This is the location that the Romans used to call Finis Terrae, or ‘end of the world’, and it was to here that the Apostle James travelled to preach and convert people to Christianity (Saint James translated into Spanish is Santiago). In the 9th Century, a hermit discovered the tomb of St James in a forest and pilgrims have been visiting Santiago ever since. News of this find spread throughout Europe – the King of Galicia and Asturias visited to pay his respects and a cathedral
was erected by Alfonso IX at the site of the discovery. Pilgrims increased in numbers throughout the Middle Ages, travelling along the now famous Camino (or Pilgrim Way) and the cathedral was ultimately extended to accommodate growing popularity.
Holy Year
In 12th and 13th Centuries the town had its greatest importance when Pope Alexander III declared it a Holy Town – like Rome and Jerusalem. Pope Calixto II then declared that the pilgrims who went to Santiago in a Holy Year should be free of all their sins. The Holy Year (El Año Santo) is now celebrated each time St James’ Day, 25th July, falls on Sunday.
During a Holy Year the Puerta Santa or Holy Door which gives access to St James Cathedral from the Plaza de la Quintana is opened on 31st December, the eve of the Holy Year, and remains open throughout the year until being walled up again a year later. It is likely that pilgrims travelling during a Holy Year will have the opportunity of witnessing the Botafumeiro swing in St James Cathedral.
Given the next Holy Year is 2010 we advise our pilgrims to book early in order to secure the best available accommodation/location.
Choose from a selection of pilgrimage tour options shown below, or contact us to discuss a tailor-made itinerary to suit your own group's requirements.
| 5 Day Santiago de Compostela Single Centre Pilgrimage |  | |
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| | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | | Day 1 | Fly from the UK to La Coruna. Transfer to hotel. | | Day 2 | Walking tour of Santiago, of course including the stunning Cathedral, the final resting place of the bones of St James. Savour the atmosphere of this hallowed city, wandering through the winding stone streets. | | Day 3 | Travel to Lugo with its Roman Wall. Follow part of the Pilgrim Road as a walking pilgrim. Stop to visit Pala de Rei, Melide, Sobrado dos Monxes, Arzua and Lavacolla en route. | | Day 4 | A free day to relax or explore independently. | | Day 5 | Free time depending on flight time. Travel to the airport for the return flight to the UK. |
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| *Subject to availability. |
| 8 Day Santiago de Compostela Single Centre Pilgrimage | | |
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| | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | | Day 1 | Fly from the UK to Santiago de Compostela. Transfer to hotel. | | Day 2 | Walking tour of Santiago, of course including the stunning Cathedral, the final resting place of the bones of St James. Savour the atmosphere of this hallowed city, wandering through the winding stone streets. | | Day 3 | Travel to Lugo and explore this old town surrounded by a complete Roman Wall. From here follow the final part of the Pilgrim Road to Santiago, having the opportunity to walk a part of the Camino and sample the experience of being a walking pilgrim. | | Day 4 | Travel to Cape Finisterre, travelling along the spectacular coast road for glorious views over the turbulent sea that pounds the craggy cliffs far below. View Cape Finisterre, with its Church of St Mary of the Sands, the final dramatic destination for generations of pilgrims. | | Day 5 | Travel to Pontevedra. The Ria de Pontevedra resembles a Scandinavian fjord with its steep and forested sides. Visit the Church of San Francisco and the Monastery of Santa Maria. | | Day 6 | Travel to A Coruña. The major port of the A Coruña has a still functional Roman Lighthouse, and it was from here that the ill-fated Spanish Armada set sail. Today A Coruña is a weathly, pleasant city with attractive squares and churches. | | Day 7 | A free day to relax or explore independently. | | Day 8 | Free time depending on flight time. Travel to the airport for the return flight to the UK. |
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| *Subject to availability. |
| 8 Day Santiago de Compostela Multi Centre Pilgrimage | | |
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| | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | | Day 1 | Fly from the UK to Madrid. Transfer to hotel in Burgos for dinner and overnight. | | Day 2 | A walking tour of Burgos, including fine medieval architecture, the impressive Arco de Santa Maria gateway, cobbled streets and the impressive Cathedral – the third largest in Spain, founded in 1221. | Overnight in Burgos. | | Day 3 | Travel to Leon, and have a tour which includes the cathedral, which is particularly noted for its impressive stained glass windows dating from the 13th-century. | Overnight in Leon. | | Day 4 | Drive to Lugo, via Astorga to Ponferrada, where you can see the 12th-century castle, built as a resting place for pilgrims on their way to Santiago. There will be an opportunity of walking part of the old Pilgrim Way. | Overnight in Lugo. | | Day 5 | A tour of Lugo exploring the fine Roman walls and the pretty square within, and the Romanesque cathedral built in the image of Santiago. Continue to Compostela, travelling via A Coruña, one of Spain's great seaports. | Overnight in Santiago de Compostela. | | Day 6 | Walking tour of Santiago, of course including the stunning Cathedral, the final resting place of the bones of St James. Savour the atmosphere of this hallowed city, wandering through the winding stone streets. | | Day 7 | A free day to relax or explore independently. | | Day 8 | Free time depending on flight time. Travel to the airport for the return flight to the UK. |
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| *Subject to availability. |