Walking The World

“Europe was formed on the road to Santiago.”
Goethe

May 30 - June 8, 2006
September 4-13, 2006

Land Cost: $2,995 U.S.
Single Supplement Rate: $550 U.S.
Trip Begins: León, Spain
Trip Ends: Santiago de Compostela
Lodging: Hotels & Inns

Detailed Itinerary
What we Provide

Walking the Camino de Santiago is a journey of the soul and spirit. Drawing people today as it has for more than a thousand years, we’re accompanied on our journey to the tomb of St. James, Son of Thunder and disciple of Jesus, by the memories of St. Francis of Assisi, John of Gaunt, Chaucer's Wife of Bath, and even Pope John Paul when he was a young man. Experience the pleasing rhythm of your staff hitting the ground, the road unrolling before you in the rain-washed landscape of Galicia, continuing footstep after footstep through ancient villages as you marvel at the timelessness of your journey. There will always be some unexpected sight on the horizon, some encounter that refreshes the human spirit and causes us to pause and contemplate the simple beauty of our quest.

This itinerary may be changed at the discretion of the trip leader.
( B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included )

Adventure Trips: Spain

Pre-trip... We recommend that you plan to arrive at least one day in advance. Not only will you be ready and well rested, this also allows you time to explore Madrid on your own. Time permitting, because art is such an integral part of Madrid’s history, we recommend that you spend some time at the Prado to familiarize yourself with the important works of Velazquez, Goya and El Greco. (You can arrange for an English-speaking guide to join you by contacting the Prado or asking the concierge at your hotel. We also recommend the Centro Reina Sofia Museum where Picasso’s Guernica is on display. You might also spend some time walking the Old Quarter and visiting the Plaza Mayor for a drink or visiting the Puerta del Sol area and Gran Via for great shopping. If you prefer shopping on-line, visit www.atspain.com for a fascinating assortment of Spanish artwork. Food and wine are essential in Spain and Madrid boasts some fabulous restaurants. For the best paella, La Barraca, on Calle Reina, can’t be topped. To experience the quintessential tapas, go to La Bocaita on Calle Libertad.

Adventure Trips: Spain

Day 1 - León... After meeting at 12:00 noon at the Parador, Plaza de San Marcos 7 in León, Tel.: (987) 23 73 00, we spend the afternoon with a local art historian visiting the Pantheon of Kings and the Cathedral in the old Roman city of León. Next to the Church of San Isidoro, the Romanesque Pantheon of Kings is highly prized for its carved capitals and rare 12th Century frescos illustrating biblical and mythical subjects as well as scenes from medieval life. We continue to the Gothic Cathedral, in the heart of the Old Quarter, where we view in awe, the magnificent 13th Century stained-glass windows. Considered an architectural miracle, the quantity of glass in this structure astounds even the modern day engineer. Light pours in through more than 1,800 square meters of stained glass – a magical sight that has mesmerized millions of travelers before us. We lunch in the heart of the Barrio Humedo (literally the “Wet Quarter” due to the amount of bars in the area), where delicious cochinillo (suckling pig) and cordero (lamb) are prepared according to age-old recipes in wood-burning ovens. The evening is free to go tapas-hopping in the Old Quarter or perhaps stroll by the River Bernesga where the locals meet and play petanca at sunset. L

"Europe," wrote Goethe, "was formed journeying to Santiago"

Day 2 - Ponferrada... We begin our day with a walk in the picturesque Maragato village of Castrillo de los “Europe,” wrote Goethe, “was formed journeying to Santiago” Polvazares where the golden-hued cobbled streets evoke an air of timelessness. In the next village, hand-carved walking staffs, water gourds and scallop shell necklaces (obligatory pilgrim accessories!) adorn the brightly-painted blue door of a house on the side of the Camino. Our walk along quiet paved roads ends in Rabanal del Camino, once an important stop on the Pilgrim’s Way before pilgrims entered a “no man’s land” on the way to Monte Irago. We then shuttle from Rabanal to Ponferrada, home to the 12th Century Castle of the Knights Templar – the most magnificent example of military architecture remaining in Spain and now classified a National Monument. Dinner tonight features highly acclaimed hospitality, fruity Bierzo wines and specialties such as empanada (pastry-pie stuffed with cod.) 8.4-miles, 900 feet of elevation gain. B, L, D

Day 3 - Sarria... Guided by the yellow arrows that line the Pilgrim’s Way, we ascend a trail through tranquil forests, mountain hamlets and hillsides covered in immense banks of heather. Our destination is O’Cebreiro, an ancient village on the Camino that is steeped in legend, mystery and beauty. Perched on the crest of the Cantabrian mountain range, and on the frontier between the provinces of León and Galicia, O’Cebreiro is inextricably linked to the Camino de Santiago. Historical accounts show that pilgrims found shelter in the village as early as the 9th century. We visit the pre-Romanesque church of Santa Maria la Real and a pre-historic pallozas (Celtic dwellings with thatched roofs), one of which has been turned into an ethnological museum. We then shuttle past bucolic countryside to our accommodations in Sarriá. 9.3 miles, 2200 ft. elevation gain. B, L, D

