Madrid & the Pilgrimage Walk of Santiago
13 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS
This ancient route of St. James lets you experience the real life of a Pilgrim whilst admiring some of Spain´s medieval cities.
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YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: USA / Spain
- Fly overnight to Madrid.
Day 2: Madrid
- Upon arrival at Madrid Barajas International Airport, meet your Imagine Tour Manager who will remain with you throughout your stay.
- Transfer to your centrally-located hotel for check-in and to freshen up.
- Head on a guided walking tour through old Madrid: Plaza de España, Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol and Calle de Alcalá.
- Enjoy some free time to relax, take a stroll or try some “chocolate con churros” at San Ginés.
- Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Return to your hotel and overnight accommodation in Madrid.
Day 3: Madrid
- After breakfast at your hotel, meet your Imagine Tour Manager.
- Today, partake in a guided visit to El Prado Museum located in central Madrid. It features one of the world’s finest collection of European art, based on the former Spanish Royal Collection. Admire the numerous works by internationally-renowned Spanish painters: Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Goya.
- Afterwards, visit the Retiro Park and see the Crystal Palace.
- Lunch at the Mercado de San Miguel.
- In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace which was the residence of the Spanish kings.
- Free time for shopping in La Gran Vía.
- After, visit the Círculo de Bellas Artes and admire the views of Madrid from its roof.
- Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Madrid - Burgos (3/4 hours)
- After breakfast at your hotel, meet your Imagine Tour Manager and board your private motorcoach to travel to Burgos.
- Upon arrival, you will go to the Pilgrim Office in Burgos to register and collect your official ´Pilgrim´s passport´ to walk the Camino de Santiago. Your passport will be stamped along the way.
- Lunch with your group at a local restaurant.
- After lunch, visit the Cathedral of Burgos. Burgos is the city of the historical warrior “El Cid Campeador” and the cathedral is an excellent example of Spanish Gothic architecture.
- Board your private motorcoach to travel to Leon (2 hours aprox.).
- Dinner at Leon’s “Barrio Húmedo”, where you will taste “Cecina”, a typical ham.
- Overnight accommodation in Leon.
Day 5: León - Astorga
- After breakfast at your hotel, meet your Imagine Tour Manager and head to the center of Leon.
- Take time to admire Leon´s Cathedral, also known as The House of Light or the Pulchra Leonina, with its beautiful windows, another masterpiece of Spanish Gothic art.
- Afterwards, board your private motorcoach to travel to Astorga and visit the Castrillo Polvazares, where you will taste Leon’s typical lunch “Cocido Magarato”.
- Transfer to your hotel for check-in and freshen up.
- Later, visit Astorga town. Astorga is a worthwhile place to visit, since its Episcopal Palace is next to the Cathedral and its surroundings have been declared a Historic Artistic Monument. The Palace is the work of Gaudí and it backs into the old wall, in the upper part of the city; it is the site of Los Caminos Museum.
- Dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
- Return to your hotel for overnight accommodation in Astorga.
Day 6: Sarría Pilgrimage to Portomarín (22 km)
- After a hearty breakfast, you will begin your walk along the “Camino de Santiago”. Get ready to be carried away by the magic of the road!
- We suggest that you wear previously worn shoes (rather than brand new), comfortable sportswear, windbreaker and bring a water bottle and a picnic (on the way you will pass by shops where you can buy food). Also, to avoid blisters , we advise you to moisturize your feet and carry a change of socks.
- Your luggage will be taken by bus to the next stage of Portomarín.
- Now, you will live the real Pilgrim experience as you begin your walk.
- Dinner and overnight accommodation in Portomarín.
Day 7: Portomarín to Palas del Rey (25 km)
- After breakfast, walk from Portomarín to Palas del Rey.
(Your luggage will be taken by bus). - Dinner and overnight accommodation in Palas del Rey.
Day 8: Palas del Rey to Castañeda (22 km)
- After breakfast, walk from Palas del Rey to Castañeda. (Your luggage
will be taken by bus). - Dinner and overnight accommodation in Castañeda.
Day 9: Castañeda to Santa Irene (22 km)
- After breakfast, walk from Castañeda to Santa Irene. (Your luggage
will be taken by bus). - Dinner and overnight accommodation in Santa Irene.
Day 10: Santa Irene to Monte do Gozo (19 km)
- After breakfast, walk from Santa Irene to Monte do Gozo. (Your
luggage will be taken by bus). - Dinner and overnight accommodation in Monte do Gozo.
Day 11: Monte do Gozo to Santiago (6km)
- After breakfast, walk from Monte do Gozo to Santiago de Compostela. (Your luggage will be taken by a bus).
- Upon arrival in Santiago, follow the road that leads to the Plaza del Obraidoro. There you will visit the Cathedral and see the Santiago’s Chapel. Congratulations, your journey is complete!
- Time for lunch and to walk through the streets of Santiago.
- Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- In the afternoon, you will receive your “Camino de Santiago Diploma”, certifying that you are a true Pilgrim.
- Dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
- Overnight accommodation in Santiago.
Day 12: Santiago de Compostela
- Meet your Imagine Tour Manager at your hotel.
- This morning, you will visit the Market of Santiago, a market that dates back to 1822, where your will enjoy a “churromania” breakfast (“chocolate con churros”).
- Have free time to discover Santiago on your own.
- Tonight, get ready for a farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
- Overnight accommodation in Santiago.
Day 13: Santiago de Compostela / A Coruña
- After breakfast, meet you Tour Manager.
- Board your private motorcoach to A Coruña airport for your return flight home.
