Day 1 – To Burgos: Evening flight from
London Heathrow to Bilbao with Vueling
Airlines. Drive to Burgos and stay 2 nights at
the Hotel NH Palacio de la Merced. (N)
Day 2 – Burgos: Once capital of Old Castile,
Burgos was also the home of the legendary
hero, El Cid, who is buried in its immense
and extraordinary cathedral, with its vast
array of treasures. Continue to the Carthusian
monastery and royal mausoleum of Miraflores.
Afternoon drive to Santo Domingo de Silos to
visit the Benedictine monastery, dating back to
the seventh century. (B)
Day 3 – Leon: Drive to Fromista, a stopping place for pilgrims, to see the Romanesque
Church of St Martin. Continue to the Hotel
NH Plaza Mayor in Leon for 2 nights. (B)
Day 4 – Leon: Morning visit to the church
of San Isidoro, with its mix of gothic,
Romanesque and Renaissance styles, and the
opulent San Marcos monastery. Afternoon
drive to Ponferrada and its Templar castle. (B)
Day 5 – Santiago de Compostela: Drive to
Villafranca del Bierzo. With its impressive
array of churches and hospices this was ‘the
anteroom to Santiago’ – those who made the
journey this far could receive the same bene. ts
as in Santiago itself. Continue to Santiago and
the Hotel Compostela for 3 nights. (B)
Day 6 – Santiago de Compostela: Visit the
cathedral. Built in 1075, it became a mecca for
pilgrims who still ock to pray and admire.
The Portico de la Gloria, Maestre Mateo’s
masterpiece and the Palacio de Gomirez – the
sober Archbishop’s Palace – are all part of this
impressive demonstration of faith. Afternoon
at leisure. (B)
Day 7 – Santiago de Compostela: Leave the city
along the old ruas and follow the pilgrim route
to Arzua and Melide. With its ancient bridge
and cruceiro, it was considered one of the most
attractive places for medieval pilgrims to stop.
Lugo, still surrounded by a Roman wall and the
highest city in Galicia, has a . ne Romanesque
cathedral. Continue to Portomarin, with its
delightful church of San Xoan, followed by the
enchanting gardens at Pazo de Oca. (B, D)
Day 8 – To London: Morning at leisure.
Afternoon transfer to La Coruña airport for
a return flight to London Heathrow with
Vueling Airlines. (B)
Itinerary: Please note the above itinerary
indicates the main sites to be visited.
However, along the way, there may be scope
for additional churches and museums according
to time and the particular interest of tour
members.
Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals
