Check into the Parador de Leon - site of the convent of San Marcos - a former monastery dating back to the 16th Century, which provided lodging to pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela. Explore the historic town of Leon, home to a blend of Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance, Gothic and modernist architecture as well as being an important staging post on the pilgrimage trail. 

Drive to Villafranca, an important milestone along the Camino de Santiago and the last part of the route in the province of Leon. Villafranca was declared a site of historic and artistic importance in 1965. Among its many monuments, the Santiago and La Colegiata churches are of special note along with the magnificent San Francisco and La Anunciada convents. 

Head to the naval town of Pontevedra, an ancient Galician port packed with beautiful buildings, parks and public squares. Spend an afternoon exploring the town and visiting sites including the Cinco Ruas Square, Do Burgo Bridge, De Pedreia Square and Maria a Mayor Basilica. 

Make the short drive to Cambados, just 30 minutes from Pontevedra, where you'll discover a land of vineyards and wineries, picturesque villages, churches and granaries. Spend the day exploring the region before checking into Parador de Cambados, an ancestral mansion dating back to the 17th Century. 

Drive one hour to the town of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the finishing point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Obradoiro Square and the city's stunning cathedral are highlights, as are the many museums, galleries, palaces and churches, cafes and restaurants that line the Santiago de Compostela's old ancient cobbled streets. Head to the oldest hotel in the world. The Parador de Compostela, a 15th Century pilgrim's hostel combining art, history, tradition and style under one spectacular roof. 

Leave the pilgrimage trail behind as you head along the coast to Bilbao. The drive takes around seven hours so we recommend staying overnight at the Parador de Gijon - a beautiful century-old converted mill. You'll also have the chance to visit the Cathedral of Oviedo and the sanctuary of Covadonga.