France | Paradores & the Road to Santiago de Compostela
Our gourmet walking journey covers the most beautiful sections of "el Camino" on peaceful mountain paths and country lanes marked with the scallop shell, symbol of St. James. It begins in Ainhoa in Pays Basque in France which is very different from its neighbouring regions and best illustrated in the unique Basque language. Following "The French Route", our journey ends in Santiago de Compostela, the Holy City reputed to hold the bones of fisherman-evangelist St. James.
| Duration: | 14 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW411 |
| Trip Style: | Deluxe - 5 star |
| Departure Dates: | 08 Apr 2012 |
| Price: | Please Contact Us |
| Places you'll visit: |
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| Highlights: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
Guests enjoy the company of a small group rather than walking and dining independently. The composition of guests is varied and includes around 40% solo travellers, as well as couples, family members and friends - mostly from Australia. Single supplements are available if requested. The group size is restricted to 16 guests.
Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: 16 max.
Only someone who has travelled the route to or from Santiago can understand that the so-called Route of St James, which ends and begins in Santiago de Compostela, is more than just religion, culture, sport, history, art, gastronomy and countryside rolled into one.
It is all these things, but at the same time much more. It is hard to explain a phenomenon that is more than twelve centuries old in its current form, but which also incorporates myths and legends from people and traditions long predating Christianity itself.
Part of the answer lies in Galicia, a land prone to harbouring mysteries, spirits, witches, mandrakes and other hidden treasures. In the Middle Ages, when half a million pilgrims a year walked this path in spiritual quest, extraordinary monasteries, pilgrim hospices, and villages sprouted along the route to serve pilgrims' needs.
Our walking journey covers the most beautiful sections of "el Camino" on peaceful mountain paths and country lanes marked with the scallop shell, symbol of St. James. It begins in Ainhoa in Pays Basque in France which is very different from its neighbouring regions and best illustrated in the unique Basque language.
As we walk these thousand year old trails, where 20th century intrusions are few, we relish Romanesque settings redolent with the air of pilgrimage. Following "The French Route", our journey ends in Santiago de Compostela, the Holy City reputed to hold the bones of fisherman-evangelist St. James.
Hotels & Cuisine
Our first few days are spent in Ainhoa, one of the most picturesque villages in Pays Basque. Our cosy hotel, classified as a historical monument, dates back to the 17th century and has served as a hostel along the "French Route" of the pilgrims' trail. It is extremely comfortable with a secluded garden, swimming pool and sauna. It is renowned for its elegant dining and has in recent years earned a Michelin * for its fabulous cuisine.
On this tour we exclusively use the Paradores and Pousada Hotels in Northern Spain. The Paradores are state-run luxury hotels, mostly located in historic buildings. They are furnished with appropriate antiques and their restaurants concentrate on local specialities.
Having crossed the border into Spain, our next two days are in a Parador in the historic village of Sos del Rey Catolico, which has been declared a Spanish National Trust monument. Our hotel has an elegant interior and fine country views. The gastronomic specialities are roast lamb, marinated rabbit and medieval cake - freshly made!
The magnificent Parador in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a former Pilgrims' Hospital awaits us with its magnificent cuisine. It is based, above all, on local produce and washed down with an incomparable Rioja wine: artichokes with clams, sautéed vegetables with lamb, fine kid and suckling pig roasts and some of the best desserts, such as "ahorcaditos de Santo Domingo" - pears in wine with chocolate sauce.
Our next destination is Leon where we stay at the Parador "Hostal San Marcos". It is one of the most important buildings in the Parador chain, being the former Hospital and Monastery of San Marcos, the headquarters of the Order of Knights of St. James. The tasty delights of Leonese cuisine, lamb dishes, local sausages, delicious trout and exquisite desserts are just some of the fine offerings of this famous hotel.
Our last two days are spent in the cosy Pousada in the pretty village of Portomarin. Directly on the Pilgrims Trail, our hotel offers beautiful views of the vast landscape and distant mountains.
Trip Grading
Naturally those walks in mountainous regions are going to be slightly more strenuous. However, the walking pace is leisurely, allowing you enough time to stop and experience the surrounds. Our comfortable support vehicles take all the luggage and transport the groups between locations. All you need to carry is a light day pack.
Inclusions
- 13 nights accommodation
- Most meals
- All transport
What's Not Included
- Lunches
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
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