Day 4 - Sarria... Our walk today begins in the village of Triacastela. It was here - according to legend – that pilgrims would take a heavy stone from the local quarry and carry it the entire day to the kilns at Castañeda, five leagues away. The stones were then converted into lime and used to build the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. We walk through an ancient landscape dotted with bridges, crumbling castles and punctuated with the gentle tinkling of cowbells. We visit the 9th Century Benedictine monastery in Samos, where Father Fructuoso shows us the tranquil cloisters and neoclassical church - later ushering us into the cathedral to hear the monks chant their evening Vespers. 10.4 miles, 775 ft. elevation gain. B, L, D

Day 5 - Portomarín... Walking this section of the Camino is considered by many to be the highlight of the entire trip. We traverse a maze of tracks and footpaths through enchanted forests, granite hillsides covered in gorse, heather and broom and a patchwork of primitive farms worked as they were a thousand years ago. Our picnic lunch outside a pilgrim’s refuge includes local cheese, ripened red tomatoes, crusty loaves of bread and cured jamon. After crossing the River Miño, we enter Portomarín. In 1962, the old village was flooded to create a reservoir. The town’s treasure, the 13th Century Church of San Juan, (once belonging to the order of St. John of Jerusalem), was moved stone by stone by the townspeople to higher ground where the current town of Portomarín is located. We dine this evening at a Casa Rural (Rural Home) surrounded by vineyards, vegetable gardens and horse stables on the banks of the Miño. We take part in the tradition of the queimada, a magical fiery brew made with coffee beans, sugar and a grappa-like liqueur called orujo. 13.0 miles, 670 ft. elev gain. B, L, D

Day 6 - Portomarín... Today we trace quiet paved roads past small villages, cruceiros (carved granite crosses that served to mark the Camino in medieval times), horreos (stone granaries) and tiny Romanesque churches. The abundance of Romanesque architecture in this area makes it one of the most important regions for art historians in all of Europe. Our destination is Palas de Rei (The Palace of the King), a town once inhabited by Visigoths, Celts and Romans. Its name is derived from the Visigoth king, Witiza who held court here. We take lunch today in a travelers’ restaurant and enjoy the camaraderie of other pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Many are from Europe but others come from more far-flung corners of the globe. After lunch we shuttle back to Portomarín, where the afternoon and evening are free to horse-back ride, relax by the hotel pool or enjoy evening tapas in an outdoor café in the cobbled plaza. Short option 7 miles; Long option 13.2 miles, no elevation gain. B, L

Day 7 - Arzua... Our path today takes us through shady forests of pine, oak and eucalyptus and through a variety of tiny villages. On the Camino, local people feel honored to see peregrinos pass through their village. The only traffic we are likely to encounter is that of gentle, lazy cows returning to village barns in the late afternoon. In Furelos, we cross the magnificent Ponte Velha, a medieval bridge with four arches spanning the river. Soon after we arrive in Melide, a town dating back to pre-Roman times. It’s here we’ll find, in a former monastery, interesting 15th century frescoes depicting St. James the Moor-slayer. Our destination today is Arzúa. On our way we’ll pass Boente parish, where James is depicted exactly as he is at the Cathedral of Santiago, not as a pilgrim or warrior, but as a Saint. 13.2 miles, 680 ft. decline elev B, L, D

"Give me my scallop-shell of quiet, my staff of faith to walk upon, my scrip of joy, immortal diet, my bottle of salvation, my gown of glory hope's true gage, and thus I take my pilgrimage."

Day 8 - Arzua... Rising refreshed, we set-off through heavy eucalyptus forests dotted with small hamlets. Our path today offers us a sense of idyllic charm as well as a quiet peacefulness as we draw closer to our final destination. Departing from Arzúa, we head to Arca, passing through gently rolling countryside unchanged for the last 1000 years. Of great interest is the village of Ferreiros, which was first mentioned by Aymeric Picaud (author of the very first guide book to Santiago, written in Latin and full of adventure). And finally, in Santa Irene, we visit an 18th Century church with a chapel dedicated to the Portuguese martyr, a rather uncommon devotion on the Camino. 12.5 miles with 60 ft. of elevation gain. B, L, D

