food lover’s spanish camino
A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe ‑ your way. It’s about U + the walking tracks and
cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known
as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative ‑ and very affordable. Set
your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits
of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our
sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours
across the continent and it’s many exotic islands. There’s an active
holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers
or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory
to challenging ‑ with all offering unique opportunities to discover the ‘untrodden’ Europe, spanning
postcard landscapes, centuries‑old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare
the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all‑inclusive,
giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you’ve come to experience. Whether
you prefer cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea –
UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
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explore europe your way
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TRIP COST
Joining Bilbao :$4840
Trip Concludes:
Santiago de Compostela
TRIP NAME:FOOD LOVER’S SPANISH CAMINO
TRIP CODE:CCT
Oviedo
TRIP DURATION:15 DAYS
Santiago de
Compostela
All prices are per person GRADE:MODERATE ‑ 3
supplement:$150
IMPORTANT NOTES
H - High Season
DN1 - high season is 1-30 September
- supplement applies
DN2 - Until further notice Botafumeiro
will not occur at the 7:30 pm Mass
on Fridays and will be limited to
religious dates (eg Easter Sunday)
Logrono
Portugal
ACCOMMODATION:14 NIGHTS HOTELS
2017 | 09 SEP - 23 SEP
Single Supplement:$620 DATE DETAILS:
As the trip price is based on
twinshare, a single supplement is
payable if a single room is required.
If you would like to share a room
with someone of the same gender,
please request and we will do all
possible to match you. However,
if we are unsuccessful you will be
required to pay the single supplement.
Please refer to the price options
above or ask our office for details.
Leon
Spain
OPTIONS &
SUPPLEMENTS ACTIVITY:GUIDED WALKING
H - high season
Bilbao
H
highlights
Sample local gastronomic delights
Enjoy cooking demonstrations and samplings
Walk the original pilgrimage route to Santiago through superb scenery
Explore the magnificent cities of Leon and Santiago with their impressive architecture and
cathedrals.
Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow food enthusiasts, walkers and pilgrims
the trip
This unique approach to a classic pilgrimage route combines a passion for good food and produce,
with the incredible history of the trail crossing northern Spain. With fully supported day walks on
the best sections of the pilgrimage trail paths, including the original route from Oviedo, the essence
of the pilgrimage is retained. The walking is combined with cooking demonstrations and numerous
samplings of the local cuisine from the heart of Spanish modern cuisine in the Basque region to
the small rural villages on the Camino, as the pilgrimage is commonly called. In the company of a
local gastronomic expert, there will be many insights into the local culinary scene, with a dinner
experience in a Michelin Star restaurant.­
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food lover’s spanish camino
itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Arrival in Bilbao
Day 2
Drive to Logroño via Pamplona (2hrs)
Day 3
Wine tasting, walking and dinner at Echaurren Tradición (2hrs)
Day 4
To Burgos (3hrs)
Day 5
Visit León, then travel to the Asturias region (1 or 2hrs)
Day 6
hrs)
Transfer to the coast, walk a section of the Camino Norte, continue to Oviedo (4
Day 7
Morning in Oviedo, first walk along the Camino Primitivo (5.5hrs)
Day 8
Walk to the abandoned monastery of Obona, overnight Tineo (5hrs)
Day 9
Cross the El Palo Pass (5-6hrs)
Day 10
Walk the high route towards O Cadavo, transfer to Castroverde (5hrs)
Day 11
Rest day Castroverde or walk on the Camino (3.5hrs)
Day 12
O Cádavo to Gondar, transfer to Lugo to join the French route (5hrs)
Day 13
Wine tasting in The Ribeira Sacra wine making region
Day 14
Walk to Santiago (1hr)
Day 15
Tour concludes after breakfast
detailed itinerary
Note: The planned itinerary should be seen as a guide only. Where opportunities arise we will also visit
local producers or markets not detailed in this itinerary. The itinerary from Bilbao to Oviedo is filled with
special dinners and a strong gourmet focus while the second half en route from Oviedo to Santiago is
more directed towards the walking landscapes, the pilgrimage experience and the consumption of quality
local cuisine.
DAY 1Arrival in Bilbao
On arrival into Bilbao transfer to your hotel and check-in. In the early afternoon you will
meet with your gastronomic host. Later we visit the impressive Guggenheim Museum
before sitting down to our first special gourmet dinner at a men’s cooking club (sociedad
gastronómica).
meals: D
DAY 2Drive to Logroño via Pamplona (2hrs)
We’ll transfer from Bilbao to Pamplona to enjoy a local coffee before taking a stroll
along the Camino trail through Logrono. We will walk from Uterga to Puente de la Reina.
