Fly from London to Bilbao and transfer to the 3-star Hotel Conde Duque (or similar) for a two-night stay.
Spanish Ways
Spain
8 nights 4 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookThis multi-faceted tour of northwest Spain takes in four autonomous regions, beginning in the Basque Country, visiting the renowned La Rioja wine region, and walking the pilgrim paths of Castilla y León and Galicia, on a route from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela
Overview
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Overview
During the Middle Ages, the Camino de Santiago, or ‘Way of St. James’, was among the most revered religious routes in Europe. Today, it is the only UNESCO protected route in the world. This tour takes the Camino (ways) through four formerly independent kingdoms, each with its own culture, customs and cuisine.
Covering varied and vividly scenic landscapes, visiting famous vineyards, medieval towns and splendid cities, and following the pilgrims’ progress on foot as we walk selected sections of the route; the tour takes us from the bridges, beaux-arts façades, and iconic Guggenheim Museum of Basque Bilbao to the La Rioja region, where hundreds of wineries fill the sheltered miles below the Cantabrian Mountains, and culture comes in the old-world streets of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
Crossing Castile-León, we begin in Burgos, the kingdom’s capital for 500 years, its old town area flanked by monasteries. León is fabulously photogenic, its basilica built into ancient city walls; and Ponferrada punctuates the pilgrim route with its Templar Castle. In Galicia, Santiago de Compostela marks the end of the Way of St. James with ravishing buildings of mellowed stone surrounding the cathedral, which holds the apostle’s tomb.
Highlights
- French’ route
- Enjoy Bilbao’s architecture
- UNESCO Site: Burgos Cathedral
- La Rioja vineyards & tasting
- Medieval Astorga
- UNESCO: Santiago de Compostela
Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Bilbao
Day 2 - Enjoy a walking tour of Madrid
A walking tour of the city passes the stately façade of Spain’s oldest private university, the Jesuit-owned Deusto, and the striking pedestrian crossing of the estuary, the Zubizuri (Basque ‘White’) Bridge. Visit the Guggenheim Museum, Gehry’s masterpiece in gleaming fish-scale titanium.
(B, D)
Day 3 - Visit a vineyard for a wine tasting and continue to Santo Domingo
Travel to the Ebro Valley vineyards of La Rioja for a wine tour and tasting. Continue to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, on the banks of the Oja River. After time at leisure take your first steps on the Camino de Santiago, walking (6km approx.) on a section of the Pilgrim Road. Continue to Burgos for two nights at the 4-star Rice Reyes Católicos Hotel (2025 - Hotel Corana de Castilla).
(B)
Day 4 - Explore Burgos on a walking tour with the afternoon at leisure
A morning walking tour of Burgos includes the Gothic Cathedral. Afternoon at leisure, perhaps take a riverbank walk (3km approx.) to a Carthusian monastery; or stroll the historic quarter, with the gilded Miraflores monastery at the eastern end, the Reales monastery cloisters to the west, and countless churches, palaces and restaurants in between.
(B)
Day 5 - Enjoy a scenic walk before a tour of León
Scenic walk (3km approx.) along the Pilgrim route, before travelling to León, where a walking tour includes the cathedral. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Meliá León. (B)
(B)
Day 6 - Visit Astorga, later travelling to Monte Irago and Molinaseca
Visit Astorga, a medieval walled town at the meeting point of the Roman Silver Road and the Camino de Santiago route. Drive to Monte Irago, and walk along the Camino in the Bierzo area (3.5km approx.); continue to Molinaseca for overnight at the 4-star No-Mad Green Hotel.
(B, D)
Day 7 - Transfer to Galicia and walk along the Pilgrim route
Travel to Galicia and visit the village of O Cebreiro, brimming with character from its thatched ‘pallozas’ (round stone houses) to its church. Walk (4km approx.) along the final stretch of the Pilgrim route; continue to Santiago de Compostela for two nights at the 3-star Hotel Gelmirez.
(B, D)
Day 8 - Enjoy a tour of Santiago de Compostela
A Santiago de Compostela city tour takes you to its focal point, and to the end of the pilgrims’ journey, the innately atmospheric Plaza del Obradoiro, where Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque and Renaissance façades display seven centuries of the city’s past, gathered together around the cathedral, in which, in a crypt beneath the main altar, is the tomb of St. James the Apostle. Your afternoon is free for independent exploration.
(B)
Day 9 - Travel home from Santiago de Compostela
Transfer to Santiago de Compostela airport for the return flight.
(B)
Notes:
Walks on Days 3, 4, 5 & 7 are not compulsory but do involve some uneven surfaces and walking of up to 90 minutes.
Reviews
Accommodation
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
Hotel Conde Duque - Bilbao
A 3-star hotel located down town, just a short walk from the Cathedral and Guggeheim museuem. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free). 65 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
Hotel Corona de Castilla - Burgos
A 4-star hotel located near to the Cathedral and archaeological museum. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free). 87 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Meliá Hotel - León
A pleasant and modern 4-star hotel in the centre of León with restaurant, snack bar, gym and WiFi (free). 127 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
No-Mad Green Hotel - Molinaseca
A rural-style 4-star hotel in Molinaseca village with restaurant, bar, garden and WiFi (free). 22 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer and satellite TV.
Hotel Gelmirez – Santiago de Compostela
A 3-star hotel, 10 minutes walk from the Cathedral. Gym and WiFi (free). 132 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
- Travel Guides -
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
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Dates & Prices
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
London Gatwick Airport from £ 2245
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 8 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 3 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, any government or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
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