Spain

Travel next to the ocean, on one of the most primitive pilgrimage routes to Santiago and discover one of the most beautiful and green parts of Spain - Basque country, Cantabria region, Asturias and Galicia.


Day 1 San Sebastian
Arrival in Madrid/Bilbao. Transfer to San Sebastian.

Day 2 San Sebastian - Hondarribia (20 km/30 min) - Zarautz (40 km/ 40 min)
Start the day by visiting the highlights of the basque city San Sebastian, located by the La Concha bay. See the Town hall, the oldest church in the town - San Vicente, and admire the beautiful Palace Miramar, built in english style as a royal family’s summer residence. A few kilometres from San Sebastian is the old village Hondarribia, very close the french frontier. Here pass through the Santiago Street to get to the historic quarter and find the Castle of Carlos V. On the top of a hill can be found the sanctuary of Guadalupe, patron saint of the town, built in 16th century. Proceed to Zarautz, a small town with a beautiful shore on the Cantabrian sea and history. The local church of Santa María la Real houses the “tomb of the pilgrim”, according to the legend. Try the local cuisine, which is considered for one of the best in the region. Overnight in Zarautz.

Day 3 Zarautz - Bilbao (80 km/1h) - Santander (100 km/1,30h)
Proceed to Bilbao and visit the Old Town of the city with the Santiago Cathedral, dating from the time of the Jacobean pilgrimages and built in gothic style.You can find also the Mercado de la Ribera or Plaza Nueva, which houses the Royal Academy of Basque Language. In the afternoon visit the most famous spot in Bilbao - Guggenheim Museum, with its great collections of modern and contemporary art. Leave the largest basque city and proceed to Santander. On the way pass through the historic town of Portugalete where you will see the Puente Bizkaia. Built in 1893, it is the first transporter bridge in the world and it is included in the World Heritage list of UNESCO. Arrive in Santander for an overnight.

Day 4 Santander - Santillana del mar (30 km/40 min) - Ribadesella (100 km/ 1,30h) - Oviedo (80 km/1h)
Santander is another coastal city on the way to Santiago and is the main city in the Cantabria region. Here a must-see attractions are the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Cathedral , the Magdalena Palace, located on the peninsula with the same name, it was the summer home of King Alfonso XIII, the square Plaza Porticada and Bank of Santander. Proceed to Santillana del Mar, a medieval town which was developed due to the collegiate church of Santa María. The church is a worth-see and was built in the place of a monastery from 9th century. In the outskirts of the village you can find the impressive Altamira caves, example of prehistoric rock art and declared World Heritage. Continue to Ribadesella, a picturesque fishing port in Asturias with a fascinating historic quarter. Don’t miss the Renaissance Chapel Nuestra Señora la Guía. In the late afternoon arrive in Oviedo for an overnight.

Day 5 Oviedo - Lugo (230 km/4,30h)
In the morning visit Oviedo, once a capital of the Asturian Kingdom. The area of the city has incredible natural landscapes and shows to the visitors some great examples of pre-Romanesque architecture with world significance - the churches Santa Maria del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. In the afternoon, get around the city and see also the Oviedo Cathedral, the medieval fountain La Foncalada or admire the city’s sculptures, which can be seen all around the streets, plazas and parks, including the famous one of Woody Allen. Proceed to Lugo and explore the rich history of the galician city, surrounded by the ancient roman walls. See the magnificent baroque facade of the City Hall, and the adjoining clock tower and visit the Cathedral, a Romanesque - Gothic building with the nearby Episcopal Palace. Overnight in Lugo.

Day 6 Bus option: Lugo - Santiago de Compostela (120 km/2,30h) *
In the morning proceed to Santiago de Compostela and visit the most important temple for all pilgrims - the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Located in the beautiful plaza de Obradoiro, you will first see the facade de la Gloria, the main entrance at the church. Declared a World Heritage Site, the Cathedral houses the silver coffer with the remains of Saint James. Free time in the afternoon to explore more the city. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

• Day 6 Walking option: Lugo - Sigüeiro (120 km/2h) - Santiago de Compostela (14 km/3h walking)

In the morning drive to Sigüeiro, which is the last town on the way before reaching Santiago de Compostela and it is located around 14 km from the final destination. On your choice, you can walk the distance or you can choose to be dropped off at another point, closer to the city.

Day 7 Santiago de Compostela
Departure to Santiago de Compostela airport.