SPAIN The French Way Camino In Style

Transcription

1 SPAIN The French Way Camino In Style Stay in a five-star Parador in Santiago Qualify for the official pilgrims certificate Characterful accommodations en route. SELF-GUIDED Departures for a minimum of 2 persons travelling together Tour Grade B/C Tour Code - TFIS For dates and prices visit:

2 Introduction Enjoy this incredible journey along the ancient pilgrimage route from Sarria to Santiago in true comfort, staying in the finest available accommodation along the way. These can include a 5* parador situated in magnificent historic buildings and several charming country inns set in pazos traditional Galician country homes. This is a journey of the soul and spirit but with a little luxury to help you along the way! Above lounge area at the Parador in Santiago de Compostela As you will be following exactly the same route as our standard French Way trip you still walk the final 100kms and qualify for La Compostela the official pilgrim s certificate. Once you are on the walking stages outside of the starting point of Sarria, the more upmarket hotels and manor houses are usually in rural settings outside the towns and villages away from where the standard Camino walkers stay, so on a couple of days transfers are provided at the end or the start of a days walking. This is a journey of the soul and spirit, taking the traveller in the footsteps of millions who, over the centuries, have entered this green and misty landscape in the northeast corner of Iberia to venerate the tomb of the Apostle St James Santiago. The French Way crosses the Pyrenees at Roncesvalles, winds through the mountains of Aragon, then into the fertile valleys of Navarre and La Rioja, and across the plains of Castile before entering the verdant hills of Galicia. Your journey begins in Sarria and 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. The route covers rolling terrain, following quiet country roads, old bridle paths and forest trails through beautiful, rural landscapes and ancient villages, past Romanesque chapels and magnificent churches. Along the way, you will find a profusion of art of all kinds created over the centuries in honour of St. James. Every day, you will share the trail with fellow pilgrims from around Spain, Europe and even further a-field, and inevitably, the traveller soon finds himself imbued with the unique and magical spirit that pervades the entire Camino de Santiago experience. IMPORTANT NOTE- The Camino de Santiago is a justifiably world famous, and exceptionally popular pilgrimage trail. As a result, the demands and pressures for higher grade accommodations along the route are exceptionally high. Whilst we offer flexible departures for The French Way Camino In Style, 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. There may be occasions where it is necessary to substitute our usual accommodations due to availability and which may affect the trip cost. Spain Camino in Style 2

3 The area you visit This section of the Way, in north-western Spain, begins in Sarria and terminates in Santiago de Compostela - in the western part of Coruna province in the region of Galicia The terrain is first gently rolling plains with Mediterranean herbs such as aromatic thyme, lavender, cistus and sage growing by the trail, and stork nests on virtually every spire in the towns and tiny hamlets along The Way. The trail becomes increasingly hilly as you move westward into the Bierzo region, known for its red wine and red peppers, culminating in a fairly steep ascent through dense woods at the Galician border, into Lugo Province. Galicia is one of the four regions that comprise the northern fringe of the Iberian peninsula, known by many as green Spain, for its verdant and lush vegetation, with forests of chestnut, oak, pine and even eucalyptus. From the Galician border The Way follows a gradual undulating descent towards Santiago, passing through rich dairy and farming country, with innumerable hamlets whose vegetable gardens are typically planted with potato, corn, cabbage and grelos - a leafy green vegetable similar to kale, featured in many distinctive Galician dishes. Pilgrims credentials & certificate of completion Every pilgrim who has walked the last 100 km of the route (Sarria is 112 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 you will receive in advance and then you must ensure you have it 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. 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. Walking conditions You will be provided with fully detailed walking notes, which will be sent to you in advance. The route is well waymarked 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 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. Spain Camino in Style 3

4 You can expect to walk between 14km and 28km each day, which is why this trek is graded a B/C. But don t forget that on walking days you will only need to carry a small rucksack with essentials such as rainwear, camera and water, etc. since we take care of luggage transfer for you. In the unlikely event that you cannot continue the day s walk there is always the possibility of taking a taxi or local bus. Daily walking distances are shown in the detailed itinerary. 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 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. 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. 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. Spain Camino in Style 4