Passing through the village of Eunate with its strong links to the pilgrimage in the Middle
Ages. On the other side of the village is a fine example of a Roman road. After the
walk we’ll drive an hour to Logroño, with a short stop in Ciraqui to take in the ruins.
In Logrono, our local guide will introduce you to the Camino history and share their
favourite tapas bars. The choice is yours as to where you wish to dine this evening.
(8km, ±150m, 2hrs)
meals: B
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food lover’s spanish camino
DAY 3Wine tasting, walking and dinner at Echaurren Tradición (2hrs)
The day will be spent enjoying a guided visit and wine tasting at Marqués de Riscal
Winery and enjoying this special wine region before transferring by vehicle to Nájera, the
former capital of La Rioja, for lunch. A walk from Nájera to Azofra, right across a classic
Riojan landscape of wheat fields, sunflowers and vineyards, will build your appetite for
the anticipated dinner at Echaurren Tradición, famed for its exceptional interpretation
of local Rioja cuisine. Before that there will be time to explore Santo Domingo de la
Calzada, visiting the impressive cathedral (and chicken coop!). (6km max, ±190m, 1.52hrs)
meals: B,D
DAY 4To Burgos (3hrs)
A short drive this morning before embarking on a walking route close to San Millan de la
Cogolla. Alternatively, you can ride on the bus to visit the monasteries of Yuso (Baroque)
and Suso (Romanesque). Mid afternoon you will reach Burgos and enjoy free time to
roam the city before a guided visit to a traditional bota bag workshop. You may wish to
visit the Gothic cathedral where El Cid is buried. For dinner this evening, a traditional
meal of lechazo castellano at a lamb restaurant near the centre. (9km, +200m -585m,
2.5-3hrs)
meals: B,D
DAY 5Visit León, then travel to the Asturias region (1 or 2hrs)
After a short walk on the Meseta, we drive 2 hours to Leon in the morning where we’ll
take a fascinating guided visit to the Panteon in León. The Panteon Real is the home to
sarcophagi of late royalty and lies beneath some of the finest examples of Romanesque
frescoes in Spain. Following lunch we’ll walk along the Camino right through the city,
before driving into the Asturias to the town of Arriondas. To Spaniards, “Asturias” means
rural, green, friendly, tasty and authentic. This is the place to relax, walk, swim and
sample fresh products, straight from the garden, mountain meadows or the sea. Thanks
to a relatively mild and humid climate, temperatures are pleasant, even in the height of
summer, and the landscape is green year round. Rural Asturias is a patchwork of walled
pastures, dense forests and farming villages, bordered by a magnificent coastline to
the north and steep limestone massifs to the south. A rich cultural tradition, vibrant
historical towns, pre-Romanesque churches and superb regional cooking combine to
make travellers feel at home instantly.
Your accommodation this evening is a welcoming family-run hotel. On clear days, this
historic building on the banks of the Sella River offers spectacular views of snowy
summits in the Picos de Europa. Nearby is the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant run
by chef Nacho Manzano: Casa Marcial, situated in the tiny village of La Salgar, where
we’ll enjoy dinner this evening. (4km, ±100m, 1hr)
meals: B,D
DAY 6Transfer to the coast, walk a section of the Camino Norte, continue to Oviedo (4 hrs)
This morning we’ll head to the coast to walk along the Camino Norte, a less travelled
route on the Camino. The walk view today is quite spectacular as we walk from beach
to beach along the limestone cliffs. Depending on the weather, we will either drive up
to a viewpoint in the Sierra del Sueve or we will visit a pre Romanesque monument
before we continue on to Oviedo where we will have an afternoon guided tour of the
Historical Centre. Later, dinner will be light tapas taken at a cider bar. Here we will have
the opportunity to taste this special beverage. (13km, ±100m, 3.5-4hrs)
meals: B,D
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DAY 7Morning in Oviedo, first walk along the Camino Primitivo (5.5hrs)
Oviedo is a beautiful place. It boasts Gothic Cathedrals as well as Pre Romanesque
UNESCO World Heritage listed monuments. This morning we will be joining the first
walking route on the Camino Primitivo, otherwise known as the original pilgrims’ route,
to Santiago. Follow Jacobean copper shells through narrow lanes, then out into the
green Asturian countryside. Tarmac lanes and old foot paths take us between quiet
villages, some of which still have pilgrims hostals and historic inns. A transfer takes us
back to our hotel in Oviedo. (18.5km, +200m - 300m, 5.5hrs)
meals: B
DAY 8Walk to the abandoned monastery of Obona, overnight Tineo (5hrs)
This morning we transfer to Salas to pick up lunch supplies before we continue to the
start of our walk at El Pedregal. The route takes us through beautiful countryside to
reach the abandoned monastery of Obona, which was an important school and retreat
for wise men in the middle ages. From here we transfer to our unique accommodation
of a renovated old palace in historic Tineo. (15.7km, +350m, -250m 4.5-5hrs)
meals: B,D
DAY 9Cross the El Palo Pass (5-6hrs)
It’s a challenging ascent today along one of the most famous stretches of the Camino.
