An extraordinary journey to Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a name that makes one dream. Dreaming of an adventurous journey in the footsteps of pilgrims. Past wild landscapes, mysterious monasteries and a frankly impressive architectural heritage.

Your pilgrimage starts in fascinating Bilbao, the main port of the Basque country. There you will visit the renowned Guggenheim Museum and the charming old town district. Or do you prefer a day trip to San Sebastián, the most beautiful seaside resort in northern Spain? It's up to you!

Continuing westwards, you will explore the famous Rioja region with its many prestigious bodegas. But also the 'Monastery Route' through the beautiful mountainous landscape of La Sierra de la Demanda, with the Monasterio de Suso carved into the rocks.

Via the original 'Camino francés' you will eventually reach Santiago de Compostela and its majestic cathedral. Don't forget to take a trip to Cabo Finisterre, which literally means "the end of the world" in Latin.

Day 1: Departure to Bilbao

You will pick up your rental car at Bilbao airport, followed by a short drive to the historic centre.

Day 2: Bilbao - San Sebastián

Visit the Guggenheim Museum (closed on Mondays, the week before Easter and from mid-June to mid-September) and Bilbao's Old Town district, Plaza Nueva, the cathedral and the Archaeological, Ethnographic and Historical Museum of Basque Art. Or take a day trip to San Sebastián (100 km), the most beautiful seaside resort in northern Spain.

Day 3: Bilbao - La Rioja

Via the motorway, or over the Urquiola Pass (about 700 m), you will reach the elegant Gasteiz (Vitoria) after which you will continue to La Rioja, where you will stay 2 nights at Hotel Finca de los Arandinos.

Day 4: La Rioja

Explore this famous Rioja region with numerous prestigious bodegas.

Day 5: La Sierra de la Demanda - Lerma

Discover this beautiful mountain region, via the 'Monastery Route', with its Monasterio de Suso partially carved into the rock face to Santo Domingo de Silos, with its very famous monastery.

Day 6: Burgos

Introduction to the charming historic centre of Burgos with the cathedral as its centrepiece.

Day 7: Lerma - León / Villafranca del Bierzo

Following the original 'Camino francés', you will arrive in Carrión de los Condes, famous for its Real Monasterio San Zoilo.

Day 8: León - Santiago de Compostela

Visit Astorga, with Antonio Gaudí's Palacio Episcopal, Ponferrada and Villafranca del Bierzo or visit the spectacular scenery of Las Medulas, a gold mine from the Roman Empire and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then continue to Santiago de Compostela, the end point of the Camino.

Day 9: Santiago de Compostela

With its majestic cathedral, Santiago is known worldwide as the end point of the long pilgrimage. For a drive along the coast to 'the end of the world', Cabo de Finisterre (170 km round trip), it is best to provide a full day.