A SPIRITUALLY GUIDED CAMINO

Transcription

1 A SPIRITUALLY GUIDED CAMINO WITH MARGARET CAFFYN And KATY-K (world renowned psychic and medium) SEPTEMBER 18 27, 2018 PORTO TO SANTIAGO with OPTIONAL POST-CAMINO TRIP TO FINISTERRE AND MUXIA

2 Table of Contents THE PORTUGUES CAMINO... 3 PORTUGUES WAY... 6 INTRODUCTION: PORTO TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA... 6 ITINERARY... 8 TRIP INCLUSIONS ABOUT US POST CAMINO TRIP P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

3 THE PORTUGUES CAMINO PORTO TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA photo: Porto Portugal is rich in history. For centuries now, pilgrims have been making their way to Santiago de Compostela to reach the Cathedral where it is believed St James is interred. Most famously, Queen Isabel of Portugal ( ) walked this path, and as in the traditions of old with the monks and clergy providing food and shelter for the pilgrims, the locals do the very same today. Spanish and Portuguese people are raised to respect pilgrims, so you will find that they are generally exceptionally friendly and helpful. The Portuguese Camino mainly follows the Roman Army route. It stretches along the coast, meanders inland and passes through rolling hills and forests. 3 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

4 The paths contrast between modern boardwalks and ancient Roman cobblestones and rocks. You will follow a trail on which thousands of others have walked before you the Pagans, the Celts, The Romans, the Christians and the Islamics All in search as we are, for peace and contentment. There is a choice of several ways to Santiago on this route, but we will be walking a mixture of coastal and inland routes to get a general taste what a Camino is like, as I am sure that you will want to come back and try some other Caminos after this experience. The Camino provides space for reflection, removing us from society as we know it, and allowing us to just be for a while. It is not a race. In fact, you will find that not only your thoughts slow down, but your pace as well. You will begin to notice the butterflies, the birds, the snails and the smells of nature. You will have a chance to enjoy the food of both Portugal and Spain, the wine, and obviously, the port. The itinerary has been designed to provide you with a rich and fulfilling experience walking a comfortable distance each day. This trip will be for 9 nights, but there is an option to go further if you wish. Your luggage will be carried forward for you daily, breakfasts and dinners are included (except for first and last nights - we will probably just find a tapas bar for a local adventure), and last nights (we will probably just find a tapas bar for a local adventure). 4 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

5 The paths are well marked with bright yellow arrows pointing towards Santiago, and you will be provided with very clear maps and instructions. We will stay in a mixture of centrally located hotels and Casa Rurals (country houses) Occasionally, momma will be in the kitchen cooking up a storm of local delights and delicacies, and of course, dietary requirements will also be noted and taken care of. 5 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

6 PORTUGUES WAY PORTO TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA This is a very special one of a kind walk designed to fit as much in as possible so that we get a true taste of Portugal and Spain. You are lucky indeed to be on this hike with Katy-K (world renowned psychic and medium). She will enhance our experience with her wisdoms and meditations, giving us guidance and readings along the way. A Camino is unique in that it allows you to slow down and remove yourself from everyday routine and gives you the headspace to reflect on your life and what is important. Use this time wisely and wander at your own pace. Walk alone for a while each day. We will walk along the beach, and pass through beautiful forests, cross Roman bridges to medieval towns and quaint hamlets. Portugal is famous for its wine and port. It produces 50% of the world s cork, the pre-paid mobile phone card was invented there, and it houses the world s oldest bookshop. Its footwear industry is the sexiest in Europe and the biggest and best waves in the world are to be found off the coast of Portugal. 6 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

7 We will enter the Galician region of Spain. Here it is very lush and green. It rains a LOT, so you can expect to be dragging out the wet weather gear at some stage. You will be consumed by the familiar scent and sight of gum trees and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere of this hauntingly beautiful part of the country. Accommodation will be chosen carefully to give you a taste of the real Portugal. Most will be privately owned country houses and often momma will be in the kitchen cooking up a storm for dinner, so we will get a feel for traditional local culture. Our accommodation in Santiago De Compostela at the end will be in the old monastery near the Cathedral. a fantastic experience. In Santiago you will have a chance to wander down to the Pilgrim s Office to get your certificates and I will also show you where Pilgrim House is (a drop in centre which is set up for Pilgrims who need to print boarding passes, do washing, leave bags for a while, cook, draw, paint, play guitar, read books or just relax.) Santiago is a beautiful old town. It is very tourist driven and the restaurants and bars are fantastic. It has a great buzz. 7 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

8 ITINERARY DAY 1 / NIGHT 1 - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 Arrive in Porto - We will gather together, acquaint ourselves with the rest of the group and find a bar for dinner somewhere nearby. DAY 2 / NIGHT 2 - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 Porto to Povoa de Varzim (16kms) approx walking time 4-5 hours (then transfer to Ponte de Lima) We will transfer by private transport from Porto to Labruge. This will shorten the walk and avoid the industrial outskirts of town. We will then walk along the newly laid boardwalk all the way to Povoa de Varzim. The first stage hugs the Atlantic coastline and passes through fishing villages. The ocean and miles of golden sandy beaches will be the guide to our destination today. Povoa de Varzim is a popular resort town for the Portuguese. Later in the afternoon we will transfer by private transport to the beautiful village of Ponte de Lima, to wander through its narrow streets and past the historical buildings that date back to medieval times. It is allegedly the oldest city in Portugal and probably has one of the prettiest riverbanks in the country. DAY 3 / NIGHT 3 - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

9 Ponte de Lima - Rubiaes - approx walking time 4-5 hours Today starts by crossing the impressive Roman bridge and onto beautiful paths that will take us deep into mountainous terrain. An irresistible spot at the top for a picnic before making our way down to Rubiaes. As there is not enough accommodation in this tiny town for our group, we will transfer by private transport back to Ponte de Lima, which is worth a second night stay and there will be an opportunity for a massage. DAY 4 / NIGHT 4 - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2018 Rubiaes - Tui - (20 kms) approx walking time 5-6 hours We will transfer back to Rubiaes in the morning and bid farewell to Portugal today as we cross the border into Spain. The border is marked by the bridge connecting Tui and Valenca. It was completed in 1878 under the direction of Gustave Eiffel. Tui sits above the banks of the majestic Mino River and is a beautiful town of approximately 17,000 people. 9 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

10 DAY 5 / NIGHT 5 - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2018 O Porrino - Redondela (18 kms) approx walking time 4-5 hours This morning we will be transferred to O Porrino. We then have an easy walk to Redondela, a small fishing village just off the Camino. It is renowned for its oysters. Our accommodation is by the water and it is worth a paddle before our evening meal. DAY 6 / NIGHT 6 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 Redondela - Pontevedra (18 kms) approx walking time 4-5 hours Winding through the old town of Redondela takes us towards Pontevedra, which has some of the most beautiful historical monuments in Galicia. Enjoy the narrow local roads at the beginning of the route today. There are a few food temptations along the way also. 10 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

11 DAY 7 / NIGHT 7 - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis (18 kms) approx walking time 4-5 hours Welcome to the flattest stage of the Camino. It runs along dirt roads, mostly weaving among village houses and fields. Leaving Praza da Ferreira, we will cross Pontevedra s old town and go over the O Burgo Bridge, entering the green landscapes of rural Galicia, one of the most unforgettable provinces in Spain. Arriving in Caldas de Reis, the home of thermal springs! DAY 8 / NIGHT 8 - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 Caldas de Reis - Padron (17 kms) approx walking time 4-5 hours The road out of Caldas de Reis takes us straight to the fields, before reaching the outskirts of Padron, most famous for its celebrated writers and its peppers (quite spicy!) 11 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