Our walk will take us along sections of the original high “ruta de los hospitales” and
crosses steep slopes toward Puerto el Palo. Due to extreme winter weather, several
pilgrims’ hospitals were built on either side of this challenging mountain pass. Superb
views will reward your walking efforts. This evening, regional specialities at the renowned
Nueva Allandesa. We will overnight in Lake Granadas. (13.3 or 15km, +600m, -150m,
4.5 or 6hrs)
meals: B,D
DAY 10Walk the high route towards O Cadavo, transfer to Castroverde (5hrs)
This morning we shop for picnic supplies in Grandas before transferring to Fonsagrada.
Today’s section of the Camino has been surfaced, and is now tarmac from Grandas
to Fonsagrada. After driving to Póboa de Buróna, a village which once had a castle
and large pilgrims’ hospital near to Fonsagrada, we will walk along one of the most
ancient sections on the Camino, the high route which leads to O Cádavo. We end our
walk in Paradavella. Afternoon transfer to our welcoming rural accommodation near
Castroverde. (12.3 , +450m, -675m, 5hrs)
meals: B,D
DAY 11Rest day Castroverde or walk on the Camino (3.5hrs)
Today is an opportunity to have some time to explore a small rural area independently,
relax in the garden and read a book. Alternatively, there is an opportunity to walk along
the Camino Primitivo between Paradavella where the walk ended the previous day, and
O’Cadavo. In the evening, we’ll be treated to a unique tradition: the “queimada”, a ritual
followed in preparing this tasty beverage of coffee infused with liqueur (the Galician
speciality called “orujo” – an eau-de-vie distilled from grape skins after they’re crushed
to make wine). Overnight Castroverde. (12.4km, +300m -250m, 3.5hrs)
meals: B,D
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DAY 12O Cádavo to Gondar, transfer to Lugo to join the French route (5hrs)
Our last day of walking is a delight, as we enjoy the pastoral Galician countryside
following quiet tarmac lanes and rural tracks from one hamlet to the next. Beautiful
examples of traditional architecture such as the well-preserved ‘pazos’ and ‘casas
grandes’, impressive buildings in stone and wood often turned into modern-day hotels.
At Lugo, The Camino Primitivo blends with the French Route and we’ll stop here for
the night to enjoy its impressive Roman Walls and outstanding tapas bars. This evening
we’ll learn about regional wines and classic Galician cooking. Our highly specialized
guides will share their in-depth knowledge, as well as their love of good food and wine.
Dinner at a local restaurant, where they prepare the traditional dish “pulpo a feira”
(Galician-style octopus) among other delicacies.
(17.5km, +200m, -400m, 5hrs)
meals: B,D
DAY 13Wine tasting in The Ribeira Sacra wine making region
A treat for the senses today, with wine tasting in the Ribeira Sacra region. After we’ll
continue to Lalin or Chantada for lunch before transfering to a lovely pazo in the country,
not far from Santiago de Compostela, which will mean an easy access to the city the
following morning. Today will also include a visit to a small family-run cheese factory.
(There is no walking today.)
meals: B,D
DAY 14Walk to Santiago (1hr)
Early start to enjoy both the Pilgrims’ Mass and the local market or to walk for 2.5 hrs
from Monte del Gozo into Santiago. Free time to explore the city. You may wish to
share emotions with other pilgrims as they approach the St James Cathedral in the
old centre of town. This evening sit down to a superb farewell dinner to close the tour.
(5km, -100m, 1hr)
meals: B,D
DAY 15Tour concludes after breakfast
A farewell to your fellow travellers as the trip concludes after breakfast.
meals: B
additional deposits
Due to the specific arrangements we have with our tour partner, we require the prepayment of an additional
deposit which is non‑refundable. This payment is required at the time of booking together with our normal
per person deposit. This prepayment should not be viewed as an additional cost. We recommend you take
out travel insurance at the time of booking.
