A Taste of the Camino & Northern Spain

from 

AU$11,399

per person
 
Duration: 17 Nights
Destination: Porto, Portugal
Region: Western Europe
Deal Code: PA1E61Q3

 

 

Description

Beginning in Porto, this evocative journey from Portugal through northern Spain's enchanting ancient towns and character-filled cities is one to be remembered. Join us as we follow our own pilgrimage of discovery along the Camino de Santiago and beyond - savouring tantilising flavours, uncovering centuries-old stories and venturing into breathtaking natural landscapes.

With cosmopolitan cities and ancient villages, rolling vineyards and rugged mountains, Northern Spain is as unforgettable as it is eclectic. Discover awe-inspiring sights, mouthwatering flavours and fascinating culture as we leave the traditional tourist trail behind on our journey through the mesmerising Basque, Navarre and Catalonia regions.


SMALL GROUP BOUTIQUE & IMMERSIVE TOURING - MAXIMUM 18 GUESTS ON THE COACH!


Your Holiday Package Includes:

  • Economy class flight from Sydney to Porto, returning from Barcelona
  • 7 day A Taste of the Camino guided holiday with Back-Roads Touring, Porto to Bilbao
  • Includes 6 nights in hand-picked accommodation, 10 meals, premium transport, experienced guide + more
  • 1 night in Bilbao including breakfast
  • 11 day Highlights of Northern Spain guided holidays with Back-Roads Touring, Bilbao to Barcelona
  • Includes 10 nights in hand-picked accommodation, 16 meals, small group, immersive activities + more

Extend your flights and stay longer - talk to our travel experts about more options

**Package departure date is 30 September 2022. Price is based on per person twin share

Single traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details


A Taste of the Camino: Porto to Bilbao

Tour Highlights:

  • Immerse yourself in enchanting UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Santiago de Compostela
  • Savour a local wine tasting and locally prepared lunch in the heart of Spain's Castile & León region
  • Admire the stunning natural landscape of Picos de Europe National Park

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 - Porto

A tangled maze of medieval walls and contemporary architecture hugging the banks of the mighty Rio Douro – our journey across the Camino will begin in the evocative Portuguese city of Porto. Settle into our hotel and meet your fellow travel companions – we’ll get to know one another better over a sumptuous welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Here’s to the adventure ahead! Accommodation: Vila Gale Porto Ribeira (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Porto – Viana do Castelo – Ponte de Lima – Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast this morning, we’ll board the mini-coach and leisurely make our way to picturesque Viana Do Castelo. Spend some time soaking up the magnificent views over the attractive riverfront and incredible neo-Byzantine Templo do Sagrado Coração de Jesus, before we continue to Ponte de Lima to see the ancient Ponte Medieval bridge (constructed by the Romans in 1AD). One of the oldest towns in Portugal, Ponte de Lima is a charmingly photogenic town located on the banks of the Lima River. We’ll enjoy some free time this afternoon exploring the historic centre dotted with quaint cafes, vibrant flower gardens and sunny plazas at our leisure. Later, we’ll continue to Santiago de Compostela – where we’ll have the evening to explore the charming city centre or relax at our hand-picked hotel. Accommodation: Gran Hotel Los Abetos (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Santiago de Compostela

The final stop on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail and alleged burial site of Saint James – Santiago de Compostela is shrouded in fascinating history and Galician character. We'll have the opportunity to delve deeper into this city’s rich heritage and admire the magnificent stone architecture of Old Town on a locally guided walking tour – taking in the likes of Plaza del Obradoiro, Palacio de Raxoi and Cathedral de Santiago as we go. Then: the rest of the afternoon is ours to explore at our own pace. This evening, we’ll be free to indulge in some exquisite local seafood and savour the flavours of traditional Galician cuisine at a restaurant of our choosing. Accommodation: Gran Hotel Los Abetos (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Santiago de Compostela – Ponferrada – León

Today, we’ll continue our journey to Ponferrada where we’ll pay a visit to the impressive Castillo de los Templarios (Templars Castle). We’ll travel back in time as we wander the walls of this giant fortress – built in 1178 AD to protect the pilgrims on their road to Santiago de Compostela. Following our visit, we’ll venture into the city centre to enjoy lunch at our leisure. Continuing our journey into northern Castilla, we’ll arrive at our final stop of the day: León. This evening, we’ll enjoy some free time to seek out a local eatery amongst the city’s picturesque old quarter or relax at our hotel. Accommodation: NH Collection Plaza Mayor (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - León

We’ll start our day with a walking tour of León – taking in the grand monuments, Gothic Cathedral and 10th-century Basilica de San Isidoro with a local guide. Following our in-depth tour, we’ll venture into the vineyard studded Castille and León countryside to sample some local wine and indulge in a delicious included lunch. Returning to León later this afternoon, we’ll have the rest of the evening free to explore at our own pace. Accommodation: NH Collection Plaza Mayor (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6 - León – Picos de Europa – Santillana del Mar

This morning, we'll leave the metropolis of León behind and journey into the mesmerising Picos de Europa National Park. Located in the Cantabrian Mountains, this vast expanse of towering snow-capped peaks and deep green valleys is an evocative sight to behold - and we'll enjoy many opportunities to take in the breathtaking views as we make our way to Parador de Fuente Dé. Once here, we'll savour an included lunch and enjoy more panoramic photo opportunities with a cable car ride to the Aliva viewpoint. After a spectacular day of exploring, we'll end our day in Santillana del Mar - where a final tantalising group meal awaits. Accommodation: Parador de Santillana del Mar (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Santillana del Mar – Santander – Bilbao

Before our tour comes to an end, we’ll make a stop at the city of Santander to visit the emblematic Palacio de Magdalena. Built between 1909 and 1911, the palace once housed the Spanish Royal family and is one of the most prominent examples of civil architecture in northern Spain. After taking lunch at a local restaurant of your choosing, we’ll continue on and wind up our day in Bilbao – where we’ll say our goodbyes.

