Join this new Active Journey whether you’re on a spiritual journey yourself or simply want the thrill of hiking this famous pilgrimage route. Feel a connection and the same sense of purpose with pilgrims since the Middle Ages as you walk along the same trails from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela. 

Starting at: $6,595 * Price includes special offer Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question
Cabo Fisterra, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean Arriving at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Travelers along the Camino de Santiago Sunset over the Atlantic, Finisterre Scallop shells, symbol for the Camino de Santiago Landscape of Leon Province Statue of El Cid in Burgos Medieval bridge outside Burgos The town of Burgos, along the Camino de Santiago The road to Roncesvalles

Walking the Camino de Santiago

Spain’s Historic Pilgrimage Route

11 days from $6,595

Join this new Active Journey whether you’re on a spiritual journey yourself or simply want the thrill of hiking this famous pilgrimage route. Feel a connection and the same sense of purpose with pilgrims since the Middle Ages as you walk along the same trails from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela. 

To view a section, please click on an option below.

Accommodations

* Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.

Miróhotel Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain

Sleek, modern, and chic, the Hotel Miró is a luxury boutique hotel located very close to the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in the center of Bilbao. The 50 room are contemporary in design, and well-equipped with modern conveniences. The hotel also features a small fitness center, a bar, and a library. 

Number of nights: 1

Pamplona Catedral Hotel

Pamplona, Spain

Located in the heart of Pamplona, the exclusive 4-star Pamplona Catedral Hotel is an excellent place to relax or explore the city and learn of its culture and gastronomy. The hotel is hosted in a restored 19th century convent, completely redesigned into a luxurious hotel with 59 beautifully designed rooms, and the highest quality service expected of a luxury boutique hotel. 

Number of nights: 1

AC Hotel La Rioja

La Rioja, Spain

The AC Hotel La Rioja a conveniently located hotel in the city center of Logroño. On the banks of the Ebro River and a mere 10 minute walk away from Church of San Bartolome and the cultural museum Casa das Ciencias (House of Sciences). 

Number of nights: 1

Abba Burgos Hotel

Burgos, Spain

The Abba Burgos Hotel is located in the heart of Burgos, just steps away from the Cathedral and an array of castles and other historical landmarks.  This bright and quiet hotel provides a splendid view of the city. The facilities of Abba Burgos Hotel were designed with an open and modernized concept, which includes a garden area and a wonderful panoramic view of the city to enjoy all that Burgos has to offer. 

Number of nights: 1

Hotel NH Collection León Plaza Mayor

León, Spain

Set in an 18th-century manor house in the main square of León, the Hotel NH Collection León Plaza Mayor is a luxurious 4-star property centrally located near the historical area and shopping district, close to many attractions, restaurants and much more. The hotel restaurant serves Mediterranean and Spanish inspired fare made from the finest local ingredients, a perfect place of indulgence and relaxation.

Number of nights: 2

Eurostars Gran Lugo

Lugo , Spain

The Eurostars Gran Lugo is a 4-star property perfectly located to experience the grand Lugo Cathedral and the spectacular Roman wall that surrounds the charming historical center. The Eurostar’s Gran Hotel is equipped with all of the amenities to grant a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the historic city of Lugo.

Number of nights: 1

Parador de Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Considered one of the world's oldest hotels, the Hostal dos Reis Catolicós as it is also known was built by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1499 as a hospital for pilgrims. The 137-room parador is situated in the historic Plaza do Obradoiro adjacent to the famed cathedral and its architectural flourishes include a carved entrance façade, vaulted ceilings, stone archways, a Renaissance chapel, and four courtyards. The hotel features two restaurants and a bar, coffee shop, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, library, gift shop, and laundry and dry cleaning service. Air-conditioned guest rooms are furnished in historical style and offer private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Number of nights: 2

Activity Level

Expectations: As part of the Smithsonian Active Journeys collection, this trip features a schedule of physical activities—including walking and hiking—in addition to activities designed to offer cultural or historical context. Walks, hikes and activities will take place rain or shine. If you are reasonably fit and can walk and hike from 1 up to 7 miles easily you should be comfortable on this Moderate/Active tour (Level 3). On this trip, daily hikes are taken at a leisurely to active pace over various types of terrain, from well-trodden trails to dirt roads to sometimes stony rural tracks. A few long travel days with early morning departures should be expected. Hiking boots, raingear and day packs for daily necessities are a must; some travelers may wish to bring hiking poles.

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, have a strong fitness level, expect a slightly vigorous pace, are comfortable participating in up to four hours of hiking per day, and enjoy challenging themselves physically.

