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Holy Year 2027: Northern Spain and the Camino de Santiago

St. James Holy Year · Sep 13 to 22, 2027

Northern Spain and the Camino de Santiago

with Chris & Natalie Stefanick

  days ·   hrs ·   min to departure

  • 10 days8 nights in 4-star hotels
  • Bilbao, Oviedo, Santiagoplus Covadonga, Finisterre and Porto
  • Daily Masson the pilgrimage

Walk the most beautiful stretches of the Camino to the tomb of St. James and the Holy Door at Santiago de Compostela in his 2027 Holy Year.

On this pilgrimage

Your hosts

Chris & Natalie Stefanick
Hosts
To be announced
Chaplain
Your route

Ten days in Northern Spain

Route map of a ten-day pilgrimage across northern Spain, ending in Porto. The group lands at Bilbao for two nights, walking the Camino del Norte into San Sebastián on day 3 and from Zumaia to Deba on day 4 before driving west to Oviedo for two nights, with a day trip to Covadonga on day 5. On day 6 the group walks from Samos to Sarria on the Camino Francés and continues to Santiago de Compostela for three nights, walking in from Monte do Gozo on day 7 and out to Finisterre on day 8. On day 9 the route runs south by Padrón and the Ría de Arousa to Porto, the last night, and the pilgrimage ends on day 10. Route map of a ten-day pilgrimage across northern Spain, ending in Porto. The group lands at Bilbao for two nights, walking the Camino del Norte into San Sebastián on day 3 and from Zumaia to Deba on day 4 before driving west to Oviedo for two nights, with a day trip to Covadonga on day 5. On day 6 the group walks from Samos to Sarria on the Camino Francés and continues to Santiago de Compostela for three nights, walking in from Monte do Gozo on day 7 and out to Finisterre on day 8. On day 9 the route runs south by Padrón and the Ría de Arousa to Porto, the last night, and the pilgrimage ends on day 10. SPAINPORTUGALBAY OF BISCAYBilbaoSTART · DAYS 2 TO 3San SebastiánDAY 3Zumaia & DebaDAY 4OviedoDAYS 4 TO 5CovadongaDAY 5Samos to SarriaDAY 6Santiago de CompostelaDAYS 6 TO 8FinisterreDAY 8PadrónDAY 9CambadosDAY 9PortoEND · DAY 9 SPAINPORTUGALBAY OF BISCAYBilbaoSan SebastiánZumaia & DebaOviedoCovadongaSamos to SarriaSantiago de CompostelaFinisterrePadrónCambadosPorto
Motorcoach28 mi on foot

Begins in Bilbao, ends in Porto


BY MOTORCOACHWest along the Basque and Cantabrian coast from Bilbao to Oviedo, into Galicia by Samos and Sarria to Santiago, and south by Padrón and the Ría de Arousa to Porto
ON FOOTFive walking days on the Camino: into San Sebastián, Zumaia to Deba, Samos to Sarria, Monte do Gozo into Santiago, and the last stretch to Finisterre, about 28 to 30 miles in all

OvernightVisit

Nights: 2 Bilbao, 2 Oviedo, 3 Santiago, 1 Porto.

Itinerary

Day by day

10 days
Saturday, September 11

Departure from the United States Pre-tour

Our pre-tour pilgrimage begins as we depart the United States on our overnight flight to Toulouse, France. Dinner and breakfast will be served during the flight.

Dinner and breakfast served during the flight.
Sunday, September 12

Arrival in Toulouse & Lourdes Pre-tour

Upon arrival at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, our local professional tour escort greets us and accompanies us by motorcoach to Lourdes. After check-in, we gather this evening for a welcome dinner to begin our pilgrimage together.

Dinner included. Overnight in Lourdes.
Monday, September 13

Lourdes Pre-tour

Today is devoted entirely to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the Blessed Virgin appeared eighteen times to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. We begin at the Grotto of Massabielle, the site of the apparitions, where we celebrate Mass. We continue with a guided tour of Bernadette’s home and the grounds of the basilica, followed by a visit to the Basilica of St. Pius X and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. We visit the Carmelite Monastery before having the opportunity to bathe in the healing waters at the baths. This evening we join the Eucharistic Procession, followed by the Candlelight Marian Procession through the sanctuary grounds.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Lourdes.
Tuesday, September 14

Lourdes & Bilbao Pre-tour

Following breakfast, the morning is at leisure for personal prayer and reflection at the sanctuary before check-out. After lunch on our own, we travel by motorcoach to Bilbao, where we are joined by the main pilgrimage group this evening for our welcome dinner together.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Bilbao.
Day 1 · Monday, September 13

Departure from the United States

Our pilgrimage begins as we depart the United States on our overnight flight to Bilbao, Spain. Dinner and breakfast will be served during the flight.

