Faithful Footsteps: Camino Primitivo

4-17 October 2027

Duration

Departure

04 October 2027

Price from

$ 5,630

INFORMATION SESSIONS

Join us online to go through the day to day itinerary, meet the tour leader, review inclusions/exclusions and ask questions.

City	Location	Date	Time	Booking
Online	Zoom	August 18, 2026	7:30 pm	RSVP

Map

FAQ

OVERVIEW

The story begins in the early 800s, shortly after the supposed discovery of the tomb of Saint James the Great in Santiago de Compostela.

King Alfonso II of Asturias, ruling from Oviedo, is believed to have been the first pilgrim. Upon hearing of the discovery, he travelled west to verify it—establishing what became known as the Camino Primitivo (“Original Way”).

For a period, the Camino Primitivo was the main route to Santiago. Pilgrims from across northern Spain and beyond would travel to Oviedo first—an important religious centre housing relics in the Cámara Santa—before continuing on to Santiago.

A saying from the Middle Ages reflects this:

“He who goes to Santiago and not to Oviedo, visits the servant and not the Lord.”

At the time, much of southern Spain was under Muslim rule, so this northern inland route through the mountains of Asturias and Galicia was the safest path for Christian pilgrims.

By the 10th–11th centuries, as Christian kingdoms pushed south during the Reconquista, safer and more accessible routes opened up. This led to the rise of the Camino Francés, which passed through major towns and received strong royal and ecclesiastical support.

As a result, the Camino Primitivo became less travelled, remaining a quieter, more rugged alternative. Selah.

Today the walk attracts people from all over the world, searching for purpose and meaning. As a group of Christians, this is an intentional walk, for your own faith, to grow and come away spiritually refreshed, but also you’ll find yourself wanting to engage with others along The Way. And we want to give them an opportunity to find out more. Whatever your reason for walking, you will be inspired by the beauty of God’s creation as you walk, you will encounter different people along the way and you will have Selah moments with God as you connect with Him on your walk.

“We joined the Camino de Santiago tour in Spain. Lisa and her team could not have done a better job of preparing us for the walk, helping us with all our travel arrangements and ensuring that the entire group had a fantastic experience. Highlights for me were singing in a 12th century church, the deep trust developed within the group as we shared our struggles and joys, morning prayer together, walking down laneways with mossy trees, lovely meals, hot showers and especially time to reflect. The thrill of arriving in Santiago, and sense of achievement in managing the long walking days and receiving the Compostela certificate were great, but I think most of all it was the work God was doing in me and the friendships created in the group which will stay with me. Very grateful to Selah for combing incredible professionalism and faith in all that they do.”

– Cathy, VIC

Julian Dunham is married to Caroline and has four adult daughters. He is also an ordained Baptist minister who for the past fifteen years has been developing emerging leaders with Arrow Leadership in Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Ghana and Kenya. Julian has visited Spain five times and has done three Camino Frances walks. He loves singing, trekking, and speaks intermediate Spanish.

For Julian, the Camino is a ‘thin space’. In the busyness of life, it can be hard to connect with God, to hear his voice, and to speak with him. On the Camino, there is abundant time to reflect, to ask questions, to put some things to rest, and to open up to new beginnings.

Julian hopes that on Camino Primitivo our hearts will develop inward, upward, and outward. Reflecting on our inner world, who we are and what’s important to us. Deepening our relationship with God, who He is, what He thinks about us and what he calls us to. Strengthening our relationships with others, who can we bless and with whom might we need to set things right.

Highlights

Bilbao
Towns and villages on the Bay of Biscay
Oviedo
Lugo – UNESCO World Heritage city
Walk the Camino de Santiago Path to Santiago (approx 150-155 kms)
Enjoy the great outdoors mixing and meeting intentionally with others
Pilgrims Mass in Santiago and see the relic of the apostle James

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Map Destinations

Map

Destinations

TOUR INCLUDES

Travel with
like-minded people

Christian
Tour Leaders

Option of land
only package

Option of upgrading
to single room

Meals

Sights and entry
fees listed

OUR PRICING

Pricing Inclusions Exclusions

Pricing

Category	Description	Twin PP	Single
Tour only	Bilbao to Santiago EARLYBIRD	$5,630.00	$7,525,00
Tour and airfares	Estimate - not bookable until Nov 26	$8,199.00	$10,099.00
Local payment	Give to Julian on Day 1	EUR50	EUR50

Pricing is based on a minimum of 20 passengers.

