Burgos and Leon

6 days | £2595 per person with flights | 11-16 Sept 24

Power and pilgrimage along the Camino

Of the hundreds of miles covered by the great pilgrim route, the Camino de Santiago, it is the portion that threads across the northern plains of Castilla y León, from Burgos to León, which is recognised as some of the most culturally thrilling, packed as it is with a true abundance of art and architecture.

Burgos, historic capital of Castile, is dominated by its glorious Gothic cathedral, the final resting place of the semi-legendary El Cid. Surrounded by splendidly rich monasteries, reminders of the alliance of militant Catholicism and regal might that birthed the modern Spanish state, Burgos offers the perfect opening act to this tour.

We continue to León, similarly, crowned by its spectacular cathedral. Founded c.29 BC as the military encampment of Legio VI Victrix, it rose to prominence in 910 AD, when the Christian princes of Asturias shifted the capital from nearby Oviedo to instate León as the capital of the Kingdom of León. During this era, the kingdom held an active role in the Reconquista against the Moors, subsequently becoming one of the most important in mediaeval Spain before it was consolidated with the Crown of Castile in 1301. Today, León wears its history lightly, its noble looks conceal an electrically lively Spanish atmosphere that is sure to enchant all who visit.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning flight from London Gatwick to Bilbao. Transfer by private coach to Burgos to check in to our 4-star hotel. After some time to settle in and take an independent lunch, we travel by coach to Las Huelgas. Founded in 1187 by King Alfonso VIII and Queen Eleanor, this monastery features several impressive royal tombs and an unsurpassed collection of mediaeval textiles, which demonstrate the influence of Islamic motifs on Christian art of the Reconquista. Return to Burgos for a group dinner at the hotel.

Day 2

Leave the hotel on foot to explore Burgos Cathedral, the city’s artistic jewel, featuring work by Simón de Colonia and Diego de Siloé, and the breath-taking Condestable’s Chapel. Afterwards, we continue our stroll through the streets of Burgos, taking in some of the vestiges of mediaeval splendour before breaking for an independent lunch. In the afternoon, travel by coach to the stunning Miraflores Charterhouse, fusing lavish decoration with both heraldic and dynastic display, the charterhouse represents the high point of the Hispano-Flemish artistic style. Return to Burgos for an evening at leisure.

Day 3

By coach to Santo Domingo de Silos to visit the impressive monastery, a masterpiece of Romanesque art. With its roots in the 7th century, it was significantly renovated in the 11th century and is renowned for its magnificent two-storey cloister, which features many exquisite and profusely carved capitals. Coach transfer to Covarrubias for a group lunch before continuing to the Church of Quintanilla de las Viñas. The humble exterior of this 7th-century Visigoth shrine belies a wonderful interior, rich in carved friezes and capitals depicting angels, birds, vines, and fantastical beasts, as well as what is considered to be the earliest representation of Christ in Spanish religious art. Return to Burgos for an evening at leisure.

Day 4

Bid farewell to Burgos this morning as we journey west towards León, taking in several sites en route. Our first stop is Frómista, one of the key buildings in the formation of Iberian Romanesque, richly sculpted with a repertoire of forms to become widespread in the peninsular'. We continue to Carrión de los Condes, where we will see the beautiful Romanesque Church of Santa Maria, notable for its highly decorative façade, and visit the Monastery of San Zoilo. An emblematic stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, this Cluniac monastery from the 11th-12th centuries was rebuilt in the 16th century, when its famed Gothic cloister was added. After a group lunch, travel on to San Miguel de Escalada to visit the monastery there; founded by Cordoban monks in the 10th century, it is a wonderful example of the Mozarabic style. We continue to León, checking into our hotel before enjoying an introductory walk through the centre of this picturesque city. The evening is free for your own activities.

Day 5

Set out on foot to explore León’s star attraction, its spectacular cathedral. Once the royal palace of King Ordoño II, after he defeated the Arabs in the Battle of San Esteban de Gormaz in 917 AD, he had the palace rebuilt as a cathedral, a sign of gratitude to God for the victory. The cathedral was remodelled once more before construction of the third cathedral, in the Gothic style seen today, was begun in the 13th century. It is remarkable for its 130 stained glass windows, including three large rose windows that are considered to be some of the finest in existence. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Basilica of San Isidoro, one of the most important examples of the Romanesque style in Spain. Inside, the Royal Pantheon, adorned with unusual Visigothic capitals and wonderfully preserved 12th-century murals, is particularly special. A group dinner in the evening marks our final night in Spain.

Day 6

Check out of our hotel after breakfast and travel by coach to Oviedo. Just outside the city lies the Church of Santa María del Naranco, a wonderfully preserved example of Spanish pre-Romanesque architecture with an unusually tall and narrow form and many fine sculptural adornments. Continue to the Church of San Julián de los Prado. Another fine example of the pre-Romanesque style, it was the largest Christian structure in Spain up until the 11th century and its muraled interior is particularly lovely. Afterwards, enjoy a final lunch together before we continue to Bilbao airport for our return flight to London Gatwick.

NH Collection Palacio de Burgos

With its atmospheric Gothic stone cloisters, and fascinating 500-year history, the magnificent NH Collection Palacio de Burgos, is located by the River Arlazón near the glorious UNESCO-protected Burgos Cathedral. 

The hotel’s 110 exquisite rooms are designed to reflect the grandeur of this historic building.

Hotel Real Colegiata

The Endearing Hotel Real Colegiata is situated in the heart of León, nestled within a beautifully restored 16th-century building, the hotel offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comforts. With its elegant rooms, attentive service, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, Hotel Real Colegiata provides a delightful retreat for travelers seeking a memorable stay in a captivating setting.

With Flights: £2595

Join direct: £2445

Single Supp: £280

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

Weds 11 – Mon 16 Sep

Duration:

5 nights / 6 days

Your Holiday Includes:

• Return economy flights from London Gatwick to Bilbao with Vueling
• Private coach transfers and excursions.
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast at the NH Collection Palacio de Burgos and 2 nights bed and breakfast at the Hotel Real Colegiata
• Two dinners and three lunches
• Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
• Services of your Tour Lecturer and Tour Manager
• Detailed programme and Study Notes.
• All entrance fees, taxes and gratuities for coach drivers and waiters.
  

Tour Lecturers

Dr Richard Plant

Richard is an architectural historian specialising in the Middle Ages, with a strong interest in the modern. After reading English at Cambridge, he obtained an MA in the History of Art and a PhD on English Romanesque and the Holy Roman Empire at the Courtauld. He went on to teach at the Courtauld, as well as at University College and Queen Mary College, London, where he taught both medieval and modern architectural history. He was formerly the Deputy Academic Director at Christie’s Education and has published on English and German architecture.

Hotel Resort: Burgos

Star Rating: ★★★★☆

Hotel Resort: León

Star Rating: ★★★☆☆

Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast