So, you’ve decided to walk the Camino de Santiago. Welcome! You are about to take one of the most rewarding steps of your life. The question every first-timer asks is: where do I even begin?
With over a dozen routes, hundreds of kilometres to choose from, and countless logistics to plan, the Camino can feel overwhelming before you’ve even laced up your boots. That’s exactly where a custom Camino tour package makes all the difference. At Follow the Camino, we’ve been organising personalised Camino journeys since 2006, and we know that no two pilgrims are alike — and neither are their trips.
This guide breaks down the best custom Camino tour options for first-time pilgrims, so you can find the package that fits your time, fitness, budget, and spirit.
The Most Popular Custom Camino Packages for First-Timers
1. Sarria to Santiago — The Classic First Camino (Camino Francés)
Distance: 113.5 km | Duration: 7 days
If you’re walking the Camino for the first time and only have a week, the Sarria to Santiago package on the Camino Francés is our #1 best seller — and for good reason. Starting in the charming town of Sarria in Galicia, this stretch covers the famous final 100km of the most iconic pilgrimage route in the world.
Walking from Sarria to Santiago means you’ll earn your Compostela (the official certificate of completion), experience the true pilgrimage atmosphere with fellow walkers from around the world, and pass through beautiful Galician countryside, forests, and medieval villages before arriving at the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
This is the perfect entry point: manageable daily distances, well-marked trail, great infrastructure, and a deeply moving finish. It’s moderate in difficulty, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
2. Oia to Santiago — A Scenic Coastal Alternative (Camino Portugués Coastal)
Distance: 143.1 km | Duration: 8 days
For first-timers who want something a little different — ocean breezes, Atlantic coastline, and stunning Galician fishing villages — the Oia to Santiago package on the Camino Portugués Coastal is one of our most popular options. Starting in the beautiful village of Oia, just south of Vigo, this route hugs the coast before heading inland toward Santiago.
It’s visually spectacular and slightly less busy than the Camino Francés, which many first-time pilgrims appreciate. The daily distances are well-paced, and the combination of coastal and rural scenery makes every day feel rewarding.
3. Short Break Camino Packages — Perfect If You’re Time-Poor
Duration: 4–6 days | Various routes
Not everyone can take two weeks off work for their first Camino — and that’s completely fine. Our Short Break Camino packages are designed for pilgrims with limited time who still want a genuine, meaningful experience on the trail.
These shorter packages typically cover the most scenic and historically significant sections of a given route. They’re a great way to test the waters, fall in love with the Camino, and — as many of our clients discover — come back for more.
4. Camino Deluxe — Walk in Comfort and Style
For first-time pilgrims who want to experience the Camino without roughing it, our Camino Deluxe packages offer hand-picked premium accommodation — boutique hotels, paradores, and charming country estates — along with luggage transfers, personalised itineraries, and optional extra services like private airport transfers.
The Camino Deluxe is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the pilgrimage experience by day, and recover in style and comfort by night.
5. Budget Camino — The Camino Without Breaking the Bank
Various routes & stages
First-time pilgrims on a tighter budget don’t have to sacrifice quality or organisation. Our Budget Camino packages use carefully selected guesthouses and local B&Bs that offer an authentic atmosphere.
From the rolling vineyards of the Camino Portugués to the dramatic mountain crossings of the Camino Francés, there’s a budget-friendly option on virtually every major route. You choose the path, the stage, and the number of days — and we’ll handle everything else, keeping costs as low as possible without compromising on the experience.
Budget packages are also a smart way to dip your toes in before committing to a longer or more expensive trip.
6. Guided Group Camino Tours — Walk with Companions
If the idea of walking alone feels daunting for your first time, our Guided Group Tours are a wonderful option. You’ll join a small group of like-minded pilgrims led by one of our expert Camino guides, with everything organised for you — accommodation, luggage transfers, meals, and daily briefings.
Group tours also depart on fixed dates throughout the year, and our 2026 guided departures are now available to book.
Which Camino Route Is Best for a First-Timer?
This is one of the questions we’re asked most often. The honest answer is: it depends on you. Here’s a quick guide:
- Camino Francés (French Way) — The most popular and best-supported route. Great for first-timers who want company on the trail, excellent infrastructure, and the most iconic experience.
- Camino Portugués Coastal — A beautiful, slightly quieter alternative with stunning Atlantic scenery. Ideal for those who love the coast.
- Camino Portugués (Inland) — A wonderful blend of Portuguese towns and countryside, starting in Porto or Lisbon. Very manageable and increasingly popular.
- Camino Ingles — One of the shortest routes to earn a Compostela, starting in Ferrol or A Coruña. An excellent option if you only have 4–5 days.
Your dedicated Follow the Camino Planner will help you choose the right route based on your fitness level, time available, and what you’re hoping to get from the experience.
What’s Included in a Follow the Camino Package?
Every custom Camino tour package we create includes:
- Pre-trip planning with your dedicated Camino Specialist
- Accommodation booked and confirmed at each stage
- Daily luggage transfers from hotel to hotel (so you only carry a daypack)
- Walking notes / guidebook
- Online pre-departure briefing with one of our Camino Specialists
- 24/7 emergency support during your trip
- Carbon offset for your journey (Follow the Camino holds B-Corp certification)
Additional options such as airport transfers, meal packages, extra rest days, or taxi transfers for difficult stages can be added at any time.
Why Book Your First Camino with Follow the Camino?
Follow the Camino has been organising Camino de Santiago trips since 2006. We use personal experience of every route, decades of industry knowledge, trusted long-term suppliers, and custom-built technology to design each trip around our clients.
We know every kilometre of the main Camino routes through France, Spain, and Portugal — right down to GPS-accurate trail data. We know which hotels are worth the extra few euros and which local B&Bs offer an experience you won’t find in any guidebook.
Most importantly, we get to know you. From the moment you get in touch, you’ll work with one dedicated Camino Specialist who will fine-tune every detail and be available to you throughout your journey. No automated systems. No call centres. Real people, with a real passion for the Camino.
Ready to Plan Your First Camino?
Whether you have 5 days or 5 weeks, a tight budget or a taste for luxury, a solo adventure in mind or a trip with your family — there’s a custom Camino tour package designed for you.
