Summary
Short description
Discover sights both ancient and rural as you drive between León and Santiago de Compostela
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Highlights
- Follow the Way of St. James, one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes
- Take in Northern Spain's wealth of architecture, from grand Gothic cathedrals to Gaudí's modernist whimsies
- Break the journey with vineyard visits and seaside strolls
- Stay in a collection of historic Parador hotels
In Brief
- 2 Nights León
- 2 Nights Villafranca
- 1 Night Pontevedra
- 1 Night Cambados
- 1 Night Santiago de Compostela
- 1 Night A Coruña
- 1 Night Gijón
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
City | History & culture | Self-drive
Travelling between León and Bilbao and staying mainly in a collection of meticulously converted castles, palaces, monasteries and convents known as Paradors, this tailor-made driving holiday will take you through the heart of rural northern Spain. Following the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, also known as the Way of St. James, you'll discover a wealth of historical treasures and architecture ranging from severely Gothic to strikingly modernist. And, it's all interspersed with some of the county's finest vineyards and wineries.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
León
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: NH León
Meals: B
Days
3-4
Villafranca
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
Meals: B
Day
5
Pontevedra
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 16th Century Renaissance palace and former residence of the Counts of Maceda.
Stay: Parador de Pontevedra
Meals: B
Day
6
Cambados
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 17th Century.
Stay: Parador de Cambados
Meals: B
Day
7
Santiago de Compostela
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 15th century pilgrim's hostel combining art, history, tradition and style under one spectacular roof.
Stay: Parador de Compostela
Meals: B
Day
8
A Coruña
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)
Meals: B
Day
9
Gijon
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
Meals: B
Day
10
Departure
After breakfast at the Parador de Gijon, continue on to Bilbao for your flight back to the UK.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
10-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,070 pp incl. flights
Deluxe
Low Season
from £1,070 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £1,255 pp. incl. flights
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- Return flights from UK to Bilbao
- 2 nights Parador Hostal de San Marcos, León on a B&B basis
- 2 nights Parador de Villafranca on a B&B basis
- 1 night Parador de Pontevedra on a B&B basis
- 1 night Parador de Cambados on a B&B basis
- 1 night Parador di Santiango de Compostela on a B&B basis
- 1 night Hotel Riazor on a B&B basis
- 1 night Parador de Gijon on a B&B basis
- 10 days car hire in a Economy car
Half board (evening meals) can be added to any of your Parador stays - please ask your Wexas consultant for details
Low Season : 04 - 16 April 2019
High Season : 01 - 31 August 2019
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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