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Your Chaplain
Our Pilgrimage begins as we depart Houston on our overnight flight(s) to Madrid, Spain.
Upon arrival in Madrid, we will board a train northward to Zaragoza, Spain. On arrival we’ll visit the magnificent Basilica del Pilar, built upon the site of where Our Lady appeared to St. James. In the evening, we will meet for our welcome dinner.
Overnight Zaragoza
After breakfast, we will board a train from Zaragoza to Sarria. Afternoon arrival into Sarria, upon arrival we will check into our hotel and have time to visit the city at leisure.
Dinner and overnight in Sarria
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.
Portomarín to Palas do Rei (approximately 6 hours and 15-minute walk / 15.5 miles). From the village, the Camino crossesthe 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
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 two churches that you can visit, Santa María and La Magdalena.
Overnight Arzua
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
Rua to Santiago de Compostela (approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes / 12.4 miles). The next stage will be Lavacolla where pilgrims traditionally wash 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 80,000) you will be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up-close.
Overnight Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast, we will board a train from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid. Afternoon arrival into Madrid, upon arrival we will check into our hotel and have time to visit the city at leisure.
Farewell dinner and overnight in Madrid
Today we will have the day at leisure to visit Madrid as we wish. In the evening, with a renewed sense of pilgrimage and an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we will board our plane for our flight(s) home.
