Overview
Follow the Way of Saint James as you explore the vibrant culture and rich history of Spain. Your students will walk a portion of the famous Camino de Santiago and explore the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela—the burial site of Saint James. Throughout the journey, your students will participate in daily devotionals and discussions about the impact of God in art, history, leadership, and culture.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Spain (Madrid)
Day 2
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Travel to the Ferrol area via private coach
The coach will be available throughout for those unable to do the full walk or for those that get tired during our walks. The bus will only be able to pick up and drop off pilgrims at locations approved on the route.
Daily reflection and group discussion
“We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.” – John Dewey. Each evening of the program, time will be set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and impressions that emerged during the day.
Day 3
Begin pilgrimage walk from Ferrol to Neda
Along the way we will visit and learn about the important pilgrimage sights. Today's walk is approximately 9 miles.
Meet coach in Neda and transfer to Pontedeume area
Day 4
Return to Neda by coach, then continue pilgrimage walk to Pontedeume
Along the way we will visit and learn about the important pilgrimage sights. Today's walk is approximately 9 miles.
Day 5
Continue pilgrimage walk from Pontedeume to Mino
Along the route, participants visit and learn about important pilgrimage sites. Today’s walk covers approximately 7 miles.
Meet coach in Mino and transfer to Betanzos area
Day 6
Return to Mino by coach, then continue pilgrimage walk to Betanzos
Along the way we will visit and learn about the important pilgrimage sights. Today's walk is approximately 7 miles.
Day 7
Continue pilgrimage walk from Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma
Along the route, participants visit and learn about important pilgrimage sites. Today’s walk covers approximately 15 miles.
Meet coach in Hospital de Bruma and return to Betanzos area
Day 8
Return to Hospital de Bruma by coach, then continue pilgrimage walk to Sigüeiro
Along the way we will visit and learn about the important pilgrimage sights. Today's walk is approximately 15 miles.
Day 9
Continue along final stretch of pilgrimage walk from Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela
Along the route, participants visit and learn about important pilgrimage sites. Today’s walk covers approximately 6 miles.
Day 10
Cape Finisterre excursion
Visit Cape Finisterre, the final destination for many pilgrims on the Way of St. James to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It is a recent tradition for pilgrims to burn their clothes or boots at the end of their journey at Cape Finisterre. The origin of the pilgrimage to Finisterre is not certain. However, it is believed to date from pre-Christian times and was possibly associated with Finisterre's status as the "edge of the world."
Santiago de Compostela guided sightseeing tour
Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, Hostal de Los Reyes, Santiago de Compostela Cathedral visit, Praza do Obradoiro, Museo do Pobo Galego
Day 11
Travel to Spain (Madrid)
Madrid city walk
Life in Madrid revolves around talking, toasting, and tapas-eating. During a walk through this crowded and social city, your Tour Director will help you familiarize yourself with the lay of the land. Then, stroll over to the Puerta del Sol, the bustling city center. Next, relax at the Plaza Mayor, a grand square where every sort of human drama has unfolded—trials of faith, public burnings of heretics, royal marriages, the canonization of saints, and countless balls and bullfights. Conclude at the Plaza de España with a visit to an outdoor café.
Final reflection and group discussion
This evening, students make their final entries in their Reflection Journals, sharing key observations and perspectives gained throughout their travel experience and considering how these insights will remain relevant as they return home.
Day 12
Return home
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Focused time for devotionals, prayers, and scripture throughout the program
Scenes from Spain
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.