Three Ways to Discover the Entire Camino de Santiago

Whether you’re looking for a continuous guided adventure, manageable guided stages, or the freedom of self-guided travel, we’ve got you covered.

Walking the entire Camino de Santiago is a dream for many—a journey rich in history, cultural immersion, and stunning landscapes.

But for many, tackling all 500 miles of the Camino Francés in one go can feel overwhelming. That’s where Fresco Tours offers three thoughtfully designed ways to discover the whole Camino de Santiago (French Way) at a pace and style that works for you. Whether you’re looking for a continuous guided adventure, manageable guided stages, or the freedom of self-guided travel, Fresco Tours has you covered.

These are the three options:

1. Guided Camino in Four Stages: The Fresco Tours “Chapters”

If 500 miles at once doesn’t sound viable, Fresco’s Guided Camino in Four Stages—known as the “Chapters”—offers a flexible, yet equally rich way to complete the entire Camino Francés over time. Each chapter covers between 100 and 150 miles of the route:

*Starting from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is an option that can be requested.

Each stage is between 11 and 13 days long and fully guided, with Fresco’s signature support—accommodations with ensuite bathrooms, meals (including our signature gourmet picnic lunches), luggage transfer, and experienced guides. Thus, you can choose to complete one chapter per year, or multiple in a single year, gradually making your way to Santiago.

2. A Fresco Start: Self-Guided Camino Adventures

For those who prefer the independence of solo or private travel—but still want the support of an expert team—A Fresco Start offers a self-guided option to complete the Camino on your own terms. Accordingly, each section of the Camino Francés is available as a separate tour, and you can walk at your own pace, starting and finishing when it suits you.

Fresco handles all the logistics—hotels, luggage transfers, maps, and recommendations—so you can walk with confidence and freedom. Undeniably, it’s a great fit for more experienced travelers or those who want a bit more solitude on their pilgrimage.

We offer the following self-guided tours to walk the full Camino:

** This section, approximately 250 miles, is offered on demand. Contact our Sales Team for more information.

3. Camino Horizons Tour: Discover the Entire Camino Walking Short Sections

For those ready to fully immerse themselves in the Camino experience from start to finish, the Camino Horizons Tour is Fresco Tours’ most comprehensive offering. This adventure begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and ends in Finisterre on the Spanish Atlantic coast. Naturally, we also visit Santiago de Compostela and pay our respects to Saint James!

Camino Horizons is a 13-day / 12-night adventure along the legendary Camino de Santiago French Way. The tour is designed for those who want to experience the entire route without walking every step. Thus, this unique journey combines scenic guided walks with private coach transfers between key highlights. This allows you to cover the full 500 miles of the Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre on the Atlantic coast.

Each day features carefully selected short walks on some of the Camino’s most beautiful and iconic stretches. These walks include cultural visits, insightful commentary, and Fresco’s signature gourmet picnics. It’s the perfect option for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the Camino’s spirit, landscapes, and traditions—without the physical demands of walking the entire way!

Are you ready for the Three Ways to Discover the Entire Camino de Santiago?

AUTHOR

Picture of Jeffery Barrera

Jeffery Barrera

Jeffery is a seasoned Camino tour leader who also works part-time in the Marketing and Media Content Department at Fresco Tours. Originally from the United States, Jeffery now lives in Madrid, Spain, where he earned a BA in Fine Arts. Though he considers himself a Spaniard at heart, he remains deeply proud of his American heritage. Over his 13-year tenure with Fresco Tours, he has led more than 80 tours to Santiago de Compostela. A passionate Camino enthusiast, Jeffery has walked the French, Portuguese, Primitive, English, Gran Canaria, Madrid, Salvador, and Uclés routes. He is also the author of three Camino de Santiago guidebooks, available at BarreraBooks.com.