SPAIN. Camino de Santiago The Original Way (The final 100km- qualify for Pilgrims Certificate) One of the World s Greatest Pilgrimages

Transcription

1 SPAIN Camino de Santiago The Original Way (The final 100km- qualify for Pilgrims Certificate) One of the World s Greatest Pilgrimages SELF-GUIDED Departures for a minimum of 2 persons travelling together Tour Grade B/C Tour Code - TOWY For dates and prices visit:

2 Introduction Described by James Mitchener as one of the world s greatest, this is a journey of the soul and spirit, taking the traveller in the footsteps of millions who, over the centuries, have come to venerate the tomb of the Apostle St James Santiago. This particular journey ensures that you walk the final 100 km in order to qualify for an official pilgrim s certificate on arrival at the cathedral in Santiago itself. Along the way you will likely encounter many other pilgrims making their way to Santiago Inevitably, the traveller soon finds themselves imbued with the unique and magical spirit that pervades the entire Camino de Santiago experience. Daily distances are designed to challenge, but completing the Camino de Santiago is well within reach of anyone who maintains a good level of fitness and enjoys walking. IMPORTANT NOTE- The Camino de Santiago is a justifiably world famous, and exceptionally popular pilgrimage trail. As a result, the demands and pressures for accommodation along the route are exceptionally high. Whilst we offer flexible departures for the Camino de Santiago, accommodation is naturally always upon request and subject to availability. Subsequently we have found throughout our years of experience operating self-guided walking holidays along the Camino de Santiago it is advisable to be flexible with your preferred dates e.g. be able to travel mid-september, rather than specifically on the 14 th September only. With the assistance of our specialist Camino de Santiago ground agent we will be able to check the availability of accommodation along the way and quickly let you know what exact dates would be available for you to undertake this holiday within a certain preferred date range. Due to the high demand for accommodation we may not always be able to secure every single one of the accommodations usually used for this trip and if necessary will substitute accommodations with those of a similar standard wherever possible. Pilgrims credentials & certificate of completion Every pilgrim who has walked the last 100 km of the route (Lugo is 101 km from Santiago) has the right to receive an official certificate from the cathedral's Pilgrim's Office in Santiago (those professing a spiritual or religious reason for their pilgrimage will receive a certificate in Latin - la Compostela; those who do not profess such a reason, will receive a different certificate, in Spanish, actually awarded by the Santiago city hall, although picked up in the same place as the Compostela). In order to prove your achievement, on arrival in Santiago, you must present the office with your 'credentials'. This is a sort of 'passport', which we will post to you before departure. Remember to print this out and take it with you and have stamped and dated in churches, city halls, hotels, restaurants or any establishment along the way. The Holiday Routine As this is a self-guided holiday you can dictate your schedule, bearing in mind the walking. However do bear in mind that the Spanish eat their evening meal much later than standard in the UK, and it can sometimes be hard to get breakfast before 7am at the hotels/b&b s. Walking conditions In general, the route is well way-marked with official 'milestones', plaques, and painted yellow arrows on trees, stones and buildings, and in the event you feel lost, helpful locals are always ready to lend a hand, and there are usually plenty of other pilgrims about too! The terrain is varied but with no extremes. Mostly it is rolling hills (lots of short flat stretches alternating with small hills). The walking surface is varied: quiet paved country roads, muddy or grassy farm or forest tracks, easy mountain/hill paths narrow semi/paved cobblestone rural paths and the occasional sections along main roads. Daily walking distances, with approximate walking times based on those of a fit, experienced walker (excluding halts), along with the amount of ascent and descent each day are given in the overview of each walking day in this dossier. A full explanation of the trip grading can be found online at You should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level of grading and are physically prepared for the trip. Self-Guided Holiday As the name suggests, self-guided holidays are for those that prefer to be independent. Within reason you are able to dictate your own schedule, as well as walk at your own pace with the aid of route notes and maps. All your accommodation has been reserved in advance and unless otherwise stated within this trip dossier, your main baggage is transferred Spain Camino de Santiago,The Original Way 2

