Highlights of the Camino Primitivo

Highlights of the Camino Primitivo

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9 Days From

$1390

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Walking sections of the original route to Santiago de Compostela

  • Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims

  • Visiting the fabulous cities and towns of Lugo, Tineo, and Oviedo with their wealth of religious and historic treasures

  • Exploring the Gothic Cathedral in Oviedo

  • Traversing forested terrain to reach the monastery at Obona

  • Walking the High Route from La Mortera to El Palo and Berducedo

  • Passing well-preserved traditional architecture in the Galician countryside

  • Seeing the splendid Roman walls in Lugo, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • 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.

  • 8 nights in a combination of quality hotels, farmhouse B&Bs, and guesthouses

    Accommodation is on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities.

  • Transfers as described

    Transfers are included on days 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8.

  • Digital information pack

    Includes a smartphone app with maps and guidebook per room booked.

  • Luggage Transfer

    1 piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg is included. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Visitor tax

    Visitor tax is included in the package.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline is provided.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to Oviedo and from Lugo

    Travel to the starting point in Oviedo and from the endpoint in Lugo is not included.

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

    Any meals and drinks not specifically listed as included are excluded.

  • Travel insurance - mandatory

    Travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the package.

  • Guide - this is a self guided tour

    A guide is not included as this is a self-guided tour.

  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

    Additional charges apply for solo travelers or single room bookings.

  • Entrance fees not listed as included

    Any entrance fees not specifically listed as included are excluded.

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Any transfers not specifically listed as included are excluded.

  • 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.

  • Excess Luggage

    Charges apply for luggage exceeding the 20kg limit.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal items are not included in the package.

  • Drinks, 2 dinners and lunches

    Drinks, 2 dinners, and lunches are not included.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees are not included.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Is a guide provided during the tour?

    No, this is a self-guided walking holiday, so a guide is not included.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure. ...more ...less

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards. ...more ...less

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable. ...more ...less

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip. ...more ...less

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable. ...more ...less

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided. ...more ...less

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile. ...more ...less

Cathy Eaton (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is...

07-Nov-2024

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is a predominantly coastal walk from the very lovely French town Collioure to Cadeques in Spain. There are 2 routes to choose each day and each have different elevation and distance. On day 5 (the 4th day of walking) there is an option to climb up to a monastery. Try not to do this on the only day it is closed (as we did) - Monday. In my opinion the day between Cerbere and Llanca was the best - really pretty coastal scenery and included some rock hopping around the sea edge. The hotels were all family run and comfortable but usually a bit out of the centre. The luggage transfers worked well. (We didn’t have supplied luggage labels and so used sticky sports tape each day to label the next hotel name). Breakfasts were all excellent, dinners varied a bit - but they were adequate. I thought the trip was good value. The trails were not crowded and I recommend October as a good time for this hike. There is little shade so it would be extremely hot at the peak of summer. ...more ...less

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done. ...more ...less

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client. ...more ...less

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

UTracks

Tour code:

UPV

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1390 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.