The Pilgrim Route to Santiago

Occupying a stunning location on the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian is famous for its Michelin starred food and for its beautiful urban beaches, considered by many to be some of the best in the world.

Spend your free day here wandering around the old town and relaxing on the beach (weather permitting). There are fantastic city views to be had from the summit of Monte Igueldo which you can access by funicular train or on foot. In the evening, try one of the many pintxo bars (basque tapas) or treat yourself to dinner at one of the city’s three 3-Michelin star restaurants.

It’s a 3 hour journey south across the regional border into Castile and León and on to Burgos,. Look out for views of the Basque region’s highest peak, Aizkorri, on the right hand side of the train. You have an overnight stay at the AC Burgos by Marriott (or similar).

The city of Burgos was founded in 884 and there are still medieval buildings to be found here. You can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed cathedral as well as sampling some of the local cuisine, considered some of the best in Spain.

Leaving Burgos today, the train runs through the Arlanzón Valley before cutting north-west across the plains in the direction of Leon. On arrival, check in for an overnight stay at the NH Plaza Mayor (or similar).

Dating back to Roman times, Leon boasts a walkable Old Town with some stunning historic monuments. One of the most important of these is the Convento de San Marcos which was built as a hostel for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, and is now a luxurious Parador hotel. If you would be interested in staying here, please let us know.

The scenery becomes more undulating today as you travel towards the Montes de León (pictured). The train heads through the lovely Sil Valley before arriving into Santiago de Compostela, your final destination. Here, you can relax at the end of your trip with 3 nights at the Parador Santiago de Compostela (or similar).

Santiago de Compostela became a destination for pilgrimage after the tomb of St James was discovered in 813. Visitors have been making their way here along the famous ‘Way of St James’ ever since.

Enjoy two days exploring this historic city at your own pace. Santiago has been designated a Holy City – only Jerusalem and Rome share this honour, and the evidence is all around you in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town area, which contains some fine churches and monasteries. You’ll also find some lovely secular architecture here along with tempting shops and restaurants.

The main square, Prazo do Obradoiro, is home to both the impressive Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, now the Parador Hotel and also kilometre zero of the Camino de Santiago.

You have an early start today to start your rail journey back to the UK. Take the train from Santiago de Compostela to Spanish capital Madrid where you’ll need to transfer between Chamartin and Atocha stations. We can include directions to travel by metro or, if you’d prefer, we can add a transfer for you.

Leaving Madrid behind, travel by high-speed AVE service to Barcelona on the Catalan coast, where you have an overnight stay at the Abba Sants Hotel (or similar). If you’d like additional nights in Madrid or Barcelona, please let us know.

After breakfast this morning, return to the station and catch the international TGV service which will whisk you across the French border and up to Paris, covering 650 miles (or 1,035 kilometres) in under 7 hours. Arriving at the Gare de Lyon, make the easy connection to the Gare du Nord for your return Eurostar back to London.