Overnight flight.
Day 2 · Tuesday, September 14

Arrival in Bilbao

Upon arrival at Bilbao Airport, our local professional tour escort greets us and accompanies us by motorcoach to our hotel. After check-in, we gather this evening for a welcome dinner to begin our pilgrimage together.

Dinner included. Overnight in Bilbao.
Day 3 · Wednesday, September 15

Bilbao, San Sebastián & Camino del Norte

After breakfast we depart Bilbao for the fishing village of Pasai Donibane, where we set out on foot along the Camino del Norte. A short ferry crossing of the harbor, a traditional part of this stage of the Camino, carries us across before we climb through forest on Monte Ulia, reaching the cliffs above the Bay of Biscay and opening to sweeping views over La Concha Bay before we descend into the historic center of San Sebastián. We celebrate Mass in the city. Lunch is on our own today, with some time at leisure in San Sebastián before we return to Bilbao and gather this evening for dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Bilbao.
Day 4 · Thursday, September 16

Bilbao, Zumaia to Deba & Oviedo

Following breakfast and check-out, we travel to Zumaia to continue on foot along the Camino del Norte, walking one of the most spectacular coastal stages on the entire route as we make our way to the historic center of Deba. We celebrate Mass at the Church of San Salvador in Deba before continuing by motorcoach to Oviedo. Lunch is on our own today. This evening we gather for dinner at a local restaurant for a traditional sidrería experience, Asturian cider poured tableside in the regional style.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Oviedo.
Day 5 · Friday, September 17

Covadonga & Oviedo

After breakfast, we travel into the Picos de Europa National Park to Covadonga, where the Shrine of Our Lady of Covadonga, La Santina, rests along the mountain cliffs. We celebrate Mass at the shrine before visiting the neo-Romanesque Basilica, a place of pilgrimage for the people of Asturias for centuries. We return to Oviedo, the historic starting point of the Camino Primitivo, the original Way of St. James, where a saying reminds pilgrims that one who reaches Santiago without first visiting the Salvador in Oviedo has honored the servant, St. James, without honoring the Lord he served. We visit the Gothic Cathedral, whose ninth-century Holy Chamber is a UNESCO-listed monument and home to the Santo Sudario, the Holy Shroud of Oviedo, venerated as the cloth that covered the face of Christ after the Crucifixion, taking time to reflect before it in prayer. Dinner this evening is on our own.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Oviedo.
Day 6 · Saturday, September 18

Samos to Sarria & Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast we depart Oviedo toward Galicia, pausing along the way to walk one of the most cherished stretches of the Camino Francés. We begin at the Monastery of San Xulián de Samos, founded in the sixth century and among the oldest monastic houses in the West, one of the great cultural centers of medieval Europe and still today a living Benedictine community, one of only three inhabited Benedictine monasteries in Galicia. We celebrate Mass in the monastery church before setting out on foot from its walls through the wooded valley below, walking approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) into Sarria, the town from which the greatest number of pilgrims begin their final approach to Santiago. We continue by motorcoach to Santiago de Compostela, where we check into our hotel and gather for dinner this evening.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 7 · Sunday, September 19

Monte Gozo & Santiago de Compostela

This morning we travel to Monte do Gozo, Mount Joy, the hill from which pilgrims through the centuries have first glimpsed the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. From here we walk the final stretch of the Camino into the historic center of the city. Upon arrival we take a guided tour of the city, including the Cathedral, walking through the Holy Door, opened only during a Jubilee Year of St. James. St. James the Greater, son of Zebedee and one of the three Apostles closest to Christ, is held by tradition to have preached the Gospel in Hispania before returning to Jerusalem, where he became the first of the Twelve to be martyred, put to death by Herod Agrippa around the year 44. Tradition holds that his relics were later carried back to Galicia, and the tomb venerated here was identified in the early ninth century under Bishop Theodemir; pilgrims have journeyed to this spot for some twelve centuries since. Lunch is on our own today, with some time at leisure in the historic center. This evening we join in the Pilgrims’ Mass at the Cathedral. Dinner this evening is on our own.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 8 · Monday, September 20

