EUROPE / SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS
Active Journeys in Europe Explore Europe on an Active Journey that combines the Smithsonian’s educational enrichment with long walks or hikes. Stay in top-notch accommodations, travel with experienced Adventure Guides, and learn from local experts along the way. See more Active Journeys in the Americas on pages 74 and 76.
Vernazza, Cinque Terra
Walking the Camino de Santiago
Hiking Along the Italian Riviera
11 days from $6,595 May 11–21, Sept. 21–Oct. 1, Oct. 12–22, 2022
9 days from $5,995 May 8–16, June 5–13, Sept. 11–19, 2022
For over a thousand years, pilgrims have hiked the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain, one of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes during the Middle Ages. Walk along those same trails yourself, from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, experience ancient villages and dramatic landscapes of Spain’s mighty Basque region, where nature and history are revered, and local wine and cuisine are cherished.
For centuries, writers, artists, and travelers have been drawn to the Italian Riviera for its charming pastel-colored villages and traditional lifestyle. Join us for this tour, where moderate hikes take you from one seaside village to another, revealing breathtaking views around every turn.
Spain’s Historical Pilgrimage Route
Highlights Include The Pilgrimage Route: From the charming foothills of the Pyrenees, hike nearly 41 miles of the Camino’s most scenic sections, averaging five miles per day of low-impact hiking through pastoral landscapes and ancient villages. Storied Cities: Enjoy guided tours of historic cities and towns frequented by pilgrims, including Pamplona, Burgos, León, Lugo, and Bilbao, some of which are home to important cathedrals and World Heritage sites. Santiago de Compostela: Your journey concludes by hiking into Santiago de Compostela, arriving at the legendary cathedral where you can reflect on your experience, and if you wish, attend a Pilgrim Mass. While here, stay two nights at the Parador de Santiago de Compostela, built to accommodate pilgrims, first as a royal hospital in 1499 and later as a hotel. Gastronomic Traditions: Indulge in authentic Galician flavors where recipes and culinary traditions have been passed on through generations as you dine in familyowned restaurants. Limited to 20 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Daily hikes from 4 to 8 miles. 64
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Featuring the Cinque Terre
Highlights Include The Cinque Terre: Soak up the ambiance of the Cinque Terre, a World Heritage site, during a day of hiking along coastal paths with panoramic views of the sea. From Monterosso, hike through citrus orchards to Vernazza, taking time to admire this beautiful village. Continue to Corniglia and pause for a picnic lunch. Later, take a leisurely walk through the vineyards of Manarola where a sommelier provides insight into the region’s wine culture. Riviera Hikes: Take a ferry to the island of Palmaria to hike to its peak and enjoy a view of the Gulf of Poets, then continue by boat to the colorful fishing village of Porto Venere. During a hike from Santa Margherita Ligure, admire panoramic views of Portofino and the Gulf of Paradise. Take a morning ramble through olive groves from Noli to the hamlet of Varigotti, following a route along the Pilgrim’s Path that offers dramatic views of rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and Saracens Bay. Cultural Insights: Listen to a local expert discuss the region’s influence on British poets. During a walking tour of Genoa, learn about the city’s fascinating history and powerful families. Enjoy a cooking class featuring local specialties, attend a presentation about Ligurian cuisine and wine by a food expert, and savor local wines at a tasting. Limited to 20 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Daily hikes from 2 to 5 miles.
