English speaking guide
Private guided visits in Astorga and Santiago (Optional)

Pilgrim Masses
Pilgrims Pack: 35L or 40L pack (yours to keep), Pilgrim Shell, and Credencial
Botafumeiros ritual (arrival day) at the Pilgrim’s 7:30 pm Mass in the Cathedral (Optional)
VAT (Value Added Tax)
Private transfer from Madrid to the 6 different accommodations/ Transport to daily starting and ending points along The Way.
Accommodation: 9 nights 1, 2, 3, Star Hotels and charming Galician inns
Luggage transfer to accommodations
Welcome and Farewell dinner
Daily – Breakfast (9) and Dinners (8) included and 1 dinner on your own to explore the local cuisine.
Packing list

9 nights – During the Camino we will stay in 2, 3, Star Hotels, charming Galician inns. All of our accommodations have en suite bathrooms

Luggage transfer to accommodations

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Moderate

Typical days on your trip:

Depart via best connections for your overnight flight to Europe connecting to Madrid.

DAY 1

MADRID-ASTORGA

Our meeting point will be Madrid Barajas International Airport. From here the group will be transferred to the city of Astorga.  On our approach to Astorga we will travel a very long Roman bridge that will bring to Hospital de Orbit.  A Knights of St. John Hospital once served pilgrims here.  We may be able to have Mass at the old church of the Knights.  After Mass we continue to Astorga , set in the verdant countryside and is known for its beautiful cathedral and episcopal residence built in 1889 by “Servant of God” Antonio Gaudi.  He is best known for his outstanding architectural work in Barcelona…the Basilica La Sagrada Familia.

DAY 2

ASTORGA-SARRIA

Today we walk 4 km the famous Iron Cross (Cruz de Ferro) where we will follow tradition: pray and place a stone at the base of the cross. Stones are left here to symbolize leaving all your burdens behind. Entering Galicia we arrive at O’Cebreiro, a beautiful Celtic village with a Eucharistic Miracle at the Church of Santa Maria a Real. One icy winter in 1300 during Mass the Host changed to Flesh and the wine changed Blood and was expelled from the chalice, staining the corporal.  The Lord performed this prodigy to open the eyes of the incredulous priest who did not believe in the REAL presence of Jesus the Eucharist and to compensate the farmer who had climbed the mountain in freezing wind for his great devotion.  We will celebrate Holy Mass then lunch.  Very popular in O’Cebreiro is the fresh cheese, usually served with honey from this region.  From here we travel to the Renche to walk 4 km to reach Samos and visit the monastery San Xulian de Samos, founded in the sixth century and belongs to the Order the Benedictines.  We will tour and then transfer to our accommodation in Sarria.

DAY 3

SARRIA-PORTOMARIN

Sarria, with its Celtic origins, was a major medieval center for pilgrims.  As we leaver this morning, you can still feel the ancient atmosphere as we climb along the run Maior passing Iglesia de Santa Marina XIX, the old Hospital de San Anton XVI and Fortaleza de Sarria y Torres XIII castle ruins.  In Barbadelo we will visit the Church of Santiago, a great example of Galician architecture and is noted for its statue of St. James. Centuries ago it formed part of the monastery of Samos, and functioned as a hospital for pilgrims.Finally er descend to Portomarin with is on the other bank of the river Mino. We will visit the church of San Nicolas. It is a fortress church Bailey the Knights of St. John(today’s Order of Malta). When the original Portomarin was flooded by the new reservoir, the government told them the could choose four buildings to save.  The people chose the church as one of the buildings and moved each stone to the new location. We will attend Mass here this evening.(B,D)

. (B,D)

MedSeas has full itineraries available as part of the materials supplied for those who join the tour.

Private transfer from Madrid to Leon on arrival/hotel check-in assistance.

Private van support: logistical support will be available during the entire route. The van is there in support of pilgrims in transit and to cover any other needs that might arise along the Way.

Luggage transfer to accommodations.

Welcome and Farewell dinners – (8 dinners/breakfasts)

Breakfasts and dinners include: water, coffee & wine included (D only)

1 dinner on your own to explore the local cuisine

Pilgrims Pack: a MEDSEAS daypack with your informational tour program, daily itinerary, route map, your shell, and your Pilgrim’s passport (Credencial).

Packing list: recommendations on what to bring along on your trip as well as Your Camino which answers questions regarding clothes to bring, tips, and other useful topics.