The French Way - Following Tradition

5 Weeks - The Whole Trail31 Days / 30 nights

Some people don’t want to miss athing, and if you have the time, youwon’t regret a single moment of thisjourney.! ! Start at the French/Spanishborder and cross the entire plateau ofNorthern Spain. Cover 4 distinctregions and countless villages...

The French Way - 5 Week TripDay 1

Madrid to Pamplona

Arrival at Madrid airportand transfer via high speedtrain to Pamplona, yourstarting point and home forthe first night.

Day 3 Puente La Reina - Estella22 km (13 miles)Very medieval-like feeling today walking through little hamlets of the XII andXIIIth century. Estella, the final stop is a great place to discover as it is rich intypical Basque architecture.

Day 4 Estella - Los Arcos22 km (13 miles)

Crossing the Iratxe monastery is the high point. Founded inthe Xth century, you’ll be offered their traditional  red wine,tough to refuse.

Day 5 Los Arcos - Logroño28 km (17 miles)

Leaving the Navarra region and entering La Rioja, famous for their reputedvineyards. !The medieval towns and fortress walls of Torres del Rio and Vianaare reminders of the harsh battles that took place along this border.

Day 2 Pamplona - Puente La Reina23 km (14 miles)A great first day of walking awaits, passing legendarypassage ‘Alto de Perdon’ and ending in Puente laReina with its impressive XIth century bridge.

The French Way - 5 Week TripDay 6 Logroño - Najera29 km (17 miles)Najera holds its name from the arabic root, meaning ‘place between the rocks’.Located on the river banks and surrounded by bright orange cliffs, it's anobviously-appropriate name.

Day 8 Santo Domingo de la Calzada – Belorado23km (14 miles)Today is a tranquil day, passing through a series of villages that have beenmarked in some way by the history of the Camino. Belorado was constantlydisputed between the kingdoms of Castilla and Navarre.

Day 10 San Juan de Ortega – Burgos28km (17 miles)

Today’s lovely walk passes the tiny hamlet of Atapuerca, renown for a storythat is not linked to the Camino in the least. In 1992, archeological excavationsdiscovered the remains of what is known as the ‘first European’, a Neandertalskeleton dating over 800,000 years ago.

Day 7 Najera – Santo Domingo de la Calzada21km (13 miles)Today’s highlight is discovering the village of SantoDomingo de la Calzada. Founded by and for,pilgrims, by a hermit who settled close to the river.

Day 9 Belorado – San Juan de Ortega24km (15 miles)

We end next to the XIth century Monastery of San Juande Ortega. Famous for its decorative columns that depictthe duel between Roland and the Moor Giant Ferragut.

The French Way - 5 Week TripDay 11 Burgos – Hontanas30km (19 miles)After Burgos, starts the most mentally challenging sections of the Camino. Youare entering the Meseta (also known as Paramos) – Spain’s high plateau desert.Although repetitive scenery, many villages and sites you come across havetheir own charm and the peace and serenity found here can be very inspiring.

Day 13 Boadillo Del Camino - Carrion De Los Condes25 KM (15 miles) Peaceful walk today and ending in a village that, at its peak, had over 14,000habitants. Filled with well maintained monasteries and churches. !

Day 15 Terradillos De Los Templarios – El Burgo Ranero29 Km (18 Miles)

Another long day in distance but, once again, all on level ground. Passing thetown of Sahagun, anciently known as the capital of the ‘Poor Romanesque’ dueto the materials used to build their churches and buildings, with adobe beingpreferred to stone. !

Day 12 Hontanas – Boadillo Del Camino28 Km (17 Miles) We stop today in Boadilla del Camino, known for itsXVth century ‘rollo’ where people were publiclyjudged and a XIIIth century roman baptismalsculpted in stone located inside the Asuncion church.

Day 14 Carrion De Los Condes – Terradillos De LosTemplarios

26 Km (16 Miles) Crossing the complete desert today, no shade, no reststops. Be sure to be well prepared.!The evening ends in asmall hamlet that literally appears to be out of nowhere.

