EL CAMINO. May 13- June 4, de Santiago Compostela

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1 May 13- June 4, 2015 EL CAMINO de Santiago Compostela A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY WITH SPIRIT IS CALLING France & Spain Join Tour Directors Carmen Figueras and Becky Wenger for 22 days through the countryside of France and Spain. Journey the pilgrim trail rich in history, culture and spirituality. One of the great holy Christian Pilgrim trails of Europe, El Camino de Santiago Compostela is a path of both spiritual redemption and bucolic scenery. Crossing France and Spain through over 800 km of ancient foot trails, this passage predates Christianity and the Moor (Muslim) influence and finds its roots in the cultures of the Pagans and Druids. This Spiritual Journey with Spirit is Calling will offer the modern pilgrim a chance to walk the trails, or just those portions that your body will comfortably allow. Each day will include meditations and healing on the path of your spiritual growth. Join a group of modern pilgrim travelers on this adventure for body and spirit! To Register Contact: Spirit is Calling Carmen Figueras carmenf@spiritiscalling.com Tel: (510) Spiritual Journeys

2 Spiritual Journeys Journey through the Countryside A Modern Pilgrimage El Camino de Santiago Compostela Our guide vehicles carry your luggage as you walk along the Camino, and are nearby should you choose to ride for any portion. With an optional beginning 3 days in Chartres, France, home to the great architectural marvel of Chartres Cathedral, we will explore the roots of Christianity. Through this tour of the Black Virgin, we will journey on to see the energy of the ancient Pagan spiritual centers along the way. An optional final day to Cape Finesterre will take us to the "end of the world" where Spain meets the Atlantic Ocean. Discover the Spirit In this unique journey of up to 22 days, we will commune with the divine through exploration of the countryside, its charming trails, villages, local dining and traditional lodging. Historically a journey of redemption for past sins, ancient pilgrims crossed these paths on their knees, with the idea that the more pain, the more likely will redemption be met. Today, we seek a gentler way, with space to reclaim our energy from those ideas of the punishment of the flesh, in favor of the idea that by walking the path, and forgiving and accepting our selves, we can validate our bodies, build an appetite for delicious food, enjoy the good company of our traveling companions, or the peaceful solitude of walking our path alone, while witnessing the divine in our surroundings. With daily meditation and healing rituals, you get to explore your own spiritual pilgrim's path, reclaim lost parts of your ancient self, and grow whole as you continue your path in the present. Those who walk the last 100 km will receive stamps on their Pilgrim s Passport from each village and will get a certificate of completion. We hope you will join us in May and June of 2015.

3 Spiritual Journeys Chartres, France Day-to-day Itinerary Travel through French history to Chartres, France where we explore the great mysteries of the Chartres Cathedral. The city itself is full of rich history, from the times of the Pagans, to the Romans, from the Druids to The Knights Templar, the group will explore the ancient mysteries that await. Itinerary: Airport Charles De Gaule (Paris, France) Duration: 22 Days and 21 Nights Day 1: The group travels from the US to Paris, France where we begin our Spirit is Calling journey to Chartres, France. Day 2: The group is picked up at the Charles de Gaule airport and transferred to Chartres, France. After arriving in the afternoon, the group has a chance to settle in and wander the ancient streets of Chartres. Spirit is Calling will offer a meditation in the evening and the group has the opportunity to dine together. Overnight at hotel. Day 3: The adventures in Chartres begin with a trip to the Cathedral of Chartres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has connection to the Knights Templar, however, it s central focal point is the Black Madonna, also known as Our Lady of the Pillar, a symbol of the feminine energy. Zodiac symbolism and Pagan symbols also bring forth mystery to this Cathedral built in the 12th and 13th century. The group also has the opportunity to visit the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth built into the church. Much speculation has revolved around the Cathedral and the Labyrinth, some believing that the site was built over a former Druidic temple. Lack of surviving documentation regarding the Chartres Cathedral brings many to explore the mystery and be touched by the energy that it brings. Overnight at hotel. Day 4: We unwind from the adventures of our journey with free time until the afternoon, perhaps to visit the local markets, before heading back to Paris where we will move on to St. Jean Pied de Port where we will begin the El Camino de Santiago. Overnight at hotel. The First 4 days of the Journey is an optional visit to Chartres, France, home of the great Chartres Cathedral. Those attending The Camino only, will join the group on Day 5.

