Cultural Experiences
La Federación de Asociaciones del Camino Francés and American Pilgrims on the Camino have entered into an informal partnership to provide pilgrims with an in-depth cultural encounter as an enrichment to meaningful Camino experiences.
Together, we promote engagement through specific areas of the Camino Francés, focusing on the culture, architecture, history, gastronomy, and viticulture of the regions.
We believe this project strengthens international relationships and forges lasting friendships between pilgrims from the United States and our fellow pilgrims in Spain and France.
Our Grants and External Relations committees continue to build and strengthen relationships with the Camino associations in other countries; these cultural journeys are but one of the fruits of their labors.
Since the inception of the American Pilgrims' Grants program, we have awarded nearly $1,000,000 to support more than 160 infrastructure projects along the Camino in Spain, France and Portugal. The funds for these grants come from membership dues and your generous donations.
2026 Cultural Journey - To Be Announced
The focus region, dates and itinerary of American Pilgrims' fourth annual cultural experience will be announced in late 2025.
Members of American Pilgrims will receive email announcements and a registration invitation. Not a member? Join today!
2025 Burgos Cultural Journey
Thirty-three lifetime members explored the Burgos region during our third annual cultural experience in June of 2025.
The itinerary included a trip to the Atapuerca archaeological site, three of Castile and León’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and visits to numerous historically and culturally important monasteries, churches, and museums. The tour included stops in villages and towns such as Covarrubias, Santo Domingo de Silos, Mahamud, San Juan de Ortega, Agés, Los Tomillares, Aranda de Duero, Frías, Oña, and Briviesca.
Read more about it in this La Concha recap.
2024 La Rioja Cultural Journey
Thirty lifetime members traveled to Spain’s La Rioja region June 5-11, 2024 on our second annual cultural journey. Each day included walking, meeting with representatives of Camino associations and local communities, as well as visiting historic locations and points of interest with the purpose of getting to know the Camino Francés in this region accompanied by the Camino Association of La Rioja. Participants sampled the typical cuisine of La Rioja and experienced a variety of restaurants, pintxos bars, gastronomical societies, and typical lunches of the area. We also visited various wineries of La Rioja, including Paco Garcia, Bodegas Riojanas, Vivanco, Hacienda Lopez de Haro, and Martínez Lacuesta.
American Pilgrims' Cultural Experiences offer the opportunity to become familiar with the history of the region and cities visited. The local Spanish Association members are enthusiastic hosts who assist visitors in every way possible. The meals are exceptional and the tours of local wineries provide a learning experience about wine history, wine making, and selecting wines as well as agricultural and business challenges facing the industry. ~Joe W.
Follow this link to read the La Concha trip recap.
2023 Navarra Inaugural Cultural Journey
From May 18-26, 2023, 27 members of American Pilgrims visited Spain's Navarra region on our inaugural cultural journey. The program was coordinated by the Association of the Amigos del Camino de Santiago de Estella and participants explored parts of the Camino Francés, the Camino Aragonés and the Camino Baztanes, and were accompanied by the Camino Associations of Navarra. Each day included walking and visiting historic locations and points of interest while enjoying the cuisine and wines of Navarra in a variety of restaurants, pintxos bars, gastronomical societies, and typical lunches of the area.
Follow this link to watch a video slideshow.
Participants returned with rave reviews of the experiences and friendships made during the journey.
Una experiencia totalmente inolvidable! Gracias de todo corazón a todos los que contribuyeron a que esto fuera posible. No encuentro las palabras adecuadas para expresar mi agradecimiento a nuestros anfitriones de Estella que nos recibieron con todo su cariño y que nos hicieron sentirnos en casa. Ha sido un privilegio participar en esta “experiencia.” Buen camino a todos y espero que volvamos a vernos. -- Un abrazo muy, muy fuerte de Celia.
A totally unforgettable experience! Thanks from the bottom of my heart to all who made this possible. I can’t find adequate words to express my appreciation to our Estella hosts who received us so affectionately and made us feel at home. It has been a privilege to participate in this “experiencia.” Buen camino to all and I hope our paths cross again. -- A big hug from Celia
Photos from past Cultural Journeys
Rev 10/07/2025