WALKERS’ WORLD
Camino de Santiago  
(St James Way)
Guided Walks across Northern Spain

May 12 - 27, 2012       (15 nights)
Sept 3 - 13, 2012        (10 nights)
Sept 16 - Oct 1, 2012  (15 nights)            

History of the Camino de Santiago:  In 40 AD, according to legend, the body of the Apostle St James was clandestinely buried in Northern Spain. Centuries later, a hermit witnessed a shower of stars leading to James'  forgotten tomb. Further legend claims that during a battle with the Moors St James' ghostly apparition appeared to Christian soldiers spurring them to victory. The story of this miracle started the golden age of pilgrimage to Santiago with multitudes of wayfarers seeking the tomb of St James. Towns along the Camino hosted these travellers and today many villages have scarcely changed since the 1300's. In 1987 the Camino de Santiago was declared the first European Cultural Itinerary - one of the great footpaths of Europe.

Our walks: To walk the entire route would take over a month but with our support bus we cover the most scenic and historic sections. We have two experienced guides so each day there is a choice of doing an easy walk at a relaxed pace or a longer, more challenging walk. Days on this historic pilgrimage route do wonders for body, mind and spirit but our tours have NO religious focus. Accommodation is in three and four star comfortable inns and Paradors as well as old monasteries converted to atmospheric hotels. In Burgos, Leon and Santiago we have fascinating walking tours with English-speaking expert guides who make history come alive.  

Level of Difficulty: The terrain is varied - flat meseta - rugged mountains - rolling farmland. Each day we divide into two groups, each with its own guide. The bus drops off the more energetic group first and they cover a longer distance (up to 20 km a day) with more ascent. The bus takes the tranquil group further along the trail to start the day so they walk a shorter distance (about 10 km) at a slower pace and with less ascent. The support bus follows and is available at various junctions along the way and meets the groups for lunch. When the path goes through mountains the bus can take the tranquil group to near the top so the walk is a spectacular, gradual descent. Those who prefer a more energetic day in the mountains can start with an ascent. 

Our meeting point:  Bilbao      End of Tour:  Santiago de Compostela.

Click below for details of our walks: