Camino de Santiago - The Inner & Outer Journey

Overview

This pilgrimage, which has found its way onto many travel bucket lists, is a profound opportunity to experience a transformative inner and outer journey. It is not just a physical journey, but a deeply personal one, offering space for spiritual growth, connection with fellow women, and a renewed sense of self. The Camino de Santiago is a world-renowned pilgrimage trod by spiritual seekers for more than 1,000 years. With its stunning landscapes, medieval villages, castles and Roman ruins, walking the Way of St. James offers a unique opportunity to connect with ancient culture and meet like-minded people from around the world – all while experiencing a deeply meaningful inner journey. Many embark on the Camino with a question or desire for clarity. Immersing oneself for 14 days in this inspiring setting with a single focus to reach a destination has a way of quieting the mind and allowing inner wisdom to surface. It is a time for slower-paced reflection far from the responsibilities of daily life. You’ll be encouraged to allow yourself solo time while you walk, journal, and spend part of each day in silence. You will enjoy the support of the fabulous women on the trip and the beautiful framework that The Work of Byron Katie gives for inner inquiry and connected conversation with others. We will walk 180 miles along the first leg of the Way of St. James, from St. Jean Pied de Port, France, to Burgos, Spain. This route, which crosses the Pyrenees Mountains on the first day, is more challenging and remote than others. It offers pilgrims space for quiet contemplation and less crowded towns along the way. The pilgrimage requires a moderate level of fitness, and this year’s participants should be experienced walkers prepared for the physical demands of the journey. We encourage you to invite a traveling partner, or come alone and meet wonderful new friends along the Way! People of all ages and experience can embrace this journey. Join us for this empowering and enriching experience, designed to nourish the body, mind and soul.

Highlights

Walk the most famous pilgrimage in Spain

We will walk the French Way starting in the historic town of St. Jean Pied de Port to the vibrant city of Burgos. This is a particularly picturesque portion of the Camino once walked by Christians following the remains of St. James, the Apostle, featuring remnants of Roman bridges, Celtic walls, castles, and monasteries. It is now a beloved route for those seeking clarity of purpose, camaraderie, and a special sense of accomplishment.

Incorporate a powerful tool for inquiry

Trip host Aileen Cheatham will offer opportunities to experience the power of The Work of Byron Katie throughout the journey. Our focus on this Camino will be the body and any stressful thoughts related to it. Whether you’re dealing with concerns about appearance, aging, pain, or addictions, you’ll have the chance to work through them. We’ll use The Work to question these thoughts, challenge limiting beliefs, as we embrace our bodies with grace and acceptance. For those already practicing The Work, this Camino offers a chance to deepen your daily practice.

Experience profound connection to yourself and others

We invite you to shed the masks and labels you wear in everyday life and let them be replaced by open, natural, and joyous connection. Practicing inquiry and journaling are supportive ways to move through what may be getting in the way of your freedom. To support you on your journey, an Honest Heart guide will offer regular thought prompts that invite you into deep reflection as well as optional check-ins.

Itinerary

We have carefully selected the itinerary and lodgings so that you can experience one of the most beautiful sections of the Camino de Santiago. We will begin in the town of St. Jean Pied de Port; a small Basque town at the foothills of the Pyrenees in France. Your journey will span 14 days and cover approximately 180 miles, culminating in the historic city of Burgos in Spain. While we will all follow the same itinerary, it is our intention that the Camino remains an individual journey where you have the freedom to follow your own guidance, choose the experiences that call you, and connect with fellow travelers that inspire you.

The day before your trip

Pre-trip

Because growth is at the heart of our journey together, we invite you to read this trip's book, Loving What Is, by Byron Katie. It provides beautiful context for your own reflection and growth along the Way, and encourages thoughtful dialog with others.
We will gather our trip group on Zoom two months before we leave to share introductions, trip goals, logistics, and to answer your questions.
You're also invited to join Camino trip host Aileen Cheatham for an optional 3-session online workshop on The Work of Byron Katie, included in the cost of your trip. We’ll have the chance to discuss the book, practice the exercises, and mentally prepare for the trip.

DAY 1

Day 1 - Arrival

Travel through the European city of your choice and catch the train to St. Jean Pied de Port.

Our pilgrimage begins in this charming Basque town nestled in the French Pyrenees. Known for its cobblestone streets, medieval walls, and the iconic Porte Saint-Jacques, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this quaint town is the beginning of the “French Way.”

DAY 2

Day 2

St-Jean - Orisson — 5 km / 3 mi
We’ll begin the day with a 3-hour workshop to set our intention for the trip and begin our inner journey.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a short, but steep walk to the tiny refuge in Orisson, offering stunning views of the Pyrenees. This stage is challenging, but rewarding. If the café is open, you’ll be able to enjoy a coffee, a cold drink or a snack before shuttling back to St. Jean where we’ll enjoy our first hosted group dinner.

