This website uses modern construction techniques, which may not render correctly in your old browser. We recommend updating your browser for the best online experience.
Enjoy this 6 night guided tour of the Camino from Porto to Bilbao with Back Roads Touring. Visit the Castillo de los Templarios, explore Cathedral de Santiago, journey into the mesmerising Picos de Europa National Park and more!
Tours depart April - September 2026
Carve your own pilgrimage of discovery along the Camino de Santiago and beyond, as you savour the taste of local sizzling seafood, uncover centuries-old history and feast your eyes on cinematic mountain landscapes. On this evocative journey from Portugal to northern Spain, following in the footsteps of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, a captivating travel tale that’s uniquely yours awaits. What memories will etch their way into your story?
Why Back Road Tours?
Picture a touring holiday that delves a bit deeper. One that doesn’t simply drop by top sights and major cities, but invites you to see a destination through the eyes of the people who know it best: the locals who call it home. Where journeys are made for absorbing never-to-be-forgotten views, not darting from A to B. And each day ends in a hand-picked retreat brimming with local charm.
Back-Roads Touring have spent over 30 years creating these kinds of small group tours. They know that the best kind of adventure is one that introduces you to local experiences and sights while providing you with the time and space to explore independently.
Inclusions & Highlights
Inclusions
6 nights accommodation
10 Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Services of a Trip Leader and Driver
Transport onboard a luxury minicoach
Maximum of 18 Passengers
Tour Highlights
Feel the palpable energy of centuries past in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Santiago de Compostela
Indulge in a wine tasting and locally prepared lunch in the heart of Spain’s Castile & León region
Gaze in awe at the majestic mountains of the soul-stirring Picos de Europa National Park
Itinerary
Day 1 - Porto (Portugal)
World-famous port wine, an iconic iron bridge and knots of medieval alleys – our journey along the Camino will begin in postcard-perfect Porto. You could spend a day (or two!) getting acquainted with this captivating city before meeting our small group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
So, how will your story unfold in Porto? Perhaps you’ll uncover hidden courtyards and say olá to friendly café owners as you meander up the Ribeira district to the city’s hilltop cathedral. From the cathedral’s terrace, you can watch the sun light up terracotta roofs and catch a glimpse of the mighty Douro River before exploring the vast cathedral complex itself. Be sure to look out for traditional blue and white azulejos (hand-painted tiles) that adorn facades as you go. Or, you could simply stroll along Porto’s vibrant riverfront, soaking up the cosy chatter from restaurants that spill onto the path as traditional rabelo boats float on by. All best enjoyed with a pastel de nata (a classic, Portuguese egg custard pastry) in hand, of course!
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Porto Bridges (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Porto – Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima – Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
Legends of Roman soldiers and a mythical river await – our journey north kicks off with a visit to Viana do Castelo. Step off our luxury minicoach and take in your surroundings, from the dazzling white Gil Eannes ship to the sparkling harbour. Have you spotted the neo-Byzantine Santuário de Santa Luzia in the distance? We’ll make our way up to this hilltop church to admire its impressive rose window and vast domed roof (adorned with 16 painted angels, no less!). Perched up here, the views over the Atlantic Ocean are truly spectacular – spot the River Lima flowing into the sea, and notice waves caressing the nearby golden shores like layers of tulle.
Then, we’re off to Ponte de Lima, one of the oldest towns in Portugal. We’ll admire its ancient bridge, first constructed by the Romans in 1 AD (yes, really!) and enjoy some free time exploring the historic centre dotted with quaint cafés, vibrant flower gardens and sunny plazas. Don’t forget to ask your in-the-know Tour Leader for the best local seafood options for lunch. Having crossed the border into Spain, we'll arrive at Santiago de Compostela – our home for the next two nights and the final stop on the fabled Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. More on that tomorrow... Tonight, you could start your chapter in this sacred city by uncovering hole-in-the-wall bars along its narrow streets or simply spend the evening relaxing at our hand-picked hotel. Decisions, decisions...
Accommodation: Hotel Compostela (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Santiago de Compostela
The final stop on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail and alleged burial site of Saint James – Santiago de Compostela is steeped in fascinating history. We'll have the opportunity to delve deeper into this city’s rich heritage and admire the magnificent stone architecture of the Old Town on a locally guided walking tour – taking in the likes of Plaza del Obradoiro, the Palacio de Raxoi and the Cathedral de Santiago as we go. Then: the rest of the afternoon is ours to explore at our own pace. This evening, we’ll be free to indulge in some exquisite local seafood and savour the flavours of traditional Galician cuisine at a restaurant of our choosing.
Accommodation: Hotel Compostela (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Santiago de Compostela – Ponferrada – León
Follow in the footsteps of the Knights Templar – a visit to the impressive Castillo de los Templarios awaits. Cross the drawbridge, feel the cool touch of ancient stone under your fingertips and travel back in time as we wander the mighty walls of this giant fortress, imagining stories of what life might have been like in medieval times. Built in 1178 to protect the pilgrims on their road to Santiago de Compostela, it’s a fitting start to our day’s journey.
