The Way of Saint James Highlights

Welcome to Spain! Upon your arrival in Bilbao, you'll be escorted to your hotel. In the evening, you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travelers over a delightful dinner. Afterward, you'll take a leisurely stroll through Bilbao's old town, getting a first glimpse of this modern city's charm. Overnight in Bilbao.

Start your day with a guided tour of Bilbao's attractive old town, featuring quaint alleys, the beautiful cathedral, and the Plaza Nueva. Next, visit the Guggenheim Museum, a marvel of contemporary architecture housing an impressive collection of modern art. In the afternoon, we'll drive to Pamplona, where you'll have the evening to explore at your leisure. Spend the next two nights in Pamplona.

Today, you'll visit the Leyre Monastery, nestled amidst stunning limestone cliffs, and the charming town of Sangüesa, home to the national monument of Santa María la Real Church. Afterward, enjoy a walk in Olite, the historic seat of the kings of Navarre.

After breakfast, embark on a hike along the Way of St. James, from Uterga to Puente la Reina. Then, drive to the renowned La Rioja region and explore the old town of Logroño. Visit the medieval town of Laguardia, known for its city walls and the Gothic Santa María Church. After a wine tasting session in a local bodega, visit the Santo Domingo de la Calzada Cathedral, home to a unique chicken cage. End the day in Burgos, where you'll spend the next two nights.

Today, explore the city of Burgos under expert guidance. Visit the massive Burgos Cathedral, one of Spain's most impressive churches, and the Benedictine monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos, known for its double-story cloister and Gregorian chants. On the way back to Burgos, stop in Lerma, a town famous for its noble palaces.

In the morning, visit the early Romanesque San Martín Church in Frómista, known for its 315 console figures. Then, head to the charming city of León for a city tour. Highlights include the beautiful Santa María la Regla Cathedral with its fantastic stained glass windows and Plateresque cloister. Enjoy a stroll through the Humédo district, a lively area of León's medieval old town. Spend the night in León.

Today, visit Astorga, a significant pilgrimage station on the Way of St. James, and admire the cathedral and Gaudí's playful bishop's palace. Continue to Ponferrada, where you'll visit the medieval Templar Castle. Then, enter the region of Galicia and visit the ancient village of O Cebreiro. End the day in Lugo, where you'll walk around the historic center on the city's Roman wall. Overnight in Lugo.

Spend the day in Santiago de Compostela, a city famous for its churches and monasteries. During a guided tour, visit the impressive cathedral, the final destination for many pilgrims. Then, explore the Mercado de Abastos and its array of Galician specialties. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Stroll through the Rúa do Vilar and end the evening with tapas. Spend the next two nights in Santiago de Compostela.

Today is free for you to explore Santiago de Compostela at your own pace. Alternatively, join an optional full-day excursion to Cape Finisterre, driving along the wild Atlantic coast and visiting the fishing villages of Muros and Carnota. After a walk along Lagosteira beach and a lunch break at the harbor, arrive at the legendary Cape Finisterre. On the way back, stop in the charming town of Muxía, the end of the Way of Saint James. In the evening, savor typical Galician dishes as you reminisce about your journey.

Your unforgettable journey through Spain comes to an end today. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport in Santiago de Compostela for your return flight. Safe travels!