Finding The Way
Dear Matteo,
Spain awaits. It is a beautiful destination, replete with old-world charm, which you will experience in the landscape, the culture, and, of course, the beverages. Per our discussions of your interest in religious relics, your trip will balance rustic hill hikes and visits to breathtaking religious sites. You will leave Spain feeling cleansed, ready to return to the world with a fresh appreciation of that which is holy—and that which is hilly!
Day 1: San Sebastian
Arrive at San Sebastian in the morning, and enjoy a welcome lunch in private at Torre Satrustegui. This spot sits in the Igueldo mount hillside and owns one of the most spectacular views of the city of San Sebastian and its bay La Concha. Without a doubt, it is one of the most singular buildings that overlook the bay. A representative example of eclectic architecture with historicist feel, the tower is surrounded by a magnificent tree-garden signed by the well-known landscaper Ducasse. In the afternoon, you will have a walk through the village, visiting some of the most interesting places. You will enjoy dinner at hotel María Cristina before settling in for the night.
Day 2: Roncesvalles
Depart today to Saint Jean Pied de Port (France), the town where you will begin the Way of St. James. The stage from St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles is most spectacular because of its landscape, but is also the hardest one to walk. Balancing challenge and aesthetic pleasure, you will do part of it by car and part walking, with a break for an aperitif in the middle to enjoy the splendid views. After lunch at Huarte, you will have a private visit to the outstanding Collegiate Church in Roncesvalles. Enjoy dinner and an overnight at a charming rural hotel.
Day 3: Larrasoaña
During the morning you will continue our next stage of the Way, from Roncesvalles to Larrasoaña by electric bicycle, through a very nice path in the forest. You will continue by car on to Pago de Larrainzar Winery, close to Estella, where you will have a private visit on its grounds and wine cellars before indulging in a special lunch.
During the afternoon, you will visit Santa María de Eunate Church, almost a mandatory stop along the Way. This Romanesque gem celebrates passion and mysteries in its unusual architecture and its isolated location. After aperitif on the terrace of Marqués de Riscal, you will continue on our route to La Rioja, arriving for dinner at Castle of Cuzcurrita.
Day 4: Santo Domingo de La Calzada
Today, you will pay a visit to Santa María La Real de Nájera, Santo Domingo de La Calzada, and Yuso and Suso Monasteries, UNESCO World Heritage sites. The afternoon will take you through some enchanting areas until you arrive at the Castle of Cuzcurrita.
Day 5: Castile-León
Depart early if you wish to experience a dawn balloon ride over the Rioja vineyards. After this unforgettable floating experience, you will enter Castile and Leon. Here, stop at San Juan de Ortega Sanctuary, and then continue on to Atapuerca where you will have a private visit of the archaeological site. The morning will end with a visit to the Cathedral of Burgos. After a traditional Castilian lunch, you will arrive in Lerma, where you will spend the afternoon and stay in a 17th century historic building.
Day 6: Santo Domingo de Silos Monastery
Rise early so that you can reach Santo Domingo de Silos Monastery in time to attend Mass and hear the world famous Gregorian chants. You will do part of your route, between Castrojeriz and Fromista, by bicycle. Continue on to Carrion de los Condes, a stop on the Way of St. James, where you will have lunch. Visit Sahagun and, at the end of the day, arrive in León, where you will sleep in the wonderful Parador Nacional. This 16th century monastery, along with the cathedral, is one of the biggest architecture treasures of the city.
Day 7: Astorga
You will continue on your route to Astorga, capital of the Maragateria county, with its rich medieval legacy resulting from its location at the crossroads between the Way of St. James and the Silver Road. Its walled town preserves churches, convents and hospitals that have succored travelers from the earliest days of the pilgrimage. The old town has been declared Site of Cultural Interest. Afterwards ascend to the shrine Cruz de Ferro that is located at the highest point along the French Way, and continue on to Villafranca del Bierzo, the last important town on the Way before leaving the region of Leon. Its outstanding monuments and its relation with the Way of St. James has turned it into an important center that has been also declared Site of Cultural Interest. In the late afternoon, take a sunset walk in Las Médulas, before dining at Parador Nacional Villafranca del Bierzo where you will also overnight.
The old town has been declared Site of Cultural Interest. Afterwards ascend to the shrine Cruz de Ferro that is located at the highest point along the French Way, and continue on to Villafranca del Bierzo, the last important town on the Way before leaving the region of Leon. Its outstanding monuments and its relation with the Way of St. James has turned it into an important center that has been also declared Site of Cultural Interest. In the late afternoon, take a sunset walk in Las Médulas, before dining at Parador Nacional Villafranca del Bierzo where you will also overnight.
Day 8: Galicia
Arrive in Galicia, where the final stages of the Way are to be found. You will begin walking a part of the way from O Cebrerio to Samos. Once you reach Samos, you will visit the lovely Monastery and continue on to Sarria to visit its Castle, The Magdalena Convent, as well as the Santa Mariña and El Salvador Churches. Sarria is also known for its antiques and restoration work. Lunch in Sarria and then take to th road again, arriving in Santiago de Compostela in the afternoon. We have arranged for a private visit of its fantastic Cathedral as well as its Roof. You will stay at Pazo de Oca, a private home and property of Casa Ducal de Medinaceli Foundation, one of Spain’s ancient noble families.
Sarria is also known for its antiques and restoration work. Lunch in Sarria and then take to th road again, arriving in Santiago de Compostela in the afternoon. We have arranged for a private visit of its fantastic Cathedral as well as its Roof. You will stay at Pazo de Oca, a private home and property of Casa Ducal de Medinaceli Foundation, one of Spain’s ancient noble families.
Day 9: Casa Ducal de Medinaceli
Today is a day of leisure to relax in this lovely private home. Since this is your last day in Spain, you will want to savor the experience before returning home.
Matteo, it has been my pleasure to plan this itinerary for your Spanish Adventure. Please feel free to contact me at any time, should the need arise.