Reading List
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Highly Recommended

Steps Out of Time: One Woman's Journey on the Camino
By: Katharine B. Soper
Steps Out of Time won a silver medal in the 2014 Independent Publishers Book Competition and an Honorable Mention in the 2014 Writer's Digest self-published award program. Amazon reviews show that this book resonates deeply among readers, hikers and armchair travelers alike. "While the narratives of other pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela are available in an array of languages, Soper stands out as a unique and rewarding guide.... for the quality and detail of her descriptive and narrative writing, as well as the interest level of her reflections.... Soper seems to have put as much care into her book as she did, indeed, into her pilgrimage. She imbued both works with dignity and relevance in a straightforward, honest manner that will not be lost on the reader. I tip my hat to a formidable traveler/writer." Judge, 22nd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Part memoir, part travelogue, Steps Out of Time details the fascinating history and traditions of this ancient way, its breathtaking beauty, great food, and extraordinary camaraderie. As well, it conveys the realities of a secular pilgrim's journey - the pain, the hilarious situations, the unexpected, and the moving. It is also a deeply reflective memoir on aging and the pace of modern life as seen through the eyes of a fifty-seven-year-old wife, mother, and professional who worries that recently diagnosed medical conditions might prevent her from accomplishing her goal. Her gender, stage in life, age (and hopefully, her maturity!) set the stage for her journey and the discoveries she makes along the way. This book is a book that will resonate with anyone who has felt overwhelmed by the pace and demands of life and who remembers - but cannot seem to recreate - a life that was calmer, richer and more fulfilling. All who desire to take that first step of personal rediscovery will want to read Steps Out of Time.
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Moon Camino de Santiago: Sacred Sites, Historic Villages, Local Food & Wine (Travel Guide)
By: Bahrami, Beebe
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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Director's Choice
By: Vidarte, Juan Ignacio
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A Traveller's History of Spain
By: Lalaguna, Juan
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Camino Ready. Backpacks, Boots & (no) Blisters: Preparing for the Camino and Other Long Treks
By: Mark O'Sullivan
This book is for everyone thinking about or planning to do a long walk, like the Camino Frances from southern France to Santiago de Compostela a distance of 800 km or nearly 500 miles. The focus is on preparation and so you will have the best chance to successfully reach your destination pain and injury free. Many fail to complete the walk.Mark has walked 5 Camino routes in France, Spain and Portugal as have the other contributors. The book will help you prepare for the Camino Frances and similar long-distance ancient pilgrims’ pathways—or the Inca Trail, which he has also hiked. "Camino Ready. Backpacks, Boots & (no) Blisters"focuses on nine key topics based on Mark’s experience: 1.Boots vs. blisters. Choosing the right boots for long distance walking.2. Walking as a System: Some basic physiology and what to do to avoid problems.3. Clothes for sun, rain, or cold and other handy items.4. A get-fit program. To be physically and mentally prepared.5.Are you a greaser or a strapper? Protecting your feet each day; avoiding blisters; choosing socks.6.Weight creep--a killjoy. Your backpack and contents.7.Water: why, where, and when. It is not just about sipping.8.Trekking or walking poles. Why, what, and how.9.Sundry useful tips. SIM cards, keeping valuables safe, rain gear, free Wi-Fi, et al. There are also two appendices by fellow pilgrims, one on what to expect and how to manage lodging in albergues, the other all about bed bugs with a focus on avoiding them and, if it happens, how to treat the bites and avoid carrying them home.
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The Way, My Way
By: Bill Bennett
“I’d never done anything crazy like this before – a pilgrimage walk. I was not a hiker, and I wasn’t a Catholic. In fact, I wasn’t even sure I was a Christian. On the last government census when I had to state my religion, I'd said I was a Buddhist, mainly because they’ve had such a hard time in Tibet and I felt they needed my statistical support. I was also not an adventure traveller. For me, adventure travel was flying coach. All this backpacking and wearing of heavy boots and flying off to France to walk ancient pilgrimage routes was a new experience, and not one that made me feel entirely comfortable.” And so Bill Bennett, an Australian based film director, set off on an 800 kilometre walk across Spain to Santiago de Compostela, not sure why he was doing it, and not feeling entirely comfortable. His discomfort increased markedly a few days later when his knee gave out – so the rest of the walk was a “pain management pilgrimage.” But he kept his sense of humour, and his memoir is at times hilarious but also deeply moving, and insightful. In the vein of Bill Bryson and Eric Newby, The Way, My Way takes you on a unique spiritual journey, and gives you a hearty laugh along the way.
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Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Travel Guard provides an on-tour Insurance Plan. On-tour emergency evacuation insurance (up to $100,000), medical expense coverage (up to $25,000), dental expense coverage (up to $500), travel medical assistance and worldwide travel assistance (U.S. Residents only). It also includes up to $25,000 medical and up to $500 dental expense coverage, and 24-hour worldwide travel and medical assistance. Please click here to view complete coverage details.

Please visit www.TravelGuard.com/SmithsonianJourneys or call Travel Guard at 1-800-208-6142 to learn about additional (optional) coverage.