What is a Classical Pursuits Literary Adventure? Ann Kirkland founded Classical Pursuits in 1999 to provide thoughtful vacations for inquiring adults, with the world's best literature, art and music as our guides. By exploring and celebrating the particular visions of writers and artists in the location in which their works were created, we paradoxically discover the timeless truths that make these works great. Classical Pursuits Literary Adventures are a collaborative effort. Classical Pursuits develops the themes and selects the leaders. Worldwide Quest is in charge of production, expertly looking after all the logistical arrangements. What makes our adventures special is the balance of in- depth discussion of important literature; guided walks to immerse ourselves in the cultural and natural history of a place; informal talks with local people to provide background and context to our inquiry; generous unscheduled time; exceedingly convivial company; and of course, lingering conversation over great meals! Most important, with a Classical Pursuits Literary Adventure you will not lose the spontaneity, flexibility, and sense of personal discovery you seek in your own private travels only the logistical hassles. What s involved? The only prerequisites are to read before you arrive and to come with an open mind. Leon to Santiago de Compostela, Spain 10 kilometers on the Camino de Santiago June 13 25, 2015 Daily Itinerary Getting There Most flights from Canada are overnight, arriving in Madrid the next day. Worldwide Quest would be happy to make your personalized flight arrangements and pre- and post- tour hotel stay.
Saturday, June 13 Arrive Madrid Our group meets today in Madrid. We ll get to know each other over dinner together this evening. Overnight: Madrid Meals: Dinner Sunday, June 14 Transfer to Leon This morning, we ll travel from Madrid to Leon to begin our Camino. We ll receive a Pilgrim s Blessing at the Romanesque Basilica of San Isidro. Overnight: Leon Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Monday, June 15 Leon to O Cebreiro Walking: 10km By van to Galicia to begin our walk. Our first steps take us to the mountain top hamlet of O Cebreiro, where we are apt to be greeted by the sound of bagpipes. Dinner tonight is a home- cooked meal. Overnight: O Cebreiro Tuesday, June 16 O Cebreiro to Tricastela Walking: 20km To the tiny church of Santa Maria to be introduced to the first of many Camino miracles. A steady climb to the Alto do Poio, then a descent to the three castles that watch over our next village. Overnight: Sarria Wednesday, June 17 Tricastela to Sarria Walking: 18km By day we walk along the hills of San Xil to enjoy the beautiful views from atop the ridge, and in the evening, we ll hop into the van to visit one of Spain s oldest monasteries and listen to the Benedictine monks sing vespers. Overnight: Sarria Thursday, June 18 Sarria to Portomarin Walking: 21 km Our walk takes us by the 100- kilometer marker, a milestone for the millions of pilgrims who have traversed this same spot. The 12 th - century Church of San Juan stands guard over the River Mino as we approach the village. Overnight: Portomarin 2
Friday, June 19 Portomarin to Palas de Rei Walking: 21km A gentle climb out of the river valley and through typical Galician villages and then west to see the granite cross marking the way to Santiago since the 17 th century, finishing our walk passing through the first of many eucalyptus forests. Take a dip in the pool to freshen up tonight! Overnight: Portomarin Saturday, June 20 Palas de Rei to Melide Walking: 18km Following the now- familiar yellow arrows, we ramble up and down gentle rolling hills along quiet footpaths. Overnight: Melide Sunday, June 21 Melide to Arzua Walking: 14km Halfway! Our route today is filled with tiny churches dating back to the 12 th and 14 th century dedicated to Santiago and Santa Maria. Overnight: Melide Monday, June 22 Arzua to Arca Walking: 18km Today we continue to enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Galician countryside, as we are greeted by villagers along the way. On this trek, we are no longer tourists but pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago! Overnight: Arca Tuesday, June 23 Arca to Santiago Walking: 20km Today we approach our destination, passing through the village of Lavacolla where pilgrims in the Middle Ages would wash themselves before entering the city strictly optional for 21 st - century pilgrims! Nine days, 160 km, and we have arrived in Santiago de Compostela. Congratulations! You are going to love this magical city filled with fantastic monuments. Overnight: Santiago de Compostela Wednesday, June 24 Santiago de Compostela Our local historian gives us a closer look at the amazing cathedral that has seen so many transformations since the original chapel was built in the 9 th century. Our guided visit will finish at noon, in time for the pilgrim s mass! We conclude our Camino with a farewell feast! Overnight: Santiago de Compostela Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 3
Note: The itinerary and accommodation described in this tour brochure are subject to change due to logistical arrangements and to take advantage of local events. TOUR DETAILS Tour Cost (per person): US$5,795 Taxes and Gratuities (per person): US$260 Tour Cost for Guaranteed Single Accommodation: please enquire If you are travelling on your own and would like to share accommodation, we would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate. If we are unable to do so, the single cost applies. Group size: 10 12 participants Tour Cost Includes: Accommodation based on double occupancy in 3- and 4- star hotels and restored country manors Meals as indicated in the itinerary, including wine with dinner All ground transportation by private coach Bilingual walking guide to accompany the group Support vehicle to provide assistance along the Camino All luggage transfers Books and reading Gratuities for escort, local guides, drivers, hotel and group meals (as indicated above) Taxes (as indicated above) Fully escorted Tour Cost Does Not Include: Roundtrip airfare from your home Arrival and departure transfers at destination Cancellation / Interruption and Medical Insurance Items of a personal nature Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation Payment Details A non- refundable deposit of C$500 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. A second deposit of US$1,000 is required on December 11, 2014. Final payment is due March 13, 2015. 4
WHAT TO EXPECT Level of Difficulty: Moderate The terrain is green rolling hills there are neither steep climbs nor treacherous descents. The trail itself is a combination of very well maintained compact dirt and stone footpaths and small country roads. If you have any questions about your ability to participate in this tour, please call our office. Accommodation We will be staying in 3- and 4- star hotels and restored country manors. All rooms have their own bathroom. Transportation Transportation from Madrid to the start point of the Camino is by private coach. The walk is accompanied by a support vehicle that will be there to provide you assistance when the route permits. The possibility of shorter routes and pick- up options will be explained on a daily basis. Your luggage will be transported between hotels. Due to space restrictions, each participant is limited to one medium- sized piece and a small carry- on bag Weather We expect sunny to partly cloudy days with daytime temperatures of 20 24 C although higher temperatures are possible. Humidity is around 70 percent. Travel Documents You will require a passport for this trip. Please make sure that it is valid for six months after the date of your return home. ADDITIONAL INFO Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # 2667946). Cancellation Policy All deposits are non- refundable; however, you may transfer your deposit to another trip 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non- refundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be 5
operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours. Worldwide Quest Explorers Club We d like to make sure that you know about our Worldwide Explorers Club. Travel twice with us and we ll say a special thank y with a 5 percent discount on your third trip. The discount applies to our brochure trips. 6