Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
streets of the Parte Vieja (old town) where Bilbao was born. Not far away, the futur-
istic Museo Guggenheim is one of Europe's most extraordinary architectural innov-
ations and deserves a day of appreciation. For the remaining two days, loose your-
self in
(2) San Sebastián
, a gorgeous seaside city arrayed around a near-perfect
beach. In the impossibly narrow lanes of the old town, bar tops groan under the
weight of
pintxos
(Basque tapas), from the basic Basque staples to the experiment-
al high cuisine in miniature for which the region has become famous. Elsewhere in
town, Michelin-starred restaurants provide a more formal but equally delicious din-
ing experience. Finally, head an hour inland from San Sebastián to
(3) Pamplona
,
the capital of Navarra and a city renowned the world over for the legendary bull run
held each morning during its annual Sanfermines festival.
PAMPLONA TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
THE
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
There are many different
caminos
(routes) to Santiago de Compestela. The most
trodden route begins on the French-Spanish Basque country border, tumbles out of
the Pyrenees and really gets into gear in
(1) Pamplona
, a city that hosts a crazy
bull-running festival.
Next, saunter through La Rioja, Spain's most prestigious wine-producing region.
A good base for the area is
(2) Laguardia
, a medieval hilltop town surrounded by
vineyards. One of the best bodegas, in the nearby village of Elciego, is the
Guggenheim-esque
(3) Bodegas Marqués de Riscal
. Also along the Río Ebro,
Briones has the astonishing
(4) Dinastía Vivanco
, arguably La Rioja's best wine
museum.
Rising up from the plains of central Castilla y León is
(5) Burgos
, dominated by
its cathedral - this is your next stop, followed by glorious
(6) León
and its sparkling
cathedral windows. Moving ever westward, celebrate the completion of your journey
with 100 foot-weary pilgrims in front of the great altar of the cathedral of
(7) Santi-
ago de Compostela
, a sacred city whose golden granite buildings grow a jacket of
moss in the seemingly constant drizzle.
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