Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. 95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ont. N3T 2J1 Tel. 519-753-2695 / 519-756-4900 - Fax 519-756-6376 [email protected] – www.pauwelstravel.com

"THE ROAD TO SAINT JAMES OF COMPOSTELA" 17 days, Wednesday, April 3, to Friday, April 19, 2013 Tour cost, based on double occupancy, from Toronto: $3,995 - “land only”: $3,365 Single room supplement: $685 A fascinating “pilgrimage” along the legendary “Road to Saint James,” leading from the green hills of Burgundy to the greatest sanctuary in medieval Europe, Santiago de Compostela, situated on Spain’s Atlantic coast near Cape Fisterrae - the “end of the world” to the Ancients. Unlike their medieval forerunners, participating “pilgrims” will be permitted to enjoy material pleasures such as motorized transportation, fine food and wine, and comfortable inns; heavenly visions of Romanesque and Gothic art and architecture await them, but they will also be exposed to sermons on myth, religion, and medieval history, dispensed by the not-so-pious “Frère Jacques”, a.k.a. Jacques Pauwels. This tour is operated in conjunction with the Guelph Arts Council and will be the GAC’s 15th annual joint venture with Pauwels! PROPOSED ITINERARY: Day 1 - Wednesday, April 3: Late afternoon or evening departure for Paris with Air France or similar. An apéritif (also Champagne!), dinner and a light breakfast will be served on board. Day 2 - Thursday, April 4: Morning arrival in Paris. We board our deluxe private coach and motor to Vézelay in the province of Burgundy, a medieval village on top of a “holy hill”; famous for its magnificent Romanesque basilica, this sanctuary served as the starting point of the Via Limovicensis, one of the four French pilgrims’ roads to Santiago de Compostela. Afterwards we continue to the picturesque town of Macon, situated on the banks

of the Saone River and famous for its excellent white and red wines, for dinner and overnight in the very comfortable local Novotel Hotel. < On the tympanon of the Basilica of Vézelay: Christ sends out the Apostles, and…St. James heads for Spain! Day 3 - Friday, April 5: Morning visit to the very impressive ruins of the Monastery of Cluny, which was one of the great spiritual centres of Medieval Christendom and played a very important role in the promotion of the pilgrimages to St. James of Compostela. We also tour the vineyards of the Maconnais and neighbouring Beaujolais wine regions, including a tasting of fine wines in the village of PouillyFuissé! Return to Macon, and some free time to shop or explore the town before dinner, featuring typical Burgundian culinary specialties! Day 4 - Saturday, April 6: After breakfast, we motor along the autoroute via Lyons and St. Etienne to Le Puy in the province of Auvergne. This ancient town, dramatically situated in the crater of an extinct volcano and featuring sanctuaries situated on top of steep rocks, was the starting point of another road used by the Jacobean pilgrims, the Via Podensis. In the afternoon, we continue through the scenic highlands of France’s central mountain range, the Massif Central, to Toulouse, the great metropolis of the Languedoc, a region with a language and culture quite different from that of the rest of France. The city gave its name to yet another Jacobean road through France, namely the one coming in from Italy and the Province, the Via Tolosana. Dinner and overnight in the Hotel Mercure Wilson (www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-1260-mercure-toulousewilson/index.shtml). < Le Puy in beautiful Auvergne Province

Albi and its fortress-like Cathedral >

Day 5 - Sunday, April 7: Morning visit to the superb Basilica of St. Sernin, a prototypical pilgrims’ church, very similar to the great basilica of Santiago itself, and the neighbouring Dominican Church, featuring fabulous Gothic architecture as well as the tomb of the great Medieval scholar Thomas Aquinas. Afterwards, sidetrip to nearby Albi, the city which in the Middle Ages served as headquarters of the mysterious heretic movements known as the Cathars or “Albigensians”, with focus on the magnificent and fascinating, fortress-like red brick Cathedral. Return to Toulouse late afternoon. Day 6 - Monday, April 8: Departure after an early breakfast. We motor via Pau to St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, the picturesque village at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains where three roads to Compostela converged. Then, like the pilgrims of the days of old, we climb to the top of the mountain pass of Roncevaux, where Charlemagne’s legendary paladin, the brave knight Roland, died heroically in a battle against the Saracens. Visit to the local museum and monastery church, burial place of the monarchs of Navarra, a Medieval kingdom that is now a province