12 DAY 9 / NIGHT 9 - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 Padron - Santiago de Compostela (26 kms) approx walking time 6 hours (CAN BE REDUCED) Our destination today is Santiago de Compostela - a rare and special city with a particular magic that can only be enjoyed by walking around its streets. It historical centre has been designated a World Heritage Site, offering dozens of churches and religious buildings. The most important being the impressive Cathedral with both Baroque and Romanesque architecture. It is believed that St James is entombed here. You will be booked into the renovated monastery opposite the Cathedral for tonight as a special treat. It has an amazing atmosphere and is very central to everything. The rooms are very simple, as it is an old monastery, but it has a wonderful atmosphere, it is clean, reasonably priced and central to everything 12 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

13 There is a chain of hotels in Spain called the Parador. You may want to change your accommodation to the Parador in Santiago as a treat if you want something very posh. I have stayed in both and prefer the latter, but it is nice to be able to say that you actually slept in a Parador Hotel! (Bookings for the Parador are hard to get. Please contact me immediately if this is where you would prefer to stay, so we can secure a room for you). Alternately, there is another hotel I have stayed in which is mid-range and really wonderful, just on the edge of the old town. It is the Hotel Compostela. Once again, let me know immediately if you prefer to stay here. Santiago is the destination point for ALL the Caminos, so it is always booked months ahead. This is where the trip ends. Take time to wander the streets of Santiago, come with me down to the Pilgrim Office to obtain your certificate of completion. We will perhaps do a bit of a tapas bar crawl to sample some wonderful local food and reminisce about our fabulous trip. Unfortunately, they are doing major renovations to the Cathedral in 2018, and we may not have the anticipated roof-top tour, watch the Botafumeiro swing or attend a pilgrim mass to hear the nun s singing and soak up the atmosphere. It is also not known if we will be able to go into the Cathedral and hug the statue of St James and see his tomb. Let s hope we can. 13 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

14 DAY 10 - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 27, END OF TOUR We will part ways after breakfast, although there is also an opportunity to go on further if you wish and come with me to Finisterre and Muxia. (cost to be advised - depends how many people). This would be one night in each town and we will travel by bus rather than walk. See further notes. Please let me know ASAP as accommodation is hard to get (even 10 months away!) 14 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

15 TRIP INCLUSIONS * A PREPARATION WORKSHOP (by Skype for those not nearby) * GROUP LEADER (Margaret Caffyn) * GUEST - PSYCHIC (Katy-K) Katy will be taking us through morning meditations, giving readings and messages along the way, and she has some other surprises up her sleeve for us too. * A PACK OF KATY S FAMOUS MODERN ORACLE CARDS for readings * SCALLOP SHELL * GUIDE BOOK * PILGRIM PASSPORT * 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS (all breakfasts included and 7 dinners) * PRIVATE TRANSFERS as mentioned in the itinerary * DAILY LUGGAGE TRANSFERS (no more than 15kgs please) * ACCOMMODATION WILL BE PRE-BOOKED, MAINLY IN CASA RURALS (Portuguese and Spanish privately owned houses rather than hostels) * ALL BOOKING AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS as per itinerary * A copy of WALKING BACK HOME (my book) * A WELCOME PACK (containing a diary, pen and a few more surprises and treats) 15 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

16 TRIP EXCLUSIONS * Flights and transfers to and from airport * Departure taxes * Travel Insurance (but it is compulsory for you to purchase) * Medical advice or medical visits during the trip * Daily lunches * First and last night dinners * Alcohol / drinks * Laundry * Any additional activities not in the itinerary * Lunches 16 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

17 KATY-K ABOUT US Katy-K is an Australian born Psychic Medium and Spiritual development teacher who travels and works Internationally. Katy is the creator of the very popular The Modern Oracle deck that was published in She also holds the privilege of being awarded the International Psychics Directory 2015 Psychic People s Choice Award. Those lucky enough to come on this Camino will be provided with a free deck of Katy s beautiful Modern Oracle cards. She will be giving morning mediations, guidance and readings along the way P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

