TOUR CODE: 14600 GRADE: D/D+ JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2016 Jun 02 Aug 18 Sep 15

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Jun 14 Aug 30 Sep 27

13 Days’ Duration

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO Walking the highlights of this world famous route

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HOLIDAY INFORMATION TOUR DESCRIPTION: This information is additional to our General Information Booklet, which is enclosed. The Camino de Santiago is the continuation of our perennially popular Route St. Jacques. Pilgrim’s feet have passed over these trails for a thousand years, the objective being the great cathedral of Santiago de Compostela where St James the Apostle is buried and where pilgrims embrace his bedizened statue at the end of their journey. Our journey is a selection of the best sections from Leon to Santiago. On days 2, 3 and 10 our own coach takes us part of the way. Our walk resonates with the spirit of Europe’s greatest pilgrimage with ever changing scenery, reminders of its original purpose and the companionship of fellow pilgrims and their fascinating stories. We start in the marvellous city of Leon with a chance to visit the gothic gem of a cathedral with Europe’s finest medieval stained glass; next is Astorga with a Gaudi palace and its own quirky charm; Ponferrada has a restored Templar castle; Villafranca is one of the most attractive small towns in northern Spain. Then we climb the green hills into Gallicia, a region with its own language, a transformation from the vast sky and space of the Meseta to a landscape of well wooded, rolling countryside, small damp fields and sleepy hamlets. Our first stop is at hilltop O’Cebreiro, a National Monument where circular stone based dwellings with thatched roofs have been preserved. We are now in the country of Celts and never far from the sea; bagpipes will be heard and superb seafood is on offer. When the town of Portomarin is reached we are 100 kilometres from Santiago, the Camino intensifies and it becomes apparent that we are a part of something bigger than our own party. The city of Santiago is dominated by its exuberant granite cathedral and attendance at a pilgrim mass might provide the thrilling sight of the world’s largest incense burner swinging up to ceilings of the transepts– a fitting climax for the celebration of a successful arrival at our goal. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT WALK THE LAST 100KM OF THE CAMINO SANTIAGO ON THIS HOLIDAY.

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ITINERARY: Please note that all the ascents and descents are based on GPS readings. They show cumulative ascent and descent for each day, not the difference between the highest and lowest points. On day 10, for example, the maximum altitude is 610m and the minimum 308m.

Day

Itinerary

Meals

1

Fly to Madrid and transfer by road to León, taking approximately 4 hours. Depending on arrival time orientation walk in the town centre.

D

2

Morning visit to see the highlights of León, one of the most stunning cities on the Camino. Short transfer to Hospital de Orbigo and first easier walk on the high plateau of the northern meseta. Arrive Astorga and perhaps have time for a visit to Gaudi's Bishop Palace and other highlights of Astorga.

B,D

18.2 km (11.3 miles); 4 ½ hours; 490m↑/ 380m↓

3

Morning transfer up into the Bierzo mountains. We start walking from Foncebadon, passing the famous Cruz del Hierro (iron cross) and gradually descend into Molinaseca. After a coffee stop by the river we have a short transfer to our hotel in Ponferrada, famous for its impressive Templar castle.

B,D

20.2 km (12.5 miles); 5 ½ hours; 220m↑ / 1040m↓

4

Today we walk from hotel to hotel, leaving Ponferrada to Vilafranca de Bierzo, passing through an important area of vineyards. Vilafranca itself is a lovely, historic town.

B,D

25.6km (15.9) miles; 7 hours; 520m↑↓

5

A short transfer to Vega de Valcarce and gradual ascent up to O'Cebreiro, the gateway into Galicia. From now on the landscape will become increasingly greener. Today we take it a bit easier after 4 days of walking and enjoy the afternoon in the most individual village on our entire trip. Overnight in O'Cebreira or Pedrafita de Cebreira..

B,D

12.1km (7.5 miles); 3 ½ hours; 760m�/ 90m↓

6

Walk from O'Cebreiro to Triacastela through the Galician highlands. After ascending the Alto de Pio we gradually descend towards Triacastela.

