Camino de Santiago Fr Davis

Led by Fr. David Rowles
10 – 21 September 2015
Camino De Santiago
Day 1: JOHANNESBURG
THU, 10 September 2015
Departure from South Africa, please make sure that you arrive 3 hours before departure for check in.
Meet at O. R. Tambo International airport at the check-in counter for your flight to Madrid.
Flight details to be advised
Day 2: MADRID/SARRIA
FRI, 11 September 2015
Upon arrival in Madrid Airport meet your driver and transfer to Sarria.
Dinner and Overnight in Sarria
Day 3: SARRIA/PORTOMARIN
SAT, 12 September 2015
After breakfast check out of the accommodation. The tour starts by passing by Sarria Castle, with its one remaining tower,
the rest destroyed in the peasants’ uprising against the aristocracy in the 15th Century. Walk along shady tree-lined roads
and pathways, this morning passing through pretty small hamlets such as Cortinas and A Brea, before reaching the stone
marker; after comes another first—a stream crossing! The camino ascends to a high point at Pena dos Corvos; at 660
meters you will enjoy panoramic views over a reservoir, before descending into the lush Rio Mino valley, to Mercadoiro
and into Portomarin. Enjoy the Galician ambience as you stroll up the cobbled main street and end your day by relaxing in
one of the cafés surrounding the square.
Dinner and overnight in Portomarin.
Day 4: PORTOMARIN/PALAS DE REI
SUN, 13 September 2015
After breakfast check out of the accommodation. Start walking from Portomarín to Palas de Rei 24 km, ascent 340
meters. The Camino crosses the Minho River then steadily climbs upwards, before passing through the settlement of
Gonzar and Castromaior, where you’ll find the tiny Romanesque Church of Santa Maria. Continue along country roads
edged by bright yellow gorse, pine and oak trees. Upon reaching the high point of today’s camino at Sierra de Ligonde
(750m), descend to the ancient hamlet of Ligonde, once a popular resting point along the camino. Reach Eirexe then
cross the Alto Rosario, and then descend into the village of Palace de Rei where you will overnight.
Dinner and overnight in Palace de Rei.
Day 5: PALAS DE REI/MELIDE
MON, 14 September 2015
After breakfast check out of the accommodation. The walking tour route goes from Palas de Rei to Melide over a distance
of 14 k, descent 230 meters through Palas de Rei is said to be on the site of the original Roman road between Lugo and
Astorga, there are no major remains within its limits. Today’s walk is short as we journey the l4km through oak and pine
forests along stretches of restored Roman road as we cross from the province of Lugo to La Coruna and on to Melide.
Dinner and overnight in Melide
Day 6: MELIDE/ARZUA
TUE, 15 September 2015
After breakfast, check out of the accommodation. A shorter walking day from Melide to Arzúa over 5 km’s, descenting 40
meters. The short days walk takes us through much the same type of countryside and terrain, although the latter part of
our journey sees us walking along quite country roads as we make our way to Arzua In medieval times, we would have
collected a few stones from the quarries in Triacastela on our way to Sarria from the East and brought them to the
furnaces at Castaneda, a few miles beyond Melide, where lime was produced for use in the construction of the Cathedral
th
in Santiago. We pass the beautifully restored 15 century hostel at Ribadiso before entering Arzua a couple of miles
further on, with its very pleasing town square where, if the weather permits, we can sit with a drink and watch fellow
Pilgrims pass by as the locals go about their business.
Dinner and overnight in Arzua.
Day 7: ARZUA/RUA
WED, 16 September 2015
After breakfast check out of the accommodation. Start the walk from Arzúa to Rúa over a distance of 19 kms, desending
80 meters. Our second last days walk sees us stroll through mixed countryside of pine and eucalyptus forest paths, wide
open spaces and country roads. Watching the markers along the way, we can count down the distance yet to travel to
Santiago, and very shortly we will be on the right side of 20kms. We will stop for a late lunch at a busy roadside café, and
from there, it’s only a 40 minute walk or so to our hotel, our final resting place before entering Santiago the following
day.
Dinner and overnight in Rua.
Day 8: RUA/SANTIAGO
THU, 17 September 2015
After breakfast check out of your accommodation, take a walking tour from Rúa to Santiago over 21 kms, ascent 100
meters. Whether you started from Portomarin, from Sarria or from further East, this is a significant day on your journey
along the pilgrim’s route to Santiago. The city is large, and this is reflected in the change of terrain as we approach the
suburbs of our final destination. We pass through Labacolla where tradition has it that pilgrims washed themselves
before entering the city. We come to Monte de Gozo or Mound of Joy and then begin our final 5km walk into the city
finally arriving at Praza do Obradoiro on which stands the Cathedral.
Dinner and overnight in Santiago.
Day 9: SANTIAGO
FRI, 18 September 2015
After breakfast, take a half day guided visit in Santiago, with the old city, with its monuments, squares and streets and of
course the Cathedral. Visit also to the fresh produce market, called Mercado de Abastos, with an opportunity to see and
buy typical products of Galician gastronomy. Enjoy the rest of day at leisure.
Dinner and overnight in Santiago.
Day 10: SANTIAGO/MADRID
SAT, 19 September 2015
After breakfast check out of your accommodation and transfer by to Madrid by coach transfer.
Upon arrival in Madrid check in your accommodation and enjoy the day at Leisure.
Dinner and overnight in Madrid
Day 11: MADRID/JOHANNESBURG
SUN, 20 September 2015
After breakfast check out of your accommodation, enjoy a half day guided sightseeing tour in Madrid, through its famous
avenues, including the Gran Via and Castellana, to famous squares such as Plazas de Espana, Puerta del Sol and Puerta de
Alcala. You will also visit Madrid’s historic quarters and famous parks, including Casa de Campo and Retiro, and of course
a panorama visits to the main attractions including The Royal Palace and Prado Museum. Prepare to check out of your
accommodation and transfer to Madrid airport for your flight to Johannesburg
Flight details to be advised...
Dinner and overnight on-board your flight.
Day 12: JOHANNESBURG
Upon arrival in Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, collect your baggage.
MON, 21 September 2015
9 Nights CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
10 - 21 September 2015
Price per person based on 20 Pilgrims and 1 Spiritual leader travelling together.
R 21, 895.00 (Excluding Airport Taxes)
All rates quoted are per adult sharing and subject to availability at time of making the reservation. Airfares & Taxes
are subject to change within the specified seasons and are carrier specific, which could impact on the rate quoted.
Rates are subject to currency fluctuations which are subject to change without prior notification. Standard T's and C's
apply.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
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Return economy airfares.
09 Night’s accommodation at above mentioned cities/towns (dinner can be in near restaurants)
Transfers Madrid Airport - Sarria, Santiago – Madrid and Madrid – Madrid Airport
Informational program and route map
HD guided visit in Madrid and Santiago
Luggage transport for each stage
Daily guided tour escort during the Camino
SERVICES EXCLUDED:
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Airport Taxes (Estimated R 5, 526.00 19 March 2014 Subject to change)
Meals and sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary.
Services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Schengen Visa
Single Room Limited
Group Travel Insurance.

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