5 Outline Itinerary Day Your 'at-a-glance' Itinerary Overnight Accn. Meal plan 1 Arrive Sarria Sarria 3* Hotel B 2 Walk to Portomarin Portomarin Pousada de Portomarin BD 3 Walk to Palas de Rei Palas de Rei Aparadas Das Bestas BD 4 Walk to Arzua Cataneda Paza de Sedor BD 5 Walk to Rua A Ponte PunideO Muino de Pena BD 6 Walk to Santiago Santiago 5* Parador B 7 Depart Santiago B B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner. Day 1 Arrive Sarria and make your way to your hotel. See Joining Arrangements and transfers section later in this trip dossier. Facilities in Sarria include ATM s, internet, shops, restaurants etc. 3* Hotel, Sarria Our usual Superior Collection hotel in Sarria Hotel Alfonso IX, NH, 3-Star, Sarria This comfortable modern hotel is conveniently located just a short distance off the Camino de Santiago and is on the banks of the river Sarria where swans and ducks can waddle straight from the river to the hotel s spacious gardens. The hotel has a solarium and its A Ponte de Riberia restaurant, specializing in the best of Spain Camino in Style 5

6 Galician regional cuisine, is considered one of the finest in the province. tiny Romanesque churches, passing through the important pilgrim town of Melida around lunchtime. In short, this is a typical day on the Camino de Santiago. Reaching the end of today s walk in Arzua your accommodation hosts will come and pick you up (telephone number will be provided) and take you to your hotel tonight, a mere 9km from the Camino. Walking distance, 28 km. Overnight Castaneda, Pazo de Sedor Our usual Superior Collection hotel in Castaneda, Pazo de Sedor Day 2 Your first walking stage allows you to experience one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire Pilgrims Way through verdant forests, grassy meadows, fertile orchards and simple stone-built hamlets. Your final destination is Portomarin, perched on the banks of the Miño River. Walking distance, 23 km. Overnight Portomarin Our usual Superior Collection hotel in Portomarin Pousada de Portomarin 3-star The Pousada de Portomarin is a former parador that has been turned into privately run traditional country hotel with a comfortable modern ambience. It is situated on the river Miňo and is surrounded by spectacular scenery. It has a swimming pool, gym (if you wish to do some more exercise on arrival), however you may wish to just relax after the hard days walk in the sauna. Day 3 The Pilgrims Way continues on through lush Galician countryside to Palas de Rei. This is where the route you are walking on the French Pilgrims Way meets with another route coming from the north called the Primitive Way Walking distance, 23km. Overnight in Palas de Rei. Our usual Superior Collection hotel in Palas de Rei Aparadas Das Bestas, Palas de Rei Day 4 You continue along the ancient route over medieval bridges and through rolling green landscapes, dotted with cows, stone walls and This 18 th Century Pazo or manor house was converted in It has belonged to the same family for generations and features a lovely private chapel, pretty gardens and one of the regions best restaurants. Day 5 A private transfer takes you back to the Camino. The excitement starts to build as you get nearer to Santiago, and there are noticeably more pilgrims accompanying you as yet another northern route - The Coastal Way - joins yours in Arzúa. You walk along rural paths and through a series of vegetable patches, fields and oak groves before entering pine and eucalyptus woods. Reaching Rua as yesterday tonight s hosts will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. A short journey of approx. 8km. A Ponte Punide, O Muino de Pena Walking distance, 23 km. Our usual Superior Collection hotel in A Ponte Punide, O Muino de Pena A converted old mill building, this Casa Rural next to a river has spacious rooms decorated in historical style. There s an on-site ethnographic museum too. Day 6 You are transferred back to yesterdays end point (included). On your final day country lanes and forest paths lead through increasingly populated countryside as you approach the great city. Finally, you reach the top of the Monte del Gozo (the Mount of Joy) so named for the emotion felt by those who on arriving here were rewarded with their first views of Santiago de Compostela. From here it is downhill into the small city. You enter through its modern outskirts, then head directly into the ancient centre (which has been declared in its entirety a UNESCO World heritage site) following in the footsteps of millions through the centuries before you. The Spain Camino in Style 6

