Pilgrimage - Santiago de Compostela

Itinerary

Day 1: Olten - Périgueux region

We travel through Burgundy towards Clermont Ferrand and reach the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Dinner and our first overnight stay await us in Périgueux.

Day 2: Périgueux area - St. Jean Pied de Port - Pamplona

We continue to St. Jean Pied de Port, the starting point of the Camino francés. We visit the town, then continue to Roncesvalles. Visit the famous monastery church with its extraordinary statue of the Madonna. In Pamplona you have the opportunity to take part in a city tour before dinner. Today you already have the opportunity to walk the first part of the route.

Day 3: Pamplona - Logrono

We first walk slightly uphill to the Puerto del Perdón and visit the little Romanesque church of Nuestra Señora de Eunate, which was founded by the Order of St John. After crossing the Queen's Bridge, we continue to the medieval-looking village of Cirauqui, known as the ‘nest of vipers and adders’. We follow a short descent on a Roman military road and cross a bridge from the 2nd century. We then drive to Estella, the town of the seven Romanesque churches. In the historic centre, we visit the church of San Pedro de la Rúa and the palace of the former Navarrese kings. Another hike takes us through fields and vineyards from Los Arcos to Sansol. In Torres del Río, we visit the octagonal Church of the Holy Sepulchre before travelling on to Logroño, the capital of the Rioja wine region, where we spend the night. In the old town centre, we visit the Gothic cathedral, the church of Santiago and the ‘Gansspiel’.

Hiking approx. 16 km / coach: approx. 110km

Day 4: Chicken miracle of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

On the Way of St James, Santo Domigo de la Calzada is known for the so-called Chicken Miracle, which we hike to on an easy path from Cirueña. From Villafranca Montes de Oca we walk to San Juan de Ortega through holm oak and pine forests towards Burgos. In Santo Domingo de Silos we visit the cloister of the monastery. Vespers mass with Gregorian chants and overnight stay.

Hiking: approx. 11 km / coach: approx. 174 km

Day 5: Burgos - Leon

We cycle through a wild canyon and along the Sierra de la Demanda to Burgos. Hardly any other city on the Way of St James has left such impressive traces of political, economic and ecclesiastical power. We visit the early Gothic cathedral of Santa Maria and part of the old town with the Casa del Cordon and the Espolon, Burgos' promenade under the protective plane trees. Behind Burgos, the endless grain fields of the Meseta plateau in central Spain begin. Up to León, gruelling flatness and monotony dominate. This is also the way. We hike an impressive section of the route. In the evening we reach León, and those who wish can take part in a tour of the old town.

Hike: approx. 5 km / coach: approx. 257 km

Day 6: Cruz de Ferro

Start the day by crossing the famous stone bridge of Paso Honroso at Puente Orbigo. Then the fortress-like Astorga on a hill, home of the butter pastry Mantecadas. One of today's hikes leads from Foncebadon to Manjarín. We cross the Montes de León, which used to be dangerous due to wolves and bandits, and reach the Cruz de Ferro at an altitude of 1531 metres, one of the most impressive places on the Way of St. James. After El Acebo, the route continues a little further along a marvellous panoramic path with views of the vast mountain world down to Molinaseca in the climatically privileged Bierzo.

Hiking: approx. 17 km / Coach: approx. 100 km

Day 7: Over the Cebreiro to Galicia

The medieval pilgrims called Villafranca del Bierzo Little Compostela because many were unable to continue their pilgrimage over the high Cebreiro Pass. After visiting the Romanesque church of Santiago, we tackle the pass on today's hike and experience the dream landscape of Galicia. The last major hurdle on the pilgrimage route to Santiago has been overcome. On the Cebreiro we visit the Romanesque church of the Eucharistic Miracle. Another hike takes us from the highest point, the Alto do Poio, down beautiful mountain paths to just before Triacastela. Continue by coach to the famous monastery town of Samos, overnight stay.

Hike: approx. 16 km / coach: approx. 160 km

Day 8: Santiago at last

Drive to Sarria. After crossing the Puente Aspera bridge, hike on beautiful forest paths with a long, steep ascent and a short stretch of tarmac to the Romanesque church in Barbadelo, visit. The route continues on granite gravel through beautiful fields and heathland as well as shady forests towards Portomarín. Continue to Portomarín and visit the newly built town on the banks of the Belesar reservoir with the large Romanesque fortified church of San Nicolás. On the way, visit the Romanesque church of the Order of Santiago in Vilar de Donas with its magnificent portal. Walk across the high stone bridge over the Río Furelos to Melide, the town of squid restaurants. Another piece of......

Hike approx. 15 km / coach: approx. 100km

Day 9: Santiago de Compostela and pilgrim mass

After an extensive tour of the old town, you will experience the great pilgrims' mass. A final round in front of the cathedral leads to a free afternoon in this beautiful granite pilgrimage city.

Day 10: Excursion to Cape Finisterre - Llanes

An excursion to Cape Finisterre is on the programme this morning. Many pilgrims consider the cape to be the actual end of the Way of St James. Of course, you can also walk part of the way there today. The journey continues towards the coast in the region of Llanes. Enjoy this quiet and contemplative journey.

Day 11: Llanes - Bilbao

Today we travel to Bilbao, an exciting city in the Basque Country that perfectly combines tradition and modernity. We explore the old town with its historic buildings, narrow streets and cosy tapas bars. We then walk along the Rio Nervion and enjoy the beautiful view before visiting the famous Guggenheim Museum. We end the day with a tapas dinner and spend the night in Bilbao.

Day 12: Lourdes

This pilgrimage comes to a crowning conclusion with an overnight stay in Lourdes. With a visit to the holy grotto and optional participation in the candlelight procession, we slowly prepare ourselves for everyday life again. Full board in Lourdes.

Day 13: Journey home

After a hearty breakfast, we leave Lourdes and travel back to Switzerland.

Chauffeur: Christian Steck
Hiking and cultural tour guide: Carlos Schöttler

Important information: The specified walking distances can be shortened at any time. Everyone walks according to their abilities and needs. You can also skip a day and travel on the coach and enjoy a sightseeing tour along the route. Changes, additions or shortening of the sightseeing and hiking programme are possible or necessary depending on the weather and situation.