Meals: Breakfast


Highlights of Northern Spain

Tour Highlights

  • Master the art of Spanish cuisine with a traditional cooking class in Girona
  • Explore the magnificent Olite Royal Palace - the medieval seat of the Court of Navarre
  • Experience the coastal charm and gastronomical delights of San Sebastián

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 - Bilbao

Architectural allure, natural beauty and rich culture – we’ll meet the group in Bilbao and get to know each other over a sumptuous welcome dinner. Here’s to the incredible adventure ahead! Accommodation: Hotel Miro (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Bilbao – San Sebastián

After breakfast, we’ll kick things off with a locally guided city tour. A hub of contemporary architecture – we’ll wander Bilbao’s lively Old Town and receive an authentic insight into this industrious city. Then, it’s time to visit the captivating exhibitions of the Guggenheim Museum for an education in art. After some free time for lunch, it’s all aboard the mini-coach as we continue on to San Sebastián. As one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, we’ll have the rest of the afternoon to discover the array of bars and restaurants this charming coastal town is famous for. Accommodation: Silken Amara Plaza (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - San Sebastián – Laguardia

Before setting off for Laguardia, we’ll make a scenic stop at the Monte Igueldo Mirador lookout. Offering breathtaking views of San Sebastián, we’ll choose to make the ascent on foot or ride the funicular up to the viewpoint. Timing dependent, we may have the opportunity to sample some local pintxos before arriving at our hotel in the heart of the Basque country. Finding ourselves surrounded by acres of vineyards and breathtaking landscapes, our host will lead us on a tour of hotel’s bodega – where we’ll have the opportunity to taste some local wine before settling in for an included dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Eguren Ugarte (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 - Laguardia – La Rioja – Laguardia

This morning, we’ll make the short drive to the medieval city of Laguardia. Here, we’ll wander the ancient walled quarter with our expert Tour Leader and uncover the fascinating history behind the town’s underground tunnels. We’ll continue our journey to La Rioja – where we’ll be lucky enough to visit two distinguished wineries and enjoy a tasting session at each. Back at our accommodation, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure enjoying the scenic vistas from the hotel’s terrace or exploring the surrounding area on one of the nearby hiking trails. Accommodation: Hotel Eguren Ugarte (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Laguardia – Pamplona – Olite

Onwards to Pamplona – the capital of Navarre. Here, we’ll spend some time spotting historic landmarks such as Pamplona Cathedral and the Plaza del Castillo on a stroll with our Tour Leader. After, we’ll enjoy free time for lunch at a quaint terrace cafe or indulge in a spot of souvenir shopping in the Old Town. This afternoon, we’ll hit the road to Olite – where an included dinner awaits. Accommodation: Joyosa Guarda (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 - Olite

Today will begin with an exploration of the magnificent Olite Royal Palace: the medieval castle that was once the seat of the Court of Navarre. After an insightful morning, the rest of the day will be yours to spend strolling the town’s underground galleries or seeking out exceptional Spanish fare in the local restaurants. Accommodation: Joyosa Guarda (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Olite – Jaca – Boltaña

Our first stop of the day will be the Monastery of Leyre – one of the most historic religious complexes in Spain. Here, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of the region as we explore the St Virila Abbey, Porta Speciosa doorway and the coffer holding the remains of the first kings of Navarre. We’ll then continue our journey to Jaca – where we’ll have the chance to stroll around the charming old town and lay eyes on the 11th century Romanesque Cathedral. The picturesque hilltop village of Boltaña is our home for the night – and location for this evening’s delicious included dinner. Accommodation: Monasterio Boltana (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 - Boltaña – Lleida – Cardona

Today, we’ll turn back the hands of time with a visit to La Seu Vella – a magnificent hilltop fortress-cathedral that looms over the city of Lleida. Here, we’ll explore the medieval chapel, 14th Gothic cloister and bell tower with a local guide – before returning to the charming Old Town for some free time. Later, we’ll continue to Cardona – where a guided tour of the imposing Castle awaits. This evening is ours to spend at our leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Bremon (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Cardona – Besalú – Siurana – Girona

Before departing Cardona, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Salt Mines – where we’ll explore the old mine shafts and underground museum with a local guide. Afterwards, we’ll set our sights on the medieval village of Besalú – a hidden treasure filled with Romanesque architecture. And this afternoon? A unique insight into the rural culture of Catalonia awaits at a traditional farm in Siurana. We’ll be shown around before having the opportunity to sample some of the farm’s delicious cheeses. Our last stop for the day is Girona, where we’ll have the evening to explore at our own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Girona

This morning we’ll roll up our sleeves for a Spanish cooking class – with our very own creations on today’s lunch menu. Later, we’ll see the likes of the Cathedral, the Esglesia de Sant Feliu and the medieval Sant Pere de Galligants on a locally guided walking tour – before having the remainder of the day to spend at our leisure. Tonight, we’ll regroup and reflect on our unforgettable journey with a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 - Girona – Cadaqués – Barcelona

Before we say our final goodbyes, we’ll pay a visit to the Salvador Dalí Museum-House in Cadaqués – where we’ll see the surrealist artist’s workshop, library and gardens. This afternoon, we’ll make our way along the sun-kissed Costa Brava to Barcelona – where our tour will come to an end.

Meals: Breakfast

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Terms & Conditions

Prices listed are per person in Australian Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.  Prices and routing is a guide only and may change. Prices/Offers are correct as at 19 April 2021 and can be withdrawn without notice. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in.  All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure.  Airfares are based on economy class flights from Sydney and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions, please call us for prices from other cities. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.