Day 2 Puente la Reina - Laguardia
Walk 6km - 3.73 miles – 2 hours Today, we'll head to medieval Puente La Reina, the meeting point of the Jaca Pilgrim Road and the French Way. We can admire the 12th century church of Santa María de Eunate in the vicinity, before beginning our walk along the Camino de Santiago. Passing though vineyards and rural countryside until we reach Puente La Reina, where lunch is included. Our tour then takes us by minibus to the 'wine fountain' at the Monastery of Irache, and onto the La Rioja wine region for a wine tasting in Haro, before arriving to our hotel in Laguardia. Meals included: B,LDay 3 Laguardia - Burgos
Walk 5km - 3.1 miles – 90 minutes Our first stop today is at Navarrete, a town built in the 12th century by the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, which offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Our walk today takes us through more vineyards of La Rioja. We'll continue by road to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, an important stopping point for pilgrims. On arrival in Burgos, where we stay tonight, you can join an optional guided tour. Meals included: B,DDay 4 Burgos - Astorga
Walk 5km - 3.1 miles – 90 minutes After breakfast we'll embark on today's walk, which takes us to the Campos de Castilla area, known as the 'breadbasket' of Spain due to its cereal production. The canal we'll follow was built for transportation of this commodity and a highlight will be its locks, which allow for a 14-metre drop in terrain. In the town of Frómista, we'll have free time for lunch before then driving on to León, where a walking tour is included to explore the old town and cathedral (aprox. 2 hrs). Our hotel tonight is in Astorga. Meals included: B,DDay 5 Astorga - Ponferrada
Walk 6km - 3.73 miles – 2 hours This morning we'll admire the cathedral and Bishop's Palace of Astorga. Our walk then takes us to the highlands of the Bierzo region, where we'll stop at la Cruz de Ferro, the famous landmark 'Iron Cross'. After a traditional lunch in Molinaseca, we'll drive to Ponferrada. Meals included: B,LDay 6 Ponferrada - Santiago de Compostela
Walk 5km - 3.1 miles – 90 minutes
We'll reach our goal of Santiago de Compostela today. First we'll make a stop at the Celtic town of O Cebreiro. One of the most picturesque villages on the Way of St James, we'll pause to admire its pre-Romanesque church and round stone houses. There's time for lunch in the riverside town of Portomarín – whose historic buildings were rescued stone by stone when it flooded, and moved to allow for a dam to be built on the Miño River.
We'll then drive to Monte de Gozo, or the Mount of Joy, which is the first point at which pilgrims can view Santiago de Compostela after their long journey. Our final walk takes us into Plaza del Obradoiro, in the centre of the city.
Day 7 Santiago de Compostela
Walk 3km - 1.86 miles – 2 hours
This morning we'll head to Fisterra, a historic fishing port where pilgrims would bathe in the sea to purify their souls and collect a scallop shell – the symbol of pilgrims. On a short stroll around the lighthouse here, see if you can collect a shell to take home as a wonderful souvenir of your trip.
This afternoon, why not join our optional guided tour of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia, with its porticoed streets lined by granite architecture. We'll also visit the local market and we will have the opportunity to attend the pilgrim mass.
This evening, we will gather as a group and head to a traditional Galician restaurant for a farewell dinner.
Day 8 Departure
Today it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end.
Meals included: BAdditional Information
Please note: We want you to get the most from your holiday with us. Please be advised, this tour requires a good degree of physical fitness and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility. Any walk can be avoided by following the group on the coach. There will be plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery. Most walks take place on paths and tracks. Sturdy shoes are essential.
Please note - 17 May 2023 & 18 October 2023 departures are women-only tours