The French Way - 5 Week TripDay 16 Burgo Ranero - Mansilla De Mulas19 KM (12 miles) Mansilla de las Mulas, located on the banks of the river Esia, has a greatmedieval feel. Its large fortress and four main archways add to the ambiance.

Day 17 Mansilla de Las Mulas – León20km (12 miles)León was the capital of Christian Spain for centuriesstarting in the year 910 when the city was reclaimedfrom the Moors. Its foundation dates even furtherback to the Roman Empire, in the year 69. It isobviously filled with historical sites and monuments.

Day 19 Hospital Orbigo - Astorga17 km (11 miles)

A shorter day to allow plenty of time to visit some of thefascinating sites of Astorga.Astorga also holds some of the most important Roman ruins inthe area and a fascinating cathedral. Those with a sweet toothmay prefer a quick tour and taste at the Chocolate Museum.

Day 18 León - Hospital Orbigo31 km (19 miles)León being a large city, we traverse it for a few kilometers until Valverde de laVirgen. The terrain onwards is mainly a gentle downhill all the way to Hospitalde Orbigo. Legendary due to its impressive medieval bridge.

Day 20 Astorga - Rabanal del Camino21 km (13 miles)The entire day is a gradual ascension to Rabanal del Camino. As you exit thecity, you’ll quickly find more tranquility, as the villages crossed are tiny andsparse. Your efforts are rewarded with great views of the mountainous region.

The French Way - 5 Week TripDay 21 Rabanal del Camino - Molinaseca25 km (15 miles)A real challenging day as you continue climbing to Cruz de Hierro (the Ironcross), an emblematic place along the Camino Frances. Located atop of MountIrago at 4,970 feet, it is the highest point along the entire Camino Frances,including the Pyrenees. Adding a stone at the foot of this cross has become animportant camino ritual with many pilgrims over the centuries. A longdownhill awaits on the other side.

Day 23 Cacabelos - Las Herrerias29 km (19 miles)

Don’t let the distance fool you, it's practically all level ground. !Passing Villafranca del Bierzo, it doesn’t take long to noticewhy this has always been an important stop along theCamino. The ‘Puerta del Perdon’, Villafranca Castle, the XII thcentury Monastery of Santa Maria all await you here.

Day 24 Las Herrerias - Viduedo23 km (14 miles)By far the most difficult section on the Camino Frances, no matter how onedoes it. The morning starts with an abrupt 8.4km climb to OCebreiro. The goodnews is that once here, you arrive at one of the pretties villages on the entireCamino. This village looks, feels, and to a certain extent, is, completely Celtic.

Day 22 Molinaseca - Cacabelos23 km (14 miles)Today’s walk is a lot more level than it has been these lastfew days. We pass a series of villages located in the heart ofthe Bierzo valley as we admire the size of the neighbouringmountains that surround us.

Many enjoy spending time discovering the ancient castle ofPonferrada and the sites of Cacabelos.

The French Way - 5 Week TripDay 25 Viduedo - Sarria22 km (13 miles) or 28km (17 miles) optionAfter yesterday's big day and what was surely a good night's sleep, we aregreeted by a long 7 km downhill into the small town of Triacastela (the threeCastles). ! !At this intersection comes decision-making time.

One may opt for the shorter and direct route to Sarria for a total of 22km. If youwould like to discover Spain’s oldest and largest Monastery (Samos), thenwalking an extra 6 km is well worth the detour.

Day 28 Palas del Rei - Sedor24 KM (15 miles)

Today takes you through Melide, a village that has made Pulpo Gallegolegendary throughout the country. A simple recipe of octopus, potatoes andpaprika but when prepared just right, lights up your taste buds!