Day 9 - Santiago de Compostela... Beginning our walk in the tiny hamlet of Arca, we savior each footstep as the Pilgrim’s Way weaves through sweet-smelling eucalyptus groves and neatly sown fields and vegetable patches. We enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch outside the chapel of Sabugueira , featuring Tarta de Santiag, the typical almond cake and contemplate the tradition of the nearby Labacolla River. Here, medieval pilgrims would strip off their clothes, bathe and prepare for a clean entry into Santiago de Compostela. This dip is optional for 21st Century pilgrims! One tradition we do take part in - however - is the ascent to Monte de Gozo (The Mount of Joy), where pilgrims catch their first glimpse of Santiago de Compostela. Excitement builds as we get closer to the Holy City. Following now-familiar yellow arrows and Camino markers to the Cathedral, we arrive in the Plaza del Obradoiro, the heart and soul of Santiago and a place of constant activity. Exuberant groups of pilgrims stand in awe in front of the grandiose façade of the Baroque Cathedral. Wrought-iron balconies, granite homes and public buildings lend a medieval air. 12 miles with 250 ft. elevation gain. B, L, D

"Naturally, the pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land were interesting, but nothing quite compares to the Camino de Santiago. What makes it different is that it is alive. It's not simply a chapter in ancient history, but a living vibrant path."

The medieval music of La Tuna (university troubadours dressed in 16th Century garb) pervades the Plaza. Some pilgrims have traveled for months, on foot, by bike or horseback. Though a variety of reasons (cultural, adventurous, or spiritual) compel us to experience this ancient pilgrimage - we arrive in Santiago united by our quest. Our farewell dinner is celebrated this evening is at an extraordinary restaurant, where pure opulence meets gastronomic greatness.

Day 10 - Departures... After breakfast we meet in the lobby for a walking tour of Santiago with a local art historian. In the Cathedral we take part in age-old rituals, such as “hugging” the bejeweled silver statue of St. James at the altar and placing our hands on the Tree of Jesse, a symbolic way to connect to the millions of pilgrims and travelers gone before us. Our tour ends at noon, but you can be sure that Santiago de Compostela will be on your mind for future trips! B

9 Nights lodging (double occupancy) in hotels & charming inns
7 gourmet dinners with 2 nights (Leon and Portomarín) to explore on your own
Picnic lunches that include tasty regional specialties
All breakfasts (usually buffet)
Support van which accompanies the group (also stocked with plenty of nutritious snacks and available for a lift)
Baggage transportation to and from your room each night
Expertise and services of 1 bilingual trip leader
Detailed route instructions & maps with orientation meetings
All special events, private tours and entrances into historical sites
All gratuities for baggage, porters & hotel service (Does not include gratuities for trip leaders)
Transportation from initial rendezvous to final drop-off
Unique journal of your trip
Walking The World® T-shirt or hat
Good fun, humor and companionship

Read about Spain

Getting to and from the Footsteps of St. James Walking Trip

Your tour will begin at 12:00 pm in León on Day 1 in the lobby of the Parador in León. Lunch will follow. The tour ends Day 10 at 12:00 pm after a guided tour of the historical district in Santiago.

Meeting Point: Parador Hotel San Marcos, Plaza de San Marcos 7, 24001 León, Tel.: (987) 23 73 00

Note: You must book your train tickets in advance to ensure that you have a seat.

The two guides, Inaki and Arleen King-Lovelace will be taking the morning train on May 16th at 8:00 am that will arrive in León at 11:50 am. You are invited to join them for the ride to Leon.

Arleen King-Lovelace will be staying at the Husa Chamartin Hotel in Madrid on the night of May 15th in you need to get in touch with her. You can also book a room at this hotel should you choose at www.madridhotelsandrates.com or you can call 1-800-709-7666.

Madrid (Chamartín Train Station) to León

By Talgo Train
The Talgo train is the high speed train and the one we recommend you take.

Approximate Cost: $36 (1st Class), $27.00 (Tourist)

Train Schedule
Departure		Arrival
8:00 am		11:50 am
11:30 am		3:50 pm
2:15 pm		6:58 pm

Santiago de Compostela to Madrid Chamartin

By Talgo train

Approximate Cost: $67.00 (1st Class)

Train Schedule
Train	Departure	Arrival
152	1:37 pm	9:30 pm
852	10:30 pm	7:45 am

By Air on Iberia Airlines

Approximate flight time 1 hour, 5 minutes

Approximate Cost: $145.00 (Tourist Class)

Iberia Airlines Schedule

6:30 am

8:45 am

11:10 am

1:40 pm

4:10 pm

6:05 pm

8:40 pm

Please note: Airline and train schedules, prices and times are subject to change. Please reconfirm departure and arrival times upon arriving in Spain.

If you would like to make advance train reservations within the US, you may contact RAIL EUROPE at (800) 438-7245. There is a surcharge for all reservations made through RAIL EUROPE. Or you can contact www.renfe.es and book on-line.

Air Arrangements

Please contact our travel partner for international and domestic flight schedules and rates. Revised 042205

RETURN TO TOP

	APPLY FOR TRIP NOW
	back to trips \| next trip