Views of Spain from walking the Camino de Santiago

Walking the Camino de Santiago

May 3–12, 2026

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Please contact ATA at 855-395-6100 or CHQtravels@academic-travel.com to inquire.

Overview

Join Chautauqua Travels Expert, Melissa Spas for an unforgettable week on The Camino de Santiago, a powerful way to reconnect to simple pleasures and reconnect to the joy of journeying. One of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes during the Middle Ages, the Camino de Santiago (or St. James’ Way) has endured for centuries as a “bucket-list” journey for those seeking a deeper spiritual connection, either religious or personal. Traveling paths traversed by pilgrims for one thousand years provides a shared connection and sense of purpose not often experienced in the modern world.  As Chautauqua’s Vice President of Religion, Melissa Spas will provide daily reflections to help enrich your experience. Spain’s mighty Basque region unfurls through picturesque mountains and ancient villages, where nature and history are revered, and local wine and cuisine are cherished.  

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Trip Highlights

  • Enrich your journey with daily reflections and meditations with Melissa Spas, Chautauqua’s Vice President for Religion.  
  • Explore the storied cities along the Camino, including Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, León, and Santiago. 
  • Walk the iconic pilgrimage route, traversing pastoral landscapes and ancient villages, concluding at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the culmination of the Camino, and considered the burial place for the remains of James the Apostle. 
  • Spend two nights in an eighteenth-century convent that has been reimagined as a four-star hotel, footsteps from the Cathedral de Santiago.  
  • Indulge in authentic Galician flavors like slow-roasted lamb, fresh-out-of-the-water octopus, and world-renowned locally produced varietals as you dine in family-owned restaurants, drink from the iconic wine fountain, and enjoy recipes and culinary traditions that have been passed from generation to generation. 

Trip Expert: Melissa Spas

Melissa Spas serves Chautauqua Institution as Vice President for Religion. She is an educator, facilitator and consultant to religious organizations and the people who lead them. Her expertise is in faith and philanthropy, particularly focused on sustainability and the future orientation of congregations and religious institutions across the breadth of traditions. Before joining the executive team at Chautauqua, Melissa worked for Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and  Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. A respected speaker and teacher, she has written and spoken regularly about the intersection of spirituality and generosity, and she is an advocate for the ministry of the laity in the contemporary American church. A graduate of Allegheny College and Harvard Divinity School, in addition to her identity as daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend, she is a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and committed to continually deepening her own spiritual practices to live and lead more faithfully.  

Melissa Spas

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 1

Arrival to Pamplona 

Arrive in Pamplona and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Meet your fellow travelers and your Chatauqua expert, Melissa Spas for a welcome reception where he will share insights and background about your upcoming journey on the Camino de Santiago.  After, join a local guide for a walking tour of Pamplona’s highlights. Walk through the streets where the bulls run to the arena each summer during the annual “Sanfermines,“  and visit the cathedral and lively squares that characterize the city. Then, toast the adventure that awaits with a celebratory dinner as a group.   

Included Meals: Dinner, Reception 

New Accommodation: Hotel Maisonnave 

Day 2

Pamplona 

Your transformation into a true pilgrim begins today as you start your journey along the Camino. After breakfast, drive one hour east to Roncesvalles, a small Pyrenean village renowned for its historical and religious significance along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Roncesvalles is featured in the medieval epic poem, “The Song of Roland” and is home to the Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles, a Gothic structure that has served pilgrims for centuries. Today, both the church and town itself remain a vital stop for Camino pilgrims, offering a serene setting amidst the Pyrenees, and the perfect place to begin your journey. Hike from Roncesvalles to Lintzoain, passing through picturesque landscapes, lush forests, charming villages, and rolling hillsides, with stunning views of the Pyrenees throughout. The trail alternates between shaded paths and open vistas, for a varied hiking experience. After arriving in Lintzoain, return by coach to Pamplona, with free time to explore the city this evening. Enjoy time at leisure to walk through Pamplona’s charming parks and admire the Citadel, a Renaissance fortress that served as protection for the city.  

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodations: Hotel Maisonnave 

Hiking: 8 miles. Rolling hillsides with mountain views. 4 hours. Those who choose can stop en route at Espinal (3.7 miles). 

Day 3

Pamplona, Logroño 

After a short drive to the outskirts of Pamplona, your walk begins with a slight ascent through Guendulain to the village of Zariquiegui, located at the foot of the mountain range, “Sierra del Perdón” (the Peak of Forgiveness). From here, you will travel through several iconic stops along the Camino before arriving at the Monastery of Irache where you will sample from the “Fuente del Vino” (the Wine Fountain). Then, continue to a nearby winery for a guided wine tasting and lunch at a nearby restaurant. Check in to your hotel in Logroño, the capital of La Rioja wine region this afternoon. After settling in, join your local guide for a tour of Logroño, admiring the Church of Santiago, the Cathedral of Santa María la Redonda, and the Market Square. Gather with your fellow travelers for dinner on Calle del Laurel featuring local ingredients like asparagus, vegetable stews, and pears soaked in wine. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: Eurostars Ruavieja  

Hiking: 5 miles. Paved roads followed by dirt roads and well-trodden trails with an optional ascent in the final mile. 2-3 hours. 

Day 4

Logroño-Burgos 

After breakfast, drive past a landscape of vineyards to Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Visit the cathedral, which dates to 1098 and boasts stunning views. Return to the coach for a short drive to Puerto de la Pedraja, where you begin walking well-worn trails through pine forests. You will have time to view the façade of the Church of San Nicolás and the Monastery of San Juan de Ortega. Then, transfer to Burgos for a late lunch. After settling into your hotel, join your local guide for a walking tour of the city which still retains vestiges of its medieval splendor. Visit the Cathedral of Burgos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed across six centuries and displays a variety of different architectural styles. Explore this and other fascinating corners of the city before dining at leisure at one of Burgos’ many restaurants. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: Hotel Nh Palacio de Burgos  

Hiking: 6 miles. Approximately 500 feet of gentle descent. Well-trodden trails and dirt roads. 4-5 hours. 

Day 5

Burgos-Leon 

This morning, transfer to Hontanas on the Camino, where the pilgrimage route is quiet and filled with spring flowers. En route, visit the ruins of the Monastery of San Antón before reaching the narrow streets of the charming Catrojeriz, for a well-deserved lunch. After a short drive to Frómista, visit the Church San Martín de Tours, which is notable for its Romanesque exterior. Enjoy the scenic meadows and wheat fields of Castile before arriving in León. After checking in to your hotel in the historical city center, savor local flavors like roast lamb, suckling pig, or bean stews as you dine as a group this evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: Hotel Real Colegiata  

Hiking: 7 miles. Relatively flat. Combination of paved and dirt roads. 3-4 hours. 

Day 6

León 

This morning’s stage begins in storied Hospital de Órbigo, where we will traverse one of the most beautiful medieval bridges in the Camino. This undulating walk takes you by crop and wheatfields and concludes near the Cruz de Santo Toribio. Return to León for a guided walking tour and a more in-depth look at this rich city, which was the capital of the kingdom during the Middle Ages, and a historic enclave on the Pilgrim’s Road to Santiago de Compostela. Two sites of particular import are the Catedral de León, one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in Spain, and the Basilica de San Isidoro, known as the “Sistine Chapel” of the Spanish Romanesque style, with its series of twelfth century frescoes that decorate the underground crypt of the Royal Pantheon. Casa Botines – one of only three Gaudi buildings outside Catalonia – is also located here. Continue exploring the city during dinner on your own this evening.  

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel Real Colegiata  

Hiking: 6.8 miles. Relatively flat. Rural tracks. 2.5-3 hours. 

Day 7

Leon-Lugo 

Transfer early this morning to the walled town of Astorga, its preserved churches, convents, and hospitals will transport you to the purest tradition of the Pilgrim’s Road. The town is also home to another Gaudí masterpiece, The Bishop’s Palace. Travel to O Cebreiro along the Camino as you cross the mountains of León. Travel among vineyards to Paraiso del Bierzo, a small hotel located on a former butter factory with bucolic views of green meadows that are the perfect prelude to our entry in Galicia. Enjoy lunch as a group. Then, take a short drive to La Laguna de Castilla and take in the breathtaking scenery in the mountain hamlet of O Cebreiro. Visit the oldest remaining fully intact church on the Camino, which contains a Holy Grail. Continue to the provincial capital of Lugo, with its quiet pedestrian streets, wide squares, and spacious gardens. Take a guided walk inside the walled city of Lugo, including its towering wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Romans between the third and fourth centuries. Then, settle into your hotel and enjoy dinner at leisure in Lugo this evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: Hotel Mercure Lugo Centro

Hiking: 2 miles. Steep ascent. Wide path, sometimes stony. 2-3 hours.  

Day 8

Lugo-Santiago 

Take a short drive to Palas de Rei, the starting point for today’s walk, along villages and farmlands and across an evergreen landscape until you arrive in Coto. From there, take a short drive to Arzúa. Here, enjoy local favorite recipes for lunch, such as “pulpo á feira” (octopus). As you make your way closer to Santiago, you will reach “Monte do Gozo” (Mount of Joy), which provides a first glimpse of the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Check in to your final hotel and embark on a guided walking tour of Santiago. For centuries, thousands of pilgrims have walked the Camino de Santiago to reach this iconic cathedral. According to tradition, it is the burial place of the relics of James the Apostle. Feel the energy of the town and the Plaza del Obradoiro as you have time to explore and dine at leisure, sampling scallops, Santiago cakes, and Albariño, considered one the world’s best white wines. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: San Francisco Hotel Monumento 

Hiking: 5.6 miles. 450 feet of ascent and descent. Combination of local roads (less busy), dirt tracks and paths (muddy on rainy days). 2-3 hours. Those who choose can walk into Santiago from Monte do Gozo. 

Day 9

Santiago and Fisterra 

Early this morning, travel along the rugged Atlantic coast to Cape Finisterre, once thought to be the end of the world. Hike along the beach and enjoy spectacular views surrounding the Cape’s lighthouse – a fitting finale to your journey along the St. James Way. After visiting the Cape, discover the fishing village of Fisterra, with a chance to observe the fishermen. Return to Santiago for lunch on your own and time to explore Santiago’s museums and shops at leisure. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell dinner in the old city to toast the completion of your pilgrimage.  

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodations: San Francisco Hotel Monumento 

Hiking: 3 miles. Easy descent along the coastline. 1½- 2 hours. 

Day 10

Departure 

After breakfast, depart for the Santiago Airport for individual flights home. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

What’s Included?

  • All accommodations and meals as listed for the duration of the tour
  • All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary
  • Expertise of an expert, ATA-hired tour manager and local guides throughout the tour
  • All gratuities for on-tour guides, drivers, hotel, and restaurant staff as part of the group program
  • All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted including airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Quietvox listening devices to facilitate audibility and social distancing on tour
  • The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
  • Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
  • Emergency evacuation insurance

Accommodations

Hotel Maisonnave (2 nights) 
The Hotel Maisonnave is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the vibrant city of Pamplona, steps away from the city’s main tourist attractions, lively cafes, and charming boutiques. Spacious, comfortable rooms are tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities to ensure a relaxing stay.

Hotel Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja (1 night) 
Hotel Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja is located in a renovated fort on a quiet street in the vibrant city of Logroño. Modern rooms offer a perfect blend of comfort and style, with sleek decor and cozy amenities. The property features a bright and welcoming dining area, sauna, Turkish baths, and gym. With attentive service and a prime location, Eurostars Ruavieja promises an unforgettable stay amidst the cultural richness of Logroño. 

Hotel NH Palacio de Burgos  (1 night) 
The NH Collection Palacio de Burgos is a beautiful hotel inside a 16th -Century building with a stunning cloister, seamlessly blending modern design, history, and natural materials. Rooms are spacious, stylish and well-appointed. The property is perfectly located in the heart of Burgos, by the River Arlanzón, a short walk from the Plaza Mayor and near several large parks.  

Abba Burgos Hotel (1 night) 
The Abba Burgos Hotel is located on the Camino de Santiago in the heart of Burgos, steps away from the cathedral, castles, and other historical landmarks. Well-appointed rooms are comfortable and modern. This bright and quiet hotel provides panoramic views of the city, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of northern Spain. The property features on-site dining, a gym, sauna, heated indoor pool, outdoor solarium, and paddle tennis court.  

Hotel Real Colegiata (2 nights) 
The Hotel Real Colegiata offers the epitome of luxury and history. The hotel is located in a historic 11th century monestary, completely renovated in 2020 to integrate unique historic elements like cloistered corridors and a fountain-filled courtyard with modern comforts and functionality. Rooms are comfortably furnished, with exposed brick walls, carved headboards, cozy armchairs, and rain showers. The hotel is located at the heart of León’s historic quarter, a short walk from Antoni Gaudi’s recently opened Casa Botines and the Catedral de León. 

Hotel Sercotel EsteOeste (1 night) 
The Hotel Sercotel EsteOeste is a charming new boutique hotel located in the Plaza de Santo Domingo, in the historic center of Lugo, footsteps from the Abastos market, Lugo Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor, and dozens of cafes. The property boasts sustainable design combining natural stone, wood, light, and vegetation.  

San Francisco Hotel Monumento (2 nights) 
The stunning San Francisco Hotel Monumento is located mere footsteps from the cathedral, in the heart of Santiago de Compostela. Constructed within an eighteenth-century convent, the building has been recognized as a Cultural Heritage Site. The hotel combines the charm of this historic building with the services and amenities of a four-star hotel. The hotel features an indoor pool, jacuzzi, and restaurant serving regional dishes made with fresh produce grown in the property’s gardens. 

Hotel Mercure Lugo Centro (1 night) 
The Hotel Mercure Lugo Centro is a contemporary four-star hotel located in the heart of Lugo, Spain, a short walk from the historic Roman Wall and city center. The hotel features 90 elegant rooms, blending contemporary design with local Galician touches, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. On-site amenities include a gastrobar, where guests can