Day 26 Sarria - Portomarin21 KM (13 miles) A great day as you’ll spend most of it in the quietcountryside, discovering the peacefulness of ruralGalicia. You’ll end with a long downhill walk intoPortomarin, situated along the banks of the Mino river.

Day 27 Portomarin - Palas del Rei24 KM (15 miles)

Another peaceful day, slowly meandering through localvillages and hamlets. Some interesting untended Celticruins can be seen along the way if one has the strength tomake a short 1 km detour.

2015 PRICING - Per person, based on double occupancy, in Euros.

Mix of 2& 3 Star hotels & equivalent -2395€ (approximately 3,475$ CAD orUS)Solo traveler supplement - 950€ (approximately 1,375$ CAD or US)Budget Private Room - 1925€ (approximately 2,785$ CAD or US)Solo traveler supplement - 745€ (approximately 1,080$ CAD or US)

The French Way - 5 Week Trip

WANT MORE?Continue walking from Santiagoto Finistere, once believed to bethe ‘end of the world’. Or, start inSt-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Franceinstead of Pamplona. See detailson these extra days on page 11.

Day 29 - Sedor - Pedrouzo24 KM (15 miles) As you get closer to Santiago, you start walkingthrough more and more Eucalyptus treed forests. Thearoma is delightful as is the rest of the trail.

Day 30 - Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela20 KM (13 miles)

A shorter distance in walking today in order to takefull advantage of the city’s sites. There is tons to seeand do, on top of enjoying the fulfillment of reachingyour destination!

Day 31 - Santiago to Madrid0 KM

Afternoon return via high speed train to Madrid.

HAVE EXTRA TIME?Consider including some rest daysinto this trip. Some of the largercities such as Burgos, León andSantiago de Compostela areperfect for this. Ask us for detailsif interested.

Some of our preferred LodgingASTORGA - CASA DE TEPAAn 18th century home transformed into a beautiful smallhotel. Inner courtyard with garden & chairs to unwind in.

MOLINASECA - CASA EL PALACIOThis restored hotel, located on the river banks by a Romanbridge, offers great views and a tranquil environment.

SARRIA - HOTEL ALFONSO IXA large modern hotel with all the latest amenities, ideallylocated on the Camino Frances in the heart of town.

ARZUA - PAZO DE SEDORA lovely manor home from the 17th century, beautifuland relaxing grounds, located on the outskirts of town.

IMPORTANT NOTICEOur preferred lodges have been carefully selected for their location, comfort,charm and consistent friendly service. They are subject to availability. Shouldone of our preferred lodges not be available, we will provide you with one ofthe same standard & price.

PARADOR BERNARDO FRESNADAA former convent renovated into a beautiful hotel.Located next to the historical center of Santo Domingo.

Booking ConditionsOUR PRICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING;

- 30 nights en suite Private room & Bathroom- Luggage transfers (1 bag per person, up to 15 kilos)- High Speed Train Ticket from Madrid to Pamplona- High Speed Train Ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid- All breakfasts (only in 3 star level accommodations)- Access To 24 Hour Help Line!- Personalized Electronic Guidebook For Each Participant

Which Includes:- Camino trail map with GPS locations of your lodges- Daily route notes, elevation profiles and itineraryoverview- Informative notes and videos of sites of interest- Restaurant reviews and suggestions !- Essential services locator (banks, pharmacies, water, etc) !- Food menu translator !- Common Spanish phrasebook !- Tips for how to prepare & train for the Camino- First Aid & Emergency situation tips

OUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE;- Personal Expenses- Meals outside of breakfast- Museum entrances and paid visits- Potential taxi services to shorten days- Travel Insurance

The French Way - Following Tradition

St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France toPamplona, Spain4 Days / 3 nights

Located at the foot of the Pyrenees, thevillage of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Franceis the official starting point of theCamino Francés. Although strenuous,this 4 day addition adds gorgeousmountain scenery.

