Arrive at your hotel in the heart of Logrono. This magnificent city is not only a key stop on the St James Way but is also the capital of Spain's top wine producing region; La Rioja. Depending on the time of your arrival, we recommend taking a stroll to cross the Puente de Piedra, a beautifully crafted stone bridge that crosses the River Ebro from the old town and is the entrance into the city for the St James Way. In the old town, you may wish to take a walk through the immaculate gardens of Parque del Espolon. You can also look forward to sampling the towns favoured dish, tapas. Unlike other destinations in Spain Logrono bars specialise in one particular tapas dish. For example, one bar may only serve tortilla espanola and another croquetas. Staying in the heart of the city provides you with the perfect opportunity to spend your afternoon tapas bar hopping to sample the many tasty offerings. WINE LOVERS: we recommend arriving a day early to really absorb the atmosphere and delight in sampling the region's wines before heading off on your way. The Bodegas Marques de Murrieta is the region's original winery and has been producing superb wines since 1852. Allowing an additional night provides you time to visit the tasting rooms and learn the wine making techniques used for the different wines (booking recommended).

Your first day on the French Way is a peaceful one, with the first town on your way some 13kms into your walk. With this in mind, we recommend you start your day by paying a visit to the local bakery to stock up with some delicious snacks for your journey. Heading out of Logrono through the old town walls you begin to follow the unmistakable scallop shell way marks of the Camino. Passing through woodlands, old fincas, and vineyards you approach Navarrete where you can enjoy a welcome coffee stop or perhaps a local wine in one of the bodegas ready to welcome hot pilgrims. You will have time to visit Iglesia de la Asuncion, a beautiful baroque church with an elaborate gold clad altar complete with a statue of St James. When you have finished taking in the church's beauty you continue on your way to Najera, your final goal of the day. Nestled between the hillside and the banks of the river Najerilla the town is the former capital of Navarre. You will have time to visit the Monastery of Santa Maria La Real de Nájera which contains a convent and a royal pantheon before relaxing for the evening.

Today your journey will take you across the Spanish meseta, a wide plateau where cereal crops are grown in abundance, to the town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Leaving Najera behind you first head toward Azorfa, a small village with the Nuestra Senora de los Angeles church at the heart of the village. Here you will find a welcoming café to enjoy a morning coffee stop before continuing along the broad farm tracks, through the vast golden fields which have replaced the vineyards of yesterday's stage. Your final goal of the day is Santo Domingo de la Calzada on the edge of the La Rioja region. The village is one of the most prominent stopping places on the Camino, founded by Domingo de Viloria in the 11th century who was a hermit who devoted his life to the French Way. Shortly after his death he was recognised as a saint for his work in founding a hostel and hospice to care for sick pilgrims. Checking into your hotel for the evening you will have the opportunity to explore this prominent town and visit the beautiful Romanesque-Gothic cathedral where Santo Domingo's tomb lies. You may also spot two unlikely keepers of the church; two white chickens!

Your day begins by heading out of Santo Domingo via the Calle Mayor to cross over the River Oja on the bridge built by St Domingo himself. Today you will deviate from the original pilgrims way which follows a main road, instead you will take a much more enjoyable diversion. Passing the cross of the brave, say farewell to the wine region of Rioja, and enter the region of Castilla Leon. You will notice the landscape change as you continue on your way today as you walk amongst the cornfields and farmlands. Just after half way into your walk you will arrive in Viloria de Rioja, the birthplace of St Domingo, a nice spot to enjoy a final coffee stop of the day before heading for your final goal of the day, Belorado, the largest town in the area and your home for the evening.

Feeling rested; today you continue to meander your way through sleepy little villages connected by farmlands. Crossing over the River Tiron you will soon arrive in Tosantos, where you will find Ermita de la Virgen de la Pena, a church built directly into the rock face. This fascinating piece of architecture is set back from the village and can be seen from the Camino. Leaving Tosantos you continue to follow the scallop shells of St James through the villages of Villambistia, Espinosa del Camino and Villafranca Montes de Oca. You can enjoy a drink and perhaps pick up a couple of snacks for the final half of today's stage which will take you through the peaceful rural lanes and farmers tracks to San Juan Ortega; a high point on the Camino not just because of its altitude but its architectural richness of the monastery. Here, a transfer will meet you to take you to your home for the evening in neighbouring Atapuerca.

