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The ‘Way of St James’, steeped in history
Monumental Cathedrals; Burgos, Leon, Santiago
Across six major wine producing regions
Lofty mountains, arid plains, lush green hills
Rich gastronomic heritage
Las Médulas – dramatic red-rock landscape
10% OFF ALL HOLIDAYS
Historically the most important and certainly the most travelled route to Santiago, el Camino del Frances, the Frenchman’s route, is steeped in history from start to finish.
The ‘Way of St James’, steeped in history
Monumental Cathedrals; Burgos, Leon, Santiago
Across six major wine producing regions
Lofty mountains, arid plains, lush green hills
Rich gastronomic heritage
Las Médulas – dramatic red-rock landscape
This northern Spain holiday will take you on a journey into the Spanish interior, untouched by mass tourism, where you will experience the real Spain. This is a journey of contrasts starting in the high mountains of Navarra across the arid plains of the Meseta and finishing in lush green hills of Galicia. All along the way you’ll discover beautiful religious architecture from the humblest parish church to the magnificent cathedrals of Burgos, Leon and of course Santiago de Compostela, all dedicated to the glory of St James.
This could also be called the Ruta del Vino, crossing the wine regions of Navarra, La Rioja, up and coming Bierzo and finishing in Galicia, home to the fantastic whites of Alabariño.
Gateway to the Camino de Santiago
Excellent local wines, not available at home
‘Garden of Spain’, peppers, artichokes, asparagus
Fairytale castles at Olite and Artajona
Bull runs & pintxos in Pamplona
High rocky mountains & rolling green valleys
Spain’s most prestigious vineyards
Riojan & Basque cuisine – excellent local ingredients
Stunning modern architecture alongside prehistoric remains among the vines
Medieval Laguardia and Labastida
Dinastia Vivanco museum of wine culture
Essential stop on the Camino de Santiago
Truly awesome cathedral, recently restored
Bustling old town; lively bars & restaurants
Spain’s best lamb & delicious black pudding
Atapuerca & the Museum of Human Evolution
Historic crossroads; Camino de Santiago and the Via de Plata
Santa Maria in Leon – beautiful stained glass
Tapas in ‘the wet zone’ in Leon old-town
Las Medulas, undulating red rock formations
El Bierzo, lost in time, steeped in history
Journey’s end, for centuries Europe’s most important pilgrim destination
World heritage city centred around the magnificent Cathedral, said to house the bones of St James
Guided walking tour, there’s so much to discover
Lively bar scene, great tapas and young Ribeiro wine, or if you prefer, a drop of Albariño
Add a stop in Bilbao or San Sebastian
add a stop in El Bierzo or Ribeira Sacra
Start in Santiago and travel eastbound
Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Accommodation in our listed hotels – 2 sharing 1 std. double ensuite, B&B (unless specified)
Economy 4-door car hire (talk to us about upgrades)
or ferry crossings with Brittany Ferries (vehicle + 4 berth outside cabin, exclusive use)
Guide to Northern Spain
Restaurant guide covering all regions en-route
Instructions to find all accommodation
Flights – but we are able to advise
One-way car hire charges, where applicable (see your quote email)
The following car hire extras – these can be added at pick-up point
extra driver, child seats, GPS
Garage parking where applicable (mostly city stops) – please ask us about parking charges
Local tourist taxes (where applicable)
A point-to-point itinerary, this route is best enjoyed flying into the Basque Country and back from Galicia – or vice versa. See your flight options in the table below:
If your preferred local airport only connects to one of the airports at the destination, the route can be adapted to suit a single port of entry and return, interleaving the stages. Please contact us for more details.
PLEASE NOTE Flights are not included and some flights are seasonal.
Ferry: If you wish to bring your own car, classic car or motorbike, we can include the ferry crossings as part of the package – check our Santander to Santiago and back Tour - NC7 and see timetables below:
Choose your country and preferred airport of origin and then select from possible destinations to see airline providers.
For passengers travelling by air we will include a hire car as part of the package. Normally we include a 4 door economy class car but please let us know if you would like something different.
For those coming on the ferry you will use your own vehicle but in either case we will provide full instructions to arrive at each hotel, complete with GPS, as well as a map of the area.
Our team of experts have over 35 years travel expertise in Spain & Portugal.
You’ll receive friendly, personal service from start to finish of the booking process.
Call and speak to Andy, Leonor or Antonio about your dream holiday in Spain & Portugal...
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With 40+ years’ experience designing holidays in Spain & Portugal, our friendly, expert team offers personal service from booking to your return. While away, you’ll have ground support from local agents.
Every trip is tailored to your budget and needs.
Call us - we’d love to hear from you!
Discover authentic Spain & Portugal, far from tourist crowds. Stay in charming, trusted places — from castles and palaces to rural guesthouses and Paradores.
Your pack includes maps, guidebook, and touring tips. Plus, our Vamos travel app keeps all your documents and guides in one place.
We’ve been a fully bonded UK tour operator since 1985, so your money and holiday are protected.
We’re also members of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) — the hallmark of trusted, specialist holidays. Independent dispute resolution means you always travel with confidence.