DAY 3

Day 3

Orisson - Roncesvalles — 19 km / 12 mi
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll shuttle back to Orisson.The climb continues as you cross the Pyrenees into Spain. This scenic but demanding stage brings you to Roncesvalles, home to the historic Collegiate Church and monastery. This stage is famous for its scenic mountain paths and the serene forests of the Pyrenees.

DAY 4

Day 4

Roncesvalles - Zubiri — 24 km / 15 mi
A longer walk through dense forests and small picturesque villages leads to Zubiri, where you’ll cross the medieval Puente de la Rabia. The terrain varies from rolling hills to steep descents, offering a mix of challenges and picturesque views.

DAY 5

Day 5

Zubiri - Pamplona — 21 km / 13 mi
Today’s walk follows the Arga River and takes you through lush countryside before arriving in the lively city of Pamplona, known for its historic Plaza del Castillo and famous running of the bulls during San Fermín. Grab some tapas at Café Iruña, a favorite haunt of Hemingway.

DAY 6

Day 6

Pamplona - Puente la Reina — 24 km / 15 mi
This stage includes a climb over the Alto del Perdón, known for its iconic metal pilgrim statues, and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The day ends in Puente la Reina, a beautiful Romanesque bridge over the Arga River that gives the town its name.

DAY 7

Day 7

Puente la Reina - Estella — 22 km / 13.5 mi
This rolling stage takes you through vineyards and small villages, eventually arriving in Estella, known for its medieval architecture and lively plazas and the beautiful Church of Santa María. The terrain is relatively flat, making it a more relaxed day of walking.

DAY 8

Days 8 & 9

Estella - Los Arcos — 23 km / 14 mi
Pass by the famous Irache Monastery and its unique "wine fountain," where pilgrims can enjoy a taste of local wine. The journey ends in the quiet town of Los Arcos.

Los Arcos - Logroño — 26 km / 16 mi
This longer stage takes you into the heart of La Rioja wine country past the Hermitage of San Gregorio . Logroño is known for its excellent food scene, especially along Calle Laurel, where you can enjoy pintxos (small snacks or tapas) and local wine.

DAY 9

Days 10 & 11

Logroño - Nájera — 29 km / 18 mi
A day of walking through vineyards and olive groves leads to Nájera, once a royal capital, this charming town boasts the beautiful Monastery of Santa María la Real, a significant pilgrimage site with its royal pantheon and cloisters.

Nájera - Santo Domingo de la Calzada — 21 km / 13 mi
This gentle walk through fields of grain and several small villages takes you to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, famous for its cathedral and the legend of the rooster and the hen. A must-see for pilgrims!

DAY 10

Days 12 & 13

Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Belorado — 21 km / 13 mi
A pleasant walk through agricultural landscapes brings you to Belorado, a quaint town with a picturesque plaza and several pilgrim-friendly cafes. Visit the Church of Santa María or relax in the Plaza Mayor, enjoying the local hospitality.

Belorado - San Juan de Ortega — 25 km / 15.5 mi
This stage takes you through forests and over the Montes de Oca, leading to the isolated monastery of San Juan de Ortega. Known for its hospitality and the unique Romanesque capitals in its church, this is a spiritual highlight of the Camino.

DAY 11

Day 14

San Juan de Ortega - Burgos — 26 km / 16 mi
The final stretch to Burgos offers a mix of rural landscapes before entering the historic city. Burgos is home to the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is the end of our journey. We’ll end the day with a beautiful group celebration dinner hosted by Honest Heart Journeys.

DAY 12

Day 15 - Onward Travel

Depart from Burgos after breakfast, taking with you memories of new friends, diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and spiritual insights gained along the Camino. Your Life Camino begins here!

DAY 13

Continued Community

Your Honest Heart journey can continue after you arrive home. We'll host a group call several weeks after we get home so all can share further highlights and where our Life Camino is taking us. There will also be opportunities for you to continue to dive into The Work of Byron Katie with Aileen and each other.

It's also fun to see you embrace further trips so you can continue to travel with your HHJ sisters!

The Experience

We host your journey

You will receive a blank journal and a workbook with everything you need to do your Work on the Camino. We will offer prompts for daily consideration and practical exercises to invite you to reflect and journal. Throughout the trip, those wanting to join, will gather at specific, pre-scheduled meetings to share highlights, insights and realizations. Prior to the trip, we will offer an workshop (optional) on the book we’ll be reading and will explore how the practice of inquiry can help to identify and question stressful thoughts during our walk, and in our daily lives. Follow-up workshops will also be available during our journey. These workshops, along with the trip workbook and journal, will offer invaluable context for reflection and discussion.

Be ready to walk!

