 |
 |
The Camino de Santiago de Compostela
What is the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James)
The term 'Camino de Santiago' - also called The Camino and The Way - refers to the various pilgrimage routes throughout Europe that all lead to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in north west Spain. These routes originated over a thousand years ago commencing from St. James’ Gate in Dublin, from Great Britain, Holland and Scandinavia merging in France to continue on a single road to Galicia. This was called 'Camino Francés' (the French Way) starting at the French side of the Pyrenees in St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and passing through Roncesvalles, Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos and León on its way to Santiago de Compostela (780 kms). This route takes about 35 days walking at an average of 22 kms per day.
Other routes are the Coastal Route, the Eastern Route, the English Route, the Portuguese Route and the Camino de la Plata which begins in Seville. Today, more than 100 different routes have been recognised, but the ‘Camino Francés’ is popular route.
Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia in the province of La Coruna. According to tradition, the remains of St. James the Apostle were washed up on the coast of Northern Spain, hidden and later discovered at a place indicated by a star hence the name Santiago de Compostela. Santiago means 'Saint James' and Compostela ‘Field of Stars’. His remains are reputed to be beneath the altar in the crypt of the Cathedral. St James’s feast day is July 25 and when it falls on a Sunday it is declared a Jubilee Year or a Holy Year as will happen next year, 2010. The CathedralThis extremely beautiful medieval Cathedral with its Baroque façade is located on the impressive Plaza del Obradoiro, the main square. The traditions associated with the pilgrimage are touching the Tree of Jesse under the statue of St. James in the main entrance and “hugging the Apostle” – embracing the Statue of St. James above the high altar, before descending under the altar to the shrine of St. James. There is a Pilgrims Mass at noon each day.
Taster of the Camino ... click here to view
Walk the final stage of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. Suitable for everyone and anyone who is reasonably fit.
The Camino for the Less Energetic – less than 15 kms per day ... click here to viewFrom Sarria to Santiago at a more leisurely pace.
The Camino Explorer – from Bilbao to Santiago ... click here to viewScenic coach tour along the Camino via the magnificent cities of Burgos and Leon with optional gentle walks. 
Treasures of Galicia ... click here to viewBased in Santiago de Compostela with day tours to the Roman city of Lugo; Cape Finisterre and the Celtic town La Coruna from where the Armada sailed.
Santiago de Compostela for School Groups ... click here to viewContact MAP Travel for details
MAP Travel can organise:-
Tours are all good value catering for all budgets. Accommodation includes hostels, guesthouses (Casas Rurales), 2 star hotels, 3 star hotels, 4 star hotels, 5 star hotels and Paradores |