Atapuerca is home to Europe's oldest human remains, discovered in a cave just on the outskirts of town and were dated back to 780,000 years ago. Since 1994 the area has been widely excavated and as you begin todays section of the Camino Frances you may see archaeologists busy excavating. Heading for Burgos your route will take you through the small villages of Villalval, Cardenuela de Riopica and Orbaneja where you can enjoy refreshments before your final push to reach Burgos. The city of Burgos is a key stop along the French Way as it is home to the magnificent UNESCO gothic cathedral of St Mary; the spires dominating the skyline like a crown. Arriving in this beautiful city, we recommend taking the time to explore the historic quarter, visit Castle Hill for fantastic views over the city and the Museum of Human Evolution where you will find the 780,000year old remains found in Atapuerca. FESTIVAL OF SAN PEDRO AND SAN PABLO: On the 29th June, each year Burgos holds a festival to celebrate St Peter and St Paul. This usually includes a weeklong party over the date with a schedule of traditional acts during this time.

Your day begins with a short transfer to the neighbouring village of Rabe de las Calzadas where you re-join the St James Way. Arriving in Rabe de las Calzadas you will find a little coffee shop, perfect if you like to begin your walk with a coffee. Leaving the village you will pass the Ermita de la Virgien de Monasterio and the final few farmhouses as you follow a farm track into the pastures. Approximately a third of the way through todays walk you will reach the first hamlet of the day, Hornillos del Camino with a welcoming bar, before continuing on to Hontanas. Walking through these beautiful, vast landscapes allows you time to think of your motives for completing the St James Way now that you are half way through your journey. Reaching Hontanas you can find somewhere to enjoy a bite to eat before undertaking the final stretch of your way, passing the Monastery of Saint Anthony, a fascinating remnant of the old Camino as you make your way to Castrojeriz. This pretty village of Romanesque origin, perched on a hilltop, owes its pre-eminence to the history of the pilgrimage. If you are feeling energetic, you can enjoy a stroll up to the castle before enjoying dinner in your hotel.

Fuelled by your hotel breakfast, you leave Castrojeriz and set out on today's journey which begins with a short steep ascent before taking you on through a sea of wheat dotted with quaint little villages. Before long you will approach a great statue of St James himself, just before you enter the first village of the day, Itero de la Vega. Here you will find a welcoming bar and cafe, perfect for a spot of lunch before continuing on your way to the next village of the day, Boadilla del Camino. This was a key pilgrim village during the 13th century, boasting a monastery and four churches to support pilgims. Today however, it is much smaller with a population of just 100 residents. Leaving the village, you join a path alongside the Canal de Castella before crossing the canal to complete your walk in Fromista. This lovely village has had an eclectic influence with the Celts, Romans, Moors and Pilgrims all having made their mark. You can soak up the atmosphere over a welcomed drink in one of the cafes close to the imposing Romanesque Church of San Martin in the centre of the plaza.

Today's section of the Camino is an easy walking, flat section as you continue through the meseta. Similarly to yesterday your route will take you through several quaint villages, all whom have seen pilgrims pass through since medieval times. Just imagine how many visitors that is over the centuries! As you reach Poblacion de Campos you will see the 13th century Romanesque Hermitage of San Miguel which once belonged to the Knights of Malta. You will also find several bars where you can enjoy a morning coffee stop. Continuing on your way you will pass through Revenga de Campos, Villarmentero, and Villalcazer de Sirga before finally arriving in Carrion de los Condes. Full of old charm, this is one of the largest villages along the French Way to Leon. A town of great importance of old pilgrimages of Santiago de Compostela you will see the town's medieval origins in the historic buildings as you explore the town. In the evening you can relax with dinner in your accommodation and enjoy some rest before the next stage of your journey.