Continuing our route into northern Castilla, we’ll arrive at León. And, tonight, dinner is yours for the taking. Why not head out and hunt down some local tapas? Typically enjoyed alongside a drink (or two!), tucking into tapas is a social affair. So, you could team up with others from our small group and feast on a plethora of flavours together as the sun sets on another wonderful day. Our favourites? Look out for Pimientos de Padrón (green peppers, fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt), Tortilla de Patata (Spanish omelette), Gambas al Ajillo (shrimps cooked sizzling in garlic) and Jamón Ibérico (cured Iberian ham) for a delicious initiation into Spanish cuisine. Tonight, we’ll settle into our accommodation – an 11th-century monastery-turned-hotel that’s nestled right in the heart of León’s historic centre. Spot the original features like oak floors and stone walls that give each room its unique charm, then get some well earnt shut-eye ahead of more adventures tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel Real Colegiata de San Isidoro (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - León
Wake up to the sound of the cathedral’s chiming bells, fuel up on a café con leche (coffee with milk) and get ready to set out for the day. We’ll meet our expert local guide to kick things off with a walking tour. With the city’s origins dating back to Roman times, it’s only fitting that we start at the Roman walls before taking in the splendour of the Romanesque Basilica de San Isidoro and the Casa de los Botines (designed by none other than Antoni Gaudí). Then, it’s onto the striking cathedral where we’ll discover why this Gothic jewel is often called the ‘House of Light’ – the 1,800 square metres of kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows might just have something to do with it... All this exploring is thirsty work, so we’ll set a course to a local winery to indulge in a couple of glasses of the region’s finest. As we stroll through the vineyards, spot the sun-kissed Prieto Picudo and White Albarin grape varieties, and take a moment to pause... listen to the breeze rustle through the lush vines like a hushed whisper. We won’t blame you for buying a bottle (or three) after our visit to take home! Compare tasting notes over a generous group lunch (in a wine cellar, no less) before we head back to León. ¡Buen provecho!
Tonight, you’re free to shape your own path in León. Your knowledgeable Tour Leader is bound to have a few suggestions up their sleeve for where to spend a memorable evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Real Colegiata de San Isidoro (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - León – Picos de Europa – Cantabria Region
Limestone peaks graze the sky like mythical towers emerging from the earth, gorges carve deep into the ground as if created from the hand of a giant sculptor and vibrant wildflowers pepper the emerald green pastures like nature’s confetti – we’re leaving the metropolis behind and journeying to the mesmerising Picos de Europa National Park. Relax in the minicoach and drink in the stunning views as we thread our way slowly through this cinematic landscape, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Once at Parador de Fuente Dé, we’ll tuck into a hearty lunch together. With traditional recipes from the Cantabrian region of Liébana on the menu such as cocido lebaniego (a nourishing chickpea and meat stew), we’ll be fuelled up and ready to take on the remainder of the day.
Take to the skies with a thrilling cable car ride to the soul-stirring Aliva viewpoint – brace yourself for the spectacular views over the verdant Liebana Valley and surrounding jagged peaks as we ascend an impressive 753 metres. Once at the top, linger for a moment... take a deep, cleansing breath of crisp mountain air and feel the immense power of the majestic mountains around you. We’ll end our day in the Cantabria region. Make yourself at home in our thoughtfully-selected accommodation and unwind before our final group meal together. Perhaps a dip in the pool has your name on it? Over dinner, we’ll raise a toast to the moments we’ve shared over the past week – which has been your favourite?
Accommodation: Abba Comillas Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Cantabria Region – Santander – Bilbao
Gaze out over the Cantabrian Sea’s bright blue water and cast your eyes over the lilting waves for sea lions and seals – the Magdalena Peninsula beckons! We’ll hop on the peninsula’s little train to admire the scenery and get a close-up view of the Palacio de la Magdalena (one of the most prominent examples of civil architecture in northern Spain) before immersing ourselves in Santander’s charm and seeking out a local haunt for lunch. With its golden, crescent-shaped bays and fresh seafood at every turn, it’s easy to fall in love with this historic port city. We’ll wind up our day in bustling Bilbao to say our goodbyes. And while this may be the final page of your Camino adventure, your taste of the region’s spirit is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates/Prices
Depart
Return
Twin Share
Solo
11 April 2026
17 April 2026
$3,549pp
$4,439pp
25 April 2026
1 May 2026
$3,549pp
$4,439pp
23 May 2026
29 May 2026
$3,959pp
$4,949pp
29 August 2026
4 September 2026
$3,959pp
$4,949pp
12 September 2026
18 September 2026
$3,959pp
$4,949pp
*Advertised pricing is based on per solo traveller on 11 & 25 April 2026 departures, correct as of 23 June 2025.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
