Discover an amazing diversity of landscapes, culture, food and wine following the Camino de Santiago
Discover the Way of St James, in Spanish the Camino de Santiago, in comfort, staying in delightful small hotels, and at your own pace with our self-drive touring itineraries.
Our Camino de Santiago touring holidays are ideal for those who want to explore the pilgrim routes, for their great natural beauty and rich heritage, but don’t want to walk the whole route or sleep in pilgrims’ hostals!
Camino de Santiago - so easy to get to...
Numerous flights from the UK to North Spain and North Portugal and seven ferries a week to Spain mean that the Camino de Santiago route has never been easier to get to.
- Direct flights to Bilbao, Santander, Asturias, La Coruña, Porto or Santiago make point-to-point touring in north Spain and Portugal easy. Follow the Camino del Norte, the Camino del Frances or the Camino Portugues or combine all three into a round tour…
- Independent self-drive touring with all the info and support you need
- Bespoke itineraries – designed and organised by our experts
- Fly to Spain or Portugal and we’ll include a car or bring your own vehicle and we’ll build in the ferry.
Practical Information
Camino de Santiago – The Way of Saint James
For centuries Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, the north-western region of Spain, has been one of the major European pilgrimage destinations.
In medieval times the journey might have been quite an ordeal but the amazing scenery, outstanding heritage, food and drink and the welcoming people, these days make it an ideal destination for touring holidays.
Enjoy our ‘Caminos’ self-drive itineraries at your own pace in the comfort of our hand-picked hotels and discover the beauty of the lesser-known regions of Spain & Portugal.
Camino de Santiago
The legend of St James in Iberia
In the year AD 40, whilst spreading the word of Jesus throughout the Iberian Peninsula, the Virgin Mary appeared to the apostle St James atop a pillar in what’s now know as Zaragoza. An immense Cathedral now stands on this site in veneration of the Virgen del Pilar to whom a national holiday is also celebrated every 12th of October.
Shortly after, St James returned to Jerusalem where he was promptly beheaded with a sword by King Herod himself. The legend holds that his body was taken up by angels and sailed in a rudderless, crewless boat from Jerusalem to Iria Flavia (nowadays Padron) in north west Galicia, where a massive rock closed around his relics, which were later removed to Compostela.
Eight centuries passed without incident until, in the early days of the Reconquista, the shepherd Pelayo, led by a star, discovered the remains of the saint – from this, some say comes the name Compostela, a derivation of the Latin Campus Stellae.
In 844 Santiago further reinforced his status among the Spanish Christians by appearing on a white charger in the guise of Santiago Matamoros (moor-slayer) and leading them to victory in battle at Clavijo. The people vowed to pay a tribute to the Saint should the Reconquista be successful, a promise which they fulfilled, continuing to pay the tax into the early 1900’s – which in part explains the enormous wealth held by the Cathedral and City of Santiago.
It wasn’t all roses however, in 997 Al Mansur captured the city and carried the huge bells off to Cordoba where he turned them upside down and used them as oil containers – they weren’t to return until 1236!
The second millennium
Throughout the 9th and 10th centuries a succession of ever larger churches were built on the site and the pilgrims started to arrive in their hordes. Towards the end of the 12th century the Pope decreed Santiago to be a holy City, on a par with Rome and Jerusalem.
Centuries pass, the Reconquista is won, glory days for the Camino and then, in 1589, with Drake, the English pirate, attacking the Galician coast, the remains are hidden away for safety – the only problem being that afterwards nobody can remember where! No matter, business carries on as usual but then, nearly three hundred years later and with numbers dwindling, the bones miraculously show up again!
Although this helped somewhat, the Camino continued its fall into decline right through to the 1980’s. Since that time however it has enjoyed a significant resurgence in popularity with over 327,000 registered pilgrims last year (2018) (272,000 the last time a holy year was celebrated in 2010). In 1985 the city of Santiago de Compostela was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and in 1987 the Camino de Santiago was considered the first European Cultural Itinerary by UNESCO.
Camino del Norte – Northern Way to Santiago
Starting very close to the French border, this camino covers the whole of the coastal regions of Northern Spain.
A one-way itinerary or circular tour, you can get as active as you like, a great mixture of tranquil beaches and high mountains, this region has something for everyone.
When to come
The northern, more verdant, regions of Spain receive more rain (and even snow in the mountains) but the summers are very pleasant, usually not surpassing 35º.
In winter the high mountains’ tops are snow-capped for most of the season.
Anytime from mid-May through to mid-October is a good time to travel on the Camino del Norte.
Getting there
Take a ferry from the UK or Ireland to northern Spain and enjoy holidaying with your own car or motorbike. Six crossings from the UK and two from Ireland.
Or fly to Spain rent a car or motorbike, we can offer rental car pick-up at the airport in Bilbao, Santander, Asturias and Santiago and motorbike rental is available in Bilbao.
Camino del Frances – French Way to Santiago
The quintessential of the caminos, northern Europeans have used this path for centuries on their way to Santiago, crossing the French-Spanish border in the Pyrenees mountains. It can be one-way or circular.
This path travels straight through the regions of Rioja, Burgos, Leon and Galicia, all regions of great historic importance, boasting architectural gems like cathedrals and churches.
When to come
The inland regions of Spain enjoy a benign climate with milder winters and dry summers in the lower valleys and coast, and fresher temperatures in the mountains and high plains.
Getting there
Take a ferry from the UK or Ireland to northern Spain and enjoy holidaying with your own car or motorbike. Seven crossings from the UK and two from Ireland.
Or fly to Spain rent a car or motorbike, we can offer rental car pick-up at the airport in Bilbao, Santander, Asturias and Santiago and motorbike rental is available in Bilbao.
Via de Plata – Inland Spain Way to Santiago
Andalucia is the beginning of this way which crosses the whole length of the Iberian Peninsula from south to north, all the way to Santiago.
Heritage cities, architecture and history describe the centre regions of Spain, from Roman to contemporary art, arid planes and mountain ranges.
Perfect for spring and autumn holidays, this could be a one-way or a circular route.
When to come
Crossing Spain from South to North (or vice versa) through three distinct climate bands, this epic trip needs careful planning to achieve the best compromise and make the most of the journey.
At the southern end, in Andalucia, temperatures often reach over 40º in the summer, the central region can also be blisteringly hot in summer and harshly cold in winter, whilst the north coast has a cool maritime climate, normally best avoided in winter.
You're guaranteed a wide spectrum of weather whatever time you come but in Spring and Autumn the temperatures should be quite pleasant throughout the trip.
Getting there
Though one variant joins the Camino del Frances and links with Santiago our IC1 Via de Plata tour follows the ancient Roman trading route from Gijón in the north to Sevilla (or Cádiz) in the south.
Fly into Santander, Bilbao or Asturias and back from Sevilla or Málaga - see Travel details on the tour for more info.
Should you wish to come by ferry we can easily interleave the stops to make an out-and-back itinerary or add a couple of stops to travel back through central Spain (e.g. via Toledo, Segovia, Burgos...)
Camino Portugues – The Portuguese Way to Santiago
Start in Lisbon and travel north, crossing the border to Spain and Santiago.
Discover northern Portugal, small but endlessly captivating, rich with delightful regional contrasts, is the ideal destination for a wonderful touring holiday.
Please note; if renting a vehicle, this route should be designed to be circular, as rental cars must be returned to their country of origin.
When to come
Following the Atlantic coast of Portugal and Spain the Camino Portugues (Portuguese Way of St James) has the most benign climate of all the 'ways'.
Though the winter months are best avoided the weather should be pleasant at any time from April through to October. If taking the longer route, starting in Lisboa, the summer months can be quite hot and might be best avoided.
Getting there (and around)
Fly to Porto or Lisboa from most UK airports - see the 'Travel details' sections of the tours.
As the hire car needs to be dropped of in the same country where it was collected both of our Camino Portugués tours are designed as 'out-and-back' itineraries.
Our Porto to Santiago route starts and finishes in Porto (or Santiago).
