Santiago de Compostela

Saturday 25  – Thursday 30 August 2012 

Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia, is regarded as one of Spain’s most beautiful medieval cities. At the heart of the town is the Plaza del Obradoiro dominated by the awe-inspiring Cathedral which houses the Tomb of St. James (Santiago). Santiago has been the goal of pilgrims for over a thousand years.  All this time people have travelled here by foot, by horse, by bicycle, and now by car and by coach following the historic trail, known as The Camino.  Santiago is a compact, lively and buzzing university city with long arcades and narrow cobbled winding streets which are almost entirely pedestrianised.  You will be based in Santiago for the duration of your stay and from here you can explore the region.

Envisaged day to day programme

Day 1 Saturday 25 August
Depart Dublin on Aer Lingus flight EI 742 at 12.30 hrs. to arrive Santiago at 15.40 hrs.  
Meet and greet and transfer to hotel. At leisure.

Day 2 Sunday 26 August
Breakfast in hotel.  Celebrate Mass. Lunch break (own expense). 
Afternoon walking tour of the old town - Plaza Obradoiro, the Cathedral, the Parador etc.
Evening free. 
 
Day 3 Monday 27 August
After breakfast drive to Lugo, historic capital of the province. The city walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking tour of the old town with its beautiful squares and grand buildings. Follow the Camino - the Pilgrim Way - back to Santiago visiting Portomarin, Palas de Rei, Melide and Arzua before reaching Santiago. For those who wish we can arrange some gentle walking on the Camino (Melide to Boente  - 6kms - 2 hours approx.). Mass en route. Return to Santiago for overnight.

Day 4 Tuesday 28 August
Day at leisure in Santiago

Day 5 Wednesday 29 August
Rias Baixas (Lower Estuaries)
Breakfast in hotel. Drive southwest to the coastal town of Cambados (60 kms), famous for its Albarino white wine and then to the charming fishing port of O Grove. Continue to the Isle of La Toja, one of the most stylish resorts in Galicia known for its spas and healing waters - enjoy a boat trip here. On the way back visit the picturesque fishing village of Combarro before our final stop in Padron, a medieval town with a rich literary and cultural past, set between the rivers Sar and Ulla. Celebrate Mass here before returning to Santiago.

Day 6 Thursday 30 August 
Breakfast in hotel.  Morning at leisure. Early afternoon transfer from hotel to airport for return flight back departing Santiago at 16.20 hrs. to arrive in Dublin at 17.25 hrs.

Proposed flights

Proposed accomodation

Hotel Compostela 4* is excellently located within walking distance of the Cathedral.  All bedrooms have private facilities, safe, TV and hairdryer.  It has a breakfast room and bar.

Price: €775.00 per person sharing

 This Price includes

• Return flight Dublin – Santiago
  (This tour is based on a specific airfare – a supplement may apply if fare is not available)
• Return airport transfers with assistance
• 5 nights accommodation in Hotel Compostela on a bed and breakfast basis
• Half day guided walking tour of Santiago
• Day excursion to Lugo
• Day excursion to Rias Baixas (Lower Estuaries)

Extras

• Insurance €36.00 up to 65 years (66 yrs+: double insurance premium applies)
• Airport taxes: €70.00 and baggage fee €30.00 approx (subject to confirmation on final invoice)
• Single room supplement: €36.00 per night (limited availability)
• Entrances where applicable
• Rias Baixas – boat trip and wine tasting - €28.00

How to reserve a place(s): a completed booking form with deposit of  €250.00 per person (payment by cheque, laser or credit card) should be sent directly to MAP Travel.   
The balance will be due 10 weeks prior to departure – payment by cheque/cash (2% surcharge applies to balances paid by credit or debit card).

 

MAP Travel, 36 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. Telephone: (01) 8783111

 

MAP Travel is a fully licensed and bonded company

Travel Agents licence (T.A. 0474) Issued by the Commission for Aviation Regulation