Expedition Overview
Expedition Overview
- Hike the famed El Camino de Santiago—Europe’s longest and most storied pilgrimage route—and stay in historic monasteries and centuries-old paradors along the way.
- Trace the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway—and many a bull—through Pamplona, and explore the spectacular historic center of Santiago de Compostela.
- Venture into Burgos Cathedral and the monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Encounter Roman sites, mountain villages, and the architecture of Antoni Gaudí.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Spilling over the Pyrenees from France into Spain, the network of trails that make up the Route of St. James—or El Camino de Santiago—converges at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have trekked over the high plains of Castilla and the hills of Galicia, some to honor the Apostle James; others in the midst of their own spiritual journey. The route has given rise to historic and religious sites that represent centuries of European architecture at its best. Set out from Pamplona to discover the longest pilgrimage route in Europe, experiencing the most picturesque and poignant sections of this World Heritage site on foot.
Arrive at Pamplona Airport (PNA) and transfer to our historic hotel, once a haunt of Ernest Hemingway. After an orientation, set out on a walk through the old city and the streets made famous by the running of the bulls. Meet up for a welcome dinner tonight.
Descend out of the foothills of the Pyrenees to La Rioja, one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions, and set off along El Camino, walking through vineyards to the village of Navarrete. Stop for a wine tasting at a local bodega. In the afternoon, visit the Yuso and Suso monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla, a World Heritage site considered the birthplace of the Spanish language, before settling into our hotel. (8 miles hiking, 4 hours)
Today’s route rises onto the Meseta Central, high plains that stretch across much of central Spain. Pick up the trail in Alto de la Pedraja, and head towards Castañares, passing Atapuerca. Then, transfer to the center of Burgos, the 9th-century city, a former capital of the kingdom of Castile and home to the Spanish national hero El Cid. Take a guided tour of the old town and its 13th-century Gothic cathedral, a World Heritage site. (10–11 miles hiking, 4–5 hours)
Transfer to Fromista, then continue across the Meseta, rambling through the endless green and gold fields of the Tierra de Campos. This land is filled with the history of La Reconquista, when Christian kingdoms succeeded in retaking areas of the Iberian Peninsula controlled by Moors. Arrive in the town of Carrión de los Condes, and stay the night in a historic monastery. (11 miles, 5 hours hiking)
Start off from the medieval city of Sahagún and head west to the village of Bercianos del Real Camino. Drive on to León for lunch and spend the afternoon discovering the city’s historic sites, including a guided visit through its remarkable cathedral, filled with more than a hundred stained glass windows. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening, and spend the night in a spectacular Renaissance convent. (5–6 miles hiking, 3 hours)
Today’s hike begins at a Roman bridge in the village of Hospital de Órbigo. Follow country roads and take in the view from El Crucero de Santo Toribio, a stone cross that has marked this trail for centuries. Descend to Astorga, and explore the town’s fascinating architecture, from Romanesque and Gothic churches to a palace designed by Antoni Gaudí. Continue west to Villafranca del Bierzo, and meet with a local historian before dinner. (11 miles hiking, 5 hours)
Hike into the northwestern region of Galicia, known for its Celtic history and rolling hills. Tackle our first serious ascent, climbing nearly 1,200 feet during our last four miles. Follow forest paths and switchbacks past thatched houses and stone villages to reach the hilltop hamlet of O Cebreiro. See the oldest intact church on El Camino, and leave a coin at the village cross for good luck. Visit the sixth-century Samos Monastery en route to this evening’s lodging: a Benedictine monastery in Monforte de Lemos. (7–8 miles hiking, 4 hours)
Travel to the town of O Pedrouzo, and set off on the final leg of our hike along El Camino de Santiago. From Monte del Gozo, catch your first glimpse of the Santiago cathedral and its striking towers. Continue into the heart of the city to Plaza do Obradoiro, located at the foot of the cathedral and the endpoint of the pilgrimage route. (12 miles hiking, 6 hours)
Journey to Cabo Fisterra, the westernmost tip of Spain and a continuation of El Camino for many pilgrims. Spend time soaking in the beauty of the cape, and sit down to lunch at a local restaurant in town. Return to Santiago for a guided historical tour of the cathedral and the city’s old quarter, a World Heritage site. Enjoy time to explore on your own before our farewell dinner.
After breakfast, transfer to the Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) and catch your flight home.