The longer Lisboa to Santiago route Starts in Lisboa and finishes in Porto (though you can, of course, return to Lisboa should you prefer).
Explore our favourites Camino-based tours in Spain & Portugal
Here's a selection of our Camino-based tours - for a full list please click here
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[title] => Day 6 & 7 – Picos de Europa
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[description] => Breathtaking mountain scenery, walks & activities for all
Wildlife, butterflies to birds of prey, bears too!
Make a pilgrimage to Santo Toribio
Cable car at Fuente De whisks you up to 1800m
Potes, Cangas and Arriondas, historic yet full of life
Local mountain gastronomy, cider & Orujo
Historic seaside towns of San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar
Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
Prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira and many more
Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Fly into Santiago and end in Bilbao
Swap Bilbao for a stay in San Sebastian
Add a stop in the Rias Bajas - or stay there instead of Santiago
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!
Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim & its sister the Bellas Artes
Basque cuisine, pintxos or something more substantial
Basque coast, lovely beaches, spectacular rock formations
Head for the hills, great walking just near the city
San Sebastian, Belle Epoque elegance by the sea
Great seafood – famed throughout Spain
Playa de los Catedrales, one of many fantastic beaches
Unspoilt coastline with lovely fishing villages
Viveiro, lively seaside city with an atmospheric old town
Sagardelo pottery, traditional yet with a modern look
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
Pretty fishing villages such as Cudillero & Luarca
Beautiful beaches & dramatic cliff-top coastal walks
Dinosaur coast & Jurassic museum
Oviedo, historic Asturian capital & Gijon by the sea
National Park of Somiedo – maybe you’ll see bears!
Visit a traditional Asturian cider house (sidrería)
World class wines and gastronomy
Spain’s most beautiful beaches
Breathtaking mountain scenery
The ‘Way of St James’, steeped in history
Magnificent cities, unspoilt villages
Ancient architecture; ultra-modern Guggenheim
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[description] => This out-and-back tour is a great solution for those wishing to enter and return via the same Spanish airport, combing well for example with the routes from Manchester and Bristol to Bilbao or Dublin and Edinburgh to Santander.
The route follows close to one of the main ways of St James yet never far from the dramatic coastline and with the stunning Cordillera de Cantabria mountain range as a backdrop. From start to finish you’ll find great walking, superb food and wine, great cities and lovely, well preserved towns to investigate as well as the legacy of hundreds of years of pilgrimage.
The full route takes two weeks but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => The classic Northern Spain itinerary adapted to combine with the ferry crossings to Bilbao and Santander. The stops are interleaved to keep driving times reasonable so you can cruise to Spain in style with your own car, motorbike or classic car – and discover north-west Spain at a leisurely pace.
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[title] => Day 1 to 3 – Asturias: Picos & Dinosaur Coast
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[description] => Picos de Europa soaring directly above the coast
Mirador del Fito – the best view of the Picos & the coast
Jurassic footprints by the beaches
Canoe down the Sella or get out on a fishing boat
Oviedo’s fine Pre-Romanesque architecture
Great seafood – famed throughout Spain
Playa Catedrales, one of many fantastic beaches
Unspoilt coastline with lovely fishing villages
Viveiro, lively seaside city with an atmospheric old town
Sargadelo pottery, traditional yet with a modern look.
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 Albariñ
Pretty fishing villages such as Cudillero & Luarca
Beautiful beaches & dramatic cliff-top coastal walks
Dinosaur coast & Jurassic museum
Oviedo, historic Asturian capital & Gijon by the sea
National Park of Somiedo – maybe you’ll see bears!
Visit a traditional Asturian cider house (sidrería)
Breathtaking mountain scenery, walks & activities for all
Wildlife, butterflies to birds of prey, bears too!
Make a pilgrimage to Santo Toribio
Cable car at Fuente De whisks you up to 1800m
Potes, Cangas and Arriondas, historic yet full of life
Local mountain gastronomy, cider & Orujo
Historic seaside towns of San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar
Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
Prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira and many more
Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Fly into Bilbao and add a night or two in the city
Or fly into Santiago or La Coruña and reverse the direction of the trip
Add a stop in the Rias Bajas - or stay there instead of Santiago
Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
If flying from Stansted, Gatwick or Dublin, take our NC1 Camino del Norte one-way tour
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
The ‘Way of St James’, steeped in history
Spain’s most beautiful beaches
World class wines and gastronomy
Breathtaking mountain scenery
Magnificent cities, unspoilt villages
Ancient architecture; ultra-modern Guggenheim
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[description] => A journey into the Spanish interior, untouched by mass tourism, here 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.
[introduction] => 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.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Navarra
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[description] => 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!
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
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[description] => Due to Madrid´s multiple connections with the rest of the world, this tour can be adapted to include the Spanish capital as part of the package. Countless monuments, renowned museums, art galleries, theatres and a varied offer of good restaurants, lively bars and night clubs, you will definitely get amazed by its infinite charms. Don´t hesitate to consult us.
[introduction] => Following the ancient, Via de Plata, trading route – literally the ‘Silver Path’ – this epic journey crosses Spain from north to south. Few tours offer such extreme contrasts, from the lush green valleys of Asturias to the arid plains and high sierras of Castilla-León and Extremadura, finally reaching the orange groves of Andalucia; from the bedrock of Christian Spain to the heart of the one-time sultanate, here you truly get a sense of Spain’s rich and turbulent history…
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[title] => Day 1 to 3 – Asturias: Picos & Dinosaur Coast
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[description] => Picos de Europa soaring directly from the coast
Cider country – the Spanish Cornwall?
Beautiful beaches with fossil dino-footprints
Canoe down the Sella or get out on a fishing boat
Oviedo’s fine Pre-Romanesque architecture
Leon’s cathedral & lively old town
Maragato culture in Astorga
Lunar landscape of Las Medulas
Great wines from Toro, El Bierzo & Rueda
Gaudi’s fairytale palace in Astorga
Monumental Salamanca – a World Heritage Site
Spain’s oldest university – Europe’s fourth
Savour the delicious Gijuelo cured ham
Casa de las Conchas – Dali’s inspiration?
Stroll on the Roman bridge or in the lovely gardens
Explore the high Sierras of Gredos and Salamanca
Lose yourself in the Jewish Quarter of Hervás
Valle del Jerte cherry trees by the million – a real treat in Spring!
Visit Candelario & Béjar – two true beauties
Plasencia – key staging point on the Via de Plata
Monfrague National Park – a lesser known gem
Historic Cáceres & Trujillo with its imposing castle
Take a pilgrimage to Guadalupe
2nd century Roman bridge at Alcántara
Excellent local cheese and game dishes
Mérida, some of Spain’s finest Roman ruins
Paintings of Zurbarán and much more in Zafra la Bella
Jerez de Los Caballeros – town of the Conquistadores
Discover the “dehesa” grazing for the Iberian pigs
Sample the local jamón at Monesterio – simply the best
Gateway to the New World & all its riches
3 World Heritage Sites in the Old Town!
Magnificent Cathedral & Archive of the Indies
Moorish Alcázar Palace & Giralda Tower
Thriving Flamenco culture in Triana
Fly into Bilbao and spend a night or two in the city
or add a first stop in Santander
Extend your tour and leave via Málaga
Ask about superior rooms or a larger rental car
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!
Picos de Europa & the dramatic north coast
León, crossroads with the Camino de Santiago
Salamanca – monumental university city
Madrid: history, art & gastronomy in Spain´s capital
Dehesa landscapes – Jamón Iberico
Historic Caceres, Trujillo, Guadalupe
Sevilla – full of Andalucian ‘alegría’
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[name] => Camino Portugues – Lisboa to Santiago
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[description] => Never far from the Atlantic coast and with the lovely rolling scenery of central and northern Portugal and Galicia as a backdrop, the route is certainly scenic. And with nine world heritage sites along the way it’s truly crammed with cultural and historic highlights.
The regional gastronomy, from ocean and mountains is second to none and the wines are world-class from start to finish.
