Three 2-week Camino Itineraries You'll Love
At Lotus Compass, we specialize in mindful travel through pilgrimage. Below we’ve outlined some of our suggestions for unforgettable 2-week itineraries on three separate routes along the Camino de Santiago.
Three excellent 2-week Camino itineraries
The Classic - Camino Francés
The Camino Francés is one of the most popular for a reason. Start this Camino and pick up where you left off the next year. Fly into and out of Madrid. Take cinematic train rides and private transfers to the starting and end points. Start your Camino watching the sunrise over the Pyrenees in France. Say ‘bonjour’ to shepherds tending their sheep. Pass through Pamplona, a town that inspired Hemmingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” and where the annual Running of the Bulls takes place. Take a private tapas tour in the foodie-paradise Logroño. Walk through La Rioja, Spain’s smallest region known for its exquisite wine. Take a half-day trip to a local vineyard. Take the train back to Madrid. Stroll through Retiro Park. Have a picnic! Admire world-class art at the Reina Sofia National Art Museum or the famous Prado Museum.
Camino Pyrenees
The Scenic – Camino del Norte
The Northern Route is the Camino’s best-kept secret. Prepare for dramatic coastal views that will take your breath away. We'll give you a training schedule before starting! Fly into Biarittz, France. Spend a day getting over jet lag and exploring the French town. Take a private guided tour of the city. Eat at a restaurant on the water.
Take a private transfer to Irun - the official starting point of the Camino de Norte. After a long day of hiking, stay a couple nights in San Sebastian. Reward yourself with a private food tour in this gastronomical gem of a city. Over the next week, you'll walk through gorgeous coastal villages. Stay in countryside homes, eat local cuisine and enjoy the pristine nature of Northern Spain. With a relaxed pace (20-25 km a day), you can end your Camino in Bilbao. Wander through the old town, marvel at modern art in the Guggenheim Museum, shop at local markets, and take a private boat tour down the Ría de Bilbao. Take the train to Madrid and fly out of Madrid Bajaras International.
Camino del Norte: San Sebastian
The Undiscovered - Camino Portugués
Fly into and out of Lisbon. Spend a couple days in Lisbon. Try Pastel de Nata, a Lisbon favorite desert. Watch a live fado show. Take train to Porto to start. Porto is a beautiful coastal city with a rich history. Stroll through the Cais da Ribeira, Porto's lively riverside district. Hire a private guide to show you the impressive architecture of the city, and of course, drink port wine! Take a transfer to Labruge to bypass the industrial outskirts of Porto.
Now's time to start your Camino - 174 miles along the coast (280 km). This will be about 20-25 km a day and a day of biking. Follow the ancient trail along the coast through off the beaten path fishing villages. Rent a bike for one high mileage day along the flat part of the Camino Portugues. Spend the week taking in the gorgeous coastal countryside views. Try local dishes like bacalhau (cod) and mariscada (seafood w/ rice). Meet friendly locals along the way. Finally arrive in Santiago de Compostela. Spend time in the Praza do Obradoiro where you can admire the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela. Tour the inside of the Cathedral.
If you've got time, rent a car, gift yourself a day of relaxation on the beach, and slowly make your way back to Lisbon. Check out these awesome beach towns in Portugal. If you're short on time, take the train back to Lisbon from Santiago to finish your trip.
Porto on the Camino Portugues