citerna (12.7km/7.9miles)- A flat walk through farms ending with a short climb up to the walled, hilltop town of Citerna with its sweeping views of the Tiber Valley and the mountains beyond.
• September 15, 2022 – Citerna to Città di Castello (20.3km/12.6miles)- A green day of farms nurturing sunflowers. Climb the famed cylindrical tower at Città di Castello and enjoy the delicacies of this picturesque town. Dinner is not included at Città di Castello so you have an opportunity to explore the gastronomic pleasures of this beautiful Umbrian town.
• September 16, 2022 – Città di Castello to Pietralunga (29.8km/18.5miles)- From the Tiber Valley climb a pass toward the Chiascio Alto, the headwaters of the river that waters Assisi, before your overnight at medieval Pietralunga. It’s a “pizza experience” in Pietralunga, where we order off the menu in a traditional pizzeria.
• September 17, 2022 – Pietralunga to Gubbio (26.5km/16.5miles) – Everyone loves medieval Gubbio, the town of the Ceri races, the wolf tamed by Francis, and acrobatic funicular that ascends to Basilica San Ubaldo above the settlement.
• September 18, 2022 – Gubbio to Biscina (22.7km/14.1miles) – The Chiascio River drains these forested hillsides among castles and convents ending in a hostel stay in a former hermitage.
• September 19, 2022 – Biscina to Valfabbrica (15.9km/9.9miles) – Lake Valfabbrica is a constant companion as you near beautiful Assisi.
• September 20, 2022 – Valfabbrica to Assisi (13.4km/8.3miles) – Climb the ridge separating the two towns and see Assisi’s Rocca Maggiore and then the beloved Basilica San Francesco. Receive the final stamp on our pilgrim passports and then your testimoniumthat confirms completion of your pilgrimage walk. A 6:00 mass in the Basilica welcomes all pilgrims. Afterward toast your accomplishment over a beautiful dinner with your pilgrim companions.
• September 21, 2022 – Depart Assisi – (overnight option, tour option) You’ve had a memorable pilgrimage in unforgettable scenery accompanied all the way by the memory and spirit of St. Francis.

Walk among vineyards and olive groves through the region St Francis loved, stopping at key sites in his life. See where he heard his call to poverty, where he spoke to the Pope, where he received his vision and look at a letter written in his own hand. Visit serene lakes and enjoy mountain vistas, then feel the mists of the thundering waters of the largest human-made waterfall. When it is all over, arrive at the incomparable Eternal City of Rome to enjoy an unforgettable pilgrimage made more real because you walked to get there.  

• September 21, 2022 – Gather, overnight in Assisi (optional Assisi tour).The beautiful hometown of St. Francis is one of the most beloved pilgrim sites in all the world.
• September 22, 2022 – Assisi to Spello (easier: 13.8km/8.6miles; harder: 17.6km/10.9miles) –The climb on Assisi’s Mount Subasio offers spectacular views of the Tiber River Valley. Choose this for its views or stay below in the easier and still scenic route among olive groves.
• September 23, 2022 – Spello to Trevi (19.1km/11.9miles) – Onto the valley floor now, enter Foligno, where Francis sold his father’s cloth to raise money to rebuild the Church of San Damiano then climb to delightful Trevi famous for its beautiful views.
• September 24, 2022 – Trevi to Spoleto (easier: 19.1km/11.9miles; harder: 27.6km/17.2miles) – Either descend to the valley floor for a quiet walk along a flat bike path or take the longer mountainside option through Poreta. Spoleto is a cultural capital of Umbria as it hosts the annual Due Mondi festival that attracts the world’s finest classical musicians each year; its cathedral houses a hand-written letter of St Francis.
• September 25, 2022 – Spoleto to Macenano (20.4km/12.7miles) – A brisk 45-min climb takes you to the Monteluco Franciscan convent, and then a long downhill wilderness trail leads along dramatic gorges into the Valnerina recreational area. Overnight at the ancient Abbey of San Pietro in Valle (when available).
• September 26, 2022 – Macenano to Arrone (10.4km/6.5miles) – A perfectly restful day with a quiet, flat walk along a green mountain-bike path to the charming Umbrian hill town of Arrone.
• September 27, 2022 – Arrone to Piediluco (15.2km/9.4miles) – Leave later in the morning so you can arrive when the waters are flowing at majestic Cascata delle Marmore, a waterfall on the Velino River made by the Romans over 2000 years ago. Walk alongside the Velino River to quiet Piediluco, home to the Italian National Crew Team.
• September 28, 2022 – Piediluco to Poggio Bustone (21.8km/13.5miles) – Atop a mountain stands the 800-year old Beech Tree of St Francis. The day ends in Poggio Bustone, site of the cave where St. Francis had two visions that would change his life.
• September 29, 2022 – Poggio Bustone to Rieti (17.7km/11.0miles) – A quiet and verdant walk to the gorgeous village of Cantalice and then the sanctuary of La Foresta where legend attributes a key miracle to St. Francis. End the day in Rieti, an important stop on the ancient Roman salt road.
• September 30, 2022 – Rieti Rest Day – optional trip to Greccio and Fontecolombo, key St Francis sites in the Rieti Valley, and optional tour of Rieti. Dinner is on your own this evening so you can explore the restaurant scene of this historic town on the Salt Road.
• October 1, 2022 – Rieti to Poggio San Lorenzo (21.8km/13.5miles) – Walk along the ancient Roman Salt Road through quiet farms of the Sabine Region to tiny Poggio San Lorenzo.
• October 2, 2022 – Poggio San Lorenzo to Ponticelli (21.6km/13.4miles) – An up-and-down day of forested ridges, olive groves and sheep pastures with views to castles and quiet villages. Overnight at 15th c Castello Orsini.
• October 3, 2022 – Ponticelli to Montelibretti (13.2km/8.2milesl) – The mountains begin to spread out before you and the hills begin to flatten as you prepare for the broad Tiber Valley ahead.
• October 4, 2022 – Montelibretti to Monterotondo (16.6km/10.3miles) – Although Rome is near, the path carries you through lush nature preserves, away from traffic and city life. In clear weather the first glimpse of St. Peter’s can be seen in the far distance.
• October 5, 2022 – Monterotondo to Monte Sacro (19.3km/12.0miles)- With some sadness leave nature behind and walk the second half of this day through Roman suburbs to a comfortable lodging in the Monte Sacro district of Rome.
• October 6, 2022 – Monte Sacro to the Vatican (15.4km/9.6miles) – Follow quiet bicycle paths until the right moment to dive into the city, walking through Piazza del Popolo and on the edge of Piazza Navone. Cross the Bridge of Angels and take the first steps out of Rome into Vatican City at the doors of the Basilica of Saint Peter, our journey’s goal.
• October 7, 2022 – Depart Rome – With your testimonium in hand and your mind full of memories say goodbye to Rome. This pilgrimage through the Roman countryside in the places beloved by St. Francis stays vivid in your mind for a lifetime of cherished memories. Optional Rome Tour (inquire for details)