Here’s the lowdown!
When – September 22-29, 2010 (8 days, 7 nights)
Re-Treat Agenda – We’ll walk the final 100 km (67 1/2 miles) of the ancient pilgrimage from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela (the minimum requirement to receive the credencial, the “pilgrim passport” that proves you’ve made the pilgrimage).
We’ll end each day with 20-30 minutes of Tension Releasing Exercises (TRE). TRE is a great way to release both past trauma that remains stored in our musculature and the muscle tension that could be created by walking for several hours each day. It’s by far the most effective method we’ve yet encountered for awakening the sensation of LIFE coursing through the body and counteracting patterns of fear-based physical contraction.
Each day you’ll be coached through a series of walking techniques and physical grounding and presence exercises, trying out different gaits and paces and ultimately discovering your own personal pace.
The Daily Walks – We meet in Madrid and will be transferred in a private vehicle to the city of Sarria. The next day we’ll start the Camino, which we’ll walk for a total of six days, covering 100 km, with an average of 22 km the first five days and 5 km the last. We’ll start every morning after breakfast, walk until lunchtime, and then will be driven to our accommodations. There are numerous options for lunch and dinner. We’ll arrive in Santiago around 11:00 am, with plenty of time for sightseeing, pilgrim activities, or people-watching in cafes. The last night we’ll have a farewell dinner, and we’ll return to Madrid the next day after lunchtime.
Accommodations – Typical Galician manors that are former homes of kings and noblemen. They’re usually situated in rural spaces, and all have the amenities and comfort of a four-star hotel but with unique style.
Assistance – A vehicle will be available for logistical support during the entire route, not just for transportation of participants and luggage, but also to cover any other needs that might arise along the way. Two local guides will be on hand to ensure our safety and assist with any special requests.
What to Bring – A recommended packing list will be provided upon registration.
Cost to participants – $3495 USD (Single Supplement: $600) Cost includes transport of participants and their luggage to and from Madrid as well as to and from the walking route each day, accommodations, breakfast, one lunch and our final dinner, pilgrim kit, private guided visit through Santiago and other places of interest, and medical insurance for the duration of the tour. Cost does NOT include airfare to Madrid, most lunches and most dinners. NOTE: Single rooms are quite limited and may not be available in some towns. Book early so we can do our best to accommodate your request.
Group Size - Limited to 10 participants
Registration Deadline – REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED. THIS RE-TREAT WILL BE OFFERED AGAIN IN EITHER SPRING OR FALL, 2011.
Please note that while the Camino is a Christian pilgrimage in its origins and we’ll be contemplating the use and practice of “prayer” or “sacred thinking,” this is intended to be a fully non-denominational, non-religious trip and is open to participants of all faiths and even to those of little or no faith!
