THE FACTS ABOUT CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Spain

WHAT In the Middle Ages, up to two million pilgrims a year walked this route to St James's shrine on the north-west tip of Spain. ATG Oxford (01865 315678; www.atg-oxford.co.uk) has an itinerary that closely follows the route, with two weeks of walking the most unspoiled sections (three to eight hours walking per day). It starts at St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the French Basque country, and follows the Roman road over the Col de Lepoeder and on to the Spanish monastery of Roncesvalles. Highlights include the cathedrals at Burgos, León and Santiago de Compostela, and Gaudí's Bishop's Palace at Astorga as well as exquisite Romanesque churches at Eunate, Fromista and Barbadelo. Accommodation ranges from simple 17th-century inns to modern paradors, plus one night in the five-star Parador San Marcos in León. WHEN Go in June when the mountain flowers (orchids, freesias and anenomes) are at their best, or in autumn when the mountains are green and the grapes are ripening. BONUS POINTS Your luggage is transported between hotels for you PRICE £2,675, including accommodation and food. Flights are extra and can be arranged for around £300.