Earlybird pricing is for bookings made by 30 September 2026. From 1 October 2026 the tour price will increase by $200 per person.

Inclusions

13 nights accommodation as listed in the itinerary
Breakfast daily
Modern air conditioned motor coach on 6-12 October
Luggage service for main bag transport – limit of 1 x 23 kg bag per person 13-15 Oct
Julian Dunham as your tour host & spiritual guide
Pilgrim’s shell & credential passport
2 local guided visits in Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela
6 Dinners
Entrance fees to the sites as mentioned in the itinerary

Exclusions

Departure Date	Booking
04 October 2027	BOOK NOW

FAQ

How do I book?

Please complete a Booking Form per person and pay a $1,000 deposit per person to secure your place.

Direct deposit into our account:

Please pay your $1,000 per person deposit using Pay ID with our ABN below as the reference:

PayID: ABN 92112881320
PayID Name: SELAH AU PTY LTD
Reference: PRIMITIVO + surname

Payment by credit card is accepted.

Visa/Mastercard 1.3% surcharge, American Express 1.8%

Please complete the credit card field on the booking form

For assistance please call us during business hours on 03 9245 2131 or email sales@myselah.com.au

International flights

Travel extensions

Travel insurance

Passports and visas

Most countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months after travel date.

A visa not required for Spain for Australia/NZ passport holders.

Any advice regarding passports and visas are relevant only to travellers on Australian passports. If anyone is travelling on a FOREIGN passport, Sleah must be advised immediately to source accurate visa and entry requirements. Any arrangements relating to foreign passports and entry requirements may attract a different process and fees may apply.

Rooming

Prices are based on a twin shared room containing two single beds, or triple share - often the 3rd bed is a rollaway or sofa bed.
A request to share is accepted at the time of booking. Clients electing to twin/triple share with an unknown partner of the same gender do so in the full knowledge that Selah cannot guarantee the compatibility or medical fitness of your roommate. A single supplement surcharge will apply at the time of booking. This surcharge will be refunded if Selah is able to provide a suitable partner.

Travel health

Being a walking tour you need to be in sound physical condition to participate. For infomration on hwo to prepare click HERE

Water is safe to drink in Spain. You should pack a decent first aid kit as the towns and farming areas we will be walking through have limited facilities.

There are no longer any covid restrictions or requirements in Spain.

There will be regular online meetings to help you prepare for this trip.

Booking and payment deadlines

A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is payable to secure your place on the tour.

A progress payment of $2,500 is due on 19 February 2027.

The balance of payment is due on Monday 6 July 2027.
An invoice will be forwarded to you prior to this date.

You are welcome to pay in instalments provided the balance is paid by 18 January 2025.

Payments made by Credit cards incur fees (1.3% for Visa/Mastercard & 1.8% for American Express). Direct deposits into our bank account & cheques are welcome.

Account details:

Please pay using Pay ID with our ABN below as the reference:

PayID: ABN 92112881320
PayID Name: SELAH AU PTY LTD
Reference: CAMINO NORTE + surname

Cancellation penalties

The $1,000 deposit is non refundable.
If the tour is cancelled by Selah (due to lack of number or security concerns) your deposit will be refunded.
Cancellation 90-45 days prior to departure – 50% cancellation fee of total tour cost.

Cancellation less than 45 days prior to departure or once the tour has commenced – NO REFUND
It is vital that you are adequately insured for unforeseen cancellation.

Luggage service on the Camino trail

What if I am a slow walker?

The Camino walk is not a race so please don't worry about your pace! However it would be helpful to know what your walking pace is. The best way to work it out is to go for a 3-4km walk at a leisurely pace and measure how long it takes you. You may, for example, avarage 15 minutes per km. So if we are scheduled to walk 14 kms in one day you can calculate 14km x 15 mins = 210 mins which is 3.5 hours.

If you are concerned about being ''last" then you are welcome to leave earlier and take your time. The longest walk is 20 kms so again at 15 mins per km that is just over 5 hours of walking across the whole day.

