Spain

The Greatest Road in Europe: Camino De Santiago

Program No. 3601RJ
Experience one of the world’s great walking routes as you learn about ancient cathedrals, religious icons and medieval Europe along the wondrous Camino De Santiago.

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At a Glance

Over Roman causeways, medieval roads, wooden bridges and mountain passes, people for centuries have made their pilgrimage across northern Spain to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela -- the purported resting place of the apostle James -- to seek forgiveness of their sins. Following in footsteps that are more than 1,000 years old, walk the Camino de Santiago and experience the legends, architecture, food and wine along the greatest road in Europe.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking 4-8 miles over mixed terrain; rocky and steep at times. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required. Elevations up to 4,900 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn about the mysterious legends of the Camino de Santiago and the medieval architecture of Northern Spain.
  • Seek out the most widely venerated relic, “Holy Galician Grail,” in O'Cebreiro.
  • Savor the diverse traditional cuisine in the different regions along the Camino de Santiago.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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14 days
13 nights
29 meals
12 B 9 L 8 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Madrid, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Burgos
D
Hotel Rice Palacio de los Blasones

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously). City walking up to 1.5 miles, approximately 2 hours.

Afternoon: For those who arrive in time, we will meet our Group Leader at 2:45 p.m. in the Burgos hotel lobby and set out on a walking field trip in the center of the city. The magnificent Gothic cathedral will be a special highlight. Orientation: 6:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our knowledgeable Group Leader and local experts will conduct the educational program including hiking and walking field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be by private motorcoach unless otherwise specified. Meals will be provided at the hotel and local restaurants unless otherwise noted. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
3
Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Rioja District
Burgos
B,L
Hotel Rice Palacio de los Blasones

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles throughout the day, approximately 3.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 4 miles, approximately 2 hours at a time; village and countryside trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach with our Group Leader, ride to Cirueña, and walk to Santo Domingo de la Calzada. We will explore the town center including the cathedral that originated in 1158. The town’s history is closely linked to the Camino.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll continue riding through the Rioja region with its stunning landscape. We’ll stop at a traditional wine cellar to learn about its operations and enjoy a Rioja wine tasting before returning to Burgos.

Dinner: On your own to have what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Oca Mountains, Monastery of San Juan de Ortega, Free Time
Burgos
B,L,D
Hotel Rice Palacio de los Blasones

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1.25 hours. Walking up to 8 miles, approximately 4 hours; mountain trails. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach and ride to the edge of the Oca Mountains. We’ll then set out on a walking field trip to the medieval Monastery of San Juan de Ortega. Upon arrival, we will explore the church where Saint John de Ortega was reputed to perform miracles.

Lunch: On the trail, we will have packed lunches.

Afternoon: Returning to Burgos, the remainder of the afternoon is free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
5
Castrojeriz, Meseta, Fromista, Transfer to Leon
Leon
B,L,D
NH Plaza Mayor

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 120 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking up to 9 miles, approximately 4 hours; Mostly flat paths and countryside trails, ascent of 466 feet over 1 mile. (This is the longest walk of the program.)

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach, and ride through the great plains of Castile to Castrojeriz, one of the key landmarks on the Camino. The origins of this lovely village are ancient. From Castrojeriz, we will continue along the paths through the grain fields of the Meseta — plateau — to the border of the province of Palencia.

Lunch: On the trail, we will have packed lunches.

Afternoon: Back aboard the motorcoach, we will ride to and explore the church of Saint Martin of Tours in Frómista. The church dates from the 11th century and is an outstanding example of Romanesque architecture. We will then reboard the motorcoach, ride on to Leon, and check in to our next hotel.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Treasures of Leon, Free Time
Leon
B
NH Plaza Mayor

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles, approximately 3 hours; streets and sidewalks.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will set out on a walking field trip with a local expert through the former Roman garrison of Leon that was founded in 29 BCE. Its history since then is extraordinary. We will explore the magnificent Cathedral, known locally as Pulchra Leonina — the Beauty of Leon — that was consecrated in 1073. Constructed and reconstructed over centuries, its architecture spans the development of Gothic style. The many stained glass windows are exceptional. We’ll also see the Pantheon of the Kings with some of the finest medieval frescoes in Europe. In complete contrast, we’ll see the exterior of Casa Botines, a Modernist structure designed by the great Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí.

Lunch: On your own to sample local fare in Leon.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most in Leon. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: On your own to have what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Natural Park of Somiedo, Braña de Mumian
Leon
B,L,D
NH Plaza Mayor

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 130 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking up to 4.7 miles, approximately 4.5 hours; trails through natural park.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will ride into the beautiful Austurias region for a field trip to the Natural Park of Somiedo, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve. We’ll also walk to a picturesque shepherd’s village, Branade Mumian, which has beautiful views of the Cordillera Cantabrica mountain range.