Santiago de Compostela & Finisterre

After breakfast we walk the final stretch of the Camino dos Faros, weather permitting, leading to Cape Finisterre, long venerated as the End of the Earth, long held to be the edge of the known world before the discovery of the Americas. Lunch is included along the way. We celebrate Mass at a local church before returning to Santiago de Compostela, where we gather this evening for our farewell dinner together. If weather does not permit the Camino dos Faros crossing, this walk is replaced with the stage from Cee through Corcubión to Estorde, approximately 4 to 5 miles.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 9 · Tuesday, September 21

Padrón, O Grove & Transfer to Porto

After breakfast we travel to Padrón to visit the Church of Santiago, home to the Pedrón, the stone to which tradition holds the boat carrying the relics of St. James the Apostle was moored upon reaching Galicia. We celebrate Mass in Padrón before continuing to the Rías Baixas, among the most scenic regions of Galicia, stopping in Cambados and on the island of A Illa de Arousa. We board a catamaran for a two-hour exploration of the Ría de Arousa, passing the shellfish beds of the estuary and the Carreirón Nature Reserve, with a seafood platter lunch and the traditional queimada included, paired with regional Albariño wine. From O Grove we continue south into Portugal to Porto, Portugal’s second city, set along the banks of the Douro River, where we check into our hotel. Dinner this evening is on our own.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Porto.
Day 10 · Wednesday, September 22

Return Home

With hearts renewed by the grace of the Camino and the intercession of St. James the Apostle, we transfer to Porto Airport for our return flight home.

Breakfast included.
Wednesday, September 22

Porto, the Cathedral, the Ribeira & a Port Lodge Post-tour

Breakfast at the hotel, then a guided tour of Porto. We take the cable car (included) from Vila Nova de Gaia to the Jardim do Morro and cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, with spectacular views over Porto, to reach the Cathedral, which dates to the twelfth century (entrance fees included). We celebrate Mass at the Cathedral, subject to confirmation. After Mass we begin our descent through the old Barredo quarter to the Praça da Ribeira along the Douro River. Lunch is on your own. This afternoon we visit a port lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour of the cellars and a port wine tasting. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Porto.
Thursday, September 23

Departure Post-tour

Transfer to Porto Airport for your departure flight, for pilgrims who have booked their transfer with Canterbury.

Breakfast included.
Where you stay

Four-star hotels

Your pilgrimage package

What is included

Pilgrimage
  • 8 nights in 4-star hotels
  • Breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
  • Daily Mass and devotions
  • Daily reflections from Chris
  • Camino guides on every walk
  • The Pilgrims’ Mass at Santiago
  • Private motorcoach with Wi-Fi
  • Luggage carried between hotels
  • Seafood lunch on a catamaran
  • A sidrería dinner in Oviedo
  • Guides and entrance fees
  • Audio headsets when touring
  • Canterbury tour manager
  • Hotel and restaurant tips
  • Your own pilgrimage manager
  • The Canterbury mobile app
  • Pilgrim travel kit, mailed to you
  • 24/7 travel emergency support
Lourdes pre-tour
  • 2 nights in Lourdes
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Mass at the Grotto
  • Transfer to Bilbao
Porto post-tour
  • 1 more night in Porto
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • Mass at Porto Cathedral
  • Cable car and port lodge tasting

What is not included

Pilgrimage
  • AirfareThe price is ground only. You can request an airfare quote from your airport when you reserve.
  • Tips for your tour teamIf you are satisfied with their service, it is customary to tip. Suggested per person: tour manager 7 to 10 euros a day, drivers 5 to 7 euros a day, Camino guides 5 euros a walking day, local guides 3 euros.
  • Most lunchesLunch is on your own on most days, with time to find a local spot.
  • Travel insuranceHighly recommended and available at registration. Cost depends on your trip cost and age.
  • National entry requirementsIncluding the cost of applying for or renewing a passport.
  • Anything not listed aboveDonations at Masses, souvenirs, laundry and the 3% credit card processing fee. Pay by check, ACH or Zelle to avoid that fee.
Lourdes pre-tour
  • Airfare to Toulouse
  • Lunches
  • Tips
Porto post-tour
  • Airport transfer
  • Lunch
  • Tips
Your price

Reserve with a $450 deposit

Couples, families, friends, singles, all are welcome!

PilgrimageSeptember 13 to 22, 2027
$4,999per person, two sharing

Ground only. You can request an airfare quote from your airport when you reserve.

Single room supplement+$1,000
Lourdes pre-tourOptional · September 11 to 14, 2027
+$850per person, two sharing
Single room supplement+$149
Porto post-tourOptional · September 22 to 23, 2027
+$650per person, two sharing
Single room supplement+$199
  1. 1
    Today$450 deposit

    $200 of it is non-refundable.

