Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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Trace a thousand-year-old pilgrimage route—
the Way of St. James—to the holy city of
Santiago de Compostela through some of
Europe’s most intriguing landscapes. We’ve
selected the most evocative portions of this
footpath for your journey, from the ancient
kingdom of Castile to lush, mystical Galicia,
a hidden corner of Spain alive with legends
and Celtic heritage. Hike along sunny country
lanes marked with the scallop shell, the
symbol of St. James, through mist-shrouded
forests of gnarled oaks, and along the beach
at Finisterre, the mythical spot of Kilometer 0
on the pilgrim trail. Along the way you’ll relish
superb Romanesque architecture, meet fellow
pilgrims, and enjoy splendid accommodations
in quaint guesthouses and spectacular paradors.
Days 1-2 Burgos / León / Astorga Meet in
historic Burgos, then head to the Castilian
meseta (high plain) and hike to the remote
village of Hontanas. We explore León’s
leafy squares and 12th century frescoes before
continuing to the walled city of Astorga.
Days 3-5 Cruz de Hiero / O’Cebreiro /
Portomarin Entering rural Galicia, hike past
thriving farmsteads and tiny abandoned villages
to Cruz de Hiero, a towering iron cross where
for a thousand years pilgrims have carried a
single stone from their homeland to make
a wish (don’t forget to bring yours!). In the
mountaintop village of O’Cebreiro, visit a tiny
church whose chalice is linked in legend with
the Holy Grail, then hike to the whitewashed
village of Portomarin.
Days 6-9 La Coruña / Santiago de Compostela /
Finisterre Following trails through hamlets and
farms flanked by ancient grain silos, arrive in
Santiago, where you’ll join the spectacle of the
Pilgrim’s Mass in the twin-towered cathedral
that reputedly contains the remains of St. James.
We complete our pilgrimage with a hike to
Finisterre—the “End of the Earth,” walking the
last part of the trail barefoot along the beach, as
tradition dictates. Depart on Day 9.
FRANCK CHARTON
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike the best sections of Europe’s most
revered pilgrimage route
• Complete the pilgrimage at Finisterre,
the westernmost point on the Iberian
Peninsula
• Enjoy Galician cuisine, famous for its
seafood, and some of Spain’s most
delicious meats and cheeses
• Overnight in historic hotels and inns,
including the 5-star Parador Los Reis
Católicos, a 15th century monastery on
Santiago’s main square
DETAILS
• 9-day trip begins in Burgos and ends in
Santiago de Compostela
• 8 nights inns, manor houses, and paradors
• All meals included except 1 dinner
DATES
May 2-10, 2017
May 23-31
Jun 6-14
Sep 8-16
Sep 26-Oct 4
TRIP COST
$4195 (11-15 members)
$4595 (6-10 members)
Single supplement: $480
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7 hiking days on easy to moderate trails,
some steep sections, 3-8 hours a day,
van support
Our route abounds with exquisite
Romanesque architecture. PHOTO: SUSANNE KREMER