Overview
If you’re looking for a trip where you can learn about the world of wine and enjoy the delights of the Camino de Santiago with all the comforts, you’ll find it on El Cavino Clásico, an eight-day journey from Logroño to Santiago in six non-consecutive, relatively easy walks of 10 to 14 km on the Camino Francés, Camino de Levante and Camino de Invierno.
Along the way, we’ll visit five wineries that produce Denomination of Origin (DO) wines: DO Rioja, DO Ribera del Duero, DO Toro, DO Bierzo and DO Ribeira Sacra.
We’ll stay at four- and five-star hotels in top locations in the cities we visit (Logroño, Burgos, Valladolid, Ponferrada, Monforte de Lemos and Lugo), and enjoy genuine pilgrim accommodation at Parador Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, in Santiago de Compostela.
El Cavino Clásico
Walks
WALK 1. Logroño – Navarrete (13km)
The first walk on El Cavino de Santiago is through an area steeped in tradition and history, witness to the past and present of the Way of St James and Spanish winemaking. We start our journey through La Rioja in the centre of Logroño, heading out of the provincial capital through the Puerta del Camino gateway as we leave the beauty of the Old Town, with its churches of Santa María del Palacio and Santiago el Real. Those who explored the tapas bars on Logroño’s famous Calle Laurel the night before might struggle a bit on the start of the legendary walkway…
We head to Navarrete against a backdrop of vineyards, walking on a path lined with cypress trees, like a scene from Gladiator, and pass through La Grajera Natural Park. We continue alongside La Grajera Reservoir at a pleasant pace as we delight in the beautiful scenery.
A short, steep climb takes us to El Alto, where we’re rewarded with spectacular views. With the city of Logroño behind us, we look out over one of the most internationally renowned wine regions.
From here we descend to Navarrete and walk beside a guardrail where pilgrims have left hundreds of wooden crosses over the years. As we enter the town, we see what’s left of San Juan de Acre pilgrims’ hostel, after its façade and window frames were relocated to the town cemetery. The path continues on to Nájera, but our walk ends here, as we enjoy our lunch and a tour at a winery with Rioja Denomination of Origin.
WALK 2. Burgos – Tardajos (11.5km)
With the taste of renowned Rioja wine lingering on our palate, we wake up ready to savour another of Spain’s best-known Denominations of Origin: Ribera del Duero. The day starts in Burgos, a historic city crowned by the awesome sight of its Gothic Cathedral.
We head out of Burgos alongside the Arlanzón River, turn right, and leave behind the buildings of the historic city, as the paved walk becomes a dirt track for the next few kilometres.
We pass the town of Villalbilla, walking on the dirt track beside the Molinar Stream. The track criss-crosses the A-231 motorway, passing the Arlanzón Viaduct.
The bridge near the end of the walk provides another opportunity for a photo to share with the rest of the group. A few kilometres after the bridge we come to Tardajos, where the bus is waiting to take us to what could be the most spectacular winery on El Cavino: Bodegas Portia.
A succulent roast of Castilian suckling lamb awaits…
WALK 3. Villafranca del Duero – Toro (11.7km)
On the third walk of our Cavino we continue through red wine territory. We walk on the Camino de Levante through some of the most beautiful scenery on the whole Camino de Santiago to the fabulous town of Toro, which lends its name to the Denomination of Origin and the most frequent local variety of its wines, Tinta de Toro.
The walk starts in the Tierra del Vino region (literally, Land of Wine) in Villafranca del Duero, in the province of Valladolid on its border with neighbouring province Zamora. Because this section is part of the larger GR14 walk (Camino Natural Senda del Duero), we’ll see the red and white stripes of the GR14 alongside the traditional yellow arrows of the Camino de Santiago.
As we leave town, we cross over the Canal de San José, entering the province of Zamora and walking beside the Duero River, the natural boundary between Valladolid and Zamora. The vineyards we pass belong to the Denominations of Origin Rueda and Toro.
As we come and go from the banks of the winding Río Duero, we come to the village of Caserío de Tímulos and a simple chapel surrounded by trees. The path goes through pine forest for the next few kilometres, as far as the Río Guareña, a tributary of the Duero.
The silhouette of our destination, Toro, with its impressive church Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, soon comes into view. The walk ends as we cross the Puente Mayor bridge. Time to enjoy the wonderful artistic heritage of the city and savour the wines of one of the leading Denominations of Origin in Spanish winemaking.
WALK 4. Ponferrada – Cacabelos (15km)
The walk through the Bierzo region starts in Ponferrada, at Castillo del Temple, a Templar castle full of magic and history. Tasked with protecting pilgrims on the Camino, the Templars set up bases throughout the Camino de Santiago in the 12th century. In this part of the province of León, they took over a small Roman fortress, enlarging and refurbishing it to improve defences.
The first section, on the banks of the Río Sil, takes us into the heart of the region. We go through Compostilla, with its Neo-Romanesque chapel, and come to the first vines of Mencía grapes, which border the walk as far as Columbrianos. Mencía is the main red grape variety used in this Denomination of Origin, resulting in powerful, richly fruity wines with a velvety texture.
Our path continues to Fuentes Nuevas, where we come to a cross with Saint James the Pilgrim on one side and a crucifixion on the other, then continue to the next town, Camponaraya.
We cross the Río Naraya and head to Cacabelos, walking past the first wineries through a landscape dotted with more vineyards and poplar trees. We go past the modern building of the DO Bierzo Regulatory Board and enter the village, ready to taste the produce of the vines we passed on the way.
WALK 5. Piñeiro – Belesar (12km)
Galicia! A magical land, home to locally produced cheese, orujo liqueur, green fields, excellent meat and seafood and, of course, wine. While its white wine Denominations of Origin Rías Baixas and Ribeiro enjoy international prestige, other DOs are making inroads in Spanish winemaking. One of these is Ribeira Sacra, the enchanting part of Galicia we’ll discover on today’s El Cavino walk.
We start in Piñeiro, a picture-postcard spot in rural Galicia, and head to Camiño Grande, walking between stone walls to a mountain area full of majestic oak trees.
The path follows the Río Miño to one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Iberian Peninsula: the meander known as O Cabo de O Mundo (literally, Land’s End).
We continue through the small villages of Fontela and Cirdeiro, typical settings for stories about Galician witches known as meigas, and come to the Romanesque church of San Pelagio de Diomondi. The impressive scenery from here to Belesar is a classic example of “heroic viticulture”: the art of growing and harvesting grapes on steep slopes. Vines are planted on terraces to make use of steep land with a gradient of up to 100%, where the work of winemakers and merchants is truly heroic.
We reach Belesar on a downhill walk through a leafy oak forest, from where we can see the end of the walk: a modern bridge over the Río Miño, built to replace an earlier Roman one. In this enchanting landscape we’ll savour the delights of Galician cuisine and Ribeira Sacra wines.
WALK 6. Lavacolla – Santiago de Compostela (10km)
Rioja, Ribera del Ruedo, Toro, Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra… Their wines, grapevines, wineries… El Cavino would be incomplete without a final walk arriving at the famous square of Plaza del Obradoiro, in Santiago de Compostela.
We arrive with the joy of achieving a goal, the memory of a wonderful, unforgettable wine experience, and lingering sensations on our palates from the aromas and flavours of Garnachas, Tempranillos, Verdejos and Mencías. The past week will live on in our memories and photos, and for the future we have new friends and all the knowledge we’ve gained.
The final walk starts at one of the most photographed spots on the Camino de Santiago: the sign marking the entrance into the municipal area of Santiago de Compostela. The planes coming in to land at Lavacolla airport indicate that we’re coming to the end of our journey.
After crossing the famous Lavacolla stream, where pilgrims traditionally bathed before entering Santiago de Compostela, we head out on the last few kilometres of our adventure, walking uphill to Monte do Gozo. We pass through Vilamaior and San Marcos, reaching the top at the monument erected in 1993 and delighting in our first sight of Santiago de Compostela and the spires of the city’s Cathedral.
