SPAIN & FRANCE
Santiago de Compostela, Ainhoa, Pays Basque

Only someone who has travelled the route to or from Santiago can understand that the so-called Route of St James, which ends and begins in Santiago de Compostela, is more than just religion, culture, sport, history, art, gastronomy and countryside rolled into one. It is all these things, but at the same time much more. It is hard to explain a phenomenon that is more than twelve centuries old in its current form, but which also incorporates myths and legends from people and traditions long predating Christianity itself.

Part of the answer lies in Galicia, a land prone to harbouring mysteries, spirits, witches, mandrakes and other hidden treasures. In the Middle Ages, when half a million pilgrims a year walked this path in spiritual quest, extraordinary monasteries, pilgrim hospices, and villages sprouted along the route to serve pilgrims needs. Our walking journey covers the most beautiful sections of "el Camino" on peaceful mountain paths and country lanes marked with the scallop shell, symbol of St. James.

It begins in Ainhoa in Pays Basque in France which is very different from its neighbouring regions and best illustrated in the unique Basque language. As we walk these thousand year old trails, where 20th century intrusions are few, we relish Romanesque settings redolent with the air of pilgrimage. Following "The French Route", our journey ends in Santiago de Compostela, the Holy City reputed to hold the bones of fisherman-evangelist St. James.

On this tour we exclusively use the Parador and Pousada Hotels in Northern Spain. They are state-run luxury hotels, mostly located in historic buildings. They are furnished with appropriate antiques and their restaurants concentrate on local specialities.

Our first few days are spent in Ainhoa, one of the most picturesque villages in Pays Basque. Our cosy hotel, classified as a historical monument, dates back to the 17th century and has served as a hostel along the "French Route" of the pilgrim's trail. It is extremely comfortable with a secluded garden, swimming pool and sauna. It is renowned for its elegant dining and has in recent years earned a Michelin H for its fabulous cuisine.

Having crossed the border into Spain, our next two days are in a Parador in the historic village of Sos del Rey Catolico, which has been declared a Spanish National Trust monument. Our hotel has an elegant interior and fine country views. The gastronomic specialities are roast lamb, marinated rabbit and medieval cake – freshly made!

Our Hotels & Cuisine

The magnificent Parador in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a former Pilgrims Hospital awaits us with its magnificent cuisine. It is based, above all, on local produce and washed down with an incomparable Rioja wine: artichokes with clams, sautéed vegetables with lamb, fine kid and suckling pig roasts and some of the best desserts, such as "ahorcaditos de Santo Domingo" - pears in wine with chocolate sauce.

Our next destination is Leon where we stay at the Parador "Hostal San Marcos". It is one of the most important buildings in the Parador chain, being the former Hospital and Monastery of San Marcos, the headquarters of the Order of Knights of St. James. The tasty delights of Leonese cuisine, lamb dishes, local sausages, delicious trout and exquisite desserts are just some of the fine offerings of this famous hotel.

Our last two days are spent in cosy Pousada in the pretty village of Portomarin. Directly on the Pilgrims Trail, our hotel offers beautiful views of the vast landscape and distant mountains.

Tour combination

Departure dates have been arranged to allow both the "PARADORES & THE ROAD FROM SANTIAGO" and "A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME" or "FROM THE SEA TO THE SUMMITS" walks to be combined.