4 Spiritual Journeys The Camino, Day to DayItinerary Travel through Spain s history and diverse landscapes such as the Pyrenees in Roncesvalles, the Navarra pines, the sweet smell of vines in La Rioja and the wide Castilian plains until we reach the mountains and the oak and chestnut tree forests of Galicia. We begin near the border of France and Spain to get a taste of the entire French Way. Day 8: Walk from Larrasoana to Pamplona (15 km / 9 miles. We can opt for a guided visit of the city and enjoy the rest of the free evening to explore the city. Overnight in Pamplona. Day 5: The Chartres group will enjoy a day of rest. The second group arriving today ( group choosing the option to not attend the Chartres leg ) is picked up at a local airport and will then be transferred to St. Jean Pied de Port. Overnight at hotel. Day 6: The Camino begins! We walk from St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles (23 km/15 miles ). We climb over the mountain and cross the border of France into Spain. It s a challenge that is well worth it because of the panorama. Overnight at hotel. Day 7: Walk from Roncesvalles to Larrasoana (26 km/ 17 miles ) Night in Zubiri/ Larrasoana at a local estate. Day 9: Drive to Tosantos (approx. 2 hours) to tour the hermitage, Our Lady of the Rock. We then drive to Burgos (40 mins.) and enjoy the evening there. Overnight in Burgos (El Cid Hotel). Day 10: We enjoy a guided visit of the city. We can enjoy a free day in Burgos after the tour or coordinate any activity of your preference. This can be any visit to a place of interest, a food or wine tasting, etc. Overnight in Burgos (El Cid Hotel). Day 11: We take the bus to León. Enjoy lunch and a guided visit of the beautiful city of León and drive to Astorga. Overnight in Astorga (Palace de Gaudi). Day 12: Bus from Astorga to Foncebadon (30 minutes), then walk to Acebo (approx. 12 km) passing by la Cruz de Ferro. After the walk, we take the bus to Ponferrada and enjoy the town for the rest of the afternoon. The tour will take us on a trip to Las Medulas, the largest gold mine of the Roman Empire, where they extracted gold for more than two hundred years. This site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its archeological richness. Optional tour of the Knights Templar Castle is also included. Overnight at hotel in Ponferrada.