B,D

21.7km (13.5 miles); 6 ½ hours; 350m↑ / 940m↓

7

Walk Triacastela to Sarria, Galicia gets better and better with lots of wooded scenery. An optional visit to the Samos monastery is possible depending on arrival time.. 28.6km (17.7 miles); 7 hours; 610m↑ / 880m↓

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B,D

8

Walk Sarria to Portomarin. Another pleasant walk through the woods and pasture land of Galicia.

B,D

23.3km (14.4 miles); 6 ½ hours; 570m↑ / 600m↓ 9

10

Walk from Portomarin - Palas do Rei. (24.7km) 15 miles; 7 hours; 680m↑ / 480m↓ Walk Palas do Rei to Arzua. The longest walk of our trip, entertaining and undulating all the time.

B,D

B,D

31.2km (19.3 miles); 7 ½ hours; 1000m↑ / 1220m↓

11

Morning walk to Salceda before continuing by road to Santiago. On Monte Gozo we will admire the view to the distance where the towers of the cathedral announce the proximity of Santiago. We walk the last 5km into town, reaching the cathedral on foot.

B,D

17.8km (11 miles); 4 ½ hours; 610m↑ / 720m↓ 12

Free day in Santiago for taking in the highlights of the city.

13

Transfer to Santiago airport for the flight back to the UK via Madrid.

B,D

B

B (Breakfast) D (Dinner)

HOLIDAY GRADE & WALKING PROGRAMME:

Please be aware that you should not contemplate booking this holiday if you are not confident that you can walk every day at the specified grade. It is normally not possible to travel with the bags between hotels, public transport is extremely limited and private transport is very expensive. This holiday is graded D/D+. The terrain through which we will be walking is mixed, as you would expect on a long distance footpath. The trail is at times along well made paths with an easy gradient, and firm underfoot. At other times there are steep sections with a looser walking surface. We pass through many villages on the way in some of which there will be the opportunity to do some additional sightseeing. Note: Due to the distances walked, blisters can be quite a common occurrence. Please ensure your walking boots are well worn in and that you bring a supply of blister plasters with you.

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Each evening the leader will discuss the programme for the following day with you. Should you not wish to join the party, please let the leader know as it may be possible to travel in the luggage transfer transport or a taxi could be arranged at your own expense.

PERSONAL EXPENDITURE Local transport costs are included in the cost of the holiday. Entrance fees in conjunction with the programme of walks on this holiday are not included. Any local excursions taken will be at additional cost.

INSURANCE

Please make sure that your insurance for this holiday covers you for guided walking below 2000m.

TRAVEL INFORMATION:    

Flights: London Heathrow to Madrid and Santiago to London via Madrid with Iberia. Details of your baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Travel in Spain will be by road. The transfer time between airport and first hotel is approximately 3hrs.

If you are joining and leaving in Spain, it is assumed, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will meet the party at the accommodation in León and leave the party at the accommodation in Santiago. If this is not your intention please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks prior to departure.

PASSPORTS & VISAS: Please refer to Section 2 of the enclosed General Information Booklet. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details page of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to the UK. Also, many museums in Spain grant concessionary entry to EU Citizens and also to those aged 65+ on production of proof of eligibility, for which a photocopy of the personal details page of your passport is usually acceptable for this purpose. Please also take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you - it will help in the event of an emergency. See our General Information Booklet for further details. Please note that the EHIC has an expiry date. Please check that your card is still valid for the duration of your holiday. Please note that passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or can be Vop © Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2015

obtained from the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA). In addition, general travel advice is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

LOCAL CURRENCY: Please refer to Section 2 of our General Information Booklet for details. The currency in Spain is the euro. Banks are available in the major towns and cities.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Please take sensible precautions like leaving your credit cards and passport in the hotel safe and avoiding displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS: We stay in twin and single bedded rooms with shower and wc (except in Triacastela) in a mixture of 1, 2 and 3 star hotels and hostels with private facilities. The accommodation in Triacastela does not have private facilities. The following list is our expected accommodation. Any changes will be notified in writing and changes can occur at short notice which will result in your tour leader advising on arrival. Accommodation:

Telephone Number:

Fax Number:

Hotel Paris *** C/Ancha 18 24003 Leon (+34) 987 23 86 00

N/a

(+34) 987 61 56 54

(+34) 987 61 50 40

(+34) 987 45 62 27

(+34) 987 45 62 31

(+34) 987 54 24 08

(+34) 987 54 00 55

(+34) 982 36 71 68

(+34) 982 36 71 68

Hotel Gaudi*** Glorieta Eduardo de Castro 6 24700 Astorga Hotel El Castillo*** Av. El Castillo, 115 24400 Ponferrada Casa Mendez* C/Espiritu Santo, 1 24500 Villafranca del Bierrzo Casa Carolo or Hostal Rebollal* s/n 27671 O’Cebreiro/Pedrafita de O'Cebreiro

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a)Casa Pacios* b)Casa de Viega* c) Albergue Horta de Abel* 27630/2 Triacastela

a)(+34) 982 54 81 58 b)(+34 ) 982 54 81 56 c)(+34) 608 08 05 56

Hotel Villa** Benigno Quiroga, 49 27600 Sarria

(+34) 982 53 38 73

(+34) 982 53 26 88

Or Hotel Roma** Rua Calvo Sotelo 2 27600 Sarria (+34) 982 53 22 11 Hotel Pousada de Portomarin***(August and September) Av. Sarria s/n 27170 Portomarín (+34) 982 54 52 00

(+34) 982 54 52 70

Hotel Complejo La Cabana*** C/Doctor Pardo Ouro 27200 Palas de Rei (+34) 982 38 07 50 Hotel Suiza** Ctra. N547 Santiago – Lugo 15810 Arzúa (+34) 981 50 09 08

(+34) 981 50 11 28

(+34) 981 52 83 00

(+34) 981 52 83 01

Hotel Rosa Rosae** C/La Rosa, 7 15701 - Santiago de Compostela

**NOTE: ACCOMMODATION IN TRIACASTELA WILL BE ACCOMMODATIONS AS SPECIFED ABOVE, DEPENDING ON HORTA DE ABEL IS SITUATED 2KM FROM THE CASA TRANSPORT BETWEEN THESE ACCOMMODATIONS WILL BE

SPLIT BETWEEN 2 OR 3 NUMBERS. THE ALBERGUE PACIOS/CASA DE VIEGA – PROVIDED.

Breakfast and dinners are included in the holiday charge and will be provided by the hotels/hostels. Our first meal is dinner on day 1 and our last is breakfast on day 13. Lunches are not included. CLIMATE, CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT: The weather should be dry, but there is always the possibility of rain. There are many websites that you can look at to get an idea of the climate of the area you are visiting including: http://www.myweather2.com/ http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/ As a guideline for a walking kit checklist: 

Walking boots with good ankle support - essential

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            

Waterproofs – jacket and trousers – essential Lightweight trousers and shorts Shirts or t-shirts for walking in Walking socks – several pairs! Lightweight fleece or jumper Hat & gloves Daysack for walking Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc Lunch box for picnic food Sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses Blister plasters - essential

MAPS & SUGGESTED READING: The Road to Santiago de Compostela by Michael Jacobs gives background information on the medieval pilgrimage route from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela. It is particularly good on the architecture along the route, and is an excellent companion guide which includes some simple maps. Other maps and books may be obtained before departure from specialist map sellers such as: The Map Shop 15 High Street Upton upon Severn Worcs WR8 0HJ Tel : 01684 593146 Fax : 01684 594559 www.themapshop.co.uk Email: [email protected] Further information can be found on the last page of our General Information Booklet. Many local libraries stock a selection of travel guides/books which may offer you more information, or if you are in London, you may find a visit to the Spanish National Tourist Office useful. The office is currently open from 09.15-16.15hrs Monday to Friday. Please note that visits are strictly by appointment only. Spanish National Tourist Office, 64 North Row, London W1K 7DE Tel: 00800 1010 5050 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.spain.info PLEASE QUOTE YOUR HOLIDAY CODE AND BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE. WE WISH YOU AN INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY AND WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS UPON YOUR RETURN. Vop © Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2015