As we have a motor coach we can arrange for partial walks as well.

Should I take hiking poles?

Is the path easy to follow? What if I get lost?

The path is very well signed with Camino signs, even a simple yellow arrow spray painted can point you in the right direction. Each day you will be given a walking brief with a map and outline of what to expect.

You can also buy a local SIM card and call the leader if you get lost. Note: not all areas will have mobile phone coverage.

You can spend time walking alone or with others from the group, or others you meet along the Way. A list of our hotels and phone numbers will also be provided.

Should I be training for this?

The fitter and better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy the walk.

Start by taking short (1 hour) walks 2 or 3 times a week, wearing the boots and clothes that that you will be using for the trek. This will
improve your aerobic fitness. If you have not been walking on a regular basis you will benefit much more from taking several 1 hour walks as
opposed to one really long walk. After a couple of weeks, increase the pace during your walks so that you are breathing hard and able to speak only in short sentences. This is good for fat burning and improving lung capacity. Build up to regular longer walks (2 hours) at least twice a week. When you are comfortable completing a number of shorter walks each week, test yourself with a 3–5 hour walk over hilly terrain through bushland. Remember to
carry water and take a few rest breaks.If you are an inexperienced walker, you will benefit from including plenty of full-day (and preferably several multi-day) training walks in your schedule.
When you can comfortably complete a training walk of 6–7 hours, including rest breaks, start completing some long-weekend hikes of 15–20km both days across the most difficult terrain you can find.

Once everyone is registered Selah may offer some training walks so that we can meet & get to know each other better.

For tips on how to prepare physically click HERE

Additional walking notes

ELEVATIONS - cick on the link below:

https://selah.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Elevations_Primitivo.jpg

Barrio De Los Corrales (Otañes) Castro Urdiales 10KM

The walk from Barrio de Los Corrales via Otañes to Castro Urdiales is considered moderately challenging, with a mix of gentle countryside walking and a few steady climbs. After leaving the coast, the Camino heads inland through rolling green hills, quiet villages, and forested sections typical of northern Spain.

The main ascent comes after Ontón as the trail climbs gradually through Baltezana and Otañes toward the Alto de la Helguera area before descending toward Castro Urdiales. While there are no extreme mountain climbs on this section, pilgrims will notice a series of undulating hills and accumulated elevation gain that can make the day feel longer than expected. The reward is a beautiful descent into the historic seaside town of Castro Urdiales, with sweeping coastal views as you approach the Cantabrian coast once again.

Cobreces to Comillas (approx. 10 km)

The walk from Cobreces to Comillas is a relatively short and gentle stage of the Camino, making it an enjoyable morning of walking along the Cantabrian coast. The route features rolling countryside with a few mild hills rather than any major climbs, passing through farmland, quiet lanes, and coastal meadows with glimpses of the sea along the way.

There are a couple of gradual ascents and descents as the trail follows the natural contours of the coastline, but overall the elevation changes are moderate and manageable for most walkers. Approaching Comillas, the path descends slightly into one of northern Spain’s most charming seaside towns, known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and connections to Antoni Gaudí.

Ribadesella to Vega 10km

The walk from Ribadesella to Vega is a scenic coastal stage with a moderate level of elevation change, typical of the Camino del Norte.

The day begins with a steady climb as you leave Ribadesella, gaining height above the town and the estuary. Once on the headlands, the route becomes a series of rolling ups and downs through green pastures and coastal forest, with occasional short but steep sections as the path hugs the cliffs.

There is a notable final descent toward Vega, where the trail drops down to the long, wild beach—making for a satisfying finish after a day of undulating coastal walking.

Santa Maria de Gondar to Lugo 13 kms

From Santa María de Gondar, the final approach into Lugo is a relatively gentle and gradual walk of around 13 km, with mostly rolling countryside rather than any major climbs.

The route typically follows quiet rural tracks, small roads, and farmland, with mild undulations as you make your way toward the city. Elevation changes are modest overall—nothing sustained or strenuous—but there are a few short rises and dips as the landscape transitions from open countryside into the outskirts of Lugo.

As you near the city, the terrain flattens and becomes more urban, and the anticipation builds as you approach Lugo’s famous Roman walls. The final entry into the city is straightforward and low in elevation, leading you into the historic centre and its impressive ancient fortifications.

