Camino 2026: Journey to the Center (July 18-30, 2026)

We can have a Madrid airport pickup at approximately 10:30 AM for anyone arriving today, plus 3 pickups in central Madrid afterwards.

Depart for Burgos at approximately 12:15 PM (2 hours 45 minutes).

Guided tour in Burgos (2 hours)

Accomodation: HOTEL RICE PALACIO DE LOS BLASONES (Burgos) – 4* here

A charming 4-star hotel, magnificently refurbished, which combines modernity and the comfort of an establishment of its category, while preserving the elegance of a period palace.  Located 150 meters from the cathedral and right on the Camino de Santiago, the hotel is surrounded by a tapas district and is next to Burgos' main shopping street.

Transfer to Hornillos and 20 km stage to Convento de San Anton (Castrojeriz).  This stage of the Camino de Santiago is quite significant in historical and cultural terms, and crosses typical landscapes of the meseta.  Convento de San Anton used to be a pilgrim hospital.  Today it has become a small refuge for pilgrims.  Picnic lunch en route.

In the afternoon, transfer to Leon (1 hour 30 minutes), where you will take a guided tour (2 hours) to discover the best kept secrets of the city.

Accomodation:  PARADOR DE LEÓN (León) – 5* here

The Hostal San Marcos, on of the most representative monuments of the Spanish Renaissance, has been home to the Parador de Leon, a living museum of history and modernity, since 1986.  Refurbished in an avant-garde style that cleverly combines past and present, the Hostal San Marcos is packed with incredible spaces, such as its cafeteria located under an impressive ceiling by the painter Lucio Muñoz.

Transfer to Foncebadon and 12 km stage to El Acebo de San Miguel.  First, you will come across the Cruz de Ferro, one of the most iconic and revered landmarks along the Camino de Santiago.

Then you will arrive at Manjarin.  This place is known for its unique and somewhat eccentric albergue (pilgrim hostel) named "El Refugio de Gaucelmo."  Picnic lunch en route.

In the afternoon, tranfer to Villafranca del Bierzo (1 hour).

Dinner at hotel.

Accommodation:PARADOR DE VILLAFRANCA (Villafranca del Bierzo) – 4* here

 The building is a tourist landmark in the area and is surrounded by splendid nature.  The interior of the building conveys the elegance, class, and comfort of a contemporary building, especially in the spacious restaurant, the cafeteria, the guest lounge, and terrace.

Transfer to O Cebreiro (30 minutes) and 20 km stage to Triacastela.  O Cebreiro offers stunning view of the surrounding countryside, including lush green hills and valleys.  Picnic en route.

In the afternoon, transfer to Ribeira Sacra (1 hour).

Dinner at hotel.

Accommodation: EUROSTARS AUREA PALACIO DE SOBER (Sober) – 4* here

Between the 7th century walls and the never-ending gardens stands the Aurea Palacio de Sober, a palace hidden in the heart of Galicia that beats with the history of a region that has been amazing mankind since the Roman Age: the Ribeira Sacra.  Located in the south of the province of Lugo, Aurea Palacio de Sober opens the Ribeira Sacra to you and invites you to explore its unique landscapes with gravity defying vineyards.

Discover the region's rich religious heritage by visiting historic monasteries and churches tucked away in remote corners of the Ribeira Sacra as Santa Cristina de Rivas de Sil.  Marvel at their ancient architecture, intricate stone carvings, and serene surroundings.  Seek out panoramic viewpoints scattered throughout the region to enjoy sweeping vistas of the river valleys, vineyards, and forests below.  Lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, transfer to Portomarin (1 hour 15 minutes).

Accommodation:  HOTEL FERRAMENTEIRO (Portomarín) - 2* here

Hotel Ferramenteiro de Portomarin is a welcoming two star hotel on the Camino de Santiago with views of the River Miño.  It offers modern rooms, pilgrim focused amenities, and an enviable location in the heart of Portomarin.

Transfer to Sarria (3 minutes) and 22 km stage to Portomarin.  You will walk along rural path or "correidoiras" under oak trees and small villages like Lavandeira or Ferrieros.  Already at the gates of Portomarin, you will cross the River Mino, under whose water rests the old Portomarin.  You will visit the Church of San Nicolas of Portomarin, rebuilt stone by stone.  Lunch en route on your own.

Accommodation:  HOTEL FERRAMENTEIRO (Portomarín) - 2* here

Hotel Ferramenteiro de Portomarin is a welcoming two star hotel on the Camino de Santiago with views of the River Miño.  It offers modern rooms, pilgrim focused amenities, and an enviable location in the heart of Portomarin.

On today's 25 km stage you will first ascend to Castromaior.  Later, you will gradually descend through the villages of Eirexe and Ligonde to the town of Palas de Rei.  Lunch en route on your own.

