(TRAVPR.COM) Spanish tour operator Hidden in Spain has announced new customizable tours that take travelers along the famous Camino de Santiago, or The Way of Saint James, in Spain. Composed of some of history’s most popular pilgrim routes, the extensive network of roads is now a World Heritage Site and also an extraordinary way to see the country’s smaller towns, enjoy its breathtaking scenery and discover the “hidden gems” that make Spain one of the most popular destinations in the world.
In Spain, the Camino de Santiago runs for a total of nearly 500 miles through four of the country’s 15 regions, with all of the routes converging at the tomb of St. James (Santiago in Spanish) in Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of the saint, discovered in the ninth century, now rest. Those who walk a minimum of 62 miles or bicycle 125 miles can request a “Compostela” – an official church certificate attesting to the completion of their pilgrimage.
“There are many different Caminos, or routes,” noted Luis Fernandez de Vega, founder of Hidden in Spain. “Each of them offers its own challenges and rewards, from thePrimitivo – which is more physically challenging but rewards you with stunning natural scenery of Asturias – to the popular Camino Frances or French Way, which carries more travelers and offers opportunities for social interaction. Camino Frances is also considered the original ‘Way’ and the path most likely taken by King Alfonso the Chaste, who helped confirm the remains of St. James in the 9th century.”
Find ‘The Way’ With Hidden in Spain
The 7-day French Way is one of Hidden in Spain’s numerous customizable Camino de Santiago tours. Among the suggested itineraries, the tour’s first two days can cover the 13-mile stretch from Sarria, one of the most populous towns on the French Way in the Galicia province, to Portomarin, known for its medieval architecture. Day three can be spent on the 15-mile route to Palas de Rei. On day four, travelers can walk the 8.5 miles to the small, picturesque village of Melide. On Day 5, they can hike 8.5 miles to Arzúa, a town whose roots go back to Roman time. On Day 6, after a 12-mile hike, guests will reach the town of O Pedrouzo. On the final day, they will hike the 11.5 mile route to arrive at Santiago de Compostela and the completion of their journey. The number of miles covered daily is based on guests’ physical capacity and can be modified as desired.
Hidden in Spain can also design a walking or cycling tour that follows the Northern Camino, which offers stunning scenery along Spain’s northern coastline. The Portuguese Way starts in Lisbon, passes through where St. James’ disciple disembarked with his body around 42 or 44 AD, and winds through the lush forests, vineyards and charming villages of the countryside. The longest route, and the most physically challenging, the Via de la Plata, takes guests through some of Spain’s most beautiful cities and villages as well as some of its hottest and driest terrain. It splits into two roads that include the final stretch of the French Way, passing through Astorga, or a route that passes though Ourense. Both of these routes are similar in length, around 621 miles, and usually walked in 40 stages.
The English Way is the shortest route, typically completed within five days. It retraces the routes taken by English pilgrims in the old days. They would normally take a boat from the British Isles to the north-west coast of Spain and walk the final stretch to Santiago de Compostela. It’s recommended for travelers concerned about their fitness, or for those who would first like to try a “dress rehearsal” before they commit to a longer route.
“While many travelers see the Camino de Santiago as an important spiritual journey, it can also be a pleasant and active way to see much of Spain’s picturesque villages and countryside,” said Fernandez de Vega. “Hidden in Spain will work with travel agents to determine the best routes for their clients, based on the amount of time they have available, their level of fitness, and whether they are interested in hiking or biking the trails. We can even arrange horseback riding!”
He added: “Regardless of how they travel, guests will be rewarded with incredible scenery and an experience they remember for the rest of their lives.”
About Hidden in Spain
Hidden in Spain is a boutique tour company offering customizable tours in Spain. Operating from its headquarters in northern Spain, it takes guest on highly personalized journeys that reveal the hidden cultural, historical, culinary treasures, and natural beauty of the country, from Bilbao in the north to Málaga in the south. Luis Fernandez de Vega, founder of Hidden in Spain, and his team of experienced and knowledgeable travel specialists work with their clients on a one-to-one basis to create detailed tailor-made holiday packages to meet their specific interests. They’ll take care of every aspect of their tours, from domestic air, hotel and ground transportation, to excursions and scheduled events. Hidden in Spain takes clients beyond the well-worn and familiar tourist spots to find unique “insider experiences” that give their clients a deeper, more immersive connection with the Spanish culture. For more information, visit Hidden in Spain online or call 347-775-3397.
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