

In the Middle Ages up to half a million pilgrims per year trekked to the tomb, making it the third most popular pilgrimage route after Rome and Jerusalem.īut you probably do not know some of the following tips, which will help you if you decide to tackle El Camino.įirst, there is not one Camino, there are many. James (“Santiago” in Spanish), who preached in Spain and whose remains were miraculously found in a field there in the year 830, and were then entombed in Galicia by King Alfonso II. As you likely know, the path commemorates Jesus’ disciple St. Jean Pied de Port in southwest France to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwest Spain. Walking: 2-hour Burgos walking tour in the late afternoon.Since you are reading this travel column, you doubtless have heard of El Camino de Santiago – the famous, UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage path that runs for almost 500 miles across the top of Spain, from St. Walking: 5 miles, forests and fields, 150-200 feet of elevation gain, 500 feet of gentle descent. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish. (B,L) This gorgeous city was the birthplace of El Cid Campeador, one of the most important soldiers who took part in the Spanish Reconquest in the XI century. Burgos is the capital of the old Kingdom of Castilla. Drive back to Burgos in the afternoon, and take a guided walking tour that includes the town’s World Heritage-listed cathedral, a superb example of Gothic architecture filled with art. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and visit the monastery, built by the village’s namesake to house pilgrims in the 12th century. Reach the remote village of San Juan de Ortega-stage 11 of the Camino Francés. From here, make your way back toward Burgos, following a trail that winds through oak forests and meadows bursting with wildflowers.

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.ĭay 3 - Villafranca Montes de Oca / San Juan de Ortega / BurgosĪfter breakfast, drive east to your starting point at the village of Villafranca Montes de Oca. A private vehicle offers easy access to delightful restaurants and historic sites, transports your luggage between hotels, and allows options for longer or shorter hikes.
EL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO ROUTE FREE
Descend to Santiago de Compostela, where you’ll enjoy memorable meals, a guided tour by night, and free time to explore as you wish. Galicia and Santiago de Compostela: Hike from village to village through the eucalyptus-forested hills of Galicia, experiencing local life and stopping in at charming churches that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries.Explore hilltop castles and take guided tours of historic city centers, including the cathedral of Burgos, a World Heritage site, and the majestic monuments of León. Castilla y León: Cross the sweeping plains of Spain’s largest region, and stay in the heart of two of its most captivating cities: Burgos and León.Sample the flavors of Castilla y León and Galicia, from wines to delectable regional dishes, and explore World Heritage sites-including the Camino Francés itself. With a private vehicle on hand to transport the group from the trail to the next destination, enjoy more time to immerse yourself in each destination. Experience the highlights of the Camino Francés, or “French Way,” walking and hiking picturesque portions of the trail from east of Burgos to Santiago de Compostela, and ending at Cape Finisterre on the rugged Atlantic coast.

Over the centuries, villages and churches cropped up along the way to support the pilgrims, creating a unique culture with enduring traditions linked across hundreds of miles. James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela. For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have trekked across northern Spain to pay homage at the tomb of St.
