Welcome Pilgrims!

For over 1000 years, pilgrims have walked the medieval pilgrimage routes known as the Camino of Santiago de Compostela, or the Way of St. James. The many routes all end at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the final resting place of St. James the Apostle. Each route differs in length and complexity. We will travel on the Camino Frances (the French Way)- the last remaining 100K of the Camino. This is a spiritually and physically rewarding pilgrimage. Positive energy and a warm sense of community is felt along the Camino, allowing us to meet like-minded people and build new friendships. We walk through some of nature’s most beautiful surroundings. Moments of calm and prayerful meditation can awaken the soul. On this pilgrimage, we also have a day excursion to Cape Finisterre, a rockbound peninsula on the west coast of Galicia, Spain. In Roman times it was the end of the known world. We also see the beauty of Madrid and Lisbon* plus we overnight in Fatima, participating in the rosary/candlelight procession!

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CONTACT ORGANIZER

BELINDA 724-679-7450

belinda@APilgrimsJourney.com

www.APilgrimsJourney.com

Our Camino will be undertaken on comparatively flat terrain- the incline over the 6 days of walking is 400 feet- hardly noticeable. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes - a flexible, waterproof, lightweight hiking shoe is the best choice. You may also consider a water-resistant sneaker with good support- as a second shoe. The best walking shoe is one that fits you and is comfortable. We suggest bringing two pairs of walking shoes (and wear them in- for a few weeks at least) and bring a comfortable flip-flop/sandal for the evening. Socks are also important- midweight Merino wool hiking socks are

CAMINO PILGRIMAGE ITINERARY

Day 1 — USA We depart from our USA gateway to connect with our overnight flight to Madrid aboard a wide-bodied jet. We enjoy in-flight movies, dinner & breakfast aloft. 

Day 2|— Madrid | Sarria Upon arrival in Madrid we board our private motor coach and head into the center of Madrid. We visit the Almudena Cathedral and then enjoy a short driving tour of this spectacular city before we journey to Sarria. En route to Sarria we pass the famous active Benedictine Monastery, St Julian of Samos, founded in the sixth century. It is a sight to behold, and a famous stop on the Camino. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Sarria.

Day 3|— Portomarin After breakfast , we start our Camino. It will be a peaceful walk through shady oak woods, pretty villages and quiet country roads. The village of Barbedelo has a beautiful Romanesque church that we may have an opportunity to visit. We also pass through Ferreiros. We will walk at our own pace in a contemplative/ joyful way. Remember this is your CAMINO! Walking alone sometimes is recommended. At other times we will walk together or in small groups- often in quiet contemplation, or saying the rosary, praying or even singing! We have a full time Camino guide with us, and our luggage will be transferred by van, from one hotel to the next. You will carry your own water, and any snacks- and our packed lunch. Do you worry, if you ever feel too tired to walk- our bus will trail us and be available as transportation to our next hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Portomarin.

Day 4| — Palas de Rei This morning, after breakfast, we continue our Camino. We walk from Portomarin to Palas de Rei. We pass some glorious vistas. From the village, the Camino crosses the river Minho and climbs steadily uphill. On our way, we will cross Gonzar and pass the Romanesque Church of Santa María, Castromaior. We also witness the calm and tranquility of the Galician Cemetery in Ligonde. In Eirexe, if open we see the Romanesque portal of the church which features a sculpture of Daniel and the animals, as well as Santiago de Peregrino. We arrive in Palace do Rei for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5 | – Arzua This morning, we continue our Camino pilgrimage walking from Palas de Rei to Arzua. We walk slightly downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the charming village of Leboreiro. We follow a forest track and cross several streams arriving at the village of Boente with its own church of Santiago. We continue to the medieval village of Ribadiso and finally arrive in Arzua. A small town with two churches, - Santa María and La Magdalena.. Dinner and overnight Arzua.

Day 6 | – Rùa-O Pino This morning after breakfast, we walk the shaded section of the Camino passing through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages. We stop to visit the chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago. The rest of the way to Rua/Opino is a quiet country road. Rua is one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela. Dinner and overnight Rua-O Pino.

Day 7| – Santiago de Compostela The end of our Camino is on the horizon. After breakfast we begin the final stage of our Camino, leaving from the church in Lavacolla, where pilgrims traditionally have washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. There are statues representing Pope John Paul II and two giant pilgrims pointing the way! This is it- our final stretch! The tall eucalyptus trees line our way to Monte del Gozo. From the "Mount of Joy" you can see our goal - the Cathedral of Santiago! We experience great joy as we walk into the town of Santiago de Compostela and see the glorious Cathedral of St. James. We kneel in thanksgiving on the stones in front of the Cathedral’s square, and give thanks to Christ and St. James for bringing us safely to our destination. We take our pilgrim passport and claim our pilgrim certificate of completion- “Compostela”. We enter the Cathedral marveling at the architecture and relish the wonderful atmosphere in this cultural and spiritual masterpiece. Free time in Santiago to explore this picturesque town. Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 8 | –Cape Finisterre After breakfast, we experience a glorious highlight of our pilgrimage.. we journey by private motor coach to Finistère and Muxia known as the “End of the Earth”. During medieval time it was believed to actually be the end of the earth. It is a sacred place for pilgrims and many built stick crosses in gratitude for their life. We see the famous lighthouse. We gaze at the Atlantic Ocean and breath the fresh sea air, many pilgrims report an amazing sense of well-being- as they realize what they have accomplished walking the Camino! Dinner & overnight in Santiago. 

Day 9 | –FATIMA Today after breakfast, we depart Santiago de Compostela and head towards the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon. En route, we stop in Fatima, where we visit the Chapel of Apparitions and the homes of the visionaries Jacinda, Lucia and Francisco. Free time for lunch on your own. Tonight we enjoy dinner at our hotel- and we join the candlelight procession in Fatima. Overnight Fatima.

 Day 10 | –Lisbon We leave Fatima early and head for Santarem. We celebrate Mass here and view the Eucharistic miracle. We continue to Lisbon and enjoy a driving tour and stop to visit the birthplace of St. Anthony of Padua and the Se Cathedral. After free time for lunch, we continue our tour with stops at significant places. Continue to Lisbon Airport hotel for dinner and overnight 

Day 11 | -Lisbon/USA This morning, after breakfast, we transfer to Lisbon Airport for our flight home. We bid farewell to our Camino adventure, spiritually and physically! .