ITINERARY – We’ll meet at a central location in Madrid on the morning of September 29 and travel by van up to Sarria. The next day, we’ll begin our 108 kilometer (67.5 mile) walk along the pilgrimage route. Here’s the daily breakdown of activities (and yes, the math is slightly off on the km/mi approximations):
September 29 Drive from Madrid to Sarria, with stops for sightseeing and lunch
We’ll stop first in the city of Astorga, which offers a very rich medieval legacy given its location: the crossing between the Camino de Santiago and the “Vía de la Plata” route. Our welcome lunch will be in Castrillo de los Polvazares, considered an artistic-historical center where we’ll enjoy the region’s most traditional dish: “El Cocido de Maragato.” Then, we’ll move up into the mountains and O Cebreiro, which marks the beginning of the Camino de Santiago in Galicia. We’ll see “Las Pallozas,” a village of stone and thatch construction, presumably of Celtic origin. Finally we’ll visit the Monastery of Samos, founded in the 6th century.
September 30 Camino Leg 1: Sarria to Porto Marín (17.7 km/11.1 mi)
We’ll start walking the Camino every morning at 7:30 am after breakfast. A daily itinerary detailing the kilometers and stages that will be walked as well as each day’s stopping point will be provided. There are numerous options for lunch such as “pilgrim’s specials” starting from 8 Euros. After lunch each day, our van will take us to our hotel.
October 1 Camino Leg 2: Porto Marín to Palas del Rei (24.3 km/15.2 mi)
October 2 Camino Leg 3: Palas del Rei to Boente (21.02 km/13.2 mi)
October 3 Camino Leg 4: Boente to Salceda (19 km/11.9 mi)
October 4 Camino Leg 5: Salceda to Monte de Gozo (23.5 km/14.7 mi)
October 5 Camino Leg 6: Monte de Gozo to Santiago de Compostela (4.4 km/2.8 mi)
We’ll arrive in Santiago before 10:00 am so that those who wish to attend the special pilgrims’ mass and perform any pilgrim rituals like hugging the Apostle Santiago can do so. The rest of the day will be free for exploring the beautiful city of Santiago. A few surprises might await us, too…
October 6 Day trip to Finisterre, literally meaning “end of the Earth,” and Westernmost point of the continent of Europe.
When pilgrims end their pilgrimage through Galicia at the lighthouse of Finisterre, it’s tradition to burn some article of clothing or shoes used during the Camino as a sign of purification, followed by throwing the ashes into the sea.
October 7 Return to Madrid
DAILY ACTIVITIES – 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. Typical length of a walk each day (at your own pace) is 6-8 hours. There will be time each afternoon to rest, have a meal, and re-group. Based on what the group needs, evening activities might include tension releasing exercises, debriefing our daily experiences, setting intentions, and a variety of other magical/spiritual, ad hoc activities.
ACCOMMODATIONS – Each room will accommodate two guests, so if you’re traveling solo we’ll pair you up with another group member. We will change accommodations a few times during the trip, with luggage being transported for us between locations. Each inn is a typical Galician manor house, formerly belonging to noblemen. Situated in rural spaces away from the actual Camino route, they’re unique and comfortable. (That’s one of our inns, on the left.)
ASSISTANCE – A van will be available for logistical support along the entire route, not just for transporting the group and its luggage, but also to cover any other needs that might arise along the way. Fresh fruit and snacks, water and supplies such as aspirin and blister remedies will be available. Our driver, Carlos, has been known to accommodate all sorts of requests! (That’s him serving various, ahem, “remedies,” on the right.)
WHAT TO BRING – A recommended packing list will be provided upon registration.
COST – $3900 USD – 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, and medical insurance for the duration of the tour. Cost does NOT include airfare to or accommodations in Madrid, most lunches and most dinners.
GROUP SIZE - Limited to 6 participants – Only three slots remain!
REGISTRATION DEADLINE – Sold Out – Registration is closed. Join us next time!
IMPORTANT NOTE – 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!
And click here to listen to Susan and me talk about our intentions and inspiration for this journey.
TO REGISTER, DOWNLOAD THIS FORM: Camino Registration Form
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact me.