You should be ready to walk 12-15 miles/day (19 miles 2 of the days). Remember that walking will be your main activity while on the Camino and you have all day to accomplish it. You will be able to plan your stops for lunch, a cafe, or to rest along the way as needed. This trek is a beautiful opportunity to unlimit yourself and feel the freedom and clarity of accomplishing your goal! If you are not able to walk one day, for any reason, it is your responsibility to arrange for your transfer to the next town.

Keeping things flexible

We’ll provide you with accommodations and luggage transfers, and we’ll make suggestions for your journey, but we want you to have the autonomy to make your own choices during this journey. It is our hope that you’ll check in with yourself and discover what works best for you each day. You'll be able to pick your route (when more than one is available), who to walk with, or choose to walk alone. You can decide for yourself when and where to stop along the way, and have flexibility most evenings to choose where to dine, and with whom. We invite you to plan each stage and choose to do as much or as little as you want, or to not plan at all and experience the freedom and magic of simply following the iconic yellow arrows from stage to stage.

Lodging along the Way

We’ve selected your lodgings with comfort and culture in mind. Depending on availability, we’ll stay in small hotels or country homes. You’ll have the support (in English) of a local operator that will handle any questions or needs that you have. We will provide each traveler an itinerary with information on your specific accommodations so you can arrive and depart in your own time.

Working up an appetite

The Spanish love to eat well. Many of the restaurants along the way offer farm to table options and tasty local desserts. You'll find a variety of tapas, fresh seafood, and regional classics. Every town offers a simple, hearty 3-course ‘pilgrim’s fare’ dinner at a reasonable cost. All breakfasts and four dinners are included during the trip. You are free to plan your own lunches and the rest of your dinners. Some days, there will be an opportunity to pack a sandwich or snack at breakfast to tuck into your day pack. You can also purchase lunch, snacks or coffee in stores along the day. We recommend that you budget between $25-35/day to cover these meals and treats.

Spain in September?

September is one of the best times to walk the Camino de Santiago, as the weather is lovely, downpours are less likely, and temperatures range from the high 60’s to low 80’s F. It’s grape harvest time and you may find local festivities along the way. Autumn is also a bit quieter after the peak summer months with tourists and students on the road, but still active with plenty of pilgrims from around the world.

Important packing tips

We invite you to pack light. You’ll want hiking boots or supportive trail runners, walking poles (if they work for you), good socks (no cotton!) and a day pack to carry your water, snacks, and your rain gear. Favor quick dry clothing over cotton. Good rain gear (jacket and pants) is essential for walking comfortably during rainy days. You will only need a couple of casual outfits for evening wear. No need to carry your own bag/backpack each day. We have arranged for luggage transfers between lodgings (1 small or medium-size suitcase 45 lbs. max.) We will provide a complete planning guide, including a detailed suggested packing list.

Hosts

Aileen Cheatham

Aileen’s passion has been self-development. Her inner journey began as a young teen when her mother introduced her to the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, sparking a passion for metaphysics and inner growth. In her mid-twenties, she became a student of A Course in Miracles, a self-study course where the central teaching is the practice of forgiveness. She studied the Course for over 20 years with a beloved teacher, Dr. Kenneth Wapnick.

Aileen believes that how we experience the world is directly related to the thoughts and beliefs we hold about it. In 2007 she discovered The Work of Byron Katie. In a short time, through this powerful practice, she began to feel more relaxed, flexible, tolerant, and more deeply connected to herself and others.

Her desire to support others in their journeys led her to become a Certified Facilitator for The Work of Byron Katie and for the last twelve years she has worked with both individuals and groups, online and in person, to share this simple yet transformational method of self-inquiry. She has offered workshops in the US, Mexico, Europe, South America and Africa.

Aileen walked the Camino de Santiago in its entirety over five weeks in 2021. Setting out from St. Jean, at the foothills of the Pyrenees, she was originally unsure what exactly had drawn her to the Camino; as she walked, she discovered her calling as a listener to other travelers, and shared the transformative power of the Work with those who asked to be facilitated.

Aileen speaks English, French and Spanish fluently and has traveled extensively, especially in Europe and South America. She is excited to share her passion for travel and inner growth with the women traveling with Honest Heart Journeys.