inclusions
Tour escort throughout and local gastronomic experts at points through the trip
Accommodation at carefully selected hotels (twin share basis) including all breakfasts (continental
style)
4 very special gourmet dinners (wine not included): Men’s cooking club in Bilbao (day 1),
Restaurant Echaurren Tradición (day 3), Casa Marcial in Arriondas (day 5) and A Tofana in
Santiago de Compostela (day 14)
4 authentic dinners featuring regional cuisine: Roasted lamb Castilian style at Casa Cesar near
Burgos (day 4), Tapas Asturian style at an authentic cider house in Oviedo (day 6), Creative
cooking with ancestral recipes at Hotel Grandas in Grandas de Salime (day 9) and classic Galician
cooking (day 12)
4 dinners featuring home cooking (3 course set menu served at your accommodation) in: Tineo
(day 8), near Castroverde (day 10 & 11) and Andeade (day 13)
9 guided visits: Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (day 1), Logrono (day 2), Marqués de Riscal
Winery (day 3), Bota bag workshop (day 4), Cathedral and Panteón in León (day 5), Oviedo Historical
Centre (day 6), Lugo (day 12), Dairy (day 13), and Winery in the Ribeira Sacra (day 13)
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2 wine tasting sessions: Marqués de Riscal (day 3) and Ribeira Sacra (day 13)
Guided or self guided walks as per the program
All transfers according to program
items not included
Travel to Bilbao and from Santiago de Compostela
Lunches
Dinner on days 2, 7 and 15
Travel Insurance
Items of a personal nature
Arrival and departure transfers ‑ available on request (supplement applies)
Storage of luggage
Tipping
getting there
BY CARDriving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin.
com
BY AIRYour closest airport is Bilbao. The departure airport is Santiago de Compostela.
trip grading - moderate
MODERATE – GRADE 3
This is a guided walk with average daily stages of 3.5 to 6.5 hours. The trip is graded moderate as it is
mainly on well defined trails, with a few off path sections only. There are many ups and downs and walking
poles are definitely a good idea. A good level of fitness is required to complete all the walks. As with all
of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise –
swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. As
the trip is fully supported there is the option to skip some of the walks and ride with the support vehicle.
trip organisation
Note: restaurants mentioned in this itinerary should be viewed as a guide only and may change due to
circumstances outside our control.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and
can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss
your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we
can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely
to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may
be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to
guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with
life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility
of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of
self‑administering these medications.
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food lover’s spanish camino
accommodation
DURING TOUR
We have specially hand chosen the accommodation during the trip to ensure that the flavour of the region
is captured. Accommodation will range from family run 2 star hotels in the countryside to rustic rural
guesthouses and chic boutique hotels in the larger towns and cities.
fast facts
COUNTRIES VISITEDSpain
VISASVisas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for
up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.
schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the
Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen
area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the
Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport
holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in
the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending
most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there
is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in
obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
CLIMATESemi‑continental climate on the Meseta: cool in spring and mild in autumn (14
to 25°C), very warm in summer (28 to 35°C). Oceanic climate in Galicia and
Asturias: less warm in summer but more humid. This itinerary also comprises
some mountainous stages: it can always be windy and cold.
MIN GROUP SIZE10
MAX GROUP SIZE16
SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIREDSunscreen, walking boots, outer layer including rain jacket, day pack and sun
hat – walking sticks are recommended.
how to book
Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own
convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form ‑ which can be found at the back of our brochure, on
our website or we can email you a copy ‑ then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks
or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card (note:
surcharges may apply for credit card payments if full payment is made). UTracks has access to competitive
airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including
flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation.
follow us
https://www.facebook.com/UTracks
https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/
https://twitter.com/UTracks_Travel
There’s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover
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slide shows
UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are
designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure
travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows
can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure
news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks.
com or contact our office.
IMPORTANT NOTE
THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS
ITINERARY, AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.
talk to us
If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest
UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.
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food lover’s spanish camino
AUSTRALIA
UTracks
Level 5, 71 York St
Sydney NSW 2000
T: (02) 8270 8488
F: (02) 8270 8489
Toll free: 1300 303 368
[email protected]
Feel free to visit our World Expeditions
offices in:• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Adelaide (Thor Travel)
For address and office phone numbers visit
www.worldexpeditions.com
NEW ZEALAND
UTracks
Level 1, 59-67 High St
Auckland CBD
PO Box 106-275
Auckland City 1143
T: (09) 368 4161
F: (09) 368 4162
Toll Free: 0800 350 354
[email protected]
CANADA - OTTAWA
UTracks
47 William St
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1N 6Z9
T: 613 241 2700
F: 613 2414189
Toll Free: 1-800-567-2216
[email protected]
UNITED KINGDOM
UTracks
1B Osiers Road
Wandsworth
London SW18 1NL
T: 0845 241 7599
F: 020 8870 7014
T: 1800 946 258 (Ireland)
[email protected]
UTracks is a division of the
World Expeditions Travel Group
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