Main Info
Walking the Camino to Spain:
A Pilgrimage over the Pyrenees along the French Way
Led by
The Rev. Canon Greg Foraker
The Episcopal Church in Colorado
October 19 – November 3, 2020
The Camino de Santiago, or the way of St. James, actually begins in St. Jean de Port, France and continues some 500 miles to Santiago. This same path has been taken for hundreds of years by the faithful making their holy pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The path was also used by Roman, Moor and Saracen invaders, the Knights Templar, and the armies of Charlemagne and Napoleon. Therefore, this journey is not only steeped in spiritual significance as you travel to the place believed to be the burial site of St. James, but it also has much historical and cultural significance.
This pilgrimage involves physical activity, including the ability to walk many miles at a time, to climb stairs, to climb hills and mountains and to be “on one’s feet” for hours at a time. The terrain is varied, ranging from simple footpaths to paved highways. Some of the footpaths are gravel, rocky, dusty, muddy and rutted by farmer’s tractors. Pilgrims will need sturdy hiking boots and collapsible poles. Each evening we will have a briefing of the following day’s walk options.
Itinerary
Download BrochureDAY 1, Monday, October 19, 2020 – We depart Denver Airport for our flight into Bilbao, Spain or Toulouse, France (to be determined when air can be confirmed). M
DAY 2, Tues. –Upon arrival in Bilbao or Toulouse, we meet our driver and guide and our journey continues to Lourdes, France. This afternoon, we enjoy a walk following the Stations of the Cross. Dinner and overnight Lourdes. D
DAY 3, Wed. –Today, we explore Lourdes, the town has played host to millions of pilgrims from all over the world. The morning is free for those that wish to visit the Baths of Lourdes to be submerged into the water of miracles. This afternoon we walk in the footsteps of Bernadette as we visit the grotto where the St. Bernadette saw the first of 18 visions on February 11, 1858, and the Basilica. Together, as a sign of unity and sharing, this evening we attend the Torchlight Procession. Overnight Lourdes. B
DAY 4, Thurs. –After breakfast, we drive to St. Jean Pied de Port along a route that for centuries has been traveled by Pilgrims along many different paths. These paths join together as one in the small Midi Pyrenees town of St. Jean Pied de Port. It is here that they become one with one single destination, Santiago de Compostela. A journey, which you will soon realize, that for every pilgrim, is as unique as a fingerprint. We have an afternoon walk through the town and visiting the church. Dinner and overnight St. Jean Pied de Port. BD
DAY 5, Fri. – Today’s walk takes us on the Napoleon Route over the Pyrenees or the slightly less strenuous Valcarlos Valley Route (the choice is yours) to Roncesvalles (25 km). We attend the Pilgrims’ Mass at the Collegiata, which has been celebrated for almost 1000 years and is one of the most important services on the Camino. Dinner and overnight Roncesvalles. BD
DAY 6, Sat. – Today, we walk from Roncesvalles to Zubiri (21 km) where we board the coach and continue to Pamplona. Dinner and overnight Pamplona. BD
DAY 7, Sun. – This is a day that begins before the sun rises and ends way after the sunsets. This is a day where we need to be flexible, focused, think of others, and maybe sacrifice rest time. We walk from Pamplona to Uterga (17 km) crossing the Alto de Perdon, an uphill walk followed by a steep downhill walk to our waiting bus. Time permitting, we visit Eunate Church. We continue to Estella for a brief stop at the wine fountain before continuing through the vineyards to Azofraand then on to Santo Domingo de Silos for Vespers. Overnight in Santo Domingo de Silos. B
DAY 8, Mon. – After breakfast, our journey continues as we travel by bus to Hontanas, the starting point for today’s walk to Castrojeriz (10 km). Once we have regrouped the coach takes us to Boadilla where we walk along the Canal of Castilla (4 km). Upon arrival in Leon, we visit the Basilica of San Isidoro and the Cathedral of Leon. Dinner and overnight Leon. BD
DAY 9, Tues. – We board the bus and travel to Astorga for a short stop before continuing to Foncebaddon where we begin today's walk to Cruz de Ferro, the highest point on the Camino in Spain (3.5 km). We travel to Pieros and begin our walk to Villafranca del Bierzo (6 km) before continuing on the coach to Ruitelan where we walk one of the most challenging stages of the Camino, up a mountain known as LaFaba, entering Galicia, to Ocebreiro (9 km). We renew our baptismal vows before boarding the bus and continuing to Sarria for overnight. BL
DAY 10, Wed. – Today, we depart before sunrise hiking through the beautiful rolling hills of Galicia from Sarria to Portomarin (23 km). Dinner and overnight Portomarin. BD
DAY 11, Thurs. – We leave the River Miño behind as we climb the hill out of Portomarin. Our walk taking us towards Gonzar, Hospital da Cruz and Ligonde, and finally to Palas de Rei (25 km). Dinner and overnight Palas de Rei. BD
DAY 12, Fri. – Our longest day of walking is today as we walk from Palas de Rei to Arzua (30 km). We travel through forests and along streams. Melide is today's halfway point. Dinner and overnight Arzua. BD
DAY 13, Sat. – After the storm comes the calm. A much shorter day today as we walk from Arzua to Perdouzo (23 km). It is a perfect day to reflect on the past days. A day where we are invited to go at a snail’s pace. Dinner and overnight Pedrouzo. BD
DAY 14, Sun. – Today is our final day's walk where we say goodbye to the countryside and begin passing the busier villages as we get closer to Santiago (20 km). Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy) is the point where we all regroup to walk the last 4 km of this journey together into the city of Santiago de Compostela. This afternoon, we visit the tomb of St James. Dinner and overnight Santiago de Compostela. BD
DAY 15, Mon. – We are free to explore this morning before joining together to attend the Pilgrims Mass at the Cathedral. This afternoon, we travel to Finisterre, the end of the world, as it was known in centuries past. Here we walk the last couple of kilometers that takes us to the lighthouse. It is here, after walking a further 4 days from Santiago de Compostela, that many pilgrims end their journey. It is here, also, that we have our final reflection, share our thoughts, and gain closure enjoying the sunset at the Lighthouse before returning to Santiago for overnight. B
DAY 16, Tuesday, November 3, 2020 – We have an early morning departure for the Santiago Airport where we board our back to the Denver Airport. BM
B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner M - Meal on board aircraft
* Itinerary is subject to change due to the leader’s, guide and or local office discretion or conditions *
KB20016 – Foraker France Spain
Price is based on double occupancy:
17 - 20 pilgrims $4,449.00*
21 – 24 pilgrims $4,129.00*
25 – 30 pilgrims $3,799.00*
Single supplement $669.00 (limited space)
*The price is not guaranteed and may change once the airspace is confirmed. Air Itinerary will be confirmed by the end of 2019. Pricing includes airline taxes & fuel surcharges of $158.61 per pilgrim and is subject to change until the tickets are issued. Price based on the exchange rate of $1.12 to the Euro and will change only if the rate changes. Any changes will be reflected on your final invoice. Optional activities, taxis taken instead of walking and sites visited during your free time are not included in the cost of the pilgrimage and are to be paid for at the time of your visit. Tips for the driver and guide are payable upon completion of services.
A non-refundable cash deposit of $900.00 per pilgrim is due with the reservation form and a copy of the passport by January 31, 2020.
Final Payment Due by July 10, 2020.
