Camino de Santiago Self-Drive

Fly into Bilbao and travel to León and check into your hotel, spend the following day taking in the city's fascinating array of architectural styles. Be sure to visit the Gothic cathedral and the Basilica San Isidoro, home to the tombs of the Kings of León and some fine example of Romanesque paintings. The Casa de los Botines is equally impressive, a late 19th-century merchant house designed by Catalonian modernist architect, Antoni Gaudí.

Stay: Parador León Hostal de San Marcos, León

After breakfast, depart León and drive to Villafranca, an important milestone along the Camino de Santiago and the last part of the route in the province of León. Villafranca was declared a site of historic and artistic importance in 1965. Among its many monuments, the Santiago and La Colegiata churches are of special note along with the magnificent San Francisco and La Anunciada Convents.

Stay: Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo

Depart Monforte on day five and head to the naval town of Pontevedra, an ancient Galician port packed with beautiful buildings, parks and public squares. Spend an afternoon visiting the Cinco Ruas Square, Do Burgo Bridge, De Pedreia Square and Maria a Mayor Basilica. Then, after exploring the sights, check into the Parador de Pontevedra, a 16^th Century Renaissance palace and former residence of the Counts of Maceda.

Stay: Parador de Pontevedra

After breakfast make the short drive to Cambados, just 30 minutes from Pontevedra, where you'll discover a land of vineyards and wineries, picturesque villages, churches and granaries. Spend the day exploring the region before checking in to the Parador de Cambados, an ancestral mansion dating back to the 17^th Century.

Stay: Parador de Cambados

This morning you'll drive one hour to the town of Santiago de Compostela, a world heritage sight and the finishing point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Obradoiro Square and the city's stunning cathedral are highlights, as are the many museums, galleries palaces and churches, cafes and restaurants that line the Santiago de Compostela's old ancient cobbled streets. Then, in the afternoon, check into the Parador de Compostela, a 15^th century pilgrim's hostel combining art, history, tradition and style under one spectacular roof.

Stay: Parador de Compostela

Leave Santiago de Compostela and head north retracing the route of the Camino Inglés which was traditionally taken by pilgrims from Britain and Ireland arriving and departing by sea, A Coruña is a mix of ancient and modern, visit the Hercules lighthouse, the oldest in Europe built in Roman times, also include Castillo de San Anton, for centuries the castle protecting the city. There are several Roman Churches in A Coruña and fine museums, but take time to taste the local gastronomy with Navajas (razor clams) on of the favourites.

Stay: Hotel Riazor, A Coruña (Superior)

Leave the pilgrimage trail behind as you head along the coast to Bilbao. The drive takes around seven hours so we recommend staying overnight at the Parador de Gijon - a beautiful century-old converted mill. You'll also have the chance to visit the Cathedral of Oviedo and the sanctuary of Covadonga.

Stay: Parador de Gijon

After breakfast at the Parador de Gijon, continue on to Bilbao for your flight back to the UK.