From here we head down to the city, entering through the Old Town through San Lázaro. El Cavino comes to an end as we go through the Porta do Camiño gateway, most likely to the sound of musicians who earn a living by welcoming pilgrims to the end of the walk in the famous square of Plaza del Obradoiro.
We celebrate our arrival against the backdrop of the Cathedral. Our Cavino has finished, but our new friendships will continue. Our week-long journey has combined the Camino de Santiago and wine, two legends with more than a thousand years of history.
The good times and fun continue as we explore Santiago de Compostela, drink the last of the wine, and share memories of the moments we’ve enjoyed together. Thanks for joining us.
Wineries
BODEGA Eguren Ugarte (DO Rioja Alavesa)
Since 1870, six generations of winemakers have forged the family tradition behind Bodega Eguren Ugarte, in Laguardia, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. This unforgettable wining and dining destination is our first stop on our journey through La Rioja.
At the foot of the Cantabria Mountains, surrounded by 130 hectares of vines, the winery is part of the vision of its founder, Vitorino Eguren. We’ll discover Vitorino’s philosophy of welcoming visitors, in the centuries-old tradition of the people of Rioja Alavesa.
The winery is a place to learn about wine and enjoy a tasting as we listen to tales of the past and discover some of its 2,000 metres of underground caves. We’ll be left with a lasting impression of this “wine theme park” and its amazing dining experience.
BODEGAS Portia (DO Ribera del Duero)
We venture into the Ribera del Duero region at the new generation winery of Grupo Faustino: Bodegas Portia, a spectacular, cutting-edge architectural creation designed by renowned English architect Lord Norman Foster.
This jaw-dropping 12,500 m2 building on three levels has a production capacity of one million bottles a year. Steel, wood and glass, the predominant materials used in its construction, represent the three main stages of wine production.
Lord Foster conceived the design of the winery in a trefoil plan, in which each wing is a separate area of the winemaking process. The first wing is the reception and production area, where the must, or grape juice, is fermented to make wine. The second wing is where the wine is aged in barrels. In the third wing, the wine is bottled so it can mature until tasters are satisfied it has reached optimum condition for release on the market. The three wings converge at the social hub of the winery, containing the wine shop, restaurant, café, and events facilities.
A warm welcome awaits as Bodegas Portia opens its doors to us. The tour gives us an inside look at the production process, as we learn about the history and tradition of winemaking. Lord Foster conceived a transparent winery for public viewing, where we can see the entire winemaking process and follow the path of the grapes from vine to bottle.
A real treat for El Cavino.
BODEGA Divina Proporción (DO Toro)
We’ve reached Toro, a burgeoning, up-and-coming Denomination of Origin that’s building a reputation as a trendy wine. Our winery tour in this region is a touch of heaven, where Divina Proporción opens its doors to the “pilgrims” of El Cavino de Santiago.
Divina Proporción was a long-time dream of owner Máximo San José. Working alongside his family, Máximo has seen how time has turned his dream into reality.
A visit to this winery is unique, charming and different. The difference lies in the family aspect of the winery. With a capacity of up to 120,000 kg of grapes per season, Divina Proporción has earned excellent rankings for its wines Madremía and Abracadabra and won numerous awards and prizes after only five years of production. But Máximo and his family continue to work at the heart of everything: the entire winemaking process, wine tourism, wining and dining…
All of this is plain to see as we enjoy the tour. And rest assured: the heavenly lunch won’t leave you hungry.
A touch of the divine for El Cavino.
Palacio de Canedo (DO Bierzo)
Our winery in the Bierzo region, Palacio de Canedo, is an 18th century manor house that was once part of the Señorío de Canedo estate. Abandoned for decades, the manor was rebuilt and refurbished by José Luis Prada as the cornerstone of a life dedicated to hard work and enterprise. The winery is José Luis’ tribute to his homeland: a gift in admiration of El Bierzo and its people and produce.
Palacio de Canedo includes a hotel with 14 rooms that merge modernity and tradition, with every possible comfort and all the flavour of the region’s traditions. The unique personality of each room is expressed in the furnishings and architecture, in an elegant blend of past and present.
The philosophy behind the restaurant is part of the region’s culture of enjoying abundant, quality food and savouring El Bierzo in servings that would be overlarge anywhere else, but are part of the local tradition and character. Excellent fresh produce is prepared with wisdom and love in the unpretentious way our grandmothers cooked, and the results are accompanied by superior wines, orujo and cherries in liqueur.
At the heart of this is the winery, and the essential element on which wine tourism is based. Prada a Tope’s wines are the product of a thousand dreams and the driving force behind the brand. Its wines are born from nature and live to pay tribute to it. Produced in harmony with the environment, they’re faithful to the legacy of the flavour and aromas embodied in the local soil, the climate and the vines.
BODEGA Vía Romana (DO Ribeira Sacra)
In the heart of Galicia, home of heroes, where the jagged rocks are source, cradle and shelter, and earth becomes wine: this is where the story of Vía Romana, the Ribeira Sacra winery we visit on El Cavino, began in 1998.
On today’s El Cavino walk we’ll discover Ribeira Sacra, one of Spain’s most spectacular wine regions. Housed in a 16th century manor, the winery is named after the Roman road from Astorga to Braga that was built to transport the region’s outstanding wines.
At this 14-hectare terraced vineyard, vines aged12 to 60 years are grown on trellises. The terraces are accessed from small ladders, enabling a work method known as “heroic viticulture”, in which vintners tame the difficult but rich terrain. Focusing on quality throughout the fully manual process, the final product demonstrates season after season that this kind of heroism is worth the effort.
One of Galicia’s best-known red wines, Vía Romana has a personality of its own, resulting from the combination of the demanding method, the Mencía grape variety, care and attention to detail, and the know-how that comes from family tradition.
The unique landscape of the vineyard also plays its part.
Today on El Cavino you’ll fall in love with Ribeira Sacra. And Galicia.
Hotels
Hotel Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja****
A stroll down Ruavieja, in Logroño’s Old Town, will take you back in time as you breathe in the history of its buildings and cobbled streets. At Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja 4* you’ll savour the essence of a traditional building with a modern, functional design that retains the beauty and architectural features of the original.
As you enter through the wooden door beneath the building’s original semi-circular arch, you’ll admire the way architectural elements of the interior have been retained, including the stone walls and wooden beams that make Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja 4* unique.
Hotel Silken Gran Teatro****
The handsome façade of the Silken Gran Teatro, in the centre of Burgos, creates a striking impression on guests as they arrive at the city’s former Grand Theatre, now a four-star hotel. The modern, contemporary interior creates a wonderful contrast with the history-filled streets of Burgos.
Centrally located by the Río Arlanzón, the Silken Gran Teatro is one of the top hotels in Burgos. Across the river is the famous Museum of Human Evolution, with exhibits about the excavations at the World Heritage site of Atapuerca. Burgos Cathedral, another World Heritage site, is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The nightlife area is just a short walk away, and the city’s Conference Centre and Auditorium are also nearby.
Hotel Colón Plaza****
The modern Hotel Boutique Colón Plaza opened in 2019, in a refurbished 19th century hotel. The complete makeover brought the premises into the 21st century, while retaining the elegance of its impressive brick façade.
Facilities include:
• Car parking 30 m from the hotel
• Café-restaurant
• Multi-use conference rooms
• High-capacity Wi-Fi with fast, reliable connection.
Hotel Boutique Colón Plaza is an ideal place for relaxing or working, having a coffee while you catch up online, enjoying a drink with friends, savouring a nourishing lunch, or holding a productive meeting. It’s the perfect venue for your day, from start to finish.
Hotel AC Ponferrada****
Just five minutes’ walk from the city centre, AC Hotel Ponferrada is one of the most beautiful hotels in the El Bierzo region. It’s also right on the Camino de Santiago.
The hotel has spacious rooms equipped with a minibar and reading lamps, 24-hour room service, and an AC Lounge for guests to relax in.
Less than a kilometre from the hotel, the city square is a great starting point for a stroll down Calle del Reloj to the Templar Castle. AC Ponferrada has free Wi-Fi 24 hours in all guest rooms and public areas.
Parador Monforte de Lemos****
(the May group will stay at Parador Santo Estevo, due to refurbishing at Parador de Monforte de Lemos)
The historic site of San Vicente do Pino, overlooking the town of Monforte de Lemos, includes the Torre de Homenaje keep, the Monastery of San Vicente do Pino, and the Palace of the Condes de Lemos, now the Parador de Monforte.
A monastery has stood here since the 9th century, although the Neoclassical building now on the site dates from the 17th century. With its Neoclassical cloister of impressive worked stone, the Parador is an ideal place to hold events or simply take a peaceful stroll amid the beauty of the stonework.
While you delve into the history of the 9th century palace, you can shape up in the gym, soak in the hot tub in the Wellness Area, or relax at the outdoor pool and enjoy the silence and beauty emanating from the Neoclassical stone building. The whole place is a perfect combination of fitness and relaxation.
Gran Hotel Eurostars Lugo****
The 167-room Gran Hotel Eurostars Lugo is equipped with every amenity, providing the finishing touch to a visit of the history-filled city of Lugo.
The hotel is in the perfect location to savour the essence of Lugo. It’s just a short walk to Lugo Cathedral and the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Roman wall around the delightful Old Town, where you can have a drink in the square or see the majestic redwood trees in Rosalía de Castro Park.
Parador Hostal de los Reyes Católicos de Santiago de Compostela***** Gran Lujo
Known as Spain’s oldest hotel, the Parador in Santiago de Compostela is also referred to as “Spain’s most searched-for hotel”. Located right on Plaza del Obradoiro, the hotel is next to the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, one of the world’s most visited cathedrals and witness to pilgrims coming and going for centuries.
Although it’s now called the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the building was originally named the Hospital Real and was built as a hostel to provide shelter for pilgrims during the reign of Spain’s catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. The historic building has retained its ornate Plateresque façade, four cloisters, elegant hallways and spectacular rooms, in a perfect combination of modern design and amenities.
Information
Price
The price of El Cavino is €1,880 per person (including VAT) with accommodation in a shared double room.
Bookings for a room with single occupancy include a supplement of €410 (including VAT).
Booking
Once you’ve chosen the date to do El Cavino, payment is made as follows:
- €690 on signing up and booking, to reserve the selected place(s).
- The remaining €1,190 must be paid no later than 15 days before the start of El Cavino.
Supplement for single occupancy
If you choose to have a room to yourself, the supplement of €410 must be paid on the first payment.
If you book a double room and one of the two people cancels their trip, the company will not be responsible for paying the supplement for single occupancy.
The package includes
- Seven nights at 4**** and 5***** hotels, with accommodation and breakfast
- Welcome Dinner at the start of the trip and Farewell Dinner at the end of the trip
- Tours of wineries from five Denominations of Origin
- Lunch after the winery tours
- Lunch on Saturday at Parador Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, in Santiago de Compostela
- Free El Cavino bus from Madrid to Logroño on the first Sunday for travellers departing from Madrid, and from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid the following Sunday, plus all bus journeys between the locations of El Cavino
- Expert tour guide throughout the trip, starting and ending in Madrid
Trip start and finish times departure from Madrid
For those starting the trip from Madrid, the departure is from the street at the entrance to Atocha train station on Calle Méndez Álvaro.
Location:
The departure time from Madrid on the first day of El Cavino is 15.00 h (3.00 pm).
The approximate time of arrival in Madrid at Atocha train station is 17.30 h (5.30 pm).
Those making their own way to Logroño can enter the hotel from 14.00 h (2.00 pm). The group will meet at the hotel reception at 21.00 h (9.00 pm) to go to the Welcome Dinner together.
Please Note
The organisers of El Cavino reserve the right to cancel the trip if there are not enough participants enrolled to form a group three weeks before the chosen date. You’ll have the choice of changing the date of the trip, free of charge, or receiving a full refund of the amount paid.
Where any changes to the programme are necessary for reasons beyond the control of the organisers, another option will be chosen of an equivalent or higher category than those included on this website.
Cancellation policy
If you’re unable to travel on the date you initially chose, you’ll be offered the chance to change to another group free of charge, providing there are places available on the alternative trip.
If you want to change the date of your trip, you must give notice 45 days before the start of the trip you originally selected.
For cancellations made by clients, the full amount paid will be refunded if cancellation is made 45 days before the trip.
For cancellations less than 45 days before the trip, a fee will be deducted as follows:
• 10% of the total amount of the trip if the cancellation is made within 44 to 30 days before the trip.
• 20% of the total amount of the trip if the cancellation is made within 29 to 15 days before the trip.
• 40% of the total amount of the trip if the cancellation is made within 14 to 7 days before the trip.
• 60% of the total amount of the trip if the cancellation is made within 6 days to 72 hours before the trip.
• 100% of the total amount of the trip if the cancellation is made within 72 hours or less before the trip.
In addition to this, a fee of 50 euros per person must be paid to Momentos Wine S.L.U. for the administrative expenses of cancelling the trip.
No refund will be paid in the case of non-shows at the time of departure (15.00 h/3.00 pm in Madrid or 21.00 h/9.00 pm in Logroño).
Travel insurance
For situations in which a cancellation is made within 44 days of the start of the trip, we offer the possibility of taking out Travel Insurance that includes cancellation. The terms and coverage of the insurance are available on the booking page. We can provide you with a non-binding quote.
Itinerary
DAY 1
- Free El Cavino bus from Madrid to Logroño departing at 15.00 h (3.00 pm), or arrival in Logroño by your own means
- Welcome dinner in Logroño, in the famous tapas street Calle Laurel
- Accommodation in Logroño, at Hotel Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja☆☆☆☆
DAY 2
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Walk 1. Logroño – Navarrete
- Guided tour of the winery Bodegas Eguren Ugarte (DO Rioja), including tasting and a lunch of local cuisine at the winery
- Accommodation in Burgos, at Hotel Silken Gran Teatro☆☆☆☆
DAY 3
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Walk 2. Burgos – Tardajos
- Guided tour of the winery Bodegas Portia (DO Ribera del Duero), tasting and lunch at the winery, with a traditional roast of suckling lamb
- Accommodation in Valladolid, at Hotel Colón Plaza☆☆☆☆
DAY 4
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Walk 3. Villafranca del Duero – Toro
- Guided tour of the winery Bodegas Divina Proporción (DO Toro), tasting, and lunch of traditional regional cuisine
- Accommodation in Ponferrada (León), at Hotel AC Ponferrada☆☆☆☆
DAY 5
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Walk 4. Ponferrada – Cacabelos
- Guided tour of the winery Bodegas Palacio de Canedo, tasting, and lunch at the winery with typical local produce
- Accommodation in Monforte de Lemos, at Hotel Parador de Monforte☆☆☆☆
DAY 6
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Walk 5. Piñeiro – Belesar
- Guided tour of the winery Vía Romana Adegas e Viñedos (DO Ribeira Sacra), wine tasting, and lunch at a restaurant specialising in octopus – Pulpería Os Pendellos (Chantada)
- Accommodation in Lugo, at Eurostars Gran Hotel Lugo☆☆☆☆
DAY 7
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Walk 6. Lavacolla – Santiago de Compostela
- Lunch in Santiago de Compostela in the restaurant at Parador de los Reyes Católicos.
- Farewell dinner at the restaurant A Horta do Obradoiro
- Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela, at Parador Hostal de los Reyes Católicos☆☆☆☆☆
DAY 8
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Optional return journey to Madrid on the El Cavino bus, free of charge. Approximate time of arrival at Atocha train station 17.30 h (5.30 pm)
