Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela: Shrine of Saint James - For Group Leaders

Introduction

One of the remotest towns in Western Europe in the most westerly part of Spain, Santiago has been a goal of pilgrimage for over a thousand years. All this time people have travelled here by foot, by horse, by bicycle, and now by car and by coach following the historic trail that was finally recognised in 1987 by the council of Europe as its first European Cultural Route. The journey was long and often arduous, but century after century pilgrims have kept coming on a journey of discovery not only of this historic and beautiful region of Spain but also of themselves, seeking to allow God a space in which, amidst the very physical business of travelling, he may be able to reach out to us and we find new glimpses of him.

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE - MONDAY

Heathrow - La Coruna - Santiago

Scheduled flight from Heathrow to La Coruna. On arrival transfer by coach to Santiago and check into our hotel for dinner and a four-night stay.

DAY TWO - TUESDAY

Santiago de Compostela

We visit the shrine of St James. We have a guided tour of the cathedral and its surroundings. The cathedral has an amazing Baroque façade hiding a much earlier Romanesque building which lies on the site where, in the 8th century, it was thought that the tomb of St James had been discovered. The climax for us is touching the great figure of the saint behind the altar. The afternoon is free for your own explorations.

DAY THREE - WEDNESDAY

Optional Excursion to Noia & Finisterre (or other options)

Today is at leisure in Santiago or you can join the optional excursion (£19 per person): We depart from Santiago on the final stage of our journey to "The end of the Earth". The town of Noia is our first stop, named after Noah, and where his dove is said to have found an olive branch. Continue to the town of Muros, once an important port serving Santiago de Compostela. Continue to the fishing village of Corcubion, with its strange statue of St Mark in the parish church. Our final port of call is Cape Finisterre, where we can gaze out over the dark sea and the horizon beyond, to signify the end of our journey.

DAY FOUR - THURSDAY

Santiago de Compostela

We start the day with our own Mass in the cathedral. The rest of the day will be free in Santiago de Compostela. Apart from browsing in the shops or strolling in the park, you may wish to visit the cathedral’s various museums or the special churches of St Martin Pinario or Santa Maria del Sar. In the late afternoon, why not visit the five-star Hostel Los Reyes Catolicos, for a cup of tea or a drink? For those who wish there will be a coach provided to drive approximately 5km outside of the town so that you can walk the final stage of the Camino de Santiago. We will also attend the Pilgrims Mass at 12 noon.

DAY FIVE - FRIDAY

Santiago - La Coruna - Heathrow

After breakfast, transfer to the airport at La Coruna for our return flight to London.

Five days

Terms of Payment:

Terms of payment: Deposit of £150 (plus the travel insurance premium if the cover we offer is required) per person on booking, balance payable two months before the departure date.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Return scheduled flights on Vueling Airlines: Heathrow - La Coruna. U.K. and Spain airport taxes. Four-nights accommodation in shared twin-bedded rooms with private facilities at the centrally located 3-star Hotel Gelmirez (or similar), Santiago. Meal plan: 4 continental breakfasts and 4 dinners. All touring and transfers in Spain by air-conditioned as per the itinerary. Pax Travel Spanish-speaking Tour Manager to accompany the group whilst in Spain. Guided walking tour of Santiago by fully licensed English-speaking guide. All entrance fees as per the itinerary. ATOL and AITO financial protection. Religious services.

EXTRAS:

Travel insurance at £24 per person. Single room supplement of £104 per person for the 4 nights (limited availability). Optional excursion to Noia and Finisterre at £19 per person (based on a minimum of 25 participants). Fuel surcharges if passed on by the airline. Refreshments on board the aircraft. Lunches and drinks. U.K. coach transfers. Gratuities to guide, driver and hotels.