The full route takes fourteen days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => The Portugues Way – packs a lot into one of the shortest, and perhaps the prettiest, of the pilgrims’ ways to Santiago de Compostela.
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[title] => Day 1 to 3 – Lisboa & around
[introduction] =>
[description] => Hop a tram and explore Portugal’s exciting capital
Rossio square and train station
Skip out to Sintra, and the beaches of Cascais & Aldeia do Meco
Bar hop in Bairro Alto, dine in style in Chiado
Mosteiro dos Jéronimos – a Manueline delight
The magnificent monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça
São Martinho do Porto a little pearl set on a string of surf washed Atlantic beaches
The Convent at Tomar, delightful city of the Templars
Sierras de Aire y Candeeiros Nature Park – riddled with caves
Medieval Óbidos with its famous white houses
Coimbra University – stunning buildings, stunning views, fascinating museums
Sé Velha, Portuguese Romanesque at its finest
Take in a fado show – Coimbra style of course
Jewish Quarter – especially magical by night
Roman ruins at Conímbriga
Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
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
Delightful Caminha and the fortress towns of Valença, Monção and Melgaço, dotted along the river Minho
Historic step in the Portuguese Santiago pilgrim way
Imposing Viana do Castelo with its long surfy windswept Atlantic coastline
Graceful Ponte de Lima with its Roman bridge
Sample the Vinho Verde wine and hearty local fare
Go inland from Lisboa and discover the Alentejo
or head south towards the Costa Vicentina
Add a stop in coastal Aveiro - the Portuguese Venice
Enjoy the Albariño wines, delicious shellfish and sandy beaches of Rias Bajas
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Lisboa, Coimbra, Santiago & Porto - four top city visits
Estremadura monasteries – Batalha, Alcobaça & Tomar
Fado culture in Lisboa and Coimbra
Alentejo, Douro, Ribeira & Albariño – a wine lover’s paradise
Atlantic coast – Portuguese surf to sheltered Rias Bajas
The Portuguese Way of St James – steeped in history.
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[name] => Porto to Santiago Driving Tour
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[description] => From start to finish you’ll find striking scenery, wonderful walking, delicious local gastronomy and world-class wines; fascinating historic towns and cities to discover, as well as the legacy of centuries of pilgrimage.
Start and finish in Porto or Santiago, stops are interleaved to avoid long drives. The full route takes ten days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => Combine the gentle charms of northern Portugal with the drama of the Galician Rias Bajas, monumental Santiago de Compostela, with time to explore the wild Atlantic coast. Discover two countries in one trip: so much in common and yet so different.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Porto
[introduction] =>
[description] => Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Imposing Viana do Castelo with its long surfy windswept Atlantic coastline
Delightful towns and villages along the river Minho
Historic step in the Portuguese Santiago pilgrim way
Graceful Ponte de Lima with its Roman bridge
Sample the Vinho Verde wine and hearty local fare
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.
Feast on delicious shellfish, locally farmed
Take a trip to the idylic islands of Cies & Ons
Unspoilt Atlantic beaches
Lively Vigo, Europe’s largest fishing port
Cambados, at the heart of the Albariño wine region
Santa Tecla, ancient Celtic ruins, amazing views!
Stunning Guimaraes – World Heritage Site, full of culture and art
Historic Braga with Portugal’s oldest Cathedral
Bom Jesus del Monte with its famous baroque staircase
Lively Barcelos – oldest market in the north, a must!
Celtic Citania de Briteiros, 2500 years of history
Add a stop to explore the Douro Valley and its endless terraced vineyards
Fly via Santiago and explore the Ribera Sacra before you cross the border
If you are a nature lover, take the opportunity and visit the Peneda-Geres National Park
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Follow St James’ Way – heritage, coast and countryside
World class wines – Port, Douro, Vinho Verde, Albariño
Historic Porto’s charming wine lodges
Monumental Santiago de Compostela
Braga & Guimaraes - steeped in history
Coastal delights of Viana, Pontevedra & Cambados
Why our clients love our tours
Your satisfaction is our Nº 1 priority – read independent reviews of our holidays on AITO.com