The French Way - 5 Week TripIMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THIS ADDITION

As you may have noticed, we try to encourage people to start out ofPamplona, Spain rather than St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, all related to thefirst stage between St-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles. Here is why;

1- The first stage is a 25km day of walking with over 1100m of climbing and400m of descent with little or no services (water refilling options, etc.). Noother day anywhere along the Camino comes close to being this strenuousand, this is only day 1! Most people are not over jet lag yet.

2- This day being so strenuous, the body is not quite used to walking each day- there is a tendency for blisters and exhaustion to develop by the end of thisstage. Blisters that can plague the rest of your trip and sometimes the effectscan be so bad, it has forced people to return home early.

3- This passage over the Pyrenees should not be taken too lightly either - this isa large mountain range where snow can fall any time of year (although veryrare between May-September) and fog is commonplace also - both impedingseeing the trail properly and increasing the risk of being lost. That said, on aclear day, it is among the most beautiful stages of the whole Camino so - it is aroll of the dice on what weather you will have.

Starting out of Pamplona will reduce your chances of very bad blisters -having less strenuous first days over more even terrain (day 1 from Pamplonawill still give you a big enough challenge!), giving the opportunity for yourbody to get accustomed to walking every day and to what the Camino is like.

Finally, other than the scenery, you are not missing out on many sites ofhistorical significance and can still get a great experience starting just a fewkilometers past St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Pamplona is a great city to spend a dayor two recovering from jetlag if you need it before embarking on your Camino.

Those with a lot or some trekking experience may not be turned away muchby the above. For those who are in their first trekking experience, shouldconsider starting from Pamplona or Roncesvalles (just over the mountainpass).

The French Way - 5 Week Trip

Day 4 Zubiri- Pamplona22 km (13 miles)

A shorter day so you can arrive earlier in Pamplona and take full advantage ofthe city’s sites.

Day 1 St-Jean-Pied-de-Port0 kmWork your way to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. This village is the starting point ofthe Camino Frances towards Santiago de Compostela, where three Frenchroutes merge before crossing the mountain pass into Spain.

Many people choose to fly into Paris or Bordeaux, France and take the train intoSt-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Day 2 St-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Roncesvalles25 km (16 miles)A beautiful but demanding start to the trip as you’ll spendmost of it climbing in the Pyrenees. The rewards though arewell-worth every effort as the views and tranquility of themountains are breath-taking. We end in the small village ofRoncesvalles in Spain. A morning shuttle can be arrangedfor those who want to shorten the distance.

Day 3 Roncesvalles - Zubiri22 km (13 miles)

Another peaceful day in the mountains. The terrain is not asdifficult as yesterday’s stage as we pass through more villagesand witness the more laid-back way of life in these parts.

2015 PRICING - Per person, based on double occupancy, in Euros.

Mix of 2& 3 Star hotels & equivalent -215€ (approximately 315$ CAD or US)Budget Private Room - 165€ (approximately 240$ CAD or US)Solo supplement - 95€ (approximately 135$ CAD or US)

Our Services

PERSONAL ‘GUIDE’Our Electronic Guide offers you directions, tipsand advice every step of your journey.

PERSONALIZED ITINERARYWe tailor all of our trips specifically to yourneeds, ensuring you get the trip you want.

FREEDOMSelect when you want to stop, where and whatto eat. Experience the Camino your Way.

LODGING VARIETYUnderstanding your needs and expectations,our team scopes the best places for all budgets.

TOP SERVICEOur staff is here for you from start to finish.Dedicated to make this is a trip of a lifetime.

LUGGAGE TRANSFERWe ensure your bags are waiting for you atyour destination at the end of your day’s walk.

Give yourself the best of both worlds:

-Flexibility of travelingon your own

-Security & Supportof a guided trip

“Whether you hike theentire route or just thelast stretch - it’s anexperience that willstay with you forever.”

- Rick Steves, USNationwide Columnist

Rayo Active Travel Inc, 113 Tuscany Way NW, Calgary, AB, T3L 2A4info@rayotravel.com