Santo Domingo de Silos
The Pilgrim’s Way
Following the Camino de Santiago From Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela
May 30 - June 8, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
In AD 1095, when a pilgrimage to Jerusalem became impossible during the First Crusade, the best alternative to guarantee remission of half your time in purgatory was a trip to Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. This route became known as the Pilgrim’s Way or the Way of St. James.
Chaucer’s Wife of Bath went there and obviously enjoyed the experience as she then chose to go on a second pilgrimage to Canterbury. But it wasn’t just a reduction of time in purgatory that made people take to the road on pilgrimages: social fashion, adventure, the opportunity to find a partner in marriage, or just company and good food (and sometimes even crime), were all lures which attracted people to set off. In fact, many of these are the same attractions and reasons why people go on tours today!
In more recent times, it has again become very popular to trace the ancient Caminos (trails) to Santiago either by foot, horseback, pedal power, or if none of those appeals, by motorized transport. Discover Europe’s Gavin Miller has designed a tour following one of the east-west Caminos, which we join just east of Burgos in northern Spain. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to see some of the most exquisite medieval architecture ever built, both religious and secular. The stained glass windows in Leon cathedral are a must-see for any traveler.
Stained glass windows in Leon cathedral
Join us this spring for an opportunity to walk the section of the Camino just before our arrival in Santiago. As always each day will reveal hidden treasures and unexpected adventures, set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes. With any luck, we will see some fabulous wildlife too.
Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum
If you would like to register for The Pilgrim’s Way tour, please complete and submit the form located under Reserve Now.
*Once you have submitted the above registration form with your digital signature, a Discover Europe staff member will be in contact as soon as possible to process your deposit and welcome you to the tour.