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For those who seek new and exciting adventures, prefer smaller groups and luxurious accommodations, embrace history, architecture, literature, and culture but want to avoid the hassles that often accompany international travel.

The Camino Francés is the most popular route of the Camino de Santiago and traditionally begins in France at St. Jean Pied de Port or in Spain at Roncesvalles, crosses the northern region of Spain, and ends in Santiago de Compostela. Most pilgrims wishing to hike the minimum distance to receive their compostela certificate begin in the town of Sarria, (Galicia) and hike the last 112 kilometers (around 68 miles) to Santiago. The Camino has a rich and complex history that encompasses much more than this final stretch. Because most people do not have time to hike the full distance of 500 miles, I have designed a unique curated two-week schedule that permits one to experience the beauty and history of the Basque region, La Rioja, Castilla and León, and then hike the final stretch through Galicia to Santiago de Compostela. I have two tiers for the trip, based on the type of accommodations each traveler may be seeking.

• Trip Details

For those desiring an alternate route to Santiago de Compostela, this option begins in Lisbon, Portugal, traverses the beauties of the Portuguese coastline, crosses into Spain, and finishes in Santiago de Compostela.
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For those who have limited time to hike or simply desire to try something new, the shortest "camino" to Santiago is known as the Camino inglés (English Way). Travelers from the British Isles would often travel by ship to the northern coast of Spain and initiate their journey in either A Coruña or Ferrol. This route travels directly south and takes roughly five days to reach the Cathedral.
(specific details forthcoming)

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Just west of the city of Spezia, Italy, one can hike through some of the most picturesque trails along the Mediterranean coastline. After spending a couple of days hiking this trail, travelers will then head to Florence where they will encounter the rich history of one of the most important cities of the Italian Renaissance. The group will then head to the hills of Tuscany and hike along a series of trails that intersect a number of quaint, yet lively, villages.
(specific details forthcoming)

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Looking for something beyond the options listed above? Feel free to contact me with an idea and I can put together a unique itinerary and budget for your trip.

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My name is Ryan Spangler, and I am a tenured Spanish professor at Creighton University. Over the years, I have led several groups along the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James). My wife, Keri, has a degree in Recreational Management and is the logistical wizard behind much of these trips. Our curated guides are for anyone desiring to see and experience a variety of geographical landscapes across northern Spain, appreciate the history, gastronomy, languages, and literature, and hike the final stages of this pilgrimage to receive their own compostela, a unique certificate verifying their completion of the Camino de Santiago.

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For those looking for some additional time to tour the sites, consider some of the following 3-5 day add-on trips to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach, explore some breathtaking architecture, or simply see a few more incredible sites. These trips start at $600 per person and include, hotels, transportation, and entertainment.

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Andalucía
Barcelona
Madrid
Mallorca
San Sebastian
Sevilla
Capri

"lance and tanya's inspiring review will appear here"

"My wife and I went on a tour with Ryan to Spain, France, and Italy. His knowledge of Europe and how to get around is second to none! His ability to converse with the locals, especially in Spain, is beyond comparison. His Spanish is amazing and everyone asks him from which Latin American country he comes from. His ability to problem solve on the fly is what makes him truly special! We arrived at a city in the south of France and received notice our lodging was cancelled due to a flood. He quickly secured other lodging, which ultimately brought us to one of the most spectacular beaches I have ever visited. He is incredibly funny and is just one of the best people you can be around. Highly recommend!"

"Randy and Debbie's insightful comments here."

"Mike and Kelli will knock your socks off with their review."

