Day 1. León

Rendezvous at your hotel with your trip leader and tour the Pantheon of the Kings and the Cathedral with an art historian. With its soaring towers, flying buttresses and stained-glass windows, León’s Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. After a lazy siesta enjoy an evening of tapas-hopping in the vibrant Old Quarter.

Hotel:
NH Plaza Mayor
or
Parador de León

Day 2. Las Herrerías de Valcarce

Depart León and drive west to the fertile region of El Bierzo. Donning your boots and scallop shell necklaces, follow the Camino as it weaves through vineyards and fruit trees. We finish in Villafranca, a stately town with a castle, palaces and many churches. At the Church of Santiago, sick pilgrims too ill to continue were granted absolution by crossing the northern door, the Puerta del Perdón. (9 miles).

Hotel:
Casa El Paraíso del Bierzo

Day 3. Sarriá

Ascending the green Valcarce valley, pass forests of oak and chestnut and fields of heather en route to O´Cebreiro, home to pre-historic Celtic huts called pallozas. You are now in the beautiful region of Galicia! In the evening, tour the 6th century Benedictine Monastery of Samos (one of the oldest in Spain) before attending evening vespers sung by the monks of this hospitable order. (6 miles).

Day 4. Portomarín

Walk through bucolic countryside, traversing enchanted forests and small patches of farmland to the banks of the Miño River. En route to Portomarín we pass the 100 km marker (only 60 miles to go!) - a milestone for pilgrims who travel the Camino. At dinner try delicious octopus prepared with olive oil, sea salt and paprika and chase away evil spirits the Galician way with a fiery witches' brew called a queimada. (13 miles)

Hotel:
Pousada de Portomarín

Day 5. Portomarín

Today, we pass through small villages decorated with cruceiros (carved stone crosses that mark the way to Santiago) and containing only three or four houses. The undulating countryside is studded with meadows and forests of eucyalptus and pine. After arrival in Palais del Rei, we shuttle back to our hotel in Portomarin. (15 miles)

Overnight in Portomarín at same hotel.

Day 6. Arzúa

Trace quiet paths across stone bridges and through hamlets and woodlands. Stop to visit the tiny 12th century church dedicated to St. Julian - one of the many Romanesque treasures along the Camino. Walk right to the door of the elegant manor house in Arzúa, our comfortable home for the next two nights. Over dinner we toast our longest walking day yet with a glass of chilled Albariño white wine. (18 miles)

Hotel:
Pazo de Santamaría

Day 7. Arzúa

Today we trace the Camino as it weaves along country lanes and stone pathways called corredoiras. Farmers tend their fields and the chimes of cow bells accompany the sounds of your footsteps. Many villagers still use ancient scythes to work the land. Our picnic lunch features creamy cows' cheese from Arzúa and empanada, a light crusty pastry-pie filled with beef or tuna. (12 miles)

Overnight in Arzúa at same hotel.

Day 8. Santiago de Compostela

Excitement mounts as the trail brings us to the city of Santiago. Although you share your quest and a sense of camaraderie with fellow pilgrims from around the world, there are always moments of solitude to contemplate your own, personal "Camino". After performing the traditional pilgrim rituals in the Cathedral, we head to our hotel and prepare for a sumptuous celebratory feast! (18 miles)

Hotel:
Virxe da Cerca
or
Parador de los Reyes Católicos

Day 9. Departure

Enjoy a private tour of the magnificent Cathedral with a local historian. You'll also explore the narrow streets or rúas of the Old Quarter, where the vibrancy, history and magic of Santiago de Compostela come alive. We farewell in time for pilgrims' mass at noon.

TOUR PRICE

AVERAGE LAND COST PER PERSON
based on this
SAMPLE PROGRAM
Offer can be adjusted depending on time and wishes.
Please contact us for a tailor made tour suggestion.

4 Star Program

Based on 2 participants
EUROS: 4499
Based on 4 participants
EUROS: 2849
Based on 6 participants
EUROS: 2299

5 Star Program

Based on 2 participants
EUROS: 4599
Based on 4 participants
EUROS: 2999
Based on 6 participants
EUROS: 2469

Prices are net and in Euros (VAT included). Prices are per person and based on double occupancy. These rates are valid for the year 2008/2009 only.

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For more information
E-mail
or call us Toll Free
1 800 848 8163

Included Features

• 1 bilingual trip leader (this is a fully escorted tour)
• 8 nights accommodation (double occupancy with private bathroom) in properties as indicated in the itinerary
• 8 breakfasts (usually buffet)
• 6 lunches (3 gourmet picnic lunches & 3 lunches in regional restaurants)
• 6 dinners with wine
• Support vehicle carrying nutritious snacks and drinks
• Selected entrances to monuments and special events
• Transportation from initial rendezvous to final drop off point
• Baggage delivery to your hotel
• Detailed daily walking maps and notes
• Detailed trip preparation information

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Note