Paths of Faith (2027)

Day 1: Madrid

Day 2: Madrid

Day 3: Madrid - Mérida - Évora - Lisbon

We´ll leave Madrid, heading towards the capital of Extremadura: Mérida, where we´ll visit the archaeological complex of the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre (tickets included), a World Heritage Site renowned for its excellent state of preservation. There will be time for lunch in the pleasant pedestrian historic center bustling with life and restaurants. We´ll continue to Portugal and stop in Évora, another city recognized as a World Heritage Site, with its white streets, Renaissance palaces, and cathedral. We´ll arrive in Lisbon in the evening.

Day 4: Lisbon

In the morning, we´ll embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, exploring the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of "saudade," and the beautiful Atlantic light. We’ll also visit the Belem neighborhood, from where the great Portuguese navigators set sail to cross the oceans in the 15th century. Free time in the afternoon to walk and go to the Bairro Alto and its viewpoint; if you’d like to, you could take an optional trip to the towns of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square, filled with vibrant bars and cafes.

Day 5: Lisbon - Fátima - Porto

We’ll travel to the north of Portugal, where we’ll visit Fátima, an important pilgrimage site. We’ll then continue to Porto, the country’s second-largest city. After lunch, we’ll enjoy a 50-minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional Portuguese "Rabelo" boat, offering a unique perspective of the city’s beautiful riverside. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the lively medieval Ribeira district, known for its narrow streets lined with historic merchant houses and charming cafés, before heading to the hotel.

Day 6: Porto - Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary - Cambados - Santiago de Compostela

Today, we´ll travel through stunning landscapes. In Braga, we´ll take a ride on the world’s oldest water-operated cable car to reach the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, where breathtaking views await. After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase. Our journey continues into Galicia, where we´ll visit the historic town of Cambados or O Grove in Rías Baixas. Here, we´ll embark on a glass-bottom boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, learning about mussel and oyster production. Enjoy wine and mussel tasting onboard. At lunchtime, we´ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a city tour led by a local guide, exploring its medieval streets and renowned pilgrimage sites dating back to the Middle Ages.

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela - Lugo - León - Fromista - Burgos

We’ll travel along the Way of St. James, beginning with Lugo. Here, we’ll have time to explore the historic town center and its Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll arrive in Leon at lunchtime, where we’ll visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained-glass windows, and enjoy a stroll through the historic town center.We’ll then continue our journey across the Castilian plateau—lands connected for centuries to the St. James’ Way. We’ll stop alongside the historic Canal of Castilla, one of the most ambitious hydraulic engineering projects of the Spanish Enlightenment. From there, we can walk alongside pilgrims to the Church of San Martin de Tours in Fromista (admission included), one of the greatest treasures of Spanish Romanesque architecture. We’ll then continue to Burgos, where we recommend taking a walk through its historic city center.

Day 8: Burgos - San Millán de la Cogolla - Vitoria - Bilbao

After breakfast and before starting our day, we will head to the city center of Burgos. Free time to discover its cathedral or take a stroll through the historic downtown. We will continue to SAN MILLAN DE LA COGOLLA, a small enclave considered the birthplace of written Spanish. We will visit the Yuso Monastery (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage site where the famous Glosas Emilianenses were discovered, considered by many to be the earliest written texts in Spanish and Basque. We will arrive in VITORIA-GASTEIZ for lunch and a walk through its medieval old town, known as the "medieval almond" due to its unique shape. In the afternoon, we will continue toward Bilbao, making a stop before checking into the hotel to visit one of the most photogenic spots in the Basque Country: The Old Port of ALGORTA, featuring narrow streets lined with charming bars overlooking the Basque coast. Overnight stay in BILBAO.

Day 9: Bilbao - Guernica - San Sebastián

After breakfast, we will do a guided tour of Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country and the region´s primary economic and cultural hub. It is home to the stunning Guggenheim Museum, famous for its breathtaking exterior architecture. You will have free time to stroll around or visit the museum if you wish. After lunch, we will head to Guernica, an iconic town marked by one of the most tragic events of the Spanish Civil War, immortalized in Pablo Picasso’s world-renowned painting. Here, you will find the Tree of Guernica, beneath whose branches the Basque Country was granted its autonomy during the Middle Ages. We will continue to San Sebastian. Upon arrival, we´ll go up the hill to Monte Igueldo, from where we will enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the city. Afterward, we´ll head to the city center, and you can explore the elegant capital of Gipuzkoa, known for its beautiful beaches, grand boulevards, and lively Old Town. We’ll enjoy some pintxos and drinks (included), which are typical of Basque gastronomy.

Half board dinner includes: Gilda, txistorra skewer, Txangurro tart, pork bun and torrija dessert 1 glass of wine, 1 beer or 1 soft drink per person Gilda without antxoa, tomato casserole, ratatouille tartlet, scrambled eggs and mushrooms, torrija dessert

Day 10: San Sebastián - Bordeaux

In the morning, we go first to Hondarribia where you will enjoy free time in one of the most beautiful towns in the Basque Country, known for its lovely beach, walls, and charming historic center. Afterward, we´ll head to the Basque Cider Museum (admission and tasting included) to learn about the traditions and production of this popular drink. Free time in SAN SEBASTIAN for lunch. In the early afternoon, we cross into France. Arrival in BORDEAUX at the end of the day. We suggest taking a walk through the city center.

Day 11: Bordeaux - Lourdes

The entire center of Bordeaux has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Prepare to be captivated by the "Water Mirror" and explore the historic old town with its charming pedestrian streets and 11th-century cathedral. Later, you´ll have free time to stroll along the Garonne River banks, lined with quaint restaurants perfect for lunch, or if you wish, you can visit Cité du Vin, an impressive interactive museum that delves into the history and production of wine. Afterward, we continue towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid-afternoon. You´ll have time to visit the sanctuary (we suggest attending the candlelit procession). Dinner will be included.

Half board dinner includes: HTL ALBA: Main course: Leek tart Dessert: Grilled Chicken, Green Salad with Tomatoes, French Fries Drinks: Coffee Eclair Mediterranean HTL: Starter: Cheese delight Main course: Turkey escalope with mushroom cream and sautéed potatoes Dessert: Éclair

Day 12: Lourdes - Sallent De Gallego - Zaragoza - Madrid

Early departure from LOURDES. Today we cross the Pyrenees mountain range among high peaks and stunning landscapes. Entering SPAIN, we stop for coffee in SALLENT DE GÁLLEGO, a historic mountain village with its Gothic church and medieval stone bridge.We continue to ZARAGOZA, the vibrant capital of Aragon. Time for lunch and to explore its historic quarter, discovering the great Plaza del Pilar with its cathedral and basilica, home to the venerated Virgin of the Pilar.We then continue to MADRID, arriving around 21:00 hrs.

Day 13: Madrid

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.