- Two-week curated trip covering the entire length of the Camino de Santiago (Roncesvalles-Santiago de Compostela), with stays in the major historical cities of Roncesvalles, Pamplona, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Burgos, León, and Santiago de Compostela.
- Maximum of 8 people per travel group (minimum of 4).
- Full transportation for the entire group in a private shuttle.
- Accommodations in luxurious hotels and Paradores
- Private guide and insights on the history, theology, and literature of the Camino de Santiago
- Luggage transportation to each location
- Pilgrim's compass daypack, travel guide, and journal
- Cost starts at $4,500 per person (if traveling in pairs)

Parador San Marcos de León

1 TRAVEL DAYRONCESVALLES
Activities: Pick up Camino Passports; Participate in the Pilgrim’s Mass at 7 pm; Brief History of Pilgrimage, The Song of Roland and the Battle of Roncesvalles
Accommodations: Hotel RoncesvallesPAMPLONA
Hike: Roncesvalles to Basque Irati in Espinal (6.5 km)
Activities: Explore the city of Pamplona; Café Iruña; Catedral Santa María de la Asunción; Pinxtos;
Brief History of the city; St. Ignatius; Running of the Bulls;
Accommodations: Hotel Pompaelo Plaza del AyuntamientoSANTO DOMINGO DE LA CALZADA
Hike: Zariquiegui to the Alto del Perdón (2.3 km); Cirueña to Santo Domingo de la Calzada (5.8 km)
Activities: History of Santo Domingo; Cathedral; The miracle chickens
Accommodations: Parador de Santo Domingo de la CalzadaBURGOS
Activities: Catedral Santa María de Burgos; Castillo de Burgos; Brief History of El Cid Campeador and the city of Burgos
Accommodations: RICE Palacio de los BlasonesLEON
Activities: Catedral Santa María de Regla de Léon; Casa Botines de Gaudí; Basílica de San Isidoro and the cup of Christ; Churros y chocolate at Chocolatería Valor
Accommodations: Parador de LeónSAMOS
Activities: Hike from Triacastela to Samos; Local hikes and exploration; Rest in preparation for Camino de Santiago
Accommodations: Casas de Outeiro

PORTOMARÍN
Hike: Sarria to Portomarín (22.2 km)
Activities: Igrexa xe San Xoán ou San Nicolao (church); Relaxing dip in the Río Miño
Accommodations: Apartamentos O CaneiroPALAS DE REI
Hike: Portomarín to Palas de Rei (24.8)
Accommodations: Casa Roan y Casa GrandeMELIDE
Hike: Palas de Rei to Melide (14.4 km)
Accommodations: Casa Rural Camino RealARZÚA
Hike: Melide to Arzúa (14.1 km)
Accommodations: HolaCamp Camino (Cabañas)O PEDROUZO
Hike: Arzúa to O Pedrouzo (19.3 km)
Accommodations: HolaCamp Camino (Cabañas)SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Hike: O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela (19.1 km)
Activities: Pilgrim’s Mass at 12 pm to witness the Botafumeiros; Receive the Compostela certificate
Accommodations: Parador de Santiago de Compostela14 TRAVEL DAY

- DESCRIPTION
- Maximum of 8 people per travel group (minimum of 4 people)
- Full transportation for the entire group in a private shuttle.
- Nice accommodations with private rooms and bathrooms
- Private guide and insights on the history, theology, and literature of the Camino de Santiago
- Luggage transportation
- Cost starts at $4,500 per person (if traveling in pairs)

- DESCRIPTION
- Maximum of 8 people per travel group (minimum of 4 people)
- Full transportation for the entire group in a private shuttle.
- Nice accommodations with private rooms and bathrooms
- Private guide and insights on the history, theology, and literature of the Camino de Santiago
- Luggage transportation
- Cost starts at $3,000 per person (if traveling in pairs)

- Two-week trip that first explores the medieval city of Siena. We then travel to Villa Erbaia Relais de Charm for a night, and then hike to the Lago de Bilancino. This is followed by a hike through the vineyards of Tuscany to the artistic capital of the Renaissance, Florence, Italy. After two days in Florence, we will hike along the Mediterranean coastline through the picturesque towns of Cinque Terre.
- Maximum of 8 people per travel group (minimum of 4 people)
- Full transportation for the entire group in a private shuttle.
- Nice accommodations with private rooms and bathrooms
- Private guide and insights on the history, theology, literature, and art of the region
- Luggage transportation
- Cost starts at $4,500 per person (if traveling in pairs)

Cinque Terre