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The Greatest Road in Europe: Camino De Santiago

Program Number: 3601RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/10/2013 - 9/23/2013; 9/17/2013 - 9/30/2013; 10/1/2013 - 10/14/2013; 5/13/2014 - 5/26/2014; 6/3/2014 - 6/16/2014; 9/9/2014 - 9/22/2014; 9/30/2014 - 10/13/2014;
Duration: 13 nights
Location: Spain
Price starting at: $4,595.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 34; 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian    

Over Roman causeways, medieval roads, wooden bridges and mountain passes, people for centuries have made their pilgrimage across northern Spain to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela -- the purported resting place of the apostle James -- to seek forgiveness of their sins. Following in footsteps that are more than 1,000 years old, walk the Camino de Santiago and experience the legends, architecture, food and wine along the greatest road in Europe.




Highlights

• Experts discuss the mysterious legends of the Camino de Santiago and the medieval architecture of Leon.
• Seek out the “Holy Galician Grail” in Ponferrada.
• Savor Castilian cuisine in Leon.



Activity Particulars

Walking/hiking 4-8 miles over mixed terrain; rocky and steep at times. Shorter walks occur on days covering larger distances by road and usually follow longer days of walking.




Date Specific Information

9-10-2013, 9-17-2013, 10-1-2013

The itinerary for this date is as follows: Arrival Madrid; coach to Burgos, 3 nights; coach to Leon, 3 nights; coach to Ponferrada, 2 nights; coach to Lugo, 1 night; coach to Santiago de Compostela, 3 nights; departure. See detailed itinerary for specific program activities.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Madrid; coach to Burgos, 3 nights; coach to Leon, 3 nights; coach to Ponferrada, 2 nights; coach to Sarria, 1 night; coach to Santiago de Compostela, 3 nights; departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Madrid
Coach to Burgos
3 nights

Known as the city of El Sid, Burgos is home to Spain's greatest Gothic cathedral. Explore this historic site as local experts discuss the history of the Camino de Santiago and the cult of St. James. Examine the Shrine of San Juan de Ortega and the shrine of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner prepared in the old Castilian style.



Coach to Leon
3 nights

In the Middle Ages pilgrims paused in Leon for care in hospitals and spiritual inspiration in the cathedral and the Basilica de San Isidoro, housing some of the finest medieval frescoes anywhere in Europe. An expert on Spanish medieval architecture addresses the city’s remarkable buildings, then view a "Modernist" building designed by the great architect, Gaudi. Walk in Europe’s largest natural park -- Somedo -- and the Roman garrison of Leon.



Coach to Ponferrada
2 nights
Coach to Sarria
1 night

Explore Ponferrada for its medieval roots and delicious cuisine. Walk across the Roman bridge of Orbigo and the charming village of Cebreiro, with a church and chalice known as the "Holy Galician Grail." Experts discuss medieval medicine in Sarria, while excursions showcase the pilgrims’ path to Lavandeira and the impressive Monastery of Samos.



Coach to Santiago de Compostela
3 nights
Departure

Lectures discuss the culmination point of the pilgrimage, Santiago de Compostela -- one of the loveliest cities in Europe. Walk among its gold-tinged monuments and charming medieval streets, while experts discuss the Mount of Joy, the Monastery of Saint Martin -- a 15th-century hospital -- and the fisherman's village of Finisterre.




