Save the dates as the monks of Saint Vincent Archabbey are taking the Cloister on the Road again next summer!
Saint Vincent Monk Father Shawn Matthew Anderson, O.S.B., will also be accompanying pilgrims in Northern Spain along the Camino del Norte between Monday, June 8, 2026 and Thursday, June 18, 2026 as they make their pilgrimage to pray in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela that houses the relics of the Apostle Saint James, brother of Saint John.
The Camino is a pilgrimage route that traverses northern Spain, finding its ultimate end at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Tradition holds that the Apostle James traveled to Spain to share the Gospel and is buried at the cathedral site. James is a disciple who left his trade as a fisherman to follow Jesus. Saint James is known as the patron saint of Spain. For hundreds of years, people from all walks of life have been making their journey along El Camino (“The Way”) to pray, reflect, and renew a commitment to journeying daily with Christ.
Retreat Description:
Join
Father Shawn Matthew Anderson, O.S.B., director of the retreat program at Saint Vincent Archabbey and veteran Camino retreat master in Walking the Camino del Norte. This retreat and walk will traverse northern Spain as pilgrims make their way to pray in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela that houses the relics of the Apostle Saint James, brother of Saint John.
The route of the Camino traverses through villages, towns, and even some cities and walkers can frequent hotels and restaurants and experience the camaraderie with other pilgrims which adds meaning to the trip. Each day, in addition to the group’s prayer and conferences, pilgrims will be attending the Pilgrim Mass in the various towns the group will stay in.
Walking Pilgrimage Along the Camino del Norte
Cost: $2,625 (maximum price for double occupancy)
Cost: $2.975 (maximum price for single occupancy)
Deposit: $750
*Final price will be determined by final number of pilgrims
Cancellation policy
What is included?
Day 1 | June 8 | Depart U.S.A. for Coruna, Spain
Today you will depart on your overnight flight to ultimately arrive in Asturias Airport, Spain on June 9.
Day 2 | June 9 | Arrive in A Coruna, Transport to Aviles
After arriving in Asturias, which hosts the only international airport in this region of Spain, we will be transported by bus to Aviles, where we will stay the evening.
Day 3 | June 10 | Avilés to Cudillero, 17 miles
Today, you’re in for a lengthy day, but once you venture beyond the outskirts of Avilés, you’ll come across some captivating small towns. You’ll journey through El Pito, known for its beautiful Renaissance gardens and majestic palaces. Further along, descending the hill, lies the charming fishing village of Cudillero, where you’ll be staying overnight.
Day 4 | June 11 | Cudillero to Cadavedo, 19 miles
Today, you will leave Cudillero and its majestic residences behind. While part of the path is along roads today, you will follow many old paths and pass some stunning beaches and green countryside along the way.
Day 5 | June 12 | Cadavedo to Luarca, 9.5 miles
After Cadavedo, the trails heads inland but as you approach Luarca you will be able to spot the sea again. Your stop for the night is the pretty, traditional fishing town of Luarca. Enjoy some of the fresh seafood and a glass of cider!
Day 6 | June 13 | Luarca to Navia, 13 miles
Today you will follow a peaceful inland trail from the fishing town of Luarca to the busy market town of Navia, on the riverbank. Make sure you explore the town, check out the medieval walls and enjoy a taste of the local cuisine.
Day 7 | June 14 | Navia to Ribadeo, 19 miles
Today will be your last day following the Cantabrian coast. You will cross the bridge of the Saints over the River Eo to enter Galicia and reach Ribadeo. The town is famous for the Cathedrals Beach (a short taxi ride away), Galicia’s second most visited site after Santiago’s ‘proper’ cathedral.
Day 8 | June 15 | Rest in Ribadeo; transport to Pedruzzo/Rua in the afternoon
Get some rest and enjoy exploring Ribadeo. A bus will transport pilgrims to Ribadeo for a good night’s sleep before walking into Santiago the next day!
Day 9 | June 16 | Pedruzzo/Rua to Santiago de Compostela, 13 miles
The first part of your final stage into Santiago is through dense woodland. Enjoy the shade and peace – as you approach the city, asphalt roads take over. After leaving the town of Lavacolla in the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. The Way approaches the Monte do Gozo (The Mount of Joy), a small hillock from which the pilgrim was able to see, for the first time, in the distance, the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago, hence the name of this spot.
Day 10 | June 17 | Additional day in Santiago
You have an entire day to enjoy the city of Santiago de Compostela. Visit the impressive Cathedral, which is considered to be one of the finest pieces of architecture in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may opt to descend the stairs to visit the crypt and pray in the presence of the relics of St. James, tour the Portico de la Gloria (Gateway to Heaven), an unparalleled masterpiece, or walk to the top of the Cathedral for a panoramic view of this glorious city. We will gather one final time at a communal meal to reflect on the pilgrimage.
Day 11 | June 18 | Return to the U.S.A.
Camino Ways will provide transport back to the airport in Santiago for return flight back to U.S.A.
Retreat Master:
Father Shawn Matthew Anderson, O.S.B., has been director of the Archabbey retreat program since 2022. He is a professor in the Biology Department of Saint Vincent College and has been a monk of the Archabbey for 25 years.
Assistant Retreat Master: To be announced.
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