Pilgrimage – Via de la Plata (The Silver Way)

Itinerary

The Via de la Plata is something of an insider tip among the Camino de Santiago routes. Only around 5% of Camino pilgrims choose this route, even though it offers a highly attractive alternative to the well-known Camino Francés. Hotels and hostels are usually around 35 kilometres apart, and at approximately 1,000 km it is the longest Camino route. The Via de la Plata – also known as the Silver Way – is ideal for a pilgrimage combining coach travel and hiking, and is particularly recommended for anyone who has already walked the Camino Francés.

Hiking and cultural tour guide: Carlos Schöttler
In addition to your coach driver, Christian Steck will accompany the tour.

Day 1: Switzerland – Figueres

A varied coach journey takes us through the Rhône Valley to the Mediterranean coast of southern France. We continue along the coast to the Figueres area, where we spend our first night. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Figueres – Murcia

Today we follow Spain's famous coastal regions and seaside resorts as we travel south. Along the beautiful Mediterranean coast, we reach Murcia, where we spend our second night. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Figueres – Seville

We reach Seville around midday. In the afternoon, we visit the impressive Seville Cathedral, one of the largest churches in the world. Another highlight is the climb up the Giralda, formerly a minaret and now the cathedral's bell tower. In the evening, we enjoy a leisurely walk through the Old Town. Our route takes us along the Guadalquivir River to the famous Torre del Oro. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Seville

After breakfast, a royal experience awaits us: we visit the magnificent Alcázar of Seville, the medieval royal palace that is still used by the Spanish royal family today. Afterwards, we discover the impressive Plaza de España, one of the city's best-known squares. Following a lunch break in a traditional tapas bar, we take a public bus to Itálica, where we visit the important Roman archaeological site and its impressive amphitheatre. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Seville – Castilblanco de los Arroyos

From Seville, we travel to Guillena, the starting point of our first hiking stage on the Camino de Santiago. The approximately 12 km hike takes us through the typical Dehesa landscape to just outside Castilblanco de los Arroyos. Afterwards, we travel to our hotel. Dinner at a cosy local restaurant.

Day 6: Castilblanco de los Arroyos – Mérida

After breakfast, we travel to El Real de la Jara. From here, we hike approximately 12 kilometres through the typical Dehesa landscape to the San Isidoro hermitage. We then continue to Monesterio for our lunch break before visiting the Monastery of Nuestra Señora de Tentudía. Afterwards, we travel on to Mérida. From there, we walk across the famous Roman bridge into the Old Town and to our hotel (approx. 4 km). Dinner at the hotel.

Day 7: Mérida – Cáceres

Today we discover Mérida and its impressive Roman heritage. The programme includes the Temple of Diana as well as the Roman amphitheatre and theatre, viewed from the outside. Before our lunch break, we also see the aqueducts and the former Roman racecourse. In the afternoon, we travel to the Roman reservoir of Prosérpina and hike approximately 8 kilometres via Carrascalejo to Aljucén. Along the way, we visit the Visigothic church of Santa Lucía del Trampal in Alcuéscar. Afterwards, we travel to our hotel. Dinner at a restaurant.

Day 8: Cáceres – Salamanca

Our first stop today is Cáceres, known as the City of Knights, with its impressive historic centre. After our lunch break in Casar de Cáceres, we begin the next hiking stage. The route follows the historic Roman road to the Alcántara reservoir. After approximately 16 kilometres, we can be proud of what we have achieved. We then travel to the Roman bridge over the Río Tajo and continue to Guijuelo, where a tasting introduces us to the famous Pata Negra ham. In the evening, we reach Salamanca, where we spend the next two nights. Dinner at a restaurant in the city.

Day 9: Salamanca

After breakfast, we explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salamanca. Highlights include the magnificent Plaza Mayor, the historic university, and the Old and New Cathedrals. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Take the opportunity to stroll through the Old Town or visit the Plaza del Mercado to sample some of the region's typical specialities. In the evening, we enjoy dinner together and reflect on the day's experiences.

Day 10: Salamanca – Zamora

Today we travel to El Perdigón. From there, we hike approximately 12 kilometres through the vast landscape of the Meseta to Zamora. In the afternoon, we explore the historic Old Town with its numerous Romanesque churches and impressive cathedral. Zamora is also an important centre for the famous Holy Week processions (Semana Santa). Dinner at the hotel.

Day 11: Zamora – Puebla de Sanabria

The day begins with a walk through the impressive ruins of the Moreruela Monastery. We then travel to Tábara for a short break before beginning our next hiking stage. The approximately 16 km route takes us via Bercianos de Valverde to Santa Marta de Tera. Afterwards, we continue to Puebla de Sanabria, with a short stop in Mombuey to visit the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, founded by the Knights Templar. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 12: Puebla de Sanabria – Silleda

In the morning, we visit the impressive castle of Puebla de Sanabria. Then it is time to put on our hiking boots again for an approximately 12 km walk via Pedralba de la Pradería to Requejo. After our lunch break, we travel to Ourense, where we discover the historic Old Town and the famous hot springs. Known as As Burgas, these thermal springs have shaped the city for centuries. Afterwards, a relaxing drive takes us to Silleda. We enjoy dinner at a restaurant opposite the hotel.

Day 13: Silleda – Santiago

After breakfast, we travel to Bascaus. From here, we hike approximately 9 kilometres to the bridge over the Río Ulla, stopping for lunch along the way. We then continue by coach to Susana, the starting point of our final hiking stage. The approximately 10 km walk to the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela marks the end of our pilgrimage. Proud of what we have achieved, we check into our rooms for two nights and celebrate our arrival in Santiago with dinner together.

Day 14: Santiago

Today, an extensive guided tour introduces us to the historic Old Town of Santiago de Compostela, followed by attendance at the solemn Pilgrims' Mass. Afterwards, there is time for a final gathering in front of the cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of this granite-built pilgrimage city at your own pace. Dinner together at the hotel.

Day 15: Santiago – Llanes

In the morning, we take an excursion to Cape Finisterre, which many Camino pilgrims regard as the true end of the Camino de Santiago. Those who wish can enjoy one final hike of approximately 3 kilometres from Langosteira Bay to the outskirts of Finisterre. At the “End of the World”, a striking lighthouse, spectacular rocky coastline and magnificent views of the Atlantic await us. After our lunch break at the harbour in Finisterre, we continue to Llanes. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 16: Brive-la-Gaillarde

After breakfast, we begin our return journey towards France. The varied route takes us along the coast past Bilbao and Biarritz, through the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park and the famous Bordeaux wine region. Impressive landscapes accompany us throughout the journey. In the late afternoon, we reach Brive-la-Gaillarde and enjoy dinner at a restaurant.

Day 17: Return Journey

Today it is time to say goodbye. During our journey back to Switzerland, we can look back on the many experiences and impressions of the past few days. We return home with countless unforgettable memories.