LEON AND BURGOS Power and pilgrimage along the Camino

7  days | £3395 per person with flights |  16 - 22 September 2027

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.

However, we begin in Oviedo, ancient capital of the Kingdom of Asturias, a city whose remarkably preserved pre-Romanesque monuments stand as some of the earliest and most singular masterpieces of Christian architecture in all of Spain. Founded in 761 AD, it rose swiftly to become the spiritual and political heart of the Asturian monarchy. Oviedo retains an extraordinary monumental legacy, its hilltop cathedral and the remarkable churches of the surrounding slopes earning it well-deserved UNESCO recognition.

We continue to León, crowned by its spectacular cathedral.  Founded in 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.

Burgos, historic capital of Castile, is dominated by its glorious Gothic cathedral, the final resting place of El Cid. Surrounded by splendidly rich monasteries, reminders of the alliance of militant Catholicism and regal might that birthed the modern Spanish state.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Asturias and transfer to our hotel in Oviedo to store luggage. Time for some independent refreshments before heading to the Cathedral. Within the cathedral itself, the Cámara Santa is a quite extraordinary survival — a pre-Romanesque royal chapel housing some of the finest treasures of early mediaeval Spain, including the jewelled Cross of the Angels and the Cross of Victory, both masterpieces of Asturian craftsmanship. First group meal together.

Day 2

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 also known as Santullano. Another fine example of the pre-Romanesque style, it was the largest Christian structure in Spain up until the 11^th century and its muraled interior is particularly lovely. After an independent lunch we continue to León for the next two nights, and enjoy our second meal together.

Day 3

Set out on foot to 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 12^th-century murals, is particularly special. After an independent lunch, we explore Léon’s 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 13^th 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. Evening at leisure.

Day 4

Check out of our hotel and travel by coach to San Miguel de Escalada to visit the monastery there; founded by Cordoban monks in the 10^th century, it is a wonderful example of the Mozarabic style. We continue to Carrión de los Condes, where we will visit the Monastery of San Zoilo. An emblematic stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, this Cluniac monastery from the 11^th-12^th centuries was rebuilt in the 16^th century, when its famed Gothic cloister was added. After a group lunch at the monastery, we walk through the town and see the Church of Santiago and the beautiful Romanesque Church of Santa Maria, notable for its highly decorative façade. Our last stop will be the church of San Martín at 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. Arrive in Burgos where we check in to our last hotel and eat together in the hotel restaurant.

Day 5

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, containing the stunning tomb commissioned by Isabelle of Castile for her parents. The charterhouse represents the high point of the Hispano-Flemish artistic style. Return to Burgos for an evening at leisure.

NH Collection Principado

Ideally situated for exploring the heart of Oviedo, the NH Collection Principado occupies a prime position on a quiet street directly opposite the city's historic university, with the magnificent Gothic cathedral just moments away on foot. The hotel's well-appointed rooms feature contemporary décor with parquet floors and modern furnishings.

Hotel Real Colegiata

Set within the historic heart of León, the hotel enjoys a privileged position beside the revered Real Colegiata de San Isidoro, close to the city centre. The property has been carefully restored to preserve its sense of heritage, with original stonework and vaulted ceilings. Rooms are thoughtfully designed to complement the building’s historic character, combining traditional architectural features with modern comfort.

NH Collection Palacio de Burgos

Rich in history and character, the hotel showcases atmospheric Gothic cloisters that echo its remarkable past. Set along the banks of the Arlanzón River, it enjoys a privileged location close to the UNESCO-listed Burgos Cathedral. Inside, the hotel offers 110 beautifully appointed rooms that reflect the building’s historic grandeur. 

With Flights: £3395

Join Direct: £3245

Single Supp: £330

Deposit:  £450

Departure Dates:

16 - 22 September 2027

Duration:

6 nights / 7 days

Your Holiday Includes:

• Return flights (Economy class) from London to Asturias, returning from Bilbao
• One nights’ bed and breakfast at the NH Collection Principado, Oviedo
• Two night's bed and breakfast at the Hotel Real Colegiata, Leon
• Three night's bed and breakfast at the NH Collection Palacio de Burgos
• Private coach transfers and excursions
• Four evening meals and one lunch
• Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
• Services of the Tour Lecturer and Tour Manager
• Detailed programme and study notes
• All entrance fees, taxes and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff
  

Tour Lecturer

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.



Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that most of our tours involve a large amount of walking, across uneven ground and often without the opportunity to sit down for at least half an hour. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.