5 The Camino, Day to Day Itinerary Continued... Day 13: Visit O Cebreiro, which is the beginning of the Camino de Santiago in Galicia. In this town, located 1300 meters above sea level, we will see 'Las Pallozas (constructions of stone and hay) presumably of Celtic origin. Stone houses that remind us of the past are also the main constructions of this mountainous area. We go to Sarria by bus to begin the last hundred kilometers the next day. Overnight at hotel in Sarria. Day 14: Sarria to Portomarín (18 km, 11 miles). The representative last hundred kilometers begin today. As we journey through this stage we will come across many little villages and towns. The most interesting are Sarria, Barbadelo, Ferreiros and Portomarín where we can see beautiful monuments such as: The Convent of "La Magdalena originally founded as a Pilgrim's hospital in the 13th century; the church of "Santiago de Barbadelo" famous for its beautiful architecture and uniqueness of its capitals; the Romanesque portico at the church of Ferreiros; and the legendary 100 km marker! Overnight at hotel in Sarria. Day 15: Portomarín to Palas de Rei (24 km, 17 miles). Today's journey will take us through the towns of Portomarín, Ligonde and Vilachá, where we will have the opportunity to see the wonderful views. Some include: the Miño river valley right outside Vilachá; the fortified church of St. Nicholas; the famous Romanesque façade of San Pedro's church in Portomarín; as well as the church of "Vilar de Donas", considered to be one of the best examples of Romanesque art associated to the Camino. Overnight at hotel in Palas de Rei. Day 16: We walk: Palas de Rei - Boente (21 km, 13 miles). In today's stage we will cross the border that divides the provinces of Lugo and La Coruña through an ancient Roman road. Once we get to La Coruña we will be able to enjoy true jewels of the Camino such as the church of "La virgen de las nieves" in the town of Furelos; the Romanesque portico of San Tirso's church in the village of Palas de Rei; and the churches of Sancti Spiritus and Santa Maria de Melide in Melide. Overnight at hotel in Arzúa. Day 17: Boente to Salceda (19 km, 11 miles). Today's walk will take us through the lovely towns of Arzúa and Castañeda, both very closely linked to the Camino's history. In Arzúa we can see the beautiful chapel of "La Magdalena" built in gothic style and founded in the 14th century. We can also enjoy some of Arzúa's delicious cheese, given denomination of origin. Overnight at hotel in Arzúa. Day 18: Salceda - Monte de Gozo (23.5 km, 14 miles). Our journey will take us through the villages of Salceda, A Brea, Santa Irene and A Rua until we finally reach Lavacolla, the place where the purification ritual needed to arrive in Santiago was performed in ancient times. We will end our walk in Monte do Gozo (Mount of joy) where we can enjoy a marvelous panoramic view of Santiago in which we will make our final destination: Santiago de Compostela's Cathedral the following day. Overnight at hotel in Lavacolla. Day 19: Monte de Gozo to Santiago de Compostela (4 km, 2-1/2 miles). You made it! We are scheduled to arrive in Santiago before 11:00 am, so that those who wish to attend the Pilgrims Mass and perform any pilgrim rituals like hugging the Apostle Santiago, can do so. In the evening, we will have a wonderful farewell surprise accompanied by dinner. Optional overnight at hotel in Santiago de Compostela. Day 20: In the morning we offer a guided visit through Santiago for our group. The focus of the guided visit will be on the old city, where we will recall the history of the city and the pilgrimage to Santiago through its main monuments, squares, and streets. During the visit we will enter the Cathedral where, in addition to its history and evolution, well-known traditions will be explained. On our tour we will also go to the fresh produce market, called Mercado de Abastos. Once there, the group will have the opportunity to buy typical products of Galician gastronomy (fish, seafood, veal ) that can be sampled later in one of the nearby restaurants. Our tour comes to an end at about 1:00 pm. Your Camino through life begins! Flight to Paris or Madrid for those leaving today. Day 21: Optional: We enjoy a full-day trip to Finisterre (the end of the earth ) departing at 9 am, and returning to Santiago at 6 pm. Day 22: Flight to Paris/Madrid, then back to the United States.

6 Spiritual Journeys El Camino de Santiago Compostela Important Information Meals: All breakfasts and most dinners are included in this tour. We have carefully selected the meals so you can have a taste of the most typical, most delicious, local cuisine. We excluded dinners when we stay in main cities which offer a large variety of dinner options. This way you have the freedom to stroll through the city and discover it on your own. Our guide will always be around and can give all the recommendations you need. Most lunches are not included to provide more flexibility during the day and so you can experiment on your own. You can stop and eat something along the way, or have lunch at the end of the daily stage. You can find daily menus starting at 7 ( $10). Regarding dinner, there are fixed menus starting at 15 ( $25), but spending will vary depending on what is ordered. Vegetarians, vegans, or those with a special diet (eg. gluten-free) will have suitable options. Just let us know beforehand and we will be happy to accommodate your needs. Accommodation: All of our accommodations are handpicked to give you the best possible experience. We will stay in charming hotels in bigger cities and typical Galician manors as we enter rural Galicia. Some of the manors used to be the homes of important people in the past such as kings or noblemen. They form part of the cultural experience. Usually they are located in privileged areas surrounded with green, peaceful scenery. All our accommodations have a private en suite bathrooms. You can be sure to receive personalized attention and excellent service from the owners, who will make you feel more than at home. blisters. Don t worry about getting lost. Moreover, on the Camino you are never alone. If you do not want to keep walking for any reason, you can hop on the support vehicle or be taken back to the hotel. After the daily walk, and after we ve all had lunch we will head back to the hotel where we can shower, freshen up and have a muchdeserved rest. Means and Assistance: A vehicle and guide for logistical support will be available during the entire route. It shall be of help for the pilgrims in transit and to cover any other needs that might arise along the way. It will be equipped with fruits, snacks, water, medicine, first aid kits. The luggage will be transferred from one hotel to the next using the support vehicle. For the walk you can take a small/medium backpack for a camera, water bottle, and personal belongings. You can use the one we provide, or bring your own. Mobile phones with a spanish line will be handed out for the period of the tour for every 2 or 3 pilgrims. This will allow you to communicate with the driver or guides for any reason at all times. The number can also be given to family members back home to receive phone calls. A packing list with recommendations on what to bring along on your trip, along with a Guide to Your Camino which answers questions regarding laundry, tip, and other useful topics will be provided. Walking: You walk at your own pace. There is no one you have to follow or walk with. We have meeting points along the way where our support vehicle will be waiting with snacks, fruit and water and to make sure everything is OK. We also offer assistance for any unexpected circumstances or simply to relieve muscular pain or cure Pilgrim s Kit: Upon your arrival we hand you a backpack filled with your tour program and daily itinerary, a hat, a notepad, your shell, and your Pilgrim s passport (Credencial). The backpack is perfect for use on your daily walk.

7 El Camino de Santiago Compostela Contribution Information Before and After the Tour Before: We will travel as a group whenever it is possible. For the group choosing the full trip with Chartres and Finistere, we will travel from Paris and back to Paris or Madrid as a group. For those choosing to not do Chartres we will meet either in Paris or in the town of St. Jean Pied de Port on Day 4. After: Before or after our optional day-trip to Finisterre on the last day, we are taken back to Santiago de Compostela where our trip comes to an end. Extra Hotel Reservations: If you would like to stay in Madrid or Santiago for a few days after the tour, our land operators will be happy to send you a list of hotels to work with and will assist you with the reservations. Spirit is Calling: Offers daily meditations. Each day we will have time to meditate and do spiritual healings on the activities of the day. Contribution in Double Occupancy Rooms: Option #1: Chartres, El Camino & Finistere :$ per person Option #2: El Camino Only $ Option #3: El Camino & Chartres $ Single supplement $ or $850 for option #2 & #3. If booking own flights, a reduced rate will apply. Deduct $200 from the Spiritual Journey Cost if paid in full by December 13, Contribution Includes: All transfers from airport to St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela. Support vehicle during the entire way. Charming en suite accommodation Luggage transfer between hotels. All breakfasts 8 dinners with wine 2 Lunches Private guided visits: Pamplona, León, our Lady of the Rock, Santiago & Finisterre. Visits through places of interest. Detailed informational program. Pilgrim Kit (Includes backpack, hat, Pilgrim s passport, shell, and more). English speaking guide. Route Map Photos of your tour Looking forward to having you join us! Spiritual Journeys *Due to the unpredictability of airline prices and travel in general, the total cost of the trip may be adjusted to cover extra airline fees or unpredicted variation in land cost. Spirit is Calling is a 501(c)3 nonprofit spiritual resource center for an open community of people interested in validating and growing spiritual awareness and capability.

8 Spiritual Journeys Registration Form Marly Camino, France & Spain May 13- June 3, 2015 Option #1: El Camino, Chartres, Finesterre $ per person Option # 2: El Camino Only $ Option #3: El Camino & Finesterre $ Single supplement $ or $850 for option #2 & #3. If booking own flights, a reduced rate will apply. Early Bird Discount Deduct $200 if paid in full by Dec. 13, Personal Information Name Mailing Address City State Zip Daytime Phone Evening Phone Cell Phone Best Time to Reach You Age Gender (Circle One) Male Female Occupation Passport Information (For International Spiritual Journeys Only) Passport Number Country of Issue Exact Name on Passport Date Passport Issued Date Passport Expires City Passport Issued In Date of Birth Birthplace Wellness Information List Any Special Dietary Needs While On Your Spiritual Journey List Any Items in Medical History That Would Reflect On Your Spiritual Journey Experience List Any Medications/Drugs You Are Currently Taking and Plan To Take While On Your Spiritual Journey List Any Allergies Indicate Whether You Are Under A Physician s Care, and If Yes, Indicate Nature of Condition Emergency Contact Name Phone Relationship Address Spiritual Journey Price Information Spiritual Journey Price* Additional Charge for Single Room Total Price: $ $ $ Amount Paid Payment Method (Circle One) Check Number (If Applicable) $ Check Credit Card * You may deduct $200 from the Spiritual Journey Cost shown above if paid in full by December 13, 2014.

9 Spiritual Journeys Registration Form Marly Camino, France & Spain May 13- June 3, 2015 Important Information About Your Spiritual Journey The date of the receipt of a written cancellation notice is considered to be the cancellation date. An notice of cancellation will be accepted. Cancellation fees are as follows: Prior to 120 days before departure: $100 administrative fee. 120 days before departure: 50% of total package cost 60 days before departure: 80% of total package cost Within 60 days before departure: 100% of total package cost A confirmation file will be available to you on our website after we receive your registration. A detailed itinerary will also be posted as soon as all details have been secured. You will be able to access more information from your Spirit is Calling leaders as they get posted on our webpage. Spirit is Calling may change the itinerary as need arises; in this event, the changes will be posted right away and you will be notified by . Spirit is Calling will not provide international air transportation. Each participant will meet Spirit is Calling at a pre-arranged location on a scheduled time and date in the country or location visited. Spirit is Calling will recommend a time of arrival at the final destination. Providing that most participants arrive within one hour of each other, Spirit is Calling will ask our local Tour provider to meet the group and provide transportation to the hotel of residence for the Spiritual Journey. Should the participants arrive at times too far apart, the participants will be responsible for their own transfer to the hotel of residence. Spirit is Calling may recommend travel agencies that may provide the international air travel. Your accommodations are booked as double occupancy. Spirit is Calling will assign a roommate for you at your request. If you wish to have a single room supplement, there will be an additional fee and you must specify your need for a single room as early as possible. Not included on your Spiritual Journey: International Air and Airport Taxes, costs and fees for passports, visas, immunizations, traveler s insurance, medical treatments, and lunches and dinners unless specified. You are responsible for all of your personal expenses, excess baggage costs, optional excursions and any additional items as stated in the detailed itinerary. Passports and Visas: Spirit is Calling will post a link to the Embassy whenever a visa will be needed. Participants are expected to contact the embassy/consulate as appropriate, and complete their visa and any and all necessary entry documentation. Failure to complete this process shall not be accepted as a cause to void a paid journey and no refund shall be applied. Price Changes: In the event of any unpredicted price increases, Spirit is Calling will advise the participants of the changes as soon as they are made available to us and the participant will be expected to pay the difference in the cost. Spirit is Calling will try to absorb some of the extra cost; anything above and beyond will be added to the cost of the journey. Customs and Local Laws: Spirit is Calling will respect and follow the local customs and laws and expect all participants to do so. Should a participant deviate from such customs and laws, the said participant may be asked to leave the group and no refunds will apply. Spirit is Calling will not be held responsible should the Spiritual Journey be canceled in full or partially due to local unrest, Act of God and/or other unpredictable incidents. Spiritual Journey participants may be asked to pay for additional expenses should the group be forced to change hotels due to local unrest, Act of God and/or other unpredictable events. There will be no refund of any unused portion of the journey. Nor will Spirit is Calling be held responsible for any expenses due to travel delays or cancellations. Spirit is Calling may request that each participant purchase a Travel Insurance policy prior to the Spiritual Journey. Spirit is Calling will indicate whether the basic coverage is included and what it entails. The participant can then decide what extra coverage he or she might wish to add at his or her own expense. Health and Medical: Each participant will be responsible for assessing his/hers own mental and physical abilities, health conditions prior to signing up for the Spiritual Journey. Each participant will be responsible for carrying his or her own medical supplies as needed. In no way will any of the spiritual healings, counselings and meditations substitute for medical treatments. It is the participant s responsibility to read and understand all material provided by Spirit is Calling. Each participant will be required to attend the section of the meeting/orientation where crucial information will be given in regards to the day s activities (time of group gathering, what to bring/wear/ expect). Should the participant decide to not read the material provided, or to not attend a briefing, orientation meeting or planning workshop during the course of the Spiritual Journey, the participant may not be allowed to attend the said activity as it may delay the group departure to that day s activity. By signing this contract I agree to all the terms specified above. Acceptance of Terms Print Name Signature Date