Duration: Start: Finish: Price From: Camino de Santiago Walking 8 days / 7 nights Leon Santiago de Compostela $5,395 pp (based on 4 people, double occupancy) Request your date for exact pricing Designed by Lewis Evans Veteran B&R Guide turned Trip Planner Lewis Evans can ask for a coffee in five European languages. And while this often results in him being served a crusty cheese sandwich, he s terrific at pretending that s what he ordered. This is one of our Private Ready-to-Book trips. Think of B&R s Ready-to-Book collection of carefully crafted itineraries as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer. These trips showcase the essential highlights of each destination, and because they are set to go, booking your private trip couldn t be easier. Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip, customizing your experience to match your interests and tastes. Inclement weather though we d like to think there won t be any may also necessitate minor alterations. 2015 Butterfield & Robinson Inc. 1-800-387-1147 www.butterfield.com page 1
Your Journey The ancient pilgrimage route along the Camino de Santiago is a quintessential example of how walking provides a great way to slow down to see the world. We only take in a portion of this route, the full version of which stretches its way all over Europe. Our portion features many challenging uphill sections, which will make its flatter sections all the more rewarding. Along the way, you ll view some of the pilgrimage s most noted sites, including the Puerta del Perdón, the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross), a Benedictine monastery in Samos, and the Catedral de Santiago. Day 1 León Today you make your own way to the lovely city of León, once an important religious centre along the Camino de Santiago and now a bustling university town. Be sure to make time to visit the city s famous Santa Maria de Regla Cathedral, renowned for its 125 awesome stained-glass windows, and admire the equally impressive Romanesque Basilica of San Isidro with its gorgeously frescoed pillars and ceilings. This evening your local B&R guide will meet you in the lobby of the hotel to head out for a drink followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner HOTEL Hotel NH Collection León Plaza Mayor Conveniently located in León s bustling main square, the NH Collection Leon Plaza Mayor hotel is the perfect place to begin our journey. A former 18th-century nobleman s building, the hotel combines a lovely old façade with stylish, modern interiors. The on-site restaurant serves up delicious Spanish fare made from the finest local ingredients. 2
León to Astorga Day 2 An easy first day on the Camino de Santiago that will allow you to fully enjoy the monumental city of Astorga, located on the border of the paramo to the mountains of León. Astorga has a great history, having been founded by the Romans in the 1 st century B.C. It became a very important communication hub and a mining center during Roman times. Astorga is where the Southern Camino de Santiago coming from Seville along La Via de la Plata merges with the French way. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: 17 km (10 mi.) walk from Hospital d Orbigo to Astorga HOTEL Casa de Tepa This exceptional civil building was the Earl of Tepa s usual residence until its last renovation. The Earl ordered the construction of this building at the end of the 18th century as inscribed on the main door s lintel. Right here there was the Convent and the Pilgrims Hospital of Santiago, the most important out of the 17 hospitals that happened to be in the city at that time. Day 3 Foncebadon to Molinaseca From Foncebadon, you ll leave the territory of Astorga and enter El Bierzo. The Camino climbs through rolling mountains to the Cruz de Ferro, a symbolic five metre monument, crowned with an iron cross sitting upon a heap of stones. After visiting the cross, you ll venture into the village of El Acebo, where you will stop for lunch. The Camino winds it way down to the picturesque village of Molinaseca, known for its pretty riverside location and Romanesque bridge. From here you ll be driven to your hotel for the evening, Palacio de Canedo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: 19 km (12 mi.) walk 3
HOTEL Palacio Canedo This 14-room guesthouse is a breath of fresh air just off the Camino. The one site winery and canning facilities are well worth the visit. Each rooms is uniquely decorated and themed making for a cozy stay amongst pilgrims and travelers alike. O Cebreiro to Triacastela Day 4 This morning you ll venture to Galicia via O Cebreiro, a stunning mountain village in a region of outstanding natural beauty. From O Cebreiro, you will pass through the Serra de Ranadoiro (Ranadoiro Mountains) and, after crossing the Alto do Poio, you will descend into the village of Triacastela. Here your guide will be waiting to drive you to the lovely Parador de Monforte where you will have dinner this evening. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity: 21 km (13 mi.) walking HOTEL Parador Monteforte de Lemos The historic site of San Vicente do Pino is located in the uppermost part of the town of Monforte de Lemos. It is made up of the keep, San Vicente do Pino Monastery and the palace of the counts of Lemos, which houses the Parador de Monforte. The monastery dates back to the 9th century, although the current structure was built in the 17th century in the neoclassical style. Day 5 Lemos to Arzua via Portomarin Following a relaxing morning and perhaps a quick tour of the Rio Sil s lovely gorges, you ll be driven to the lively market town of Melide to begin today s short walk. Melide is a great place to try Galicia s classic dish of octopus in one of the many pulperías. From here the Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track bringing you to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Next is the 4