18 MARGARET CAFFYN Pilgrim of several Caminos, Author of Walking Back Home (Finding Clarity on the Camino), public speaker and traveller. The Camino has consumed her life over the last few years. She has a vast experience in life, having grown up living between the city and the family farm on Phillip Island in Victoria. Her love for adventure has seen her travel the world, but her passion for the Camino is contagious and inspiring. Participants will also be given a copy of her book 18 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

19 OPTIONAL POST CAMINO TRIP TO FINISTERRE AND MUXIA 19 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

20 (ABOVE) PATHWAY IN ALICIA (L) PORT OF FINISTERRE (R) CHURCH IN MUXIA (BELOW) PORT OF MUXIA 20 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

21 If you would like to travel on to Finisterre (what used to be known as the end of the world ), and/or Muxia (a very spiritual and sacred place) you will have three options. 1. Do a self-guided tour (4-6-day walk- depending on fitness) from Santiago to Finisterre day walk (depending on fitness) from Finisterre to Muxia 3. Do a bus trip (2 nights) - one night in Finisterre and one night in Muxia Either way, I highly recommend a trip to both these towns as a way to finish off your wonderful adventure. FINISTERRE is a small fishing village and port, traditionally known as the end of the world, hence the Latin name. You will be able to wander around the harbour and watch the fishermen prepare their nets for the next day. Dine in one of the many restaurants or just saunter and reflect. In the evening, take the 3km walk up to the lighthouse for a photo opportunity at the 0km marker, sit on the rocks with a bottle of wine and a picnic and watch the sun go down over the horizon. Many people burn their hiking clothes here and swim in the ocean to cleanse their bodies after the long journey. Be careful though if this is your intention, as this is the Atlantic Ocean and it has treacherous undercurrents. Many a pilgrim has died fulfilling this dream. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU WISH TO DO THIS AS A HIKE, YOU WILL NEED TO BE QUITE FIT AS THERE ARE A FEW BIG INCLINES AND DECLINES 21 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

22 MUXIA (pronounced Mooshia) is a beautiful town. again, a fishing port, but it has a special history. Wander through the streets of this beautiful, little authentic Galician village. The name Muxia is derived from Mongia, land of the monks from the nearby Romanesque monastic church. These monks settled there in 1105 and the town is quaintly associated to Santiago because of the legend of the Lady of the Boat. The story tells of how the Virgin Mary arrived (in a boat made of stone) to help St James with his mission to convert the population from their worship of the sun. Legend explains how her boat became petrified in the stones on the headland, and apparently it has miraculous healing powers if one is to pass under the stone sail 9 times. The rudder stone and rocking hull are also nearby. The latter moves on its axis and was once used to prove innocence or guilt of any accused brought before it. If it rocked, they were guilty! Nearby is the lover s stone where couples come to pledge their love. The magnificent 17th century church stands on the point, beautifully restored after a lightning storm hit it in Above this is a narrow stone path that winds its way up to the top of a 400m hill which gives a breath taking 360-degree view of the town, the harbour and coastline. Have your photo taken by the stone cross at the top. On the other side of the hill, you can wander among the ruins of a Celtic village and soak up the history through your feet or just sit and meditate. 22 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN

23 PLEASE NOTE: I will be going by bus to Finisterre and Muxia as I want to be able to enjoy the villages and the sunsets, take time to wander around and reflect on my trip and I welcome anyone who wishes to come along. It will not be a formal tour, so I take no responsibility for anything that may or may not happen. You would be simply keeping me company and enjoying a bit of banter. Accommodation can be either hotels or a modern albergue, depending on your budget. It is only two nights and we would get the bus back to Santiago the third day and end our trip. 23 P A G E MARGCAFFYN@HOTMAIL.COM M. CAFFYN