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 Albarino
Wine Tour of the Rias Baixas Galicia Spain a Land of Seafood and Fine White
Wines Private driver/guided tour down the magnificent Atlantic
shore of Galicia's Rias Baixas, Albariño Wine Country. Fine wines
& seafood in quaint fishing villages on the Celtic coast…more... |
 Camino
de Santiago and Albarino Wine Walking Tour in Galicia Spain Walk
part of the Camino de Santiago trail during the Festival of St. James!
(July 25th). Follow the ancient pilgrimage trail and then down the beautiful
coastline of the Rias Baixas, Galicia, The land of Albariño white
wines and Fresh Seafood...more... |
 Deluxe
Food and Wine Tour in Misty Enchanting Celtic Galicia Green Spain
Deluxe Food, Wine & Cultural Tour in Galicia, Spain. A Private driver/guide
will show you gastronomical and historical delights of this area. Discover
distinct Spanish wines, cuisine, music…more... |
 Sailing
Day Trip to the Cies Islands in a Luxurious Private Yacht A deluxe
sailing tour starting in Vigo, the most important fishing port in Europe,
with a beautiful bay holding secrets of sunken treasures & historic
battles. Blessed with fresh seafood, islands…more... |
 Riding
Along The French Trail to Santiago Riding from the border of Galicia
through un-spoilt countryside of hills, rivers, valleys, monasteries… arriving
in Santiago de Compostela as horse-riding pilgrims of the past…more... |
 Private
Galician Cuisine Cooking Class at Restaurante Roberto in Santiago de Compostela
Hands-on Cooking Class followed by meal based on what you have prepared
with your Chef at the fabulous Restaurante Roberto in Santiago de Compostela...more... |
 Albarino
Wines and Celtic Sites of the Salnes Valley Rias Baixas On this
private day tour you get a taste of what the Galician coast has to offer.
Follow down the Rias Baixas coastline passing villages, Celtic Hill-forts…enjoy
a seafood lunch, Albariño wines…more... |
 Historic
Santiago de Compostela Tour from La Coruna On this full day excursion
from La Coruna you will enjoy a guided tour of Historical Santiago. You
will visit the old quarter of the city and the stunning cathedral of the
Pilgrimage capital of Galicia...more... |
 Horse
Riding Along the French Trail of Camino de Santiago from Astorga
This way was the oldest and most important cultural route of Europe. We
shall ride along the final section of this route just starting at the point
where this route reaches Galicia... Finally arriving in Santiago de Compostela…more... |
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Featured
Santiago de Compostela Hotels / Galicia
Private Tours
Santiago
de Compostela, Galicia Rