After a hearty breakfast, we leave Los Arcos and begin the day’s journey, walking through miles of farmland and vineyards. Our stage takes us from Los Arcos to Viana. We soon pass through the town of Torres del Río where we visit what may be the highlight of today, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro). The church stands out as being the only other eight-sided church, after Eunate, on the Camino de Santiago.
We will then begin a brief incline through the hills of vineyards to the Church of Nuestra Señora Del Poyo, a small stone church that serves as a useful landmark for pilgrims along the Way. After completing our descent from the hill, it is the perfect time and place to stop for a freshly prepared Fresco Tours picnic, as we continue to try fresh regional food and enjoy time with our fellow pilgrims.
After lunch, we continue walking until we reach Viana, the last town on the Camino de Santiago in the region of Navarra. The town boasts a well-preserved historic center with narrow streets, traditional houses, historical buildings and even sections of medieval walls. En route we stop by the Church of Santa María, an impressive Gothic-style church that dates back to the 13th century and features beautiful stained glass windows and amazing artwork.
Viana’s main square, Plaza de los Fueros, is a popular place for locals and pilgrims to gather and socialize over a coffee or glass of wine. Surrounded by vineyards, Viana is known for its production of excellent red wine. Indeed, almost all of the historical homes conserve large wine cellars for this purpose.
After accompanying our dinner with a glass of local wine and an evening meeting, it is time to head to our accommodations in Viana to rest for tomorrow.