of Spain. Dinner and overnight in the centrally-located first-class Hotel Tres Reyes in Navarra’s capital, Pamplona, home of the world-famous annual "running of the bulls" described by Hemingway (www.hotel3reyes.com/web). < Monuments of Roncevaux Day 7 - Tuesday, April 9: A full day of sightseeing in the Pamplona area, with visits to the town itself and to the Monastery of Leyre, the greatest spiritual centre of Navarra, and the mysterious little pilgrims' church of Eunate, a fine example of Spanish Romanesque architecture. Return to Pamplona in time for a dinner of Navarrese specialties in a restaurant of the old town. Day 8 - Wednesday, April 10: Departure from Pamplona after breakfast. In Puente de la Reina, we are greeted by the statue of a Jacquet (Compostela pilgrim) in traditional costume, signaling the historical crossroads where the fourth and final pilgrims' route from France joined the others to form one single road, the Camino Frances; this is the road we will follow from here all the way to distant Compostela! Symbolic walk through this quaint town and across the medieval bridge, used by thousands of pilgrims in the past, which gave its name to the town. On to the Ebro river valley, the Rioja wine region, and Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a small but interesting town whose cathedral - associated with the fascinating "miracle of the cock and hen"! - is well worth a short visit. Then we enter Old Castile, the heartland of Spain. In Burgos we visit the magnificent cathedral with the tomb of El Cid, and in the afternoon we motor to Leon, a proud ancient city, founded by Roman legionnaires and full of mementoes of a glorious past. Dinner and overnight in the first-class Hotel Conde Luna (www.hotelcondeluna.es). < Medieval Bridge of Puente de la Reina

San Isidoro, “Sistine Chapel” of Romanesque painting >

Day 9 - Thursday, April 11: Morning visit to Leon's Gothic cathedral with its superb stained-glass windows, and to the Romanesque San Isidoro basilica, whose amazing crypt, featuring the finest frescoes in Spain, is known as the “Sistine Chapel” of Romanesque painting! Then we rejoin the road to Compostela, cross the mighty Cebrero Mountain Pass, and enter the hilly and very green province of Galicia, situated in northwestern Spain on the rugged shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay. Here we finally discover the remote sanctuary which used to attract more pilgrims than Rome or Jerusalem - Santiago de Compostela. It was in this town, according to legend, that the body of St. James the Apostle was discovered and buried. St. James – “Santiago” in the Galician language - subsequently became the patron saint of Spain, and played a crucial role in the so-called Reconquista, the Spanish war of independence against the Moors. Today, Compostela is still a wonderful, almost mystical town with a magnificent partly Romanesque, partly Baroque cathedral dedicated to St. James and many other places of interest. We stay in one of the finest hotels in the city, the 5-star/deluxe Palacio del Carmen, a beautifully restored former monastery (www.palaciodelcarmen.com/index.html) Dinner in the hotel.

Day 10 - Friday, April 12: Morning sightseeing tour of Santiago. The highlight will of course be the splendid Cathedral, a shell of Romanesque architecture overgrown with barnacles of exuberant Baroque decorations, featuring the Tomb of St. James, the sublime sculptures of Master Mateo’s Portico de la Gloria, the Holy Gate, Obradoiro Square, etc. The afternoon is free to explore Compostela on your own. This evening, dinner of regional specialties in a typical restaurant.

< Façade of the Cathedral Day 11 - Saturday, April 13: Today we take a sidetrip along the rugged Galician coast with its many fjord-like inlets to Cabo Fisterra, the cape of "the end of the earth," long considered to be continental Europe's westernmost point. Pilgrims already flocked to a pagan shrine on this site hundreds of years before Christianity appeared on the scene, and it is here that medieval pilgrims searched for the sea scallop (Pecten Jacobaeus) whose shell became emblematic for the cult of St. James - the coquille St. Jacques! A simple but delicious lunch of Galician seafood will be served in a small seaside restaurant. Return to Compostela in late afternoon and rest of the day at leisure. Cabo Fisterra, “the end of the earth” > Day 12 - Sunday, April 14: This morning we leave Galicia and cross into the neighbouring province of Asturias. We follow the scenic road along the rugged “Costa Verde”, Spain’s window on the Bay of Biscay. Lunch break in Luarca or another picturesque fishing village. In late afternoon we enter the rugged mountain range known as the Picos de Europa and motor via the picturesque town of Cangas de Onis to Covadonga, site of the first Christian victory against the Arabs (in 722), starting point of the Reconquista, and cradle of the Spanish Monarchy. Dinner and overnight in the traditional first-class Grand Hotel Pelayo, located in a superb site, surrounded by towering mountains! (hwww.arceahoteles.com/en/arcea-gran-hotel-pelayo-picos-de-europa-asturias-spain.html) UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES VISITED ON THIS TOUR: Vézelay hilltop town and Basilica – Old town of Albi – The Road to Santiago in France and in Spain – Burgos Cathedral – Old town of Santiago de Compostela – Altamira Caves – Bordeaux’s Port of the Moon - Chartres Cathedral (see http://whc.unesco.org/en/list) Day 13 - Monday, April 15: On through the green Asturian hills and along the shores of the Bay of Biscay to Santillana del Mar, a showcase of Spanish Medieval and Renaissance architecture and often described as the prettiest village in Spain. Visit to the museum of the nearby Altamira Caves, the world-famous “Sistine Chapel” of prehistoric art, featuring a fine facsimile of the cave paintings; the cave itself is unfortunately not open to visitors. Afterwards there will be time to explore beautiful Santillana on your own. Our hotel here, Los Infantes, is a converted noble mansion of the 17th century! (www.hotel-santillana.com/en/los_infantes_hotel)