7 place you head for is the Plaza del Obradoiro, Santiago s grandiose central square that is lined with the city s greatest monuments, including the magnificent Cathedral. Entering the square is a magical moment for all who have walked the Camino and some time must be taken to savour the accomplishment. 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. Walking distance, 14 km. Overnight Santiago de Compostela. Our usual Superior Collection hotel in Santiago 5* Parador, Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos This is the most prestigious hotel in the Parador chain, and one of the worlds oldest hotels. This former pilgrim s hospice and hospital, with 4 cloisters and fabulous stone carved façade was founded in the 15 th Century by the catholic monarchs Fernando and Isabel. The building is a national monument and shares the Obradoiro Square with the Cathedral. Day 7 Depart Santiago de Compostela. See Joining Arrangements and transfers section on the next page. Spain Camino in Style 7

8 Practical Information Joining Arrangements and Transfers You should join this trip on day 1 of the trip itinerary at your hotel in Sarria. Airport transfers are not included. 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 You take two buses to reach Sarria from Santiago, but the process is straightforward (approx. 15pp). 1 - Santiago airport to Lugo 16h10, 18h40 (1hr45). See timetables in English: Lugo to Sarria (30mins). Many buses every day, until late. See monbus and look for "Horarios" on the left. From Monday to Friday Monbus operate a direct service to Sarria at 6pm (3hrs), but from the Bus station (20mins from the airport). See monbus and check "Horarios" on the left. Transfers by private car can be arranged in advance for the journey from Santiago Airport to Sarria. Contact us for current prices. Please let us know at least 4 weeks before departure if you require us to arrange this on your behalf. Departure Shuttle buses from Santiago city centre to the airport (20mins), or private taxi (cots approx 15). Transfers by private car can also be arranged in advance for the journey from central Santiago back to Santiago Airport. International Travel For this trip the nearest International Airport for arrival and for departure 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 Sarria 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 to a maximum of 20kg. As your main baggage will be transported by vehicle during the walking days a normal suitcase can be used for your main baggage. Written by Liz Printed on 11/9/2012

9 Passports and Visas British and other EU passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to three months (please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity). 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. Transfers on days 4,5 and 6 as described in the daily itinerary are prvided and are included in the land only trip price. Accommodation Accommodation will be reserved for you on a twin share basis unless you have already requested a single room at extra cost. Food A fine selection of Spanish foods is available in the villages, cafes and hotels along the way. 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. Alternatively ask your overnight accommodation to prepare a packed lunch for you. In Spain they do eat very late and this is reflected in hotel restaurant opening times. 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! Temperatures may be between 20-30C in the spring to early summer months, but can also be cooler or hotter dependent upon prevailing weather conditions. Be aware that the reason for the lush vegetation in Galicia is that showers do occur regularly! The rain in Spain does not always fall mainly on the plain. 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. You may freely request tap water from any home or establishment along the route, or buy bottled water in any eating establishment, shop, etc. Water is also available along the trail from numerous public springs or fountains provided for the use of pilgrims and is generally safe to drink, but you may like to take tablets to purify your drinking water. 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 areavailable in Sarria, Portomarin, Palas de Rei, Rua and Santiago. Many of the hotels, restaurants take credit cards, some shops do as well. But many of the villages are small and it is best to carry part of your spending money in cash. 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 we recommend you 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 Spain Camino in Style 9

10 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- for a quotation. Inclusions and exclusions Inclusions Accommodation Meals as indicated in the trip itinerary. Route notes Luggage transfers for walking days between accommodations. Transfers as indicated in the daily itinerary on days 4, 5 and 6. Exclusions Airport transfers Souvenirs and personal items Insurance Meals not indicated in the trip itinerary International flights 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 Swimwear 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) Spain Camino in Style 10

11 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 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 in Style 11