Spain

With the ascension of King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile, the Kingdom of Spain took on a shape similar to today’s nation. Ruling a culture born of Roman, Visigoth and Moorish invasions, Spain’s Catholic monarchy threw open the door to the Age of Discovery at the turn of the 16th century, importing goods and ideas from around the world while exporting their cultural fusion throughout the first empire on which the sun never set.
Accommodations
Burgos: Centrally located in the downtown. Leon: Hotel in the heart of town. Ponferrada: Comfortable hotel. Sarria: Three-star hotel. Santiago de Compostela: Centrally located hotel.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Nacho Engel
Nacho Engel enjoys balancing two very busy careers — one as a civil engineer with a degree from the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, and the other as a professional certified walking instructor who leads adventurers through the wonders of Spain and Portugal. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Nacho also holds a degree in history and geography from the Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia. He has led walks and welcomed visitors from all over the world since 1990.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Silken Gran Teatro
  BURGOS, Spain 3 nights
   Hotel La Posada Regia
  LEON, Spain 3 nights
   Hotel Bierzo Plaza
  PONFERRADA, Spain 2 nights
   Hotel Mendez Nunez
  LUGO, Spain 1 night
   Hotel Virxe da Cerca
  SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Spain 3 nights
 Silken Gran Teatro
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: New hotel ideally located in the main shopping area, five minute walk to the historic city centre and the splendid cathedral, next to the Museum of Human Evolution. The contemporary rooms were inspired by the Grand Theatre, therefore giving it's name to the hotel.
  Contact info: Avda. de Arlanzon, 8-b
Burgos,  09004 Spain
phone: +34947253901
web: www.hotelgranteatro.com
  Room amenities: Safe, mini bar, large desk, AC, Internet connection, flat screen TV, hairdryer, and telephone.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, cafe, public rooms, small fitness area open 24 hours, free Internet and laundry for a charge.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: n/a Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 Hotel La Posada Regia
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Ideal location, pedestrian area only in the historic center with rooms decorated in the original style of the 14th century property. The interior is painted in bold colors with beautiful wood furnishings.
  Contact info: Regiodores 9
Leon,  24003 Spain
phone: +34987213173
  Room amenities: Private bath, hairdryer, TV, phone, piped in music, mini-bar, AC.
  Facility amenities: Lounge Bar area, restaurant serving the typical cuisine of Leon, free Wi-Fi is available in public areas, laundry and ironing service available at a charge, room service, small fitness area.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel Bierzo Plaza
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Locatead in the very heart of the town and in an rambling house dating back to the 17th century, converted to a hotel in 2003.
  Contact info: Plaza Del Ayuntamiento, 4
Ponferrada,  24400 Spain
phone: +34987409001
web: www.hotel.bieroplaza.com
  Room amenities: Telephone, TV, AC, internet access, strongbox, private bath and hairdryer.
  Facility amenities: Bar, cafeteria, restaurant, game room and 24-hour reception service.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel Mendez Nunez
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Located in the center of Lugo.
  Contact info: Calle de la Reina No 1
Lugo,  1 Spain
phone: +34982230711
web: www.hotelmendeznunez.com
  Room amenities: TB, telephone, radio, mini-bar, AC and internet access.
  Facility amenities: Breakfast room, lounge and public area.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel Virxe da Cerca
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Situated in the heart of the monumental part of town and occupies a building from the 18th century and in front of the facade passed the royal road. Two different surroundings contributes to this restored manor house; one facade is towards the market place of the historic part of town and the facade faces Belvis Park.
  Contact info: Rua Virxe da Cerca, 27
Santiago de Compostela,  15703 Spain
phone: +34981569350
web: www.pousadasdecompostela.com
  Room amenities: TV, telephone, piped in music, minibar, hair-dryer, safe, AC.
  Facility amenities: The hotel has beautiful gardens, a romantic dining area surrounded by glass, like a cloister. Wi-Fi/computer area, lounge, cafe-bar.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: N/A Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Madrid, Spain. Hotel check-in is at 02:00PM You will be staying at Silken Gran Teatro that night.
  End of Program:
Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Hotel check-out is at 11:00AM You will be staying at Hotel Virxe da Cerca the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date to the U.S.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Available but not an easy transfer on your own.
To Start of Program
  Location:  BURGOS
  Transportation to site: From the airport in Madrid, take a taxi to the Avenida de America bus station. Take a bus to Burgos. The bus ride will take approximately 2.5 hours. Take a taxi from the Burgos bus station to the hotel.
  From End of Program
  Location:  SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
  Transportation from site: From the Hotel Virxe da Cerca take a taxi to the airport in Santiago de Compostela.
Elevation Note: Highest elevation is 5200 feet.

Equipment Requirements: Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required (ankle-high shoes are not required, but highly recommended).
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Europe.
(Tuesday, September 10)
   
 In Transit: Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Europe.

Day 2: Arrival in Madrid - Transfer to Burgos / Gothic Cathedral
(Wednesday, September 11)

Note: Two hours of city walking in Burgos.
   
 Arrive To: Arrive Madrid transfer to Burgos (2821 feet), transfer time is approximately 2.5 hours.
 Lunch: Depending on time of arrival one can get a light snack.
 Afternoon: Time permitting, orientation stroll through the center of the city and excursion to the magnificent Gothic cathedral.
 Dinner: Welcome drink, orientation briefing followed by dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Silken Gran Teatro
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Burgos - "La Rioja" Walk; Santo Domingo de la Calzada, twin monasteries of San Millan, Rioja district, local wine cellar for a taste and to learn the making of the Riojan wine.
(Thursday, September 12)

Note: Two hours of walking in villages and countryside trails.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Private coach to Santo Domingo de la Calzada (2100’) to view the cathedral and excursion of the town center. Continue to San Millan de Cogolla for a field trip of one of the twin monasteries of San Millan. Private coach to Ciruena (2425’), then walk to San Domingo de la Calzada (2100’).
 Lunch: Picnic lunch on the trail.
 Afternoon: Continue by coach through a quantity of the best scenery of the famous Rioja district to Laguardia. Excursion to an old traditional local wine cellar including a Riojan wine tasting.
 Dinner: Return to Burgos and enjoy dinner at a local establishment.
   