theworkwithaileen

Jennifer Dale

Jennifer loves celebrating and encouraging the beauty she sees in others. She's a gatherer and builder who naturally nurtures community and hosts safe environments for meaningful connection. She believes in our inherent wholeness and need for discovery and growth. While pursuing careers in dance and design, Jennifer recognized that she thrived most nurturing people. She spent almost two decades developing and facilitating programmed trips and events for faith-based community with Adventure Unlimited and her church. This included helping develop DiscoveryBound's National Leadership Council servant leadership program for teens as director during some of its formative years. As dean of girls at Principia School, Jennifer heard a calling to nurture the kind of sisterhood that defies current cultural stereotypes and expectations. Honest Heart Journeys was conceived during long conversations about strong, gracious womanhood with a sister friend during COVID lockdowns. She loves writing about timeless women’s topics in her frequent HHJ blog.Wherever Jennifer's gone, her 'sisters' -- wonderful women with whom she’s built teams, programs, and deep friendships – have been steady, supportive companions. This kind of quality sisterhood is woven through the HHJ experience. It encourages others to give time to nurture their spiritual and personal hearts and gently holds them accountable to seeing and living their fullness, which of course blesses others.Travel has always been a passion of Jen’s, and she’s experienced firsthand the powerful impact of intentional programming facilitated within correlative environments. Hiking the Camino has been on her bucket list for years, and she hopes it can become an annual personal pilgrimage with HHJ!

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FAQs

Trip Registration

Reserve your spot through our website. We require a 50% deposit with full payment due 90 days prior to the departure date. We welcome payments via credit card, check, or Zelle (jen@honestheartjourneys.com). Credit card payments will incur a surcharge. We're happy to work with you to establish a payment plan as well.

If you have ANY questions, we'd love to talk with you! Reach out any time at info@honestheartjourneys.com.

Cancellation Policy

A deposit of 50% of the HHJ trip cost is required to reserve your spot on the trip.

If a cancellation is made prior to 180 days before the trip date, the entire deposit will be refunded less a $300 per person service charge. If a cancellation is made from 180 to 90 days prior to the trip departure date, 50% of the deposit will be refunded. If a cancellation is made within 90 days of the trip departure date, the entire trip fee is forfeited. All cancellations must be received in writing to info@honestheartjourneys.com.

It is highly unlikely that we will cancel a trip, but we do reserve the right to cancel due to weather, natural disasters, emergencies or a lack of sufficient reservations. If we cancel a trip, a full refund of the trip deposit and any final payment will be given.

Trip Insurance

HHJ requires that you obtain travel insurance in case of cancellation, unexpected medical circumstances, or the need for evacuation. We want you to make a decision that meets your needs. Though we do not recommend specific companies, travel industry colleagues have recommended the following companies: AIG Travel, Alliance, Seven Corners, Travelguard, and WorldNomads. You might also see what your credit card offers, and many airlines now offer travel insurance. Please note that many insurance companies want you to purchase trip insurance within five days of booking.

Planning Guide

The planning guide that we provide all registered guests who are paid in full includes a full trip itinerary, packing list, supportive travel information, release forms for you to review/sign/return to us, information on our trip curriculum using The Work of Byron Katie, and other supporting materials. There is also a link to a guest survey that collects your important information.

Travel Information

This trip on the French Way begins in St. Jean Pied de Port, France and ends in Burgos, Spain. For arrival, fly into your choice of European cities (Paris or Madrid most likely), then fake the train to St. Jean Pied de Port (sncfconnect). For your departure, plan to catch the train from Burgos to your departure city (Renfe).

Passports

Please check your passport well in advance of your departure date and make sure that is is valid. Your passport must be:

issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the 'date of issue')
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the 'expiry date').

Reviews

My trip with HHJ brought out my true self, the self I haven't seen or felt in a very long time!

HHJ Trip Guest

My life transformed a year ago while walking the Camino de Santiago with Aileen, a 10+ year expert facilitator for The Work of Byron Katie. Walking the Camino de Santiago invites the trekker to pause and move inward to a place often not visited in our busy and complex home lives. Aileen and Jennifer, both wise and highly skilled women, give the traveler expert guidance and a compassionate and safe space to process the inner wisdom that unfolds along the way.

I was blown away by the opportunity to connect with an amazing group of women in a way I did not know was possible and in a format which opened up a beautiful way to connect and talk.

Camino de Santiago - The Inner & Outer Journey

Overview

Highlights

Walk the most famous pilgrimage in Spain

Incorporate a powerful tool for inquiry

Experience profound connection to yourself and others

Itinerary

Pre-trip

Day 1 - Arrival

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Days 8 & 9

Days 10 & 11

Days 12 & 13

Day 14

Day 15 - Onward Travel

Continued Community

The Experience

We host your journey

Be ready to walk!

Keeping things flexible

Lodging along the Way

Working up an appetite

Spain in September?

Important packing tips

What's Included

What's Included

What's Not Included

Gallery

Hosts

Aileen Cheatham

Jennifer Dale

Tickets

1 Adult - Double Occupancy

FAQs

Trip Registration

Cancellation Policy

Trip Insurance

Planning Guide

Travel Information

Passports

Reviews

Add Ons

Single Supplement

Related Blog Posts

First Day on the Camino

The Camino Way

How I came to the work of Byron Katie

Camino de Santiago - The Inner & Outer Journey