Green Spain & the Pilgrims' Way
Lush folds, fairytale fishing villages, fine art and Celtic folklore abound in the timeless, rural northwest of Spain, known as ‘Green Spain’ for its fertile natural environment. It’s also renowned for Frank Ghery’s shimmering architectural wonder, the Guggenheim Museum at Bilbao. A building that perhaps surpasses the masterpieces it houses, it befits the broader local landscape with aplomb – the soaring peaks of the Picos de Europa Mountains, the green pastures of Asturias and the coastline between Galacia and Basque Country are similarly striking. Celtic traditions are still strong in Gaelic Spain and they resonate with the quaint hamlets on the Cabo de Peñas coast and the mists rolling in from the sea. Prehistoric caves and megaliths reinforce the visual timelessness of the region too, though you’ll be just as enamoured with the local culinary delights –seafood specialities and Cabrales cheese are but two of Green Spain’s taste-bud treats. We complete our journey in Galacia’s capital, Santiago de Compostela. The medieval masterpiece has long attracted pilgrims travelling The Way of St James (El Camino de Santiago) and on this trip you’ll surely see why it’s a worthy finale for such a grand foray through Spain.
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | (Sat) Arrive in Bilbao. |
| 2 | Visit Guggenheim Museum. Walking tour of Bilbao’s Old Quarter, ‘Siete Calles’. Travel to the Picos de Europa Mountains. Visit Santillana del Mar en route. |
| 3 | Explore the impressive mountain scenery of Fuente Dé. Walk in the Picos de Europa National Park (2-3 hours). Afternoon visit to Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana and village of Potes. |
| 4 | Visit Arenas de Cabrales and taste the famous ‘Cabrales’ cheese. Travel to ancient Cangas de Onis and visit the Sanctuary of Covadonga. Continue to Oviedo. |
| 5 | Morning guided tour of Oviedo, including the cathedral. Drive to Luanco and discover the spectacular Cabo de Peñas. Visit the charming fishing village of Cudillero. |
| 6 | Explore Megalithic and Celtic architecture in Pola de Allande. Walk a short portion of the ‘Camino Primitivo’ (2-3 hours). Travel to Lugo and walk along the Roman city walls. Travel to Santiago de Compostela. |
| 7 | Walking tour of the medieval old town of Santiago de Compostela. |
| 8 | Our trip ends after breakfast in Santiago de Compostela (Sat). |
Trip Highlights
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At A Glance
Trip Length |
8 days |
Trip Code |
PEGS |
Activities |
|
| Walking (Easy), Culture (Easy) | |
Maximum Passengers |
|
| 15 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Spain | |
Start City |
|
| Bilbao | |
End City |
|
| Santiago de Compostela | |