San Romao da Retorta/ Castrelo 20km

From San Romao da Retorta and nearby Castrelo, the walk towards Lugo is generally gentle and very manageable in terms of elevation.

The terrain is characterised by rolling Galician countryside with soft ups and downs rather than any sustained climbs. You’ll walk through a mix of farmland, small hamlets, and shaded rural paths, with gradual elevation gains that are more about rhythm than effort. There are a few mild rises as the route progresses, but nothing steep or prolonged.

As you draw closer to Lugo, the landscape slowly flattens out, and the final approach into the city is easy walking, leading you toward the historic Roman walls that mark your arrival into one of the Camino’s great milestones.

San Romao da Retorta - As Seixas 20km

The stage from San Romao da Retorta to As Seixas is a gentle, rural section of the Camino with mostly easy terrain and modest elevation changes.

The walk unfolds through quiet Galician countryside, with soft rolling hills, farmland, and shaded forest paths. There are a few gradual climbs and descents, but nothing sustained or steep—this is more of a steady undulating walk than a challenging ascent.

Overall, the elevation gain is moderate and spread out, making it a comfortable day on the trail, with the landscape easing you along as you continue your approach toward Lugo and its historic Roman walls.

As Seixas - Melide 15km

The walk from As Seixas to Melide is a pleasant and gently undulating stage of the Camino, with no major climbs but a steady rhythm of rolling countryside.

The route passes through quiet rural landscapes, small hamlets, and stretches of shaded forest paths. Elevation changes are modest, with a few gradual rises and descents as you move through the heart of Galicia. The walking is generally comfortable, though the accumulation of small hills can be felt over the course of the day.

Approaching Melide, the terrain flattens slightly as you near this well-known Camino crossroads, famous for its pulpo (octopus) and the merging of different pilgrimage routes on the way to Santiago.

Melide – Arzua 14km

The walk from Melide to Arzúa is a relatively short and gentle stage of the Camino, with mostly easy terrain and no significant climbs.

The route follows peaceful forest paths, rural tracks, and small country roads through the green heart of Galicia. Elevation changes are mild, with only a few gentle rises and descents as you pass through shaded eucalyptus woods and scattered hamlets.

Overall, it is a comfortable walking day, often felt as a transition stage, bringing you steadily closer to Santiago while allowing time to enjoy the calm countryside and the growing sense of anticipation along the final section of the Camino.

Arzua to O Pedrouzo 20km

The walk from Arzúa to O Pedrouzo is a gentle and reflective stage of the Camino with mostly rolling terrain and no major climbs.

The route winds through shaded eucalyptus forests, soft country lanes, and small farming villages typical of this part of Galicia. Elevation changes are mild and gradual, with a series of gentle ups and downs rather than any sustained ascent or descent.

It is a comfortable walking day overall, often described as peaceful and meditative, as pilgrims feel the anticipation building with Santiago now within reach. The landscape remains green and tranquil, offering a calm final overnight stop before the last stage into the city.

O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela 20km

The final walk from O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela is one of the most memorable stages of the Camino, with a mix of gentle countryside and a few steady climbs.

The route begins with undulating forest paths and rural tracks through eucalyptus woods and small hamlets. There are several gradual ascents and descents early in the day, but nothing overly steep. As you approach the outskirts of Santiago, the terrain becomes more urban and the walking flattens out.

What is the Pilgrim's Passport & Compostela certificate?

A pilgrim passport is part of your Camino experience. While it is not strictly necessary to have one if you are not staying in Albergues they are are still a great memento of your trip.

The pilgrim’s passport is a folded piece of card with space for 54 stamps.

The passport is used to verify the distance you have walked, regardless of your route and is proof that you are a ‘real’ pilgrim and are not travelling by car or public transport along the Camino. The passport is a wonderful memento of your pilgrimage and is used to determine monthly statistics on the Camino such as how many pilgrims are walking into Santiago each year. It is also a great interaction with local people as you source your stamp from them.

Once you have completed the Camino Del Norte you can obtain your official certificate of completion, which is known as the Compostela. As long as you have walked at least 100km and got stamps for every day on the Camino you are eligible for your Compostela.