3 between each accommodation along the way, so there s no need to worry about carrying heavy loads and having to back pack. This means you only need to walk each day and carry your usual lightweight daypack. However, it is important that you are entirely comfortable with being independent whilst on a walking holiday. For detailed information as to what a selfguided holiday entails please read the selfguided walking holidays section at Types of Trip section on before booking your self-guided walking holiday. Please note that for this trip you will received route notes only, which we will send to you by post before departure (along with your Pilgrim s Passport) as maps are usually not available, or really necessary. You are following a fully waymarked (examples of the Camino waymarking symbols below) and recognised route which a great many people follow each and every year. Route Notes- Help keep them up to date Things can and do change along the routes that self-guided walking holidays follow. A sign may have been changed, or even removed, a path may have been obstructed, even rerouted, a landmark the route notes refer to may simply no longer exist. It is clearly impossible to keep track of all the changes that may occur outside the local tour operators control and knowledge. It may be the route notes translation can be improved (they are translated into several languages by the local operator after all) too. Clearly a case of last person to walk the route has the most up to date information. In the spirit of camaraderie amongst walkers and in an effort to constantly keep route notes updated and improved upon, the local operator (contact details in your final joining instructions) will always welcome notification of any changes along the way/recommendations for improvement if you would care to forward any useful and specific information to them. Alternatively, send to Walks Worldwide and we will forward accordingly. What you need to provide Your personal equipment as detailed in the clothing and equipment list later in this trip dossier. Spain Camino de Santiago,The Original Way 3

4 Itinerary IMPORTANT- Before booking you should read our Types of Trip and Essential and Useful information sections on including our Important Warning Due to the specialist nature of our holidays, day to day itineraries should be taken as a guide only, and as statements of intent and not contractual obligations. We regularly update our trip dossiers to take into account changes to trekking routes, accommodation, local transport etc. Such changes are a factor of this type of holiday and when made are out of necessity. Other factors such as adverse weather, unforeseen circumstances and other matters entirely out of our control etc can also lead to enforced changes during the course of the holiday. It is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will operate exactly as per the anticipated itinerary. The most current trip dossier will be made available on our website. We will also send you the most up to date trip dossier with your Final Joining Instructions approx. 2 weeks before departure and you should carefully check this for any changes that may affect your plans. Day Your 'at-a-glance' Itinerary Overnight Accn. Meal plan 1 Arrive Lugo Lugo 3* Hotel 2 Walk to San Romao. Transfer to Lugo (no accomm in San Romao) Lugo 3* Hotel BD 3 Transfer to San Romao and continue along the Camino Melide 2* Hotel BD 4 Forests tracks to Boente and onto Arzua Arzua 2* Hotel BD 5 Pass quiet villages and serene country roads to Rua Rua 2* Hotel BD 6 Complete the pilgrimage and arrive in Santiago d C Santiago d C 3* Hotel B 7 Depart Santiago B B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner. Spain Camino de Santiago,The Original Way 4

5 Day 1 Make your way to your hotel in Lugo. ( via Santiago). See Joining Arrangements and transfers section later in this trip dossier. Facilities in Lugo include ATM s, Internet, shops etc. Hotel, Lugo Day 2 The Camino leaves Lugo through the oldest gate of the city wall which is called the Porta Mina. From here you will walk to the quarter of San Lazaro. After a few kilometres you will pass a national monument and museum called Santa de Boveda, which houses some of the most fascinating early medieval painitngs of the entire Iberian Peninsula. The trail heads to San Romao de Retorta through agricultural areas and woodlands. Tonight you will return to the same hotel in Lugo as the previous night due to a lack of suitable lodgings in San Romao. After your arrival to San Romao you will be transferred by taxi back to Lugo.Walking distance 19 km. Walking time approx 5hrs, 210m ascent, 50m descent. Hotel,Lugo. Day 3 Transfer back to San Romao. The Original Camino or the "Camino Primitivo" as it is also known uses ancient tracks, which are still very much in use today. These paths join up the many small country villages in the area, such as Seixalbo, Xende, Ferreira and Merlan. The route continues through Toques and into the historic town of Melide in La Coruna. Melide sits at an altitude of 454m and this is where the French Way joins the Original Way. You should take the opportunity to sample some of the local cuisine. "Pulpo a la Plancha", octopus, is a very popular local dish. Facilities in Melide include ATM.s and shops. Walking distance 31 km. Walking time approx 8hrs 30mins, 100m ascent, 246m descent. Hotel,Melide. Day 4 As you leave Melide you will travel along forest tracks which cross many pretty streams, as you make your way to the village of Boente where there is a church dedicated to Santiago. From here you will pass through the historical village of Ribadiso on your way to todays destination of Arzùa. The town sits at an altitude of 389m and has the church of Santa María and the church of La Magdalena. Facilities in Arzua include ATM, Internet, shops etc.walking distance 13 km. Walking time approx 3hrs 30mins, 220m ascent, 284m descent. Hotel,Arzua Day 5 Today s walk for the most part will take you through beautiful peaceful forests and villages. Along the way you will pass the chapel of Santa Irena which houses some very interesting statues of Santiago. This stage is along serene country roads, which reflect the fact that Rua is one of the mellowest points you will pass through before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Facilities in Rua include ATM s, Internet, shops etc. Walking distance 19km. Walking time approx 6hrs, 100m ascent, 169m descent. Hotel,Rua Day 6 This is the final day of walking as you make your way to the world renowned Santiago de Compostela. From Rua the route passes Amenal and on to Lavacolla. Lavacolla is the place on the Camino where it was tradition for pilgrims to wash themselves in the river before reaching Santiago. The trail to the last hill of the Camino, Monte del Gozo or "Mount of Joy" is lined with impressive eucalyptus trees. The Mount itself is topped with an enormous sculpture and the Cathedral of Santiago. From here the Camino descends to your final destination of Santiago de Compostela. Take some time relax in the town as you mingle with the locals and your fellow Camino walkers.you enter through its modern outskirts, then head directly into the ancient centre. The place you head for is the Plaza del Obradoiro, Santiago s grandiose central square. You then go to the cathedral office to receive the certificate of completion, and then to the cathedral to complete the obligatory pilgrim's rituals within its Gothic walls. All facilities in Santiago. Walking distance 19 km. Walking time approx 6hrs, 110m ascent, 166m descent. Hotel, Santiago Day 7 Depart Santiago See Joining arrangements and transfers section. Spain Camino de Santiago,The Original Way 5