< Very old: Cave paintings of Altamira

Very new: Bilbao’s stunning Guggenheim Museum >

Day 14 - Tuesday, April 16: Departure from Santillana after an early breakfast. Short drive to Bilbao, the metropolis of the Basque Country, for a guided visit to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of the architect Frank Gehry. After lunch, we continue along a fine motorway through the Basque Country and across the French border to the great seaport of Bordeaux, situated on the banks of the mighty Garonne River. Dinner and overnight in the 4-star Novotel (www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-1023-novotel-bordeaux-centre-meriadeck/index.shtml). Day 15 - Wednesday, April 17: Morning sightseeing in Bordeaux, with sights such as the “Port of the Moon”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. André Cathedral, the vast Quinconces Esplanade, and of course the great Basilica of St. Seurin, testimony to this city’s importance as a station on what was arguably the most important Jacobean pilgrims’ road through France, the Via Turonensis. The afternoon is free to shop or explore this great city on your own, perhaps visiting one of its many museums, such as the Fine Arts Museum. Day 16 – Thursday, April 18: From Bordeaux, we motor north to Tours, the city on the Loire River which gave its name (Turones in latin) to the Via Turonensis. What attracted pilgrims here was the city’s fame as the cradle of Christianity in France, conjured up by the tomb of its first Bishop, the popular St. Martin, in what used to be one of the greatest Romanesque churches in Christendom! Visit to the impressive remains of the Basilica of St. Martin and to the historical city centre with its fine collection of Medieval houses. In the afternoon we continue to Chartres. With its magnificent Cathedral of Notre Dame, Chartres was an important centre of pilgrimage in its own right, but it was also an important station on the Via Turonensis, which linked Paris to Spain. Visit to the cathedral with its superb stained glass windows, followed by a special “au revoir” dinner and overnight in the excellent local Mercure Hotel (www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-7386-mercure-chartres-cathedrale/index.shtml).

< Stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral

Day 17 - Friday, April 19: After breakfast, transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and return flight to Canada.

TOUR COST: $3,995 from Toronto - “Land Only”: $3.365 Single room supplement: $685

Included in the tour price are: - Return flight with Air France; - Accommodation 3, 4, and 5-star hotels as shown in the above itinerary, and based on double occupancy – the single room supplement is $685; - Breakfast and dinner (or sometimes lunch) daily; - All transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as described in the itinerary; Not included are: -***The standard combination of airport taxes, security fees and fuel surcharges, presently (May 2012) approximately $530, but subject to change; - All items of a personal nature; - Wine, beer, mineral water and similar beverages with dinners; - Gratuity for the coach drivers, $30; - Travel Insurance, available as follows: Deluxe Package Insurance: Non-Medical Insurance: Up to age 59: $316.44 Up to age 59: $254.88 Ages 60 to 64: $401.76 Ages 60 to 64: $290.52 Ages 65 to 69: $462.24 Ages 65 to 69: $322.92 Ages 70 to 74: $744.12 Ages 70 to 74: $367.20 Ages 75 & up: Call for rates Ages 75 & up: Call for rates With Single Supplement: Deluxe Package Insurance: Up to age 59: $347.76 Ages 60 to 64: $440.64 Ages 65 to 69: $510.84 Ages 70 to 74: $799.20 Ages 75 & up: Call for rates

Non-Medical Insurance: Up to age 59: $287.28 Ages 60 to 64: $330.48 Ages 65 to 69: $370.44 Ages 70 to 74: $423.36 Ages 75 & up: Call for rates

