touring
FOLLOW THE WAY OF SAINT JAMES BY CAR
Follow the Way of Saint James ( otherwise known as the Camino de Santiago ) across northern Spain , travelling from Pamplona in the east to Santiago de Compostela in the west . Santiago de Compostela is the supposed resting place of Saint James the Apostle , causing thousands of pilgrims to make the journey there each year . There are a number of pilgrimage routes , the most popular of which is the ‘ Camino Francés ’ which runs from southwest France through towns and cities including Pamplona , Burgos and León on the way to Santiago de Compostela . While pilgrims traditionally walk the length of the trail , this 10-night touring holiday allows you to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your car , allowing you to discover the charming towns and historical monuments which line the route .
SUGGESTED TOURING ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Begin your holiday by flying into Bilbao , where you collect your hire car and head north east to Pamplona to join the pilgrimage route . Spend two nights at Palacio Guendulain , an elegant hotel with a regal history , located in the old town of the fascinating capital of the Navarre region .
DAY TWO
You have all day to explore Pamplona , an ancient fortress city known for the annual festival in July in honour of San Fermín , which includes the famous ‘ running of the bulls ’. Worth a visit are the Baroque Palacio del Gobierno de Navarra and the Museo de Navarra .
DAY THREE
Today start making your way along the pilgrimage route towards Burgos , travelling via Puente la Reina , Estella , Logrono and Santo Domingo de la Calzada - all traditional stops on the way . Your journey should only take about two hours through undulating countryside , and takes you past vineyards and fields of crops , as well as pretty villages with mediaeval castles and Romanesque churches . You might want to stop off along the way , particularly in the area around Logrono , which is home to Rioja wine . Your hotel in Burgos is the NH Collection Palacio de Burgos , a four-star hotel from which you can easily walk to the breathtaking Gothic cathedral and the city ’ s historic quarter .
DAY FOUR
Spend the day exploring the former capital of Castile and Leon . Noted for its extremes in temperature , the area straddles the banks of the Arlanzon River and is home to a mighty Gothic cathedral which houses the tomb of El Cid , who was born just north of the city . Enjoy the excellent local cuisine , its notable churches and textile museum .
DAY FIVE
Continue westwards through the pastures that cover the vast plateau towards León , where you will stay at the NH Collection Leon Plaza Mayor , within walking distance of the city ’ s historic centre .
DAY SIX
León is an attractive walled city and a popular stop for pilgrims . Its impressive cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained glass and there is also a Royal Pantheon , a picturesque old town and a number of lively tapas bars .
DAY SEVEN
Drive westwards over gentle hills , travelling past the interesting walled town of Astorga as well as Ponferrada , whose imposing castle was built to protect the pilgrims . It is here that you leave the pilgrimage route , heading instead to the wooded mountains of Galicia where you will stay at the
The Way of St James in Samos , Galicia
The Cies Islands in Galicia
View from the NH Collection Leon Plaza Mayor
Parador of Santiago de Compostela
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