6 Joining Arrangements and Transfers You should join this trip on day 1 of the trip itinerary at your hotel in Lugo. Airport transfers are not provided. You depart this trip in Santiago on day 7. It is usual that most clients arriving by air from the UK fly to/from Santiago de Compostela. Arrival From Santiago airport to Lugo there are several buses every day, costing about 15pp. See Departure Shuttle buses from Santiago city centre to the airport (20mins), or private taxi. Local transport If along the route you feel you cannot reach the next place you are staying it is sometimes very easy to order a taxi from a shop / restaurant or take a bus to the hotel where you are spending the night. Private taxi transfers are provided on day 2(San Romao to Lugo) and day 3 (Lugo to San Romao)) International Travel For this trip the usual International Airport for arrival and for departure is Santiago de Compostela. For total flexibility and choice, the price of our holidays often excludes flights. However, as an ATOL bonded agent we are able to arrange competitively priced tickets with the majority of international airlines. Where low cost airlines offer a better option, we are also able to arrange these, subject to a small booking fee. Only by arranging your flights with us can we offer you the peace of mind and 100% financial protection that booking with a licensed tour operator brings. Contact us to discuss your regional flight options for this holiday. If you would prefer to make your own International travel arrangements you can book this holiday as Land Only. You should book flights that enable you to arrive at the hotel in Lugo on Day 1 of the trip itinerary. Return flights should be booked that enable you to depart Santiago no sooner than Day 7 of the trip itinerary. Please note if you are booking Land Only it is your sole responsibility to ensure you arrive at the joining point for the contracted arrangements in good time before these commence. No refunds will be provided in respect of any unused services contracted as a result. Similarly our contractual obligations cease at the end of your contracted arrangements. IMPORTANT- MAKE SURE YOUR CHOSEN HOLIDAY IS CONFIRMED BEFORE YOU PURCHASE AIR TICKETS AND MAKING ANY OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS. Please contact the Walks Worldwide office to check the status of your chosen holiday BEFORE purchasing your International Air ticket. If you are purchasing your own air ticket, you should be aware that most of the cheaper airline tickets available for sale on the internet or from low cost carriers are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket when you make a flight booking, and check the limitations of any cancellation insurance policy you have. We cannot be held liable, for losses incurred relating to any flight bookings or subsequent travel arrangements you have made yourself. Baggage Please make sure that your baggage is clearly marked with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the labels get detached. We request you limit your main baggage to one piece per person. As your main baggage will be transported by vehicle during the walking days a normal suitcase can be used for your main baggage. Passports and Visas British passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to three months (please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity). Accommodation Accommodation will be reserved for you on a twin share basis unless you have already requested a single room at extra cost in advance. Rooms in hotels are en-suite. Food Breakfasts usually consist of bread/toast with butter and jam. Lunches are bought by yourselves, and shops have a selection of Spanish meats, cheeses, breads, tomato salads or tapas. You can add picnic lunches (walking days only) to your booking package at additional cost. Evening meals are usually three-courses. In Spain they do eat very late (about ) however you do get used to this after a few days. Spain Camino de Santiago,The Original Way 6

7 Climate It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather conditions you will encounter during the course of your holiday. However, we do schedule our holidays to coincide with what should be the most suitable weather periods for walking. Spring, early summer and early autumn are the best times to visit in terms of the weather. Mid-Summer is hot, and the winter is chilly along the entire Pilgrim's Way, and especially damp in Galicia, with snow covering the highest passes near the Castille- Galicia border! Expect temperatures between C in the spring to early summer months. Be aware that the reason for the lush vegetation in Galicia particularly is that showers do occur regularly! Don t forget to pack your waterproofs. For climate statistics visit Vaccinations and medical precautions We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check up before travelling. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. In general, no vaccinations are necessary for Spain and health problems here are quite rare. A useful travel health online resource is fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk Please make sure that you obtain form EHIC either online or from your local post office you will need to produce this if you have to see a doctor. First Aid You should always carry your own small, personal first aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (band-aids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium). Currency. The Spanish currency is the Euro. Please refer to / up to date rates. ATM machines are available in locations as indicated in the daily walking day descriptions. Language Spanish (in Galicia, the language used by locals is closer to Portuguese than Spanish, but Spanish is understood by all). Most of the local people do not speak English but almost all are extremely friendly and if you don t speak any Spanish then you must take along a Spanish phrasebook. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your to responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and personal accident risks for the part of the world you intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out cancellation insurance as all deposits paid are non-refundable. You may arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance through Walks Worldwide. Please call us on or us- sales@walksworldwide.com for a quotation. Inclusions and exclusions Inclusions Meals as listed above Accommodation. Route notes Pilgrim s Passport Luggage transfers for all walking days(not required on day 2) Transfer on day 2 (San Romao to Lugo) Transfer on day 3 (Lugo to San Romao) Exclusions Airport transfers Souvenirs and personal items Insurance Meals not indicated in the trip itinerary International Flights Spain Camino de Santiago,The Original Way 7

8 Clothing and Equipment Lists At least one set of casual / non-walking clothes will be useful for wearing in hotels on this holiday. Whilst walking you must not worry about how you look: comfort and protection against bad weather are of prime importance. Because mountain weather is so very variable, we recommend a number of thin layers rather than a few thick ones. The following list is our suggested guide to help you with your packing based upon our many years of travelling/walking. Using your own judgment for packing is of course important, especially with regard to casual clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about packing for your holiday, or are uncertain as to the suitability of your clothing and equipment. CLOTHING Walking boots and spare laces Trainers/approach shoes Socks 3+ pairs (Walking and Casual) Underwear 3+ T-shirts 3+ Trekking Trousers Short trousers 2+ Light fleece 1-2 Thick fleece 1-2 Thermal underwear (optional but light and useful if cold (early Spring and Autumn) Waterproof jacket with hood Waterproof trousers Gloves (Spring and Autumn) Sun Hat Warm Hat Gaiters (optional) EQUIPMENT Daypack/rucksack* approx. 30 litre capacity. 2 Large water bottles (1 litre each) Towel quick drying pack towel is recommended Torch (and spare bulb and batteries) Camera & accessories Binoculars (optional) A variety of dry bag/plastic bags (kitbags are not waterproof) Sunglasses Trekking poles (highly recommended) Reading material (optional) Washing/Shaving kit & toilet paper Insect Repellent Small personal First Aid kit (see section above) Anti-Bacterial Handwash Water purifying tablets Sun Cream & lip salve Blister plasters i.e. Compeed Tickets/E tickets Passport Money Spain Camino de Santiago,The Original Way 8

9 The following items should also considered as being useful on a walking holiday Penknife/small scissors (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Moisturising cream Baby wipes Snacks/Energy bars Safety pins (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Padlock for your kitbag Small sewing/repair kit (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Small mirror Nail clippers (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Spare glasses/contact lenses Cold water Travel Wash (preferably biodegradable) Travel adaptor Spain Camino de Santiago,The Original Way 9