SUGGESTED READINGS: - Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage: A Contemporary Quest for Ancient Wisdom. - Michael Jacobs, The Road to Santiago de Compostela. - William Melczer, The Pilgrim’s Guide to Santiago de Compostela. - Cees Nooteboom, Roads to Santiago: Detours and Riddles in the Lands and History of Spain. Many more interesting books about Compostela may be found in all good libraries, and we also recommend taking a look at these particularly informative websites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_St_James http://www.humnet.ucla.edu/santiago/iagohome.html - http://www.csj.org.uk/routes.htm

‘Pilgrims taking a break,’ by Jacques Callot

PAUWELS TRAVEL BUREAU LTD. 95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J1 Tel: 519-753-2695/519-756-4900 Fax: 519-753-6376

Email: [email protected]

Ont. Reg. #1034992 TERMS AND CONDITIONS ______________________________________________________________________________ RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS: Reservations should be made as early as possible to ensure the departure of your choice. A deposit of $750.00 is required at the time of registration. Your reservation is confirmed upon receipt of your deposit and application form. No reservations will be accepted without a signed application form.

REFUND OF UNUSED ARRANGEMENTS: Because the rates of Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. are based on group participation, no refund can be made for any tour accommodation or tour service or tour feature not taken. If cancellation occurs while the tour is in progress, no refund can be made for the tour portion not taken. We strongly suggest that to allow for any unexpected contingencies, you purchase the all-inclusive insurance.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Refund of deposit is made in full if cancellation is received in writing by Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. more than 90 days prior of the departure date of the tour less a $500.00 non-refundable administrative fee per person. For cancellation received in writing 90 days prior or less the following cancellation charges apply: 90 days to 46 days before departure:

25% of tour cost

45 to 15 days before departure:

50% of tour cost

Within 14 days prior to departure:

100% of tour cost

RESPONSIBILITY: Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. reserves the right without notice, to withdraw any part or all of the tour. Factors such as airline schedule changes, hotel overbookings, inclement weather, etc. February necessitate changes in the itinerary as outlined. There February also be other circumstances in which changes become necessary or advisable. Any savings realized by these changes will be passed on to the passengers, any resultant expenses shall be borne by the passenger. Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. acts only as an agent in securing hotel, transportation and other travel services and in no event shall be held responsible for the failure by any person or company to render any transportation, lodging or other travel service to be provided on the tour. All hotel, transportation and other travel services are provided to tour members subject to all the terms and conditions under which they are offered to the public generally. The acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance by the tour member of those conditions. Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. also reserves the right to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour, in which case equitable refund will be made at the discretion of the tour operators.

AIR TRANSPORTATION: Transatlantic economy flight by scheduled IATA carrier(s), based on an economy class group fare. All fares are subject to specific rules and regulations, to changes and to government approval. Deviations from the group flights are possible but subject to higher rates.

APPLICATION FORM Please book ___ seat(s) on the “Road to Compostela” tour of April 3 to 19, 2013. Enclosed is my/our deposit of ___________ ($750 per person, plus insurance premium if taken.) Deposit and insurance premium, if taken, are due with registration. You will be invoiced for the balance approximately 45 days prior to departure. WE NOW REQUIRE A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT (INFORMATION PAGES ONLY) TO BE SENT WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM AT TIME OF REGISTRATION. Name as on Passport. Indicate the appropriate title before each name (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., Ms.) NAME(S):_____________________________________________________________________ If applicable, give your commonly used first name as you would like it to appear on your name tag: (e.g. “Liz” for “Mary Elizabeth”) ______________________________________________ ADDRESS:

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________________________________________________Postal Code: ____________________ PHONE: (Residence)_________________(Business)_________________(Fax/Email)_______________ If traveling alone, please indicate your willingness to share accommodations: YES_____ NO_____ SINGLE ROOM REQUIRED: ______________ (We will try to find a roommate for those willing to share, but cannot guarantee success in doing so. For single travelers we are not able to match, the single supplement will apply.) SPECIAL REQUESTS: (Dietary, wheelchair assistance, frequent flyer number, twin beds, etc.) Please list here so we can do our best to assist you. (We will do our best to assist you but cannot guarantee success, especially in the case of requests for specific seating arrangements, since airlines do not normally allow individual seat selections for groups.) _____________________________________________________________________________ I/we agree to the “terms and conditions” attached to the program. ______________________________ Insurance - I/we accept: All-inclusive Package _____ Non-medical Package ______

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95 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J1 Tel: 519-753-2695 / 519-756-4900 Fax: 519-753-6376