santiago

Santiago de Compostela
led by Canon Stephen Evans

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 physical business of travelling, he may be able to reach out to us and find new glimpses of him.
Many pilgrims left the Camino Frances at Leon and travelled north to visit the Camara Santa (Holy Chamber) in Oviedo Cathedral. Extra indulgences were thus gained. "Whoever goes to Saint James and not to the Saviour, visits the servant and misses the master".

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE - WEDNESDAY 14TH APRIL

London - Asturias - Oviedo

Morning scheduled flight from Stansted to Asturias airport. On arrival transfer by coach to Oviedo and check-in to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY TWO - THURSDAY 15TH APRIL

Oviedo

King Alfonso II (791 - 842) established Oviedo as a capital city, after the creation of the pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela. The Cathedral of San Salvador, dedicated tot he Salvador, dedicated to the Saviour was built at this time, and became a major focal point of the pilgrimage route. Within the Cathedral is located the Camara Santa, dating from 802 AD and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There will be a morning guided tour of the Cathedral, as well as time to explore on our own. SOme suggested sites are the 9th century churches of San Miguel de Lillo and Santa Maria del Naranco.

DAY THREE - FRIDAY 16TH APRIL

Oviedo - Leon

We depart Oviedo and drive south through the mountains and Somiedo National Park. The drive will take us through the spectacular mountain pass at Puerto de Pajares, where we will have superb views over the peaks of Cordillera Cantabrica. A stop will be made for lunch (at choice) en-route. On arrival in Leon we check into the hotel for dinner and a two-night stay.

DAY FOUR - SATURDAY 17TH APRIL

Leon

After breakfast we have a half day guided tour of parts of the city, the 12th century gothic Cathedral with its wonderful stained glass and the Romanesque basilica of San Isidoro, Leon's patron saint. Lunch at choice in Leon and the afternoon at leisure. We would recommend visiting the Hostal San Marcos, formerly the headquarters of the Knights of Santiago, with its sumptuous renaissance (plateresque) facade, now a 5 star parador, but parts, including the Chapel, can be freely visited.

DAY FIVE - SUNDAY 18TH APRIL

Leon - Villafranca - Santiago

After breakfast leave Leon en route for Santiago. Pass Astorga and go up into the Montes de Leon. A stop for lunch will be made at the pretty village of Villafrance del Bierzo, an official stop on the Camino. Reach Santiago in the late afternoon and check into our hotel for dinner and a three-night stay.

DAY SIX - MONDAY 19TH APRIL

Santiago de Compostela

 After breakfast we meet our local guide for a tour of the cathedral and its surroundings. The cathedral has an amazing baroque façade hiding the much earlier Romanesque building lying on the site where in the 8th century it was thought that the tomb of St James had been discovered. This is the end of the road, and the climax is touching the great figure of the Saint behind the altar. This afternoon will be at leisure.

DAY SEVEN - TUESDAY 20TH APRIL

Santiago de Compostela

Today is free for your own explorations around Santiago. You may wish to explore some of the city’s excellent museums, or even take a taxi a short way out and walk back in along the Camino.

DAY EIGHT - WEDNESDAT 21ST APRIL

Santiago - London

Return in the late morning by scheduled flight from Santiago or La Coruña to London.

Travel Dates and Cost:

14th April 2010 - 21st April 2010
Eight Days
£789

Book now

Terms of Payment:

A deposit of £120 per person with a completed booking form is required to book a place on this tour (plus the insurance premium if the cover we offer is required). The final payment is due two months before the departure date. The tour price is guaranteed until 31st October 2009. Any bookings received after this date may be subject to a flight surcharge.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Trip Includes
Scheduled flights: Stansted - Asturias, Santiago or La Coruña - London, I piece of checked-in luggage, U.K. and Spain airport taxes. 7-nights accommodation in shared twin-bedded rooms with private facilities as follows: 14th - 16th April, Hotel La Gruta (or similar), Oviedo, 16th - 18th April, Hotel Quindos (or similar), Leon, 18th - 21st April, Hotel Hesperia Gelmirez (or similar), Santiago. Seven continental breakfasts and seven dinners. All touring and transfers in Spain by air-conditioned coach as per the itinerary. Guided tours by fully licensed English-speaking guides as per the itinerary. A Pax Travel Spanish speaking tour manager to accompany the group. All entrance fees as per the itinerary, religious services and ATOL and AITO 100% financial protection.

EXTRAS:

Travel & General travel insurance at £28.50 for this tour. Single room supplement at £112 per person for 5 nights (limited number of single rooms available). Lunches, drinks and souvenirs. Airport transfers with in the U.K.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

Anglican

OTHER PILGRIMAGES IN Spain & Portugal