Accommodations: Silken Gran Teatro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Burgos - "the Oca Mountains & the Shrine of San Juan"
(Friday, September 13)

Note: Four hours of walking on mountain trails.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Private coach to the edge of the Oca Mountains (2450 feet). Walk to the shrine of San Juan de Ortega, with its beautiful Romanesque church and monastery ruins.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch on the trail.
 Afternoon: Independent afternoon in Burgos. Group Leader will give you additional ideas of what to see and do.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local establishment.
   
Accommodations: Silken Gran Teatro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Burgos-Leon - Transfer Day; Great Plains of Castile, "perfect" Romanesque church of Fromista.
(Saturday, September 14)

Note: Four hours of walking through the flat lands and rolling hills of the meseta.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Depart Burgos by private coach to Castrojeriz (2666’). Along the way view the evocative landscape of the great plains of Castile. From Castrojeriz, walk through the flat lands and rolling hills of the meseta (the plateau) to the border of the province of Palencia.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch on the trail.
 Afternoon: Continue by private coach to see one of the architectural gems of the program, the perfect Romanesque church of Fromista. Arrive in Leon (2700'). Check into your hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel La Posada Regia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Leon - "Natural Park of Somiedo" in the foothills of the Picos de Europa, (mountain range Cordillera Cantabrica).
(Sunday, September 15)

Note: 3.5 hours of trail walking through the natural park.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Travel by private coach to the beautiful region of Asturias, for a field trip to the memorable Natural Park of Somiedo in the foothills of the Picos de Europa. Today's walk starts (3900 feet) and leads up the hill to a most picturesque shepherd's village, "Braña de Mumian" (4300 feet) with a magnificent view from the mountain range of the Cordillera Cantabrica.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch on the trail.
 Afternoon: Descend via the town of "Coto de Buenamadre". Return to Leon by private coach.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel La Posada Regia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Leon- "The Treasures of Leon"; Roman garrison of Leon, Gothic cathedral with impressive stained glass windows, Pantheon of the Kings and the Casa de Botines designed by Gaudi.
(Monday, September 16)

Note: Three hours of city walking.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Walking field trip through the former Roman garrison of Leon, including an excursion to the impressive Gothic cathedral (purest example of Gothic style in Spain), with its impressive stained glass windows that rivals that of Chartres. The Pantheon of the Kings contains some of the finest medieval frescoes anywhere in Europe, remarkably preserved and still in their original setting. The Casa de Botines is an uncharacteristically restrained modernist building by the great Catalan architect, Gaudi.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment in Leon.
 Afternoon: Independent afternoon - Group Leader will provide suggestions for activities.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel La Posada Regia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Leon - transfer day to Ponferrada; Roman bridge "Passo Honrosso", Astorga, Cruz de Hierro monument, Molinaseca.
(Tuesday, September 17)

Note: Three hours of walking in villages and natural dirt trails.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Depart Leon by private coach to Puente de Orbigo where you will cross (on foot) the impressive Roman bridge "Passo Honrosso." Continue by coach for a field trip to the walled city of Astorga (2854 feet). After the field trip, you will have independent time to explore this city on your own. (A good place to begin is at the new-gothic Bishop's palace built by Gaudi, which houses a museum on the Camino de Santiago).
 Lunch: Picnic lunch on the trail.
 Afternoon: Continue by private coach to the edge of the Leon Mountains. Over the pass “Cruz de Hierro” (Iron Cross, 3429’) we will find one of the oldest monuments on the Jacob's way. Stop to walk through the wildest scenery of the program to the village of Molinaseca (2050’). Arrive at the hotel in Ponferrada.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local establishment in Ponferrada.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Bierzo Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Ponferrada - "Villafranca del Bierzo"; Cacabelos, Iglesia de Santiago.
(Wednesday, September 18)

