Compare The Greatest Road in Europe: Camino De Santiago by Road Scholar vs Honolulu Hawaii Experience 7D/6N by Bamba

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive, Check In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Burgos D Hotel Rice Palacio de Los Blasones
Activity note: Hotel check in is at 2:00 PM. Up to 1.5 miles of city walking for 2 hours.

Afternoon: Transfer to Burgos (2821 feet). Transfer time is approx. 2.5 hours. If time permits, you will take an orientation stroll through the center of the city and visit the magnificent Gothic Cathedral. Attend an orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel. Water is included in the program cost at all meals. Unless otherwise noted dinners on this program are typically a three course set menu.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3
Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Rioja district
Burgos B,L,D Hotel Rice Palacio de Los Blasones
Activity note: Up to 3.1 miles of walking for 2 hours in villages and countryside trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: Private coach to Cirueña, and walk to Santo Domingo de la Calzada (2100 feet). Enjoy an excursion of the town center and visit the cathedral.

Lunch: Light lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue by coach through the Rioja region and take in its stunning landscape. Excursion to and old traditional local wine cellar. Enjoy a Rioja wine tasting before returning to Burgos.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
The Oca Mountains and the Shrine of San Juan
Burgos B,L,D Hotel Rice Palacio de Los Blasones
Activity note: Up to 7.8 miles of walking for 4 hours on mountain trails (the longest walk of the program).

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Private coach to the edge of the Oca Mountains (2450 feet). Walk to the shrine of San Juan de Ortega, with its beautiful Romanesque church and monastery ruins.

Lunch: Picnic on the trail.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Burgos. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Castrojeriz, Meseta, Fromista, Transfer to Leon
Leon B,L,D Hotel Silken Luis de León
Activity note: Up to 5.6 miles of walking for 4 hours through the flat lands and rolling hills of the Meseta.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Depart Burgos by private coach to Castrojeriz (2666 feet). Along the way, view the evocative landscape of the great plains of Castile. From Castrojeriz, walk through the flat lands and rolling hills of the "Meseta" (the plateau) to the border of the province of Palencia.

Lunch: Picnic on the trail.

Afternoon: Continue by private coach to see one of the architectural gems of the program, the perfect Romanesque church of Fromista. Arrive in Leon (2700 feet). Check into your hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
The Treasures of Leon
Leon B,D Hotel Silken Luis de León
Activity note: Up to 2 miles of city walking for 3 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Walking field trip through the former Roman garrison of Leon, including an excursion to the Gothic cathedral. With its impressive stained glass windows which rival that of Chartres, it is the purest example of Gothic style in Spain. Also see the Pantheon of the Kings which contains some of the finest medieval frescoes in Europe, remarkably preserved and still in their original setting. The Casa de Botines is an uncharacteristically restrained modernist building by the great Catalan architect, Gaudi.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own in Leon.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Leon. Your program staff will give you additional ideas of what to see and do.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Natural Park of Somiedo, Brana de Mumian
Leon B,L,D Hotel Silken Luis de León
Activity note: Up to 4.7 miles of walking for 4.5 hours on trails through the natural park.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Travel by private coach to the beautiful region of Austurias for a field trip to the memorable Natural Park of Somiedo in the foothills of the Picos de Europa. Today's walk starts at 3900 feet and leads up the hill to a most picturesque shepherd's village, Branade Mumian (4300 feet), with a magnificent view from the mountain range of the Cordillera Cantabrica. This reserve has the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation, and it is one of Spain's most breathtaking settings.

Lunch: Picnic on the trail.

Afternoon: Descend via the town of Coto de Buenamadre. Return to Leon by private coach.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Puente de Orbigo, Paso Honroso, Molinaseca, Ponferrada
Ponferrada B,L,D Hotel Aroi Bierzo Plaza
Activity note: Up to 5.8 miles of walking for 3 hours in villages and on dirt trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Depart Leon by private coach to Puente de Orbigo where you will walk across the impressive medieval bridge "Paso Honroso." Continue by coach for a field trip to the walled city of Astorga (2854 feet), where you will have some free time to explore this city on your own. A good place to begin is at the new-gothic Bishop's palace built by Gaudi, which houses a museum on the Camino de Santiago.

Lunch: Picnic on the trail.

Afternoon: Continue by private coach to the edge of the Leon Mountains, one of the main natural barriers of the road. Over the pass “Cruz de Hierro" (4900 feet) or "The Iron Cross," we will find one of the oldest monuments on the Jacob's way. Stop to walk through the wildest scenery of the program to the village of Molinaseca (2050 feet). Arrive at the hotel in Ponferrada.

Dinner: At a local restaurant in Ponferrada.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Villafranca del Bierzo, Iglesia de Santiago
Ponferrada B,L,D Hotel Aroi Bierzo Plaza
Activity note: Up to 5.9 miles of walking for 2.5 hours through vineyards and villages.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Depart by private coach to Camponaraya (1611 feet) for a field trip walk on an effortless trail through vast vineyards to Cacabelos. Continue by coach to Pieros. From here we will walk to Villafranca del Bierzo (1706 feet). Before entering the town, see the Iglesia de Santiago, a place where pilgrims who could not continue on to Santiago de Compostela due to health reasons could receive a special absolution.

Lunch: Light meal at a rural restaurant/shop producing and promoting local products like wine, grappa, bottled vegetables, and fruits.

Afternoon: Following lunch return by coach to Ponferrada (2099 feet). On your own to see and do more of what interests you most.

Dinner: At a local restaurant in Ponferrada.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
O'Cebreiro, Samos Monastery, Transfer to Sarria
Sarria B,L,D Hotel Alfonso IX
Activity note: Up to 7.4 miles of walking for 4 hours on trails in nature over rolling hills. There is some steep uphill and downhill walking.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart by private coach to enter Galicia through O’Cebreiro (4290 feet), an important symbolic site of the pilgrimage. Walk and explore this mystic place, known for its thatched stone huts (pallozas) and its pre-Romanesque church. After a short coach drive, walk along the pilgrim’s way to Triacastela (2195 feet). From here we walk through the beautiful Galician nature over rolling hills to Samos Monastery, an impressive archetype of the importance the mighty benedictine order of Cluny had in the pilgrimage way of Santiago.

Lunch: Picnic on the trail in Triacastela.

Afternoon: Walk through the beautiful Galician landscape on the way towards Santiago. After a guided visit of the Monastery of Samos, continue by private coach to the hotel in Sarria.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Sarria, Portomarin, Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela B,L,D Hotel Monumento San Francisco
Activity note: Up to 4.4 miles of walking for 4 hours on the pilgrim's path through undulating and picturesque countryside fields and meadows. Town walking in Santiago de Compostela.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Today we start the walk on the pilgrim's road right from the hotel in Sarria (1480 feet), the starting point of the most popular section of the pilgrimage: the "Camino last 100 km." We will walk some steep uphill, and then follow the undulating terrain in a picturesque countryside along cultivated fields and cows grazing in the meadows. The lane is flanked by chestnut and oak trees. Arrive at Lavandeira (2195 feet), where we pick up the private coach and drive to the pretty town of Portomarin, located on the banks of the Rio Mino.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue by private coach to Santiago de Compostela (860 feet). Stop along the way and walk on the Mount of Joy with a view of Santiago. Continue on by private coach to the center of town and walk along a paved road, the final modest stretch to the Cathedral of Santiago.

Dinner: At a local restaurant in Santiago de Compostela.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela B,D Hotel Monumento San Francisco
Activity note: Up to 1.5 miles of walking for 2 hours in town.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Today’s walking field trip includes the magnificent cathedral, the finest example of both Romanesque and Baroque art in Spain set in the monumental Obradoiro square.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Santiago de Compostela. Your program staff will give you additional ideas of what to see and do.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13
Finisterre, Cabo Finisterre
Santiago de Compostela B,L,D Hotel Monumento San Francisco
Activity note: Up to 2.1 miles of walking for 1 hour on coastal roads and in town.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Private coach to Finisterre (82 feet), the literal end of the world. After only a few miles, pass the picturesque fisherman's village Fisterra, then reach the cape Cabo Finisterre, "the end of the world."

Lunch: At a local seafood restaurant.

Afternoon: Return to Santiago by coach. Remainder of the day is free for packing or one last walk around Santiago.

Dinner: Farewell reception and tapas dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 14
Departures
In Flight B
Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: Private coach transfer to the Santiago de Compostela airport. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.

Day 1: Honolulu, United States

Day 2: Honolulu, United States

Day 3: Honolulu, United States

Get ready to embark on an incredible downhill bike ride through Oahu’s mountain road with epic views above Waikiki, Honolulu and Manoa Valley
The trail is located on sacred land and offers visitors a different and unique glimpse of the island
During the 5-mile ride, you will be accompanied by a guide who will tell you the area’s cultural history as you discover diverse landscapes
When you reach the grassy park at the bottom, it's a short drive to Kewalo Basin for your 2-hour catamaran sail.
Leave your shoes for a snorkel to explore underwater while you keep an eye out for colourful reef fish
Enjoy some time to go swimming and snorkelling
To bring the day to a close, you will be transported back to your Waikiki hotel.

Day 4: Honolulu, United States

Day 5: Honolulu, United States

Get ready for the ultimate experience to soak up all the beauty and culture of Hawaii in just one day! After being picked up in Waikiki, you will be swept away to the island’s most breathtaking landmarks and destinations, including the spouting “Blow Hole,” and the renowned Kualoa Ranch, which is nestled against the stunning Koolau Mountains
Start your sightseeing tour with the Diamond Head, A 200,000-year-old defining volcanic structure formed in the Honolulu Volcanic Series
It’s a worldwide symbol of the Hawaiian Islands! Afterwards, visit Kahala Estates, a large concentration of some of the most expensive real estate and beachfront properties in Hawaii in which many celebrities and business moguls vacation homes.
Continue with the Halona “Blow Hole” Lookout and see how this volcanic lava tube propels water into the sky like a whale’s blowhole! Make a stop at the Waimanalo Town, a quaint, scenic town is known for its local flavor and numerous plant nurseries and agricultural lots that extend back toward the Koolau Mountains, followed by another stop at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, the bewitchingly scenic lookout was also the site of the Battle of Nuuanu, one of the bloodiest conflicts in Hawaiian history
It was here that Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu on his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands.
Get ready to visit the amazing Byodo-In Temple, a picturesque Buddhist temple tucked in the Valley of the Temples, is a half-sized replica of the 900-year-old temple in Japan
It has been featured in the TV series Hawaii Five-O, Magnum P.I., lost and the 2001 movie Pearl Harbor
Then, go to Chinaman’s Hat, the basalt islet in Kaneohe Bay, is shaped curiously like a hat
According to Hawaiian mythology, the island is formed from the remains of a giant lizard or dragon’s tail that was chopped off and tossed in the ocean.
For the final part of this amazing tour, get to know Kualoa Ranch to enjoy the Legends and Legacy at Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve owned by eight generation descendants of Fr
Gerritt P
Judd. On 4,000 acres, it is one of the most sacred places on the island, with their goal to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the lands
The Laie Hawaii Mormon Temple, which is the first temple built by the Latter Day Saints Church outside the continental United States, this beautiful complex features breathtaking lush tropical gardens of Hawaiian foliage and flowers, cascading water features and more.
Last but not least, visit the North Shore Surfing Beaches, the surfing mecca of the world! Watch out for the massive waves that have attracted so many surfers to its shores
These beaches are also a popular area for filming
Finish at the Dole Plantation, Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience,” see pineapples from all over the world and try the delicious Dole Whip ice cream. (Approximate 20 min stop.)
*Please note that hotel pick-ups are between 6:45 a.m. – 7:25 a.m.

Day 6: Honolulu, United States

Enjoy a sunset cruise specially created for fun-loving people! On this cruise, it doesn't matter if you come alone or accompanied, here you will find the best party partners while enjoying our famous "Holokai Hooch" cocktail
All drinks are included during the cruise! Give yourself a moment to relax with a refreshing drink while you enjoy an incredible sunset.

Day 7: Honolulu, United States

Transfer from Honolulu to Honolulu