Spain: Camino de Santiago

Arrive in Pamplona and transfer to Roncesvalles, at the Pyrenees crossing between France and Spain. The Camino de Santiago actually passes through the historic hotel complex where you’ll sleep tonight!

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Accommodation: Hotel Roncesvalles, Roncesvalles

This historic hotel in a beautifully renovated 18th-century former ecclesiastical residence was one of the original hostels, or hospitales, built along the Camino de Santiago to shelter pilgrims. Still owned by the church, the Camino actually traverses the structure and its surrounding grounds and extensive outbuildings. The careful renovation preserved the wood floors, beams, and exposed stone and has been artfully combined with modern chrome fixtures, tile, and minimalist decor and fabrics. The restaurant is the Navarre region’s first Slow-Food establishment. Roncesvalles is a tiny town at 3,000 feet, just below the Ibañeta Pass of the Pyrenean border between France and Spain.

7.2 miles, easy to moderate, 450-ft. elevation gain and 900-ft. elevation loss

With the Pyrenees at your back, descend to Burguete, a Basque-influenced village of sturdy, beamed houses set amidst the trout fishing area described by Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises. This afternoon, transfer to vibrant Pamplona.

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Accommodation: Palacio Guendulain, Pamplona

An 18th-century aristocratic residence in the heart of Pamplona’s old town, this four-star hotel is perfectly located to discover the historic city on foot. The palace has a fine-dining restaurant featuring updated seasonal Basque cuisine and the Taittinger Bar, in a unique partnership with the French Champagne producer. Spacious plush rooms, with classic décor and colors, overlook the Consejo Square or the inner courtyard, which houses a unique fountain and collection of antique carriages. 

9.2 miles, easy to moderate, 700-ft. elevation gain and loss

Olive groves, vineyards, and towns of golden stone greet you on today’s walk from Uterga to Briñas in the wine-growing region of La Rioja. Tonight’s hotel is within easy strolling distance of several wineries.

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Accommodation: Señorío de Briñas, Briñas

In the heart of the Rioja wine-making region, this family-owned hotel in a 15th-century palacio, (palace) offers simple, individually decorated guest rooms with terracotta floors, and unique furnishings that create the feel of an authentic country home. In season, you may enjoy a glass of wine on the quaint outdoor patio.

6.3 miles, easy to moderate, 160-ft. elevation gain and 250-ft. elevation loss

Begin today’s walk at a hermitage in a remote and isolated wooded plateau—once one of the Camino’s most dangerous sections but now one of its most beautiful. Explore a pine and oak forest, habitat to deer and wild boar, before continuing past the 11th-century monastery complex of San Juan de Ortega to arrive at the traditional town of Agés.

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Accommodation: AC Hotel Burgos, Burgos (or equivalent)

AC Hotel Burgos is ideally located to visit this historic city with nearby attractions including the sumptuous UNESCO-protected Gothic Cathedral, the Museum of Human Evolution, and a myriad of topnotch tapas bars. Located in the historic pedestrian zone, this hotel features sleek exterior guest rooms, and trendy dining options.

6.9 miles, easy to moderate, 450-ft. elevation gain and 500-ft. elevation loss

After exploring Burgos’ Gothic architectural gems this morning, rejoin the Camino between Castrojeriz and Itero de la Vega, enjoying wide-open scenery with windmills on the horizon.

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Accommodation: Estrella del Bajo Carrión, Villoldo

Between the cities of Burgos and León, three sisters run the hotel founded by their father over 30 years ago. The modern and airy country house features balconied guest rooms and common areas with fresh flowers and unique architecture. In addition to the fine-dining restaurant, the hotel features a library, billiard and wine room, and a willow-shaded terrace for breakfast or drinks
al fresco.

9.2 miles, easy to moderate, 650-ft. elevation gain and 550-ft. elevation loss

Today’s walk from Villares de Orbigo to Astorga takes on a Mediterranean feel, crossing a landscape of red earth, vineyards, and oaks prized for their role in feeding the pigs used to produce the region’s famous ham.

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Accommodation: Hostería Camino, Luyego de Somoza, Spain (or equivalent)

This boutique hotel constructed in a restored home has spacious, individually decorated guest rooms with polished wood floors combining Spanish antiques with exposed beams and brick. Common areas include a fireside living room with inviting couches, a relaxed café for drinks or light fare, and a dramatically lit fine-dining restaurant. An antique shop is also on the premises. Using local and seasonal ingredients, the hotel’s elegant restaurant is especially known for mushrooms prepared traditionally, perhaps sautéed, in soups, crèpes, salads, or with foie gras. Traditional regional dishes include lamb, frogs’ legs, excellent local ham, and fresh river fish and are accompanied by wines from their extensive cellar.

5.3 miles, moderate, 2,000-ft. elevation gain

Excitement grows as you approach Galicia along a chestnut-shaded path bordered by moss-covered stone walls. Wide open vistas of forests, verdant pastures, and Atlantic coastline emerge near the day’s end at O Cebreiro.

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Accommodation: Hotel Pazo de Orban, Lugo (or equivalent)

Located right in the historic center of Lugo, the Hotel Monumento Pazo in Orban e Sangro offers the tranquility and ambiance of an 18th-century Baroque palace, while combining all the services and amenities of a four-star hotel.  A full bar, restaurant and even on-site museum will keep guests busy during their stay.

8.1 miles, easy to moderate, 1,000-ft. elevation gain and 150-ft. elevation loss

After this morning’s walk from Sarria, transfer to Santiago and refresh at your hotel before undertaking the Camino’s final leg. You’ll meet walkers from around the globe as you follow the traditional trail of scallop shells embedded in Santiago’s cobbled streets towards the breathtaking cathedral—Christianity’s third-most-important pilgrimage site after Rome and Jerusalem.

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Accommodation: Altaïr Hotel, Santiago de Compostela (or equivalent)

This family-owned-and-operated boutique hotel located in a quiet corner of Santiago de Compostela’s historic center has been renovated to seamlessly blend minimalist décor and soothing colors with the building’s stone walls and exposed beams. A personal greeting from the owners and a welcome drink in the adjoining garden of a sister property provide an insider feel to the historic pilgrimage destination city of Santiago. The capital of the autonomous region of Galicia, the entire old town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its wealth of historic buildings. Santiago’s narrow granite-cobbled streets invite exploration while providing plenty of stopping points at myriad cafés, tapas bars, and restaurants.

Depart at your leisure, or linger independently in this fabulous city, perhaps attending the famous “Pilgrim’s Mass.”