Cultural Committee

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.

Our associations propose intimate walks to 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 will strengthen international relationships and forge 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 more than $579,000 to support more than 120 infrastructure projects along the Camino in Spain, France and Portugal. The funds for these grants come from membership dues and your generous donations.

2025 Burgos Cultural Journey

American Pilgrims' third annual cultural experience will explore the Spain's Burgos region and its splendors from June 3-10, 2025.

Follow this link to view the trip brochure.

Follow this link to view the draft itinerary.

Registration for the 2025 Cultural Journey will open on March 1, 2025. 

All members of American Pilgrims will receive an email with details and an invitation to register for this intimate and in-depth cultural experience.

Not yet a member? Become a member today!

Contact culturaljourney@americanpilgrims.org with questions.

Burgos Cutural Event Logo

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.

Follow this link to read the La Concha trip recap.

Photos from the 2024 La Rioja Cultural Journey

The itinerary showcased the region’s deep history, culture, food, wine, and hospitality. The vineyards at Bodega Hacienda López de Haro in San Vicente de la Sonsierra provide an excellent vantage point of the Río Ebro and the town of Briones further in the distance. Photo by Sara Steig Gradwohl.
A whimsical stork pilgrim greets peregrinos entering the albergue operated by Amigos del Camino de Santiago de Alfaro. Photo by Sara Steig Gradwohl.
The group enjoyed many communal meals that showcased the region’s gastronomy, wine, and hospitality. Photo by Sara Steig Gradwohl.
Cigüeñas (storks) iconically nest atop the roof of Colegiata de San Miguel Arcángel in Alfaro. Photo by Sara Steig Gradwohl.
La Rioja is known for its wine production, from small, traditional cellars to major commercial producers. The itinerary for the American Pilgrims cultural tour included stops at several wineries. Photo by Sara Steig Gradwohl.
From the Bodegas Marqués de Riscal Vineyards in Elciego, Spain, a view of the avant-garde Marqués de Riscal Hotel designed by Frank Gehry. Photo by Sara Steig Gradwohl.

2023 Navarra 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 the 2023 Navarra Cultural Journey

Special pilgrim's passport with stamps from the trip.
2023 Navarra group at Puente la Reina.
2023 Navarra group at Javier.
Hiking to the charming town of Sanguesa where a midmorning feast and wine awaits us.
Joseph McClain, Miriam Gallet and Sarah Pierce Martin from American Pilgrims with MaxiRuiz de Larramendi, Salvador Garin Zavala and Joaquin.
Lunch at the Plaza de Santiago in Estella.

Rev 02/22/2025