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Cudillero, Asturias
Vineyard farmer, Txakoli
city at the turn of the 20th century. Admire architectural and historic highlights before riding a funicular up Mount Artxanda for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains. Then venture into the countryside to visit a family-run winery for a hands-on introduction to txakoli, a sparkling dry white wine unique to this region. Meals: B, L | Hotel Hesperia Bilbao or similar
DAY 4 • First Camino de Santiago hike: Pobeña to Cobarón • A Day in the Life of a Cantabrian horse farm Bid goodbye to Bilbao as we drive to Pobeña, the starting point for our first steps along the Camino de Santiago. Today we walk a scenic stretch of the quieter Camino del Norte, following the rugged northern coast with sweeping sea views and rolling hills. Though the hilly terrain can be challenging, the rewards are plentiful as we cross into Cantabria and reach Cobarón. Rejoining our bus, we continue to Santoña for a few hours free to rest, and an independent lunch. Next, spend A Day in the Life of a local horse farm, meeting residents and exploring the countryside on horseback. We then continue to Santander, where we check in to our hotel. Meals: B | Hotel in Santander
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DAY 5 • Second Camino de Santiago hike: Viveda to Santillana del Mar • Santander This morning, enjoy a scenic drive to Viveda, the trailhead for our second hike along the Camino de Santiago. We’ ll navigate a more popular stretch of the Camino del Norte, offering chances to meet fellow pilgrims on the path and glimpse daily life in rural villages along the undulating trail. |
In Santillana del Mar, enjoy free time for an independent lunch and to explore its beautifully preserved medieval streets. Later, return to Santander for a guided walking tour highlighting its history as a major trading port, panoramic coastal views, and the elegant Magdalena Palace. Meals: B, D | Hotel in Santander
DAY 6 • Third Camino de Santiago Hike: Llanes to Celorio • Local cheesemaker • Oviedo We depart Santander and cross into Asturias, stopping in the coastal town of Llanes to begin our third Camino de Santiago hike. We’ ll trace the Camino del Norte along the sea toward the small beach town of Celorio. Then, drive to visit Quesería Vega de Tordín, a family-owned cheese shop to learn about six generations of artisanal craftsmanship and the Camino’ s role in propping up the local economy in remote locales such as this. We end the day in Oviedo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site city. Meals: B, L | Barceló Oviedo Cervantes or similar
DAY 7 • Fourth Camino de Santiago Hike: Oviedo to Lloriana • Oviedo • Home- Hosted Dinner We gather beneath Oviedo’ s Gothic Cathedral to begin our fourth Camino hike, following the Camino Primitivo— the original ninth-century pilgrimage route of King Alfonso II. Our walk ends in the village of Lloriana before returning to Oviedo. In the afternoon, a local guide leads a walking tour past landmarks spanning centuries, from medieval walls to neoclassical and 19th-century highlights. After free time to relax, we conclude with a Home-Hosted Dinner, sharing a home-cooked meal and lively conversation with a local family. Meals: B, D | Hotel in Oviedo
DAY 8 • Foz • Final Camino de Santiago hike: Monte do Gozo to Santiago de Compostela We depart Oviedo and drive to the tranquil town of Foz on the Galician coast for a relaxed lunch amid calming ocean views. Then, drive to Monte do Gozo, or“ Mount Joy,” where our first glimpse of the spires of Santiago de Compostela is waiting to greet us. We’ ll descend the mountain for our final approach into the holy city, arriving in the late afternoon to check into our hotel, and enjoy a short orientation walk through the Old Town. Meals: B, L | Hotel in Santiago de Compostela
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DAY 9 • Santiago de Compostela Join a local guide for a walking tour of Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of our pilgrimage. We begin at the cathedral, built on the site where the remains of the apostle St. James were discovered, where we’ ll head inside to see the silver urn that purports to contain his bones. Outside, we explore Plaza do Obradoiro and enjoy city views from Parque da Alameda. A stop at the Mercado de Abastos allows us to sample Galician flavors, followed by a visit to the Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago for historical context about the millions of people who have made this journey. Meals: B, D | Hotel in Santiago de Compostela
DAY 10 • Return to U. S. Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight home.
Meals: B
Want to know more? Find the full itinerary and dates & pricing at www. oattravel. com / esi
Customize your experience
ARRIVE EARLY & STAY LATER
We recommend that you relax after a long flight or explore more in depth independently before or after your trip. Prices shown include accommodations and private airport transfer.
• Arrive early in Bilbao before your main adventure from $ 380 per room, per night
• Stay later in Santiago de Compostela after your main adventure from $ 470 per room, per night
Bilbao
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