Planet Rail
Porto by First Class Rail & return by air
8 daysfrom $1,863
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Paradors of Northern Spain: Burgos to Santiago
Join us on a gastronomic journey along northern Spain's historic pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago – known as the 'Way of St James' – staying in three prestigious Parador hotels
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Parador de Hondarribia, Hondarribia
Journey to Hondarribia
Your tour of northern Spain begins early this morning at London St Pancras, where we meet the Tour Manager before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. Travelling in spacious Eurostar Plus class with a light meal served at our seats, in Paris we continue by First Class rail to the town of Hendaye on the border of France and Spain. On arrival in Hendaye this evening, we are met by our coach driver and taken the short distance across the border to our first Parador hotel, the restored 10th-century castle of Hondarribia. After checking in, we head straight to dinner at the town's renowned Restaurante Zeria.
Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Parador de Hondarribia, Hondarribia
Parador de Hondarribia & pintxos dinner
Waking in the grand restored 10th-century castle, the Parador de Hondarribia, your day is free to explore this characterful town and its surroundings at your own pace. Explore La Marina neighbourhood, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and walk the ancient walls. This evening, we experience pintxos for ourselves, sampling them at different restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Parador de Benavente, Benavente
Burgos Cathedral & Parador de Benavente
Heading inland and west into the Castile region by coach, this morning we follow the ancient pilgrimage route to Burgos where we enjoy a two-hour guided tour including entrance to the beautiful Burgos Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage). After a tapas lunch in Burgos, we continue to the Parador de Benavente, set in what was once the Castle of Los Pimentel. We are greeted with a welcome drink and enjoy dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Parador de Benavente, Benavente
León Cathedral on the Camino de Santiago
After a buffet breakfast, we set off to the city of León by coach, whose impressive cathedral is a key stopping point on the Camino de Santiago. Our tour includes a talk on the symbolism of the Camino de Santiago, followed by a short experience of the actual Camino walk. After our tour, there is some free time in León. We drive back to our Parador this afternoon where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Parador de Benavente, Benavente
A day at leisure at Parador de Benavente
You are free to explore the scenery and town centre of Benavente from our prestigious Parador. The town's main plaza is around ten minutes' walking distance. Visit the Hospital de la Piedad, the Casa de Solita palace, or two historic churches from the 12th and 13th centuries. Dine independently this evening at one of several highly rated restaurants in and around the main town square.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 6overnight: Parador de Santo Estevo
Ribeira Sacra winery lunch & the Parador de Santo Estevo
Today, we head to the Ribeira Sacra wine region in Galicia. We enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting of Ribeira Sacra, followed by a lunch of traditional Galician cuisine at a historic cellar. After lunch, we enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the picturesque Sil River. We continue to the Parador de Santo Estevo, a Benedictine Monastery with panoramic views over the ancient forest and the River Sil. After a welcome drink, we enjoy dinner in the restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7railovernight: Parador de Santo Estevo
A day in Santiago de Compostela
We board a train to visit the Galician capital, Santiago de Compostela. Following the path of thousands of pilgrims, we visit the end point of the Camino, entering the city's legendary cathedral – believed to be the burial place of the relics of James the Apostle. After a guided tour of the cathedral, there is free time to explore the World Heritage historic quarter. Later, we retrace our journey by rail and coach back to our Parador.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: Parador de Santo Estevo
Dinner at the Parador de Monforte de Lemos
After a free morning to make the most of our sumptuous surroundings, our destination this afternoon is the town of Monforte de Lemos and its glorious Parador. On arrival, you are free to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and wander around the cobbled streets of the Old Town. At the end of the afternoon, we make our way to the striking neoclassical Parador de Monforte de Lemos for a Galician farewell dinner. Later we return to our accommodation at Parador de Santo Estevo.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9
Homeward bound
After breakfast and a morning at leisure, we transfer by coach to Porto, just two and a half hours away in Portugal, where we board our flight to London Heathrow. On arrival, your holiday reaches its conclusion and you are free to make your way home.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 8 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Plus class travel (London St Pancras to Paris) with light meal
- First Class rail travel (Paris to Hendaye)
- All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
- Flight from Porto to London Heathrow
- Breakfast each day
- 2 lunches
- 7 dinners
- All guided tours and excursions
- Entrance to Burgos Cathedral
- Entrance to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
- Wine tasting at Ribeira Sacra winery
- Boat cruise along the Sil River
- Pintxos dinner in Hondarribia
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
