Santiago de Compostela
Following the ancient pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela is perhaps unique amongst modern-day pilgrimages. It is not practical for a tour to follow the old routes precisely unless you are prepared to travel extensively on foot or bicycle.
So our suggested itineraries include Santiago de Compostela, of course, as well as visiting León and sometimes Burgos en route. We also visit smaller places such as Aizua and Melide where there is an opportunity to walk part of the original Way of St James.
The three itineraries shown below, for a tour of 5 days, a tour of 6 days and a tour of 11 days, are merely samples. Your tour will be entirely tailor-made to your own specifications.
Sample 5 Day Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Santander where we will be met by our guide and then travel by coach to the city of Leon, situated in one of the most historic regions of Old Castille. En-route we will take the opportunity to walk part of the journey, following the ancient Pilgrim’s Way towards Santiago de Compostela. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Leon.
Day 2 After breakfast we have a morning tour of Leon including the cathedral, which is particularly noted for its impressive stained glass windows dating to the 13th century. In the afternoon we continue our pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, again periodically stopping to disembark from the coach and walk along more stages of the Pilgrim’s Way. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 3 After breakfast we have a morning tour of the incredibly ornate cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of the remains of St James. The cathedral is a most impressive building, with its fine baroque twin towers, intricate sculptures, facades, early tapestries and beautiful interior. Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 4 After breakfast we have a full day excursion following a scenic route through the Galicia countryside. We pass through Aizua and Melide on the Pilgrim Route, and return through Lalin and Pazo de Oca. Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 5 After breakfast, we travel to Santiago airport for our flight back to the UK.
Sample 6 Day Itinerary
Day 1 Fly from the UK to Madrid and transfer to the medieval town of Burgos for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 After breakfast we have a walking tour of Burgos which takes in the fine medieval architecture and fascinating history of this old town. In the afternoon we continue our journey to León. Dinner and overnight in León.
Day 3 After breakfast we have a morning tour of León including the cathedral, which is particularly noted for its impressive stained glass windows dating from the 13th-century. In the afternoon we travel to Santiago de Compostela. Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 4 After breakfast we have a morning tour to see the stunning cathedral at Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of the bones of St James. We can savour the atmosphere of this hallowed city as we wander through the winding stone streets. The cathedral is the most impressive building, with its fine baroque twin towers, sculptures, façades, early tapestries and beautiful gold interiors. The afternoon is free to relax or to explore on our own. Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 5 After breakfast we have a full day excursion following a scenic route through the Galicia countryside. We pass through Arzua and Melide on the Pilgrim Route, and return through Lalin and Pazo de Oca. Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 6 After breakfast, we travel to Santiago airport for our flight back to the UK.
Sample 11 Day Itinerary
This itinerary includes travel by sea.
Days 1 and 2 Overnight cruise on the luxurious P&O Pride of Bilbao from Portsmouth to Bilbao.
Day 3 Arrive Bilbao. Travel into Rioja country, picking up the “Route to Santiago” at Logrono. The scenery is stunning. A visit to the fantastic Yoso Monastery can be recommended along with a stop at Santo Domingo. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Burgos.
Day 4 After breakfast, a morning at leisure in Burgos before continuing on the Pilgrims Route to León, which is a leisurely journey with a number of possible interesting stops. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in León.
Day 5 After breakfast, some time to explore the beautiful Cathedral city of León. In the afternoon the route travels through Astorga before continuing on the faster route via Lugo and Betanzos to arrive in Santiago de Compostela. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 6 After breakfast, a morning guided sightseeing tour including a visit to the Cathedral followed by an afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 7 After breakfast, a full scenic day travelling through the fantastic Galicia countryside. Take a circular route through Arzua, Melide, Lalin and Pazo de Oca. See small towns and villages, Eucalyptus Forests and river valleys. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 8 After breakfast, depart Santiago and travel along Spain’s northern coast, through Asturias, to arrive in the medieval town of Comillas, in Cantabria. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Comillas.
Day 9 After breakfast, a short local excursion to Santillana del Mar, a town best described as a living museum. Afternoon at leisure in Comillas. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Comillas.
Day 10 After breakfast, we head for Bilbao to join P&O’s cruise-ferry departure for Portsmouth.
Day 11 Arrive Portsmouth and continue home.