Lunch: On the trail, we will have packed lunches.

Afternoon: We’ll descend into Pola de Somiedo, a quaint little village in a breathtakingly beautiful valley. After a rest break, we will return to Leon by motorcoach.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
8
Puente de Orbigo, Paso Honroso, Molinaseca, Ponferrada
Ponferrada
B,L,D
Hotel Aroi Bierzo Plaza

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 65 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 6 miles, approximately 3 hours; in villages, dirt trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel, board the motorcoach, and ride from Leon to Puente de Orbigo, where we will walk across the impressive medieval bridge Paso Honroso. We’ll then ride on to the walled city of Astorga for a walking field trip with our Group Leader. We will also have some time to explore independently. A good place to begin is at the neo-Gothic Episcopal Palace, built by Gaudí.

Lunch: On the trail, we will have packed lunches.

Afternoon: We will reboard the motorcoach and continue riding to the edge of the Leon Mountains, one of the main natural barriers of the road. Over the pass Cruz de Hierro — the Iron Cross — we will find one of the oldest monuments on the Camino. We will make a stop to walk through the wildest scenery of the program to the village of Molinaseca. We’ll then ride on to the hotel in Ponferrada.

Dinner: At a restaurant in Ponferrada.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Villafranca del Bierzo, Iglesia de Santiago, Free Time
Ponferrada
B,L
Hotel Aroi Bierzo Plaza

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 5.9 miles, approximately 2.5 hours; vineyard and village terrain. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will ride to Camponaraya for a field trip walk on a trail that will take us through vast vineyards to Cacabelos. Moving on to Pieros, we will walk to Villafranca del Bierzo. Before entering the town, we’ll see the Iglesia de Santiago, a place where pilgrims who could not continue on to Santiago de Compostela due to health reasons could receive a special absolution.

Lunch: At a rural restaurant featuring local products.

Afternoon: Returning to Ponferrada, the remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration.

Dinner: On your own to have what you like.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
10
O'Cebreiro, Samos Monastery, Transfer to Sarria
Sarria
B,L,D
Hotel Alfonso IX

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, less than 2 hours total riding time. Walking up to 7.5 miles, approximately 4 hours; nature trails, rolling hills.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach and set out for Galicia through O’Cebreiro. We’ll stop in this mystical place to explore its pre-Romanesque church and learn about the harsh traditional way of life in the Galician mountains, exploring its typical dwellings and thatched stone huts that now house an ethnographic museum. After a short drive, we will start walking along the pilgrim’s way.

Lunch: Pilgrim lunch in a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will continue our walk towards Triacastela. From there, we’ll board the motorcoach for a short ride before we continue walking to Samos Monastery. The motorcoach will pick us up at the Monastery and we will continue on to the hotel in Sarria.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
11
Sarria, Portomarin, Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela
B,L,D
Hotel Virxe da Cerca

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 4.4 miles hours on pilgrim’s path, approximately 3 hours; undulating fields and meadows, up/down hills, town walking in Santiago de Compostela.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After check-out, we will start the walk on the pilgrim’s road right from the hotel in Sarria. This is the starting point of the most popular section of the pilgrimage: the Last 100 Kilometers. We will walk some steep uphill, and then follow the undulating terrain in a picturesque countryside along cultivated fields and cows grazing in the meadows. The lane is flanked by chestnut and oak trees. Arriving at Lavandeira, we will reboard the motorcoach and ride to the pretty town of Portomarin on the banks of the Rio Miño.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will continue our transfer to Santiago. We will check in to our next hotel in the center of town and then walk the final modest stretch of the Camino to the Cathedral of Santiago, where the steps of pilgrims have led for centuries.

Dinner: At a restaurant in Santiago de Compostela.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Free Time
Santiago de Compostela
B
Hotel Virxe da Cerca

Activity note: Walking up to 1.5 miles, about 2 hours; town terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Today’s walking field trip features the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, one of the finest examples of both Romanesque and Baroque art in Spain, set in the monumental Praza do Obradoiro. Led by an expert, we will explore the cathedral, reputed to be the burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles.

Lunch: On your own to have what you like.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own to have what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
13
Cabo Finisterre
Santiago de Compostela
B,L,D
Hotel Virxe da Cerca

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 130 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking up to 2.1 miles; coastal roads, town terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will take the motorcoach to Finisterre, which translates literally to “end of the world.” After only a few miles, we’ll pass the picturesque fisherman’s village Fisterra, then reach the Cabo (cape) Finisterre. We will walk along the final short stretch of the coastal road to this symbolic and beautiful place. We will have some independent time, then take the motorcoach back to the town of Fisterra.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will return to Santiago by motorcoach. The remainder of the afternoon is free for packing or one last walk around town.

Dinner: At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
14
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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