Footsteps of the Camino de Santiago Walking Holiday

Fly to Bilbao

Afternoon

Upon arrival in Bilbao, you will be met by our local representative who will accompany you on your coach transfer to your hotel. Once you have settled in to your hotel, our guide will take you on a orientation walking tour of the Old Town district of Bilbao, before enjoying a welcome dinner in a local restaurant with your group.

Accommodation

Overnight

4 star hotel in Bilbao (2 nights)

Nervión River & Guggenheim Museum

Morning

Begin day with a morning guided walking tour along the banks of the Nervión River, followed by a visit to one of the world’s most famous art galleries. One of the most admired works of contemporary architecture, the Guggenheim Museum boasts some of Europe’s most exciting and unusual art, including Richard Serra’s 340ft Snake.

At Leisure

Afternoon

You will have the remainder of the day at leisure in Bilbao to spend as you wish. We recommend soaking up the atmosphere at one of the many tapas restaurant. Your local expert guide will be happy to make suggestions to suit your taste.

San Juan de Ortega to Atapuerca including La Rioja

Full Day

Today, you will enjoy a guided tour through the most prestigious wine region of Spain, Haro in Rioja. Take in the stunning vineyards and rich vegetable gardens in the lush country side before partaking in a tour of a local bodega (winery.) Complete your day with an afternoon walk from San Juan de Ortega to Atapuerca before onward coach transfer to your hotel in Burgos. Throughout your walk you can expect grassy and dusty terrain, with mild inclines, and roads which take you through pine forests. There will be some free time to explore Atapuerca at your leisure. Moderate route: Walking distance: 6 km / Starting altitude: 1000 m

Accommodation

Overnight

3 star hotel in Burgos (1 night)

Castillian wheat plains to Castrojeriz

Full Day

Today you will enjoy a morning guided walk through typical Castilian wheat plains with spectacular open scenery towards Castrojeriz. There will be two options available to you today depending on your fitness level. You will enjoy some free time in Castrojeriz and afterwards will continue to León where you will enjoy a meal at your hotel. Leisurely route: Walking distance: 3.5 km / Starting altitude: 870 m Moderate route: Walking distance: 11 km / Starting altitude: 870 m

Accommodation

Overnight

4 star hotel in León (1 night)

Leon to Ponferrada

Full Day

In the morning, enjoy a short guided walking tour through the narrow streets and beautiful buildings of the old town in Leon (Leisurely route/ Walking distance: 1.4km / Duration 20 minutes). Following this you will walk across the magnificent bridge at Puente de Orbigo. In El Bierzo you will begin your second walk of the day starting from El Acebo and ending in Molinaseca. Moderate route: Walking distance: 8.1 km / Starting altitude: 1150 m You will enjoy an evening meal at a local restaurant in Molinaseca before transferring to your hotel in Ponferrada.

Accommodation

Overnight

4 star hotel in Ponferrada (1 night)

Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela

Full Day

Enjoy a morning guided tour along the pilgrim road to El Cebrero where you will begin your walk to Linares (Walking distance: 3.2km) Afterwards you will transfer by coach to Santiago, with a visit to Portomarin en route. Continue for your onward coach transfer to Santiago with a visit to Portomarin en route. In the afternoon there will be a guided walk of the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago. There will be 3 routes to choose from, all finishing at Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela. 1. Leisurely Route / Walking distance: 2km / Starting altitude: 280m 2. Leisurely Route / Walking distance: 3.5km / Starting altitude: 372m 3. Moderate Route / Walking distance: 8km / Starting altitude: 300m Afterwards check in to your hotel in Santiago de Compostela, where dinner will be included this evening.

Accommodation

Overnight

3 star hotel in Santiago de Compostela (2 nights)

Santiago de Compostela city tour

Morning

This morning you will enjoy a half day city tour of Santiago de Compostela's historic centre, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The famous cathedral borders the main plaza of the well-preserved old city. You will wander through the streets as your local expert guides shows you all the main highlights including the grave of St. James at the church of San Justo de la Vega.

Free time at leisure

Afternoon

You will have the remainder of the afternoon and evening to spend as you wish. Perhaps you would like to take part in Pilgrim's Mass? Or maybe unwind with some food and wine at an authentic tapas restaurant? The choice is yours. Our local expert guide will be happy to suggest activities to suit your taste.

Morning

After breakfast you will depart for your transfer to Porto airport for your return flight home.