  2. 2
    June 15, 2027Balance due

    Payment plans are available before then. Pay by card, check, ACH, Zelle or money order.

Oviedo · Cathedral of San Salvador
“Whoever goes to Santiago and not to the Savior has visited the servant and passed over his Master.”
An old Camino proverb

Our route reaches Oviedo first, praying before the Holy Shroud in the Cathedral of San Salvador, before we continue on to Santiago.

From fellow pilgrims

What they say about us

★★★★★
“As a Catholic yearning to know about the faith, the trip was deeply satisfying.”
Liz K.Portugal with Chris Stefanick, 2026
★★★★★
“I have been on 3 Canterbury pilgrimages. Each one has been beautifully arranged and managed from start to finish.”
Beth C.France pilgrimage, 2026
★★★★★
“Each site was thought out about why and how to pray there.”
Suzie O.Pilgrim, 2026
Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How much walking should I expect?

Five of the ten days are on foot: about 5 to 6 miles from Pasai Donibane into San Sebastián, 8 to 9 along the coast from Zumaia to Deba, 8 from the monastery at Samos into Sarria, 4 from Monte do Gozo into Santiago, and 3 at Finisterre. That is roughly 28 to 30 miles in all, on trails that climb and descend. Our motorcoach carries the luggage between hotels and meets us at the end of each stage. You should be comfortable walking 8 miles in a day over uneven ground.

Traveling alone?

You can have a single room to yourself with the single room supplement, or share a room with two beds with another pilgrim. If you would like to share, we will do our best to match you with a roommate; if we cannot find a match by the final payment date (June 15, 2027), the single room supplement applies. Couples, families, friends and singles are all welcome, and plenty of pilgrims come on their own.

Can I cancel?

Yes. If you cancel before the final payment date, June 15, 2027, your deposit is refunded except for $200 per person. Once the final payment is made, it is non-refundable. Travel insurance can cover you if something unexpected comes up, which is why we strongly recommend it.

Can I book my own flights?

Yes. This pilgrimage is priced ground only, so airfare is separate either way. Many pilgrims fly with the group so that arrivals, departures and transfers line up; others prefer to use miles or a favored carrier. Send us your flight details once booked, so we can line your arrival up with the group’s in Bilbao on September 14 and its departure from Porto on September 22.

When is the final payment due?

Final payment is due on June 15, 2027, 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments before then.

Should I buy travel insurance?

We strongly encourage travel insurance for all of our pilgrims, and we partner with Allianz Travel Insurance to offer affordable coverage. Most of our pilgrims choose the Classic Plan. Insurance can be quoted and purchased after registration.

How does the Lourdes pre-tour work?

The pre-tour is optional. The pre-tour group flies to Toulouse on September 11, spends two nights in Lourdes, and travels to Bilbao on September 14 to join the main group for the welcome dinner. It costs $850 per person sharing, with a single room supplement of $149. Chris Stefanick is not currently scheduled to attend. Select the pre-tour when you reserve.

How does the Porto post-tour work?

The post-tour is optional and begins the morning the main pilgrimage ends, September 22, with a guided day in Porto, Mass at the Cathedral and a port lodge visit, then one more night in Porto before flying home on September 23. It costs $650 per person sharing, with a single room supplement of $199. Chris Stefanick is not currently scheduled to attend. Select the post-tour when you reserve.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. A US passport valid for at least three months beyond your return date is required, with blank pages for entry stamps. No visa is needed for a stay under 90 days. Entry requirements for US travelers to the Schengen area are changing, so we confirm what applies to your group before you travel.

What is the weather like in mid-September?

Expect mild days, often in the 60s and low 70s °F, with cooler mornings and evenings. Rain is possible on the northern coast and in Galicia. Bring layers, a light waterproof jacket and broken-in walking shoes.

Is the pilgrimage accessible?

We will always do what we can to accommodate pilgrims who need specific seating due to a medical condition or disability, and wheelchair assistance is available from the airline. On the ground, uneven surfaces and some stairs are part of this itinerary. Wheelchair users must have a designated travel companion.

What happens after I reserve?

You will receive a confirmation by email, and you can manage your booking any time in the Legacy Portal, under Log in at the top of this page. About 30 days before departure we mail your pilgrim travel kit, with your travel documents, name badge and luggage tag.

What is a pilgrimage?

A pilgrimage is not a vacation or excursion but a unique spiritual journey that provides many opportunities to deepen your relationship with God and enrich your Catholic faith by bringing Scripture to life. Pilgrimages offer the opportunity to let Christ draw you near.

Have another question?Find the answer in our Support Center
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