Highlights of the Camino Primitivo
Highlights of the Camino Primitivo
$1390
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Camino Primitivo, the original route to Santiago de Compostela. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the stunning landscapes of Spain, from the Gothic Cathedral in Oviedo to the UNESCO World Heritage Roman walls in Lugo. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hikers as you traverse forested terrains, visit historic monasteries, and explore the charming cities of Lugo, Tineo, and Oviedo. Stay in quality hotels, farmhouse B&Bs, and guesthouses, savoring delicious continental breakfasts and three-course dinners. With luggage transfers and digital maps provided, this adventure offers a perfect blend of cultural, historical, and spiritual experiences. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Oviedo
Location: Oviedo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make your own way to Oviedo, capital of Asturias. If you arrive early in the afternoon, make sure you visit the Gothic Cathedral devoted to San Salvador, the historic holy site where the Camino begins. This evening you can enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere and explore the charming lanes in the old town and traditional cider houses around the corner from your comfortable hotel. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Through The Countryside To Puerma And Grado, Transfer To Sama De Grado (22Km/13.7Mi)
Location: Grado
Accommodation Name: rural hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Setting out from the cathedral, you'll follow the brass Camino shells through the city centre and out into the green Asturian countryside. Quiet lanes and ancient footpaths take you past peaceful villages, some with historic pilgrims’ hostels and inns. From Puerma you will follow the main road to Grado. From Grado a short transfer will take you to your charming rural hotel. Overnight in Sama de Grado.
Walking: 6.5-7hrs, 250m/820ft ascent, 375m/1230ft descent.
Day 3 : Transfer To La Espina And Walk To Tineo (11Km/6.8Mi)
Location: Tineo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today starts with a transfer to La Espina, to avoid the most recent “Camino” - a new motorway! There will be a short section walking on tarmac before you move into more serene landscapes on the way to Tineo, the capital of dairy production in Asturias. Overnight in Tineo, where our usual hotel has an indoor pool and spa. Own arrangements for dinner tonight.
Walking: 4hrs, 240m/787ft ascent, 240m/787ft descent
Day 4 : Continue Through Woodland And Via Obona Monastery To Campiello (14Km/8.8Mi)
Location: Tineo
Accommodation Name: accommodation
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Tineo you will traverse forested terrain to reach the monastery at Obona, the region’s first School of Latin and a retreat for scholars in the Middle Ages. You then follow woodland tracks and quiet tarmac lanes to reach the village of Campiello and your overnight accommodation.
Walking: 5hrs, 300m/984ft ascent, 340m/1115ft descent
Day 5 : Walk The High Route From La Mortera To El Palo And Berducedo (22Km/13.8Mi)
Location: Berducedo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer in the morning to La Mortera, where your walk begins with a tough ascent on the High Route - “la Ruta de los Hospitales” - traversing steep slopes on barren mountainsides to reach the pass at Puerto del Palo. This section has always been one of the most treacherous, due to extreme winter weather, and you’ll see ruins of centuries-old pilgrims’ hospitals on either side of the pass. Enjoy superb views from the top before the last section, on tarmac, leads to your hotel. Overnight in Berducedo.
Walking: 8.5hrs, 520m/1706ft ascent, 450m/1476ft descent.
The lower route recommended in case of weather: transfer to Pola Allande to start walking - arrangements to be made locally. Walking: 7hrs, 18km/11.25mi
It's also possible to arrange your pickup at El Palo and transfer on the last section, also to be arranged locally.
Day 6 : Descend Via Woodlands And A Dam To Grandas De Salime (15Km/9.3Mi)
Location: Grandas de Salime
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Berducedo, the route makes a slight detour to skirt a modern-day reservoir which effectively 'erased' the historic Camino in the mid-20th century. Follow a steep path down through lovely woodlands, then cross the dam to reach your charming hotel overlooking the water. Overnight in Grandas de Salime.
Walking: 6.5hrs, 330m/1083ft ascent, 970m/3182ft descent
Day 7 : Transfer To Fonsagrada And Walk To Paradavella (14.5Km/9.3Mi)
Location: Fonsagrada
Accommodation Name: lodgings
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today starts with a 30 minute transfer to avoid a long section on tarmac and on the drive you leave Asturias and enter Galicia. Your walk begins in Fonsagrada or the nearby village of A Proba de Burón. This is one of the most ancient sections of the Camino Primitivo, among green meadows and fields, past the ruins of the historic pilgrims’ hospital at Montouto. Your walk ends in Paradavella where you'll transfer to your charming lodgings near Castroverde.
