Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. When you arrive in Barcelona, you’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of town. This city features iconic sites, Catalan cuisine, a dynamic art scene, Gothic architecture and a non-stop nightlife, so there’s plenty to explore if you arrive early. Maybe visit Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia Basilica or head to one of the many cafes and watch the day pass you by. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, join your leader and group members for a welcome dinner and discover why the heart of Catalonia prides itself as a gastronomic centre.
Travel by private vehicle to Zaragoza – the capital of Spain’s Aragon region, filled with lavish buildings and palaces. After a brief orientation walk with your leader, you’ll have time to explore Zaragoza your own way. Maybe check out the Basilica of El Pilar or visit the Goya Museum. The famous artist was born in a small town just 45 km south of here. After you’ve enjoyed the sights of Zaragoza, continue to your Feature Stay in the La Rioja region – a hotel surrounded by lush palm gardens. After you’ve checked in and freshened up, join your group for dinner at the hotel restaurant.
After breakfast, join your leader for a walking tour of Laguardia – a medieval town that was founded in the 10th century and remains virtually unchanged. Famous for being one of the country’s most beautiful villages, you’ll enter the walled city through one of four grand stone gates and stroll around the streets. After you’ve explored the town, make your way to a family-owned business rich in history where you´ll have a guided tour and tasting of a couple of local wines, accompanied with small bites, followed by lunch. After lunch and perhaps another glass of wine, you’ll head back to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon.
Today you’ll drive to Pamplona, the heartland of the Basque country. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk and get acquainted with this well-preserved fortified medieval town. Pamplona, named after its founder Pompey the Great, has served for centuries as both a military stronghold and an important point on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. It’s also world famous as the home of the annual San Fermin – a weeklong festival that features the running of the bulls. Meander down winding alleys and step inside ornate buildings like Pamplona's Gothic cathedral – one of the most important religious structures in Spain. The city has also recently opened a museum of modern art designed by a prize-winning architect, inspired by the cultural renaissance achieved by Bilbao and its Guggenheim. After spending time in Pamplona continue to San Sebastian – the jewel of the Basque country where your evening is free.
Delve deeper into Basque culture on an orientation walk with your leader around San Sebastian. Discover some of San Sebastian's landmarks, the Port and the Old Town. With sunny beaches and a vibrant old city, San Sebastian is the perfect place to stroll along the promenade, shop or just soak up the sun. In the evening, you’ll have dinner at a gastronomic society. Traditionally only available via an invitation from an existing member, gastronomic societies play an important role in the social fabric of Basque communities as an important social outlet.
After breakfast, drive to Bilbao for an orientation walk with your leader followed by the opportunity to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum is an eye-catching work of art in itself and home to a collection of contemporary art works. After some free time for lunch, continue to the town of Oviedo in the heart of Asturias where you’ll spend the next two nights at a comfortable hotel.
Oviedo is a great town to explore on foot and today you’ll be joined by a specialist local guide who will take you on a guided walk of the city. Stroll around the handsome city centre, pre-Romanesque churches and grand houses. At the heart of the town sits the impressive Gothic San Salvador Cathedral – the birthplace of the Camino de Santiago. You’ll also get an introduction to some local products of Asturias at El Fontan market – home to fresh fish stalls and a canopy of wrought-iron and glass. This afternoon is free for you to explore your own way. Maybe take a trip up to the port city of Gijon for fresh seafood and sweet-filled bakeries, or the fishing village of Luanco for a relaxing drink on the promenade. Asturian sidra is famous throughout Spain, so tonight for dinner you’ll head to a local cidreria.
Travel by private vehicle along the northern part of Asturias and after crossing the Ria de Ribadeo, enter the Spanish region of Galicia. Stop in one of the small seaside villages with time to explore and maybe grab some lunch before heading towards Santiago de Compostela – the capital of Galicia and a symbol of the Spanish Christians' struggle against Islam. This destination is famous as the culmination point for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. Soak up the beauty of the cathedral where St James, one of the 12 Apostles, is purportedly buried.
Today you'll have the opportunity to join pilgrims on the last stretch of the Santiago de Compostela route. Walk alongside those who may have trekked over 800 km to be here. It’s important that you wear comfortable footwear and bring a raincoat, as weather can be unpredictable, even during the summer months. When you’re back in Santiago, the rest of the day is free. Santiago de Compostela is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an open-air museum, so maybe wander the squares, the market and the University buildings. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a Galician dinner and raise a glass to the last night of your adventure.
After breakfast this morning, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.