pretty medieval village of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa. In Arzúa, you should visit the churches of Santa María and A Magdalena. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity: 19 km (12 mi.) from Melide to Arzúa HOTEL Pazo Santa Maria, Arzúa The oak and chestnut-wood ceilings and stonewalls hold a history descending from two prominent lineages in this corner of Spain. The sweeping views over the Galician countryside are a great way to unwind after a long day of walking. The Pazo has 16 lovely bedrooms divided between the main house and individual cottages surrounding the main building. Day 6 Arzua to Santiago de Compostela Today your journey ends exactly where it should in the impressive shadow of the medieval Cathedral de Santiago, the legendary resting spot of Saint James the Apostle, and the pious place where pilgrims both ancient and modern complete their act of devotion. Today you ll make the final journey into Santiago. You will have a short morning drive to Amenal, where you ll start your day of walking. Your next point of interest is Lavacolla, where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo ( Mount of Joy ) and it is from here that will catch your first glimpse of the Cathedral of Santiago. When you arrive in the city, you will get a chance to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site s architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural mecca. Should you want to be in Santiago in time for the noon Pilgrims mass, it will require an early start as the journey time to this point is around four hours. Tonight you ll enjoy a celebratory dinner with your guide. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity: 14 km (8.5 mi.) walk from Amenal to Santiago 5
Day trip to Finisterre KM 0 Day 7 Today you and your guide travel out to the true ending point of the Camino KM 0. You ll enjoy a simple coastal walk before settling in for a great seafood lunch, Galician style. Once properly stuffed, you will head back to Santiago for a bit of time to explore the city on your own. Your guide will say goodbye this evening but will be sure to point you in the right direction for dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: 15 km (9 mi.) from Cee to Finsterre HOTEL Parador de Santiago de Compostela The Hostal dos Reis Católicos, a former 16thC hospice, founded by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, provides a well deserved five-star finish to our journey. Next to the cathedral, the property once served as a hospital for pilgrims visiting the tomb of Saint James, and is now considered one of the finest hotels in Europe. Our rooms are palatial, featuring handsome antiques, ornate canopied beds and remarkably sumptuous bathrooms. Day 8 Farewells Today you make your own way to the Santiago airport for connecting flights home. Your guide can arrange a taxi for you. Hasta Luego. 6
The Details Start: León Finish: Santiago de Compostela Pricing From: 4 travellers US$6,395 per person (double occupancy) 6 travellers US$5,395 per person (double occupancy) 8 travellers US$4,895 per person (double occupancy) Best time to visit: April-June, September October LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Enthusiast Daily hiking distances average 17-20 km (10-12 mi.) per day. As you approach Santiago, the hills get bigger, and walks become more challenging. WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation Meals as indicated with one bottle of wine (as selected by B&R) 4 dinners & 6 lunches Services of local B&R support van with driver Walking sticks Map and water bottle All transportation from pick up in León to drop off in Santiago All baggage transportation WHAT S NOT INCLUDED International flights Cancellation insurance Items of a personal nature Gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service Gratuity for your B&R guide(s) 7
About our Private Trip Collection The ready-to-book trips in our Private Trip Collection offer all the hallmarks B&R s known for great hotels, unparalleled immersion and unforgettable experiences with the flexibility of going on your own schedule and with your own travel companions. Think of these trips as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer: simply pick your dates, pack your bags, and go. How it Works 1. Get Inspired. Go to www.butterfield.com/tripfinder/?ftt=private to browse our Private Trip Collection and find a flavour of adventure that suits your palate. 2. Get in Touch. Found a trip that s caught your eye? Call our Private Travel Advisors at 1-800- 387-1147. Just give them a few details about your group and your preferred dates, and they ll spring into action. 3. Have it Tailored. Our ready-to-book Private Trips are designed to be enjoyed off-the-rack, but there is room for minor adjustments to fit the trip to your needs. Looking for something totally customized? One of our expert Private Trip Designers will take on your request and tailormake a Bespoke trip for you from scratch. 4. Pack your Prada. Once the date and the price is finalized, we ll take care of the rest, confirming hotels, finalizing events and mobilizing our expertly trained local partners. All you have to do is prepare to be transported 5. Bon Voyage! Next Steps READY TO BOOK? Contact us at 1-800-387-1147 or bespoke@butterfield.com with any remaining questions, or consult your travel professional. Note that a $500 deposit is required in order to reserve dates. After you ve booked, you will receive a confirmation package containing detailed information to help you prepare for your trip. 8