Your route today will explore the Meseta de Carrion de los Condes to reach Terradillos de los Templarios. Before beginning your walk today we recommend paying a visit to the delicious smelling bakery where you can stock up on tasty treats for your picnic. Leaving Carrion you will soon feel at peace on your journey with the nearest village some 16km away. This is one of the intriguing elements of the journey on the Camino, as your mind runs away with your thoughts and you meet and walk with other fellow pilgrims along the route. Following an old Roman road which connected Astorga to Bordeaux you will come to the first village of the day, Calzadilla de la Cueza. Throughout the afternoon you will pass through more villages where you can enjoy refreshments until you reach Terradillos de Templarios, your welcome home for the evening.

As you begin todays walk the first town you will come to is Sahagun. At this point the peace and tranquillity you have been able to enjoy over the past few days comes to an end, as the Camino de Madrid joins the Camino Frances. Although the route becomes a little busier at this point it is great to meet new pilgrims and be able to hear each other's tales from the different routes. The town also marks the half waypoint along the Camino Frances. You may see fellow pilgrims who have started their journey in St Jean Pied de Port celebrating the fact that they have made it to this point. You will have time to enjoy a coffee and soak up the buzz of the atmosphere before continuing on your way towards today's goal, El Burgo Ranero. Just a few kilometres on from Sahagun you will reach the sleepy village of Calzada del Coto where the streets come alive between 14th-17th August each year with the annual festival of San Roque. You continue on reach El Burgo Ranero where the main street of the village is the St James Way itself. Settling into your accommodation you can feel satisfied that you have completed the longest day of your pilgrimage and can look forward to dinner in your accommodation.

After a long day yesterday your legs will be pleased to hear that today's route is relatively flat as you make your way to the charming old-world village of Mansilla de las Mulas. Unlike most legs on the Camino your route today is more direct and does not wind its way through the many little villages, so ensure you pay a visit to the local bakery before setting off. You will pass through the Roman village of Reliegos, built on the meeting point of two Roman roads, the Via Traiana and the road from Tarragona. The village has diminished over the years and today is a photogenic mix of crumbling buildings alongside typically rural Spanish homes. You will also find a welcoming bar here to relax for a moment over a cool refreshment before continuing on the final leg of your route to Mansilla de las Mulas. Checking into your accommodation for the evening you can explore this lovely town which sits on the banks of the River Esla. Fernando II of Leon built the walled town in the 12th century and you can still walk along the walls for fantastic views over the landscape. A great way to end your day as you look over the route you have taken and your final journey ahead.

Your final day walking the St James Way will take you through many small villages as you near your final goal and a key city on the Camino, Leon. We recommend an early start today to allow you plenty of time to explore this fantastic city and celebrate your achievements of completing your pilgrimage. Leon is steeped with history which is showcased through its architecture. From the famous Convento de San Marcos, considered to be the most important Spanish Renaissance building in the country; to its beautiful French style gothic cathedral; and the basilica of San Isidoro with its royal pantheon decorated in colourful frescoes; the city's architecture tells a fascinating story and is bursting with charm for you to discover. It is also home to Gaudi's Casa Botines, yes, that's the same Gaudi responsible for Barcelonas Park Guell and Sagrada Familia. The famous architect not only produced masterpieces in Barcelona but in the north of Spain too. As the evening draws in the city truly comes alive with the vibrant bars and restaurants bustling with locals, pilgrims and tourists alike making for a fantastic atmosphere as you gain your final stamp in your 'Camino Passport' and raise a glass and toast to completing your journey along St James Way.

Enjoy breakfast with a feeling of pride that you completed 289km of the St James Way. Perhaps take a final stroll around Leon before making your onward journey. OPTION TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP: If you would like to end you stay with receiving your certificate of distance in Santiago de Compostella it is possible to add on an additional night at the end of your trip in Santiago. We are also able to arrange a private transfer from Leon to Santiago too. Please ask our sales team for more details. If you wish to complete the next section of the Camino Frances from Leon to Santiago it is possible to pair your holiday with our Self-Guided Camino: The French Way trip for an even bigger challenge. Simply ask our sales team and they will be happy to book this for you.