Walking: 4.5hrs, 400m/1312ft ascent, 650m/2132ft descent
Day 8 : Walk Through Quintessential Galician Countryside To Lugo (18Km/11.2Mi)
Location: Lugo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A morning transfer takes you into Castroverde, then today's walk is a celebration of quintessential Galician countryside. Walking along quiet country lanes and farming tracks from one hamlet to the next, you'll pass well preserved traditional architecture, from stone barns to historic “pazos”. If you don't fancy walking so much, your hosts can drive you beyond Castroverde, to shorten the stage. Your comfortable hotel is located in Lugo’s historic town centre, just 100m from its splendid Roman walls, a UNESCO World heritage site.
Walking: 4.5-5hrs, 200m/656ft ascent, 400m/1312ft descent
Day 9 : Trip Concludes
Location: Lugo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes in Lugo after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights in a mix of 3 star city and comfortable rural hotels and village pensions -
8 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish, or a pasta dish, and finishing with a dessert.
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8 nights in a combination of quality hotels, farmhouse B&Bs, and guesthouses
Accommodation is on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities.
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Transfers as described
Transfers are included on days 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8.
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Digital information pack
Includes a smartphone app with maps and guidebook per room booked.
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Luggage Transfer
1 piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg is included. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Visitor tax
Visitor tax is included in the package.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline is provided.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Oviedo and from Lugo
Travel to the starting point in Oviedo and from the endpoint in Lugo is not included.
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Any meals and drinks not specifically listed as included are excluded.
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Travel insurance - mandatory
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the package.
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Guide - this is a self guided tour
A guide is not included as this is a self-guided tour.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Additional charges apply for solo travelers or single room bookings.
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Entrance fees not listed as included
Any entrance fees not specifically listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers not listed as included
Any transfers not specifically listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Transfers by taxi or public transport to skip a stage are not included.
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Excess Luggage
Charges apply for luggage exceeding the 20kg limit.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal items are not included in the package.
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Drinks, 2 dinners and lunches
Drinks, 2 dinners, and lunches are not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
Grading
GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 11 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. Daily ascents are between 200-800m. The trip is graded moderate as it is mainly on well defined trails, with a few off path sections only. There are many ups and downs and walking poles are definitely a good idea. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. ...more ...less
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.
Mode of Transport
Transfers are provided on days 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8, with additional options for taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights in a combination of quality hotels, farmhouse B&Bs, and guesthouses on a twin share basis, generally with ensuite facilities.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy 8 nights in a combination of quality hotels, farmhouse B&Bs, and guesthouses on a twin share basis, generally with ensuite facilities.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinners will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish, or a pasta dish, and finishing with a dessert. ...more ...less
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What kind of support is available during the walks?
The walks are fully supported, so you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements. Additionally, a digital information pack, including a smartphone app with maps and a guidebook, is provided per room booked. There is also an emergency hotline available.
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Is luggage transfer included in the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included. One piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg is allowed. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What kind of terrain and difficulty can I expect on this tour?
The walking is graded moderate. Daily walks are between 11 and 24km on well-marked trails over diverse terrain, from relatively flat to mountainous. Daily ascents are between 200-800m. The trip is mainly on well-defined trails, with a few off-path sections. There are many ups and downs, and walking poles are recommended. A good level of fitness is required. ...more ...less
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.
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Are transfers included in the tour?
Yes, transfers are included on days 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8. Additional options for taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage, but these are not included in the package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the package. You will need to arrange your own travel insurance.
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Is a guide provided during the tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking holiday, so a guide is not included.
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What happens if I arrive early in Oviedo?
If you arrive early in Oviedo, you can visit the Gothic Cathedral devoted to San Salvador, the historic holy site where the Camino begins. You can also enjoy the city's lively atmosphere and explore the charming lanes in the old town and traditional cider houses.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Highlights of the Camino Primitivo
9 Days Starting in Oviedo, Spain and ending in Lugo, Spain
Visiting: Oviedo, Grado, Tineo, Berducedo, Grandas de Salime, Fonsagrada, Lugo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UPV
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided