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Of all my experiences I cannot remember enjoying myself as well as the last week with you three. A true highlight of my life of which I will not forget
Cevin Wyatt, Dallas, TX
Camino de Santiago - 8 days
Medieval Pilgrimage Route Across Northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela
'...a pilgrimage across northern Spain to the sanctuary at Santiago de Compostela, is the finest journey in Spain and one of the two or three best in the world.' So wrote James Michner in his monumental book on Spain, Iberia.
For a thousand years since the bones of St. James were reputedly discovered in Santiago, common people, bishops, priests, kings, popes and saints have made this famous pilgrimage. Our tour will echo their footsteps following the first guide book ever written by a monk in the 12th century - the Codex Calixtinus.
Our journey starts at the one-time capital of Spain and one of its most beautiful cities: Leon. From there we ride across the beautiful unspoiled north of Spain and countless pilgrim stops steeped in wonders and miracles along the way. As we approach Santiago, the scenery changes to the verdant slendour of Galicia.
Our lodgings include luxurious monasteries, ancient pilgrim inns and small hotels. We dine in restaurants famous for their regional cuisine and atmosphere.
Trip Highlights
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Join pilgrims from all over the world to ride one of the oldest pilgrimage paths in history.
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Visit the remarkable cathedral of Leon with its astounding stained glass windows.
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Visit countless ancient monuments that date back to the beginning of Christian times.
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Stay in luxurious monasteries & village inns.
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Trade camino stories with other pilgrims along the way.
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Take part in a “queimada” in the misty heights of the Camino in the ancient village of O Cebreiro.
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Reward your challenge with a triumphal arrival at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and earn your Certificate.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Léon
Our tour starts at the one-time capital of Spain and one of its most beautiful cities. Traces of these past civilizations are everywhere - even the restaurant where we’ll eat tomorrow night, has one wall that’s Roman! Our hotel is right in the heart of León, within a stone’s throw of all the major sights and in the heart of the shopping district - so rest and enjoy yourself!
Day 2
Léon to Astorga ride of 61km / 38m
Today's first stop of interest will be Hospital de Órbigo where a famous bridge exists. Our ride then takes us into the beautiful region known as La Maragatería - home of the Maragatos, a curious subculture of mysterious origin thought to be the descendants of Phoenician slaves. They still keep very much to themselves and were the first in Spain to see the future in chocolate after it was introduced to Hermán Cortes and his in the 16th century.
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Day 3
Astorga to Cacabelos ride of 74km / 46m
Leaving Astorga, we'll get a peek at Maragatan life. The way is dotted with many small hamlets containing the ruins of pilgrim hospitals, churches and monasteries. They are almost unchanged since the Middle Ages and it's here that the "feeling" of the Camino is at its strongest. Along the way, we pass one of the most ancient monuments along the Camino, El Cruz de Ferro. From here we ride on to the medieval town of Cacabelos, staying at the most stunning old palace.
Day 4
Cacabelos to O Cebreiro ride of 43km / 27m
Today we head northwest for beautiful green Galícia with its timless legends. Onward, along a stretch of the Camino, infamous in medieval times for its bandidos, we have a long climb into the Montes of Galícia before reaching our night's destination, the charming little thatched hamlet of O Cebreiro, just inside the Galician border. The fiery Quemada served after dinner will keep you safe through the night!
Day 5
O Cebreiro to Portomarín ride of 70km / 43m
We're now in the gentle misty country of Galícians - a Celtic people with their own language. Their music, culture and even countryside are more reminiscent of Ireland than Spain. Riding along stonewalled roads lined with lush green meadows we'll stop to visit the sprawling great 6th century Monastery of Samos before riding on to Portomarín high above the Miño River. Our accommodations are in a comfortable inn with lovely views out over the Galician hills. Dinner together.
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Day 6
Portomarín to Arzua ride of 62km / 28m
Almost there! Today we spend our last night on the Camino near the little town of Arzúa. Along the way, we'll visit one of the most outstanding Romanesque churches along the Camino in the hamlet of Vilar de Donas. The church is especially evocative of the Middle Ages, adorned with carvings and tombs of the Knights of Santiago. Through forests and meadows, we follow the actual Camino, on to our night's accommodation - a Galician country manor house. Dinner together.
Day 7
Arzua to Santiago ride of 50km / 30m
The last day's ride brings us to our hard-earned goal - the beautiful cathedral town of Santiago. We'll be accompanied by other pilgrims - all eager to reach their goal. In Santiago, we head to our monastic hotel only a block from the Cathedral. There'll be time to collect your Compostela (pilgrim certificate) before going to the Cathedral for a guided visit. Farewell Feast tonight at one of Santiago's most renown restaurants to celebrate our achievement.
Trip Details
Camino de Santiago - 8 days
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| Dates: |
3-7-2010 to 10-7-2010
11-9-2010 to 18-9-2010 |
| Price: |
€2529 |
| Single Supplement: |
€400 |
| Duration: |
7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS (Pick up in Léon) |
| Included: |
all breakfasts, 5 dinners w/ wine + more |
| Accommodation: |
Mountain lodge, Luxury B&B, Rural Hotels |
| Daily Mileage: |
60 km / 37 miles daily average |
| Activity Level: |
Moderate |
| Tour Interests: |
St James, Pilgrimage, Romanesque architecture, Wine |
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