Walking the Camino de Santiago

An Active Journey to Spain

TRIP DETAILS

11 days from $4,699

Apr. 20–30, May 18–28, Sept. 7–17, Sept. 21–Oct. 1, Oct. 5–15, 2024

Maximum Travelers: 16

Highlights

• Camino Francés: Hike stunning stretches of this World Heritage-listed pilgrimage route. A private vehicle offers easy access to restaurants and historic sites, transports your luggage, and allows options for longer or shorter hikes.

• Castilla y León: Cross sweeping plains to the region’s captivating cities, exploring hilltop castles, the World Heritage-listed cathedral of Burgos, and the majestic monuments of León.

• Santiago de Compostela: Stay in a historic convent in Santiago de Compostela and enjoy a guided walk through the city by night.

• Local Flavors: Sample wines at a lovely 18thcentury palace and winery; and savor Camino specialties such as St. James almond cake.

Itinerary

Days 1–2: Depart for Madrid, Spain/Burgos Fly overnight to Madrid and transfer to medieval Burgos, located on the Camino Francés, or French Way, of the Camino de Santiago. Gather for a welcome briefing and dinner tonight. (D) AbbaBurgosHotel

Day 3: Villafranca Montes de Oca to San Juan de Ortega/Burgos

Drive east to your starting point in Villafranca Montes de Oca and hike through oak forests and meadows to San Juan de Ortega, stage 11 of the Camino Francés. Enjoy lunch and a visit to the 12th-century monastery. Drive back to Burgos and visit the World Heritage-listed Gothic cathedral on a walking tour.

(B,L) AbbaBurgosHotel

Day 4: Castrojeriz to Itero de la Vega/León

Climb to the hilltop castle of Castrojeriz before hiking down into the plains to Itero de la Vega for lunch. Drive to León and check in to your hotel. Then take a guided walking tour of the city, once considered a capital of Christianity in Spain. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B,L) Barcelo León Conde Luna

Day 5: León to Sarria

Visit a charming 18th-century palace and winery for a cellar tour and a hike through the vineyards. After lunch with wine pairings, travel to Villafranca del Bierzo to see a church where those who are not physically able to complete the pilgrimage can receive their blessing. Drive into Galicia and ascend to the mountain village of O Cebreiro. Inside the 9thcentury Iglesia Santa María la Real, see the famous Galician Holy Grail. Settle into your hotel in Sarria and take an orientation walk. (B,L) Hotel Alfonso IX

Day 6: Sesmonde to Portomarin/Sarria Transfer to Sesmonde and hike to Portomarín. Explore its ancient monuments and have lunch on your own. Return to Sarria for a free afternoon before dinner with the group. (B,D) Hotel Alfonso IX

Day 7: Palas de Rei to Melide/Arzúa countryside

Hit the trail in Palas de Rei and hike from one village to the next, witnessing rural life along the Camino. In Melide, savor a traditional Galician lunch and a stroll through the historic quarter. Later, drive to Arzúa, stage 31 of the Camino Francés, and check in to your hotel. (B,L,D) LarDaMotaBoutiqueHotel

Day 8: Melide to Amenal/Arzúa countryside

Return to Melide and follow forest trails and country roads to Iglesia de Santiago de Boente. From here, drive to the village of Amenal for lunch on your own. Take advantage of a free afternoon to explore Arzúa and the surrounding trails. (B,D) LarDaMotaBoutiqueHotel

Day 9: Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela

From Lavacolla, ascend Monte del Gozo for a sweeping view of Santiago de Compostela. Descend into the World Heritage-listed Old Town and walk to the cathedral. Enjoy a pilgrim’s menu lunch together and free time to experience the city. Take a guided evening walk to see the historic center lit up at night. (B,L) San Francisco Hotel Monumento

Day 10: Cape Finisterre/Santiago de Compostela

Travel to Cape Finisterre and hike along the rugged Atlantic coast, crossing beaches and rocky headlands on the way to the Cape’s lighthouse— the final pilgrimage point. Visit the fishing village of Fisterra before returning to Santiago. Tonight, celebrate your Camino experience at a farewell dinner. (B,D) San Francisco Hotel Monumento

Day 11: Return home

After breakfast, transfer to the Santiago de Compostela airport to catch your flight home. (B)

Activity Level: Moderate

This journey includes walking and hiking options from 4–7 miles per day on roads and trails that include gentle ascents and descents.