Transfer to accommodation (30 minutes).

Dinner at hotel.

Accommodation:  A PAÍNZA – ALDEA RURAL (Arzúa) here

Located just 38 km from Santiago de Compostela, this beautiful 18th-century village, originally build around a main house, has been lovingly restored with the aim of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while preserving its original spirit and structure.  A Painza offers accommodation in eight carefully equipped houses of varying sizes, where guests will feel as if they are staying in a real, comfortable home.

Transfer to Palas (30 minutes) and 15 KM stage to Melide.  You will walk through beautiful rural roads and medieval bridges to Melide, where you can stop to try a portion of its famous octopus "a feira," one of the most famous Galician dishes.  Lunch en route on your own.

Transfer to accommodation (30 minutes).

Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation:  A PAÍNZA – ALDEA RURAL (Arzúa) here

Located just 38 km from Santiago de Compostela, this beautiful 18th-century village, originally build around a main house, has been lovingly restored with the aim of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while preserving its original spirit and structure.  A Painza offers accommodation in eight carefully equipped houses of varying sizes, where guests will feel as if they are staying in a real, comfortable home.

Transfer to Melide (15 minutes) and 15 km stage to Arzua.  You will continue through an agricultural landscape that will take you to Arzua after crossing the beautiful river Iso.  Here you can rest for a while and dip your feet in the water.  Lunch en route on your own.

Transfer to accommodation (30 minutes).

Dinner at hotel.

Accommodation:  A PAÍNZA – ALDEA RURAL (Arzúa) here

Located just 38 km from Santiago de Compostela, this beautiful 18th-century village, originally build around a main house, has been lovingly restored with the aim of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while preserving its original spirit and structure.  A Painza offers accommodation in eight carefully equipped houses of varying sizes, where guests will feel as if they are staying in a real, comfortable home.

Transfer to Arzua and 20 km stage to Rua.  Green hills will be your traveling companions to the town of Rua.  You will also find hermitages like Santa Irene.  Lunch en route on your own.

Transfer to accommodation (30 minutes)

Dinner at hotel.

Accommodation:  A PAÍNZA – ALDEA RURAL (Arzúa) here

Located just 38 km from Santiago de Compostela, this beautiful 18th-century village, originally build around a main house, has been lovingly restored with the aim of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while preserving its original spirit and structure.  A Painza offers accommodation in eight carefully equipped houses of varying sizes, where guests will feel as if they are staying in a real, comfortable home.

Transfer to Rua (20 minutes) and 20 KM stage to Santiago.  After by passing Pedrouzo, you will climb through Amenal and drop down to Lavacolla, and then climb again to the Monte de Gozo.  From here you will get your first view of the Cathedral's towers Compostella.  Lunch en route.

Accommodation: HOTEL GELMÍREZ (Santiago de Compostela) – 3* here

Hotel Gelmirez is a modern, contemporary and central hotel, the ideal place to stay during a visit to the millenary city of Santiago de Compostela.  It is located just at a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.

Embarking on a spiritual day trip from Santiago to Fisterra offers pilgrims a condensed yet profound journey along the Camino de Santiago's sacred path.  Arriving in Fisterra, pilgrims are greeted by the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, where the horizon merges with the infinite sky.  Here, amidst the tranquil beauty of the coastal landscapre, pilgrims find sanctuary for their souls, taking time to meditate, pray, and reflect on their innermost thoughts and intentions.

Transfer back to Santiago: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez here

Hotel Gelmirez is a modern, contemporary and central hotel, the ideal place to stay during a visit to the millenary city of Santiago de Compostela.  It is located just at a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.

After breakfast, there will a group transfer to the Santiago Airport and return to your home country.

-12 nights of accommodation

-12 breakfasts

-8 dinners (one drink per person included)

-5 lunches (one drink per person included)

-Half day guided visit (Burgos, Leon, & Santiago)

-Boat trip and winery visit in Ribeira Sacra

-Bus during the whole itinerary

-English Speaking guide for whole trip

-Luggage transfer between places on the itinerary by bus.  Participants can have 1 suitcase (maximum of 20 kg) and a small backpack for carrying daily essentials (participants will need to transport luggage short distances from bus to hotel)

-Certificate (Compostela) for each participant

-Transmissions, meditations, and discussions led by Gene Ang, Ph.D.

-Airfare to Madrid, Spain and return from Santiago, Spain

-Arrival Transfers in Madrid (we can have 3-4 pick up points in Madrid on July 18)

-Individual departure transfers from Santiago (one group transfer by coach will be provided by July 30)

-Meals and drinks not specified as being included

-Cancelation and medical insurance (Americans can use this link here for our preferred supplier)