Itinerary
June 8th – Our Pilgrimage begins as we depart the United States on our overnight flight to Madrid, Spain.
June 9th – Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel for leisure. This afternoon we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Madrid. We will see the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, which was the center of old Madrid many years ago, and Mercado De San Miguel, a covered market filled with local food vendors. Later tonight we will gather back at the hotel for dinner. Overnight Madrid
June 10th -We will visit Avila, the birthplace of St. Teresa who was a great mystic and one of four female Doctors of the Church. We will visit the Museum and celebrate Mass at the Convent of La Encarnación where St. Teresa entered religious life. In the museum, we will see various relics and the stairs were Teresa had a mystical encounter with the Child Jesus. We continue northward to Sarria, Spain. Overnight Sarria
June 11th – Sarria to Portomarin (approximately 6 hours walk / 13.6 miles). Today we begin our walk to Santiago de Compostela. Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods, pretty villages and on quiet country roads. We will pass the villages of Barbadelo and Ferreiros. When you arrive in Portomarin (550m), you can rest on one of the numerous terraces of the main plaza. Overnight Portomarin
June 12th – Portomarín to Palas do Rei (approximately 6 hours and 15-minute walk / 15.5 miles). From the village, the Camino crosses the river Minho and climbs steadily uphill. On our way, we will be crossing Gonzar and passing the Church of Santa María, Castromaior. In Eirexe, the portal of the church features a beautiful sculpture of Daniel and animals, as well as a statue of Santiago de Peregrino inside. You will then arrive in Palas do Rei (565m). Overnight Palas do Rei
June 13th- Palas do Rei to Arzua (approximately 7 hours walk / 18
miles). Today, the Camino continues slightly downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the village of Leboreiro. At Melide (454m), stop in one of the many restaurants to try some local specialties. Later, we will follow a forest track and cross several streams bringing us to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Next we will see the medieval village of Ribadiso, and finally Arzua (389m). This small town has 2 churches that you can visit, Santa María and La Magdalena. Overnight Arzua
June 14th – Arzua to Rua-O Pino (approximately 5 hours and 15
minutes / 11 miles). This shaded section of the Camino will pass through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages. Take your time and visit the chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago. The rest of the way to Rua/O Pino is on a good and quiet country road. Rua (310m) is one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela. Overnight Rua O Pino
June 15th – Rua to Santiago de Compostela (approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes / 12.4 miles). The next stage will be Lavacolla where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. From the “Mount of Joy” you can see your goal – the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city (264m, population 80000) you will be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up-close. Overnight Santiago de Compostela
June 16th – Leisure day in Santiago de Compostela. Dinner. Overnight Santiago de Compostela
June 17th – With a deeper love for our Faith, great memories of our pilgrimage, we’ll board our plane for our flight home.