Note: 2.5 hours of walking through vineyards and villages.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Depart by private coach to Camponaraya (1611 feet) for a field trip walk on an effortless trail through vast vineyards to Cacabelos. Continue by coach to Pieros, from here walk to Villafranca del Bierzo (1706 feet). Before entering the town, the Iglesia de Santiago stands, a place where pilgrims who could not continue on to Santiago de Compostela due to health reasons, could receive a special absolution.
 Lunch: Get acquainted with this town before a light lunch at a rural restaurant/shop producing and promoting local products like wine, grappa, bottled vegetables and fruits, etc.
 Afternoon: Following lunch return by coach to Ponferrada (2099 feet). Independent time to explore Ponferrada.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local establishment in Ponferrada.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Bierzo Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Ponferrada - Transfer Day to Lugo; O'Cebreiro - symbolic site, Saint James temple, Triacastela and Montan.
(Thursday, September 19)

Note: 3 hours of walking on trails in nature over rolling hills and through the town of Lugo.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Depart by private coach to O’Cebreiro (4290’), another important symbolic site of the pilgrimage. Walk and explore this mystic place, known for its thatched stone huts (pallozas) and the pre-Romanesque church, the oldest temple on the Saint James route preserved in its entirety. From O’Cebreiro, continue on along the pilgrim’s way to Triacastela (2195’) and walk through the beautiful Galician nature over rolling hills to Montan (2957’), a little hamlet. This walk involves a variety of steeper and gradual uphill walking as well as level and downhill walking. Continue by private coach to the hotel in Lugo.
 Lunch: Picnic on the trail.
 Afternoon: This afternoon experience a great walking field trip of Lugo, a well-preserved former Roman city with its Roman wall of almost 2 miles around the center of town, which had been named “Human Heritage Site” by the UNESCO a year ago.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local establishment.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Mendez Nunez
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Lugo - transfer Day to Santiago de Compostela; Sarria, Portomarin on the banks of the Rio Mino, and Mount of Joy.
(Friday, September 20)

Note: Four hours of walking on the pilgrim's path through undulating and picturesque countryside fields and meadows. Town walking in Santiago de Compostela.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Depart by private coach to Sarria (1480 feet), starting point of the walking field trip on the pilgrim's path with some steep uphill, follow the undulating terrain in a picturesque countryside along cultivated fields and cows grazing in the meadows. The lane is flanked by chestnut and oak trees. Arrive at Lavandeira (2195?), pick up the private coach and drive to the pretty town of Portomarin, located on the banks of the Rio Mino.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment.
 Afternoon: Continue by private coach to Santiago de Compostela (860’). Stop along the way at Mount of Joy for a view on Santiago, continue on by private coach to the center of town and walk along a paved road, the final modest stretch to the Cathedral of Santiago.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local establishment in Santiago de Compostela.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Virxe da Cerca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Santiago De Compostela - "The Wonderful Sights"; Monastery of Saint Martin, Los Reyes Catolicos.
(Saturday, September 21)

Note: Two hours of town walking.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Today’s walking field trip includes the magnificent cathedral, the finest example of both Romanesque and Baroque art in Spain, Monastery of Saint Martin, and the fifteenth century hospital (which is now Los Reyes Catolicos, a glorious five-star hotel).
 Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment.
 Afternoon: Independent afternoon in Santiago de Compostela, the Group Leader can advise information for activities.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local establishment.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Virxe da Cerca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Santiago De Compostela - "Finisterre"; Fisterra and the Cape "Cabo Finistrerre" ("end of the world").
(Sunday, September 22)

Note: One hour walk on coastal roads and village walking.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Private coach to Finisterre (82 feet), the literal end of the world. After only a few miles, pass the picturesque fisherman's village Fisterra, then reach the Cape, "Cabo Finisterre" (after the "Cabo de Roca" in Portugal, the most western point in Europe).
 Lunch: Lunch at a local seafood establishment.
 Afternoon: Afternoon independent for packing or one last walk around Santiago.
 Evening: Farewell reception and dinner at a local establishment in Santiago de Compostela.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Virxe da Cerca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14: Santiago de Compostela - Departure Day
(Monday, September 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Private coach transfer to the Santiago de Compostela airport, program ends here.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino De Santiago


Author: John Brierley


Description: With 52 maps and town plans, information on pilgrim hostels and other accommodations, practical advice and spiritual encouragement for the route from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Campostela.



A Traveller's History of Spain


Author: Juan Lalaguna


Description: A swift survey from prehistory through the Romans, Goths and Moors to the present.



Birds of Europe


Author: Lars Svensson


Description: Featuring 3,500 glorious paintings by Killian Mullarney and Dan Zetterstrom, the second revised edition of this exquisite guide has been brought up to date with revised text and maps.



I'm Off Then, Losing and Finding Myself on the Camino de Santiago


Author: Hape Kerkeling


Description: Overweight, overworked and unfit, Kerkeling turns an arduous trek across the French Pyrenees into a superb opportunity to deploy his self deprecating humor and barbed wit in this laugh-out-loud account of an unlikely pilgrim.



Northern Spain Adventure Map


Author: National Geographic


Description: A nicely detailed, overview map of the western (coastal) part of Northern Spain and the Way of St. James, extending as far east as San Sebastian, at a scale of 1:380,,000.



Off the Road, A Modern-Day Walk Down the Pilgrim's Route Into Spain


Author: Jack Hitt


Description: An American Abroad, popular NPR contributor Hitt unleashes his wit and wonder in this account of his trek, 500-miles across Spain to Santiago de Compostela. Naturally, he falls in with an odd assortment of fellow pilgrims and adventures ensue.



Paris to the Pyrenees, A Skeptic Pilgrim Walks the Way of Saint James


Author: David Downie


Description: With wit and scholarship Downie and his wife tackle the fabled route across France and Spain to Santiago de Campostelo.



Pilgrim Stories, On and Off the Road to Santiago


Author: Nancy Louise Frey


Description: The sights, sounds -- and meaning -- of modern journeys along the "Camino de Santiago," according to interviews with those who travel it.



Pilgrimage to the End of the World, The Road to Santiago de Campostela


Author: Conrad Rudolph


Description: An engaging, literary account of 11 weeks of travels from Le Puy along the way of St. James, 1,000 miles all told.



Roads to Santiago, A Modern-Day Pilgrimage Through Spain


Author: Cees Nooteboom


Description: An exhilarating but erudite portrait of modern and historic Spain. Nooteboom writes quite brilliantly of Spanish art, philosophy, history, architecture and culture, as well as of the people he encountered.



Santiago de Compostela Map


Author: Freytag & Berndt


Description: A walking map of the city at a scale of 1:10,000.



Spain, A Traveler's Literary Companion


Author: Peter R. Bush (Editor)


Description: These 30 short stories form a who's who of contemporary Spanish literature, including writers from Galicia, Leon, the Basque Country, Madrid and Barcelona.



The Basque History of the World


Author: Mark Kurlansky


Description: Popular author Mark Kurlansky offers an engaging portrait of the seven provinces of Basque Land, discussing everything from language to culinary heritage and seafaring traditions.



The Camino, A Journey of the Spirit


Author: Shirley MacLaine


Description: The much-reincarnated, ever-brave entertainer treks 500-miles across Northern Spain on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Campostela, interweaving travelogue, commentary and journeys both actual and interior in this personal journal.



The Miracles of St. James, Translations from the Liber Sancti Jacobi


Author: Thoma Coffey (Editor)


Description: The English translation of a Medieval writings on the pilgrimage to Santiago, and the miracles of St. James, from the Codex Calixtinus.



The Pilgrim's Guide to Santiago De Compostela


Author: William Melczer


Description: This is the original guide used by 12th-century pilgrims along the sacred way, reprinted with an introduction by a professor of medieval studies, endnotes and a gazeteer. It's an excellent, hugely informative presentation of this curiosity.



The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago, The Complete Cultural Handbook


Author: David Gitlitz, Linda Kay Davidson


Description: A kilometer-by-kilometer guide to the way of St. James. Organized geographically, this comprehensive guide is a survey of the pilgrimage route across northern Spain.



The Road to Santiago


Author: Kathryn Harrison


Description: The novelist's meditative, personal account of journeys along the route of St. James from St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela.



The Roads to Santiago, The Medieval Pilgrim Routes Through France and Spain to Santiago de Compostela


Author: Derry Brabbs (Photographer)


Description: This gorgeous book celebrates the shrine Santiago de Compostela and the medieval routes through France and Spain -- each a World Heritage site -- in 220 color photographs.



The Song of Roland


Author: Robert Harrison (Translator)


Description: A lyrical translation of the great French epic. Charlemagne's nephew, the chivalrous hero Roland, battles Basque attackers in this 11th-century epic about bloody struggle between Islamic and Christian armies.



Travels with My Donkey


Author: Tim Moore


Description: In this wickedly comic account of grand adventures on the 500-mile pilgrimage to Santiago de Campostela with a French-speaking donkey, Moore salts his anecdotes of fellow travelers and grand adventures with an account of the history and culture of the medieval Way of St. James.



Walking


Author: Henry David Thoreau


Description: Slip this pocket edition of Thoreau's meditations on the spiritual benefits of this most civilized form of travel in your daypack for inspiration.





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