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The very first pilgrims way to Santiago de Compostela, better known as "El Camino del Norte" dates back from the Early Middle Ages when devotees coming from northern Europe traversed the northern green provinces of the Iberian Peninsula on their way to the holy shrine.
 We offer a walking tour that follows part of the coastal St. James way, which runs through the Principality of Asturias, providing a combination of cultural heritage, folklore and nature. The tour traces the spectacular coastline of surf beaches, picturesque fishing villages and scenic hilly landscapes, dotted with Pre-Romanesque churches set in small historic villages.
Grade: easy/moderate. The walks average 9 miles per day.
At the end of the walk a regular coach transfer is available to take you to Santiago de Compostela to stay in a comfortable hotel with courtyard and garden in the old city for a further two nights. This 9 night holiday costs £765.00
NB. The 7 night holiday ends after breakfast in Oviedo.
Getting there Easyjet Stansted to Oviedo daily flights and taxi transfer to first hotel, or Iberia Airways Gatwick to Oviedo (Sun, Tue and Thu) and taxi transfer to hotel. Alternatively, Stansted to Bilbao with Easyjet (every day) and coach transfer to Gijon about 4h. Alternatively, car ferry to Bilbao or Santander.
ITINERARYDay 1 Arrival at Asturias airport and taxi transfer to the first accommodation in the coastal village of Ribadesella.
Its fishing harbour was once a main port in the Middle Ages through which large numbers of pilgrims and merchants entered the region. There may be time for a swim at the splendid beach of Santa Marina, a visit to the cave of Bustillo with pre-historic cave paintings or a leisurely circular walk.
Day 2 Ribadesella - Prado
After crossing the bridge over the River Sella you soon come across the blue/yellow St. James shell, a sign that you are on “El Camino del Norte”. The famous pilgrims way runs through green meadows bordering the scenic coastline, always protected by the shelter of the Sierra del Sueve Natural Parc. A longer version takes you up the hill “Pico de la Forquita” (340m) from where you have beautiful panoramic views over the Sueve Sierra and Cantabrian Sea.
Day 3 Prado to Pernus ~ 5h
Descending towards the coast, you will soon come across the waymark with the blue/yellow St. James shell, the sign that you are on "El Camino del Norte." The famous pilgrims way runs through green meadows bordering the scenic coastline. Now and then we cross little white, sandy beaches sheltered by rocks which allow you to literally step in some huge footprints left by dinosaurs, who once inhabited this region.
Day 4 Pernus to Villaviciosa ~ 6h
We leave the coast behind and head for the green hills. Our path contours rural villages and hamlets of typical Asturian houses with wooden balconies and "horreos", before reaching the famous ancient church of Priesca (AD921), a jewel of the Pre-Romanesque architecture. Crossing the delta and tidal river "Ria Villaviciosa", a nature  reserve and breeding place for migratory birds from the north, we follow a small stream and cross the valley before reaching the lovely country town of Villaviciosa, your accommodation for the next two nights.
Day 5 Circular Walk/Sightseeing ~ 8 miles / 4 hours
A pleasant walk via the hilltop Monte Cubera from where beautiful views over both the Cantabrian Sea and the surrounding Sierras to the little town of Villaviciosa can be had. Coats of arms or "escudos" on the medieval houses in the old part remind us that it was here where Emperor Charles V first set foot on Spanish soil. Alternatively, by public transport or a taxi, charming neighbouring fishing villages like Lastres or Tazones can be visited. On one of the many terraces in the harbour you can eat fresh crab or other delicious fish dishes and tapas. Or you can walk to one of the nearby beaches.
Day 6 Villaviciosa – San Justo - 10 miles / 5 hours or 15 miles / 8 hours
Today you cross the hart of cider region with its traditions and folklore. Apple orchards everywhere and in autumn the juicy sweet smelling fruits will be squeezed to sparkling cider. Many farms have their own “llagar” cider bodega with presses and wooden barrels for storage. A so called “culín de sidra” a bottom of cider is poured the traditional way by holding the bottle above the head and the glass next to the knee. It’s custom to drink this golden liquid in one draught.
A longer version takes you to Santa María de Valdediós. The monastery dates back from the 13th century with adjacent the picturesque Pre-Romanesque church
“San Salvador”. This fine little church, declared World Heritage, is one of the most well preserved Pre-Romanesque art of the Principality, an architecture only to be found in Asturias.
Day 7 San Justo to Oviedo ~ 4h
After a short transfer back to the seaside we follow a pleasant trail that runs along the coastline with its sheer cliffs and secluded small white sandy beaches which can only be reached on foot. At Penarrubia, the coastal path winds around the rocks to finally join the promenade around the bay of San Lorenzo, the city of Gijon's main  beach. From Gijon you travel by local train to the city of Oviedo (price not included), the capital and cultural centre of the Principality. The Asturian King Alfonso II The Great initiated from Oviedo the very first pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela (813 AD). Apart from the main monuments and elegant medieval houses, you will find numerous colourful plazas dotted with little restaurants, taverns and bars which invite you to enjoy some delicious tapas and other gastronomic dishes from the region.
Day 8 Departure (7 night holiday). Otherwise coach transfer to Santiago de Compostela.
Day 9 Sightseeing in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 10 Departure.
What is included?
 Maps and route details in English- Luggage transfers
- Taxi transfer Oviedo airport to first hotel
- Emergency support.
- 3 evening meals (nights 2,3 and 6)
- 5 nights in hotels and 2 in casa d\'aldea with breakfast
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