Day 1 Flight to Madrid

Depart the US on your flight to Madrid

Day 2  Madrid (2 nights)

This morning we will visit the famous Prado Museum.  We will also take a Walking Tour of the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol areas.

Day 3  Madrid

A morning visit to the Palacio Real will be followed by free time in Madrid.

Day 4  Madrid - Avila - Salamanca (2 nights)

We travel west today to medieval Avila, once the home of Santa Teresa.  We will take a walk along the amazingly well-preserved walls and then visit the cathedral.  We will also see the Convento de Santa Teresa, where the saint was born.  We continue to Salamanca.

Day 5  Salamanca

Salamanca is one of the most graceful cities in Spain. The Universidad de Salamanca was one of the most prestigious universities in medieval Europe.  We will see the famous Patio de las Escuelas and the lecture rooms of the old university.  Later, we visit the Old and New Cathedrals and the Convento de San Estaban.

Day 6  Salamanca - Leon (1 night)

Leon was an important stopping place on the Camino de Santiago.  We will visit the magnificent gothic cathedral with its famous stained glass.  We will also see the Colegiata de San Isidoro, built into the Roman walls. The Panteon Real is the resting place of over 20 kings and queens.  The 12th century frescoes are some of the best in the world.

Day 7  Leon - Pilgrimage Road  - Santiago de Compostela (3 nights)

Our first stop will be in Ponferrada to view the imposing castle, built by the Knights Templar to protect pilgrims on the Camino.  We continue to O Cebreiro to visit the 9th century church and the Celtic stone huts, later used by pilgrims on their way to Santiago.  This evening, we arrive at Santiago itself.

Day 8  Santiago de Compostela

We will attend Mass at the cathedral, the final destination for pilgrims for over 1000 years.  We will also take a Walking Tour of the old city.

Day 9  Free Day in Santiago de Compostela

Time to explore Santiago at your leisure.

Day 10 Departure from Santiago de Compostela