EASTER EXERCISE
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
Retrace the footsteps of the half million devotees who made the long pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in the 11th and 12th centuries, by following the final section of the trail from León in Spain’s western Castille, just in time for Easter Sunday celebrations in Santiago, during an 11-day fully-guided walking tour with Walks Worldwide, departing London 30th March 2007.
For centuries travellers have been drawn to this green and misty spot in the north-east corner of Iberia to venerate the tomb of the apostle St. James in Santiago. The tour starts in León and ensures that walkers traverse the final 100-km in order to qualify for the official pilgrim’s certificate (la Compostela) on arrival at Santiago Cathedral. The route follows quiet country roads, old bridle paths and mountain trails through the provinces of León and Galicia before reaching Santiago de Compostela’s ancient city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and journey’s end, the magnificent cathedral. Significant pilgrim sites such as Castrillo de los Polvazares, Villafranca del Bierzo, O’Cebreiro and Samos are visited en route.
Modern day Walks Worldwide travellers have the advantage of a bilingual tour leader, well-versed in the tales of the trail and Spain in general, and a support vehicle carrying bottled water, fruit and snacks, stopping at strategic points to offer pilgrims refreshment as necessary.
The tour costs £1,630 p/p including scheduled flights, transfers, accommodation in hotels and guesthouses, most meals, support vehicle, baggage transfers, bi-lingual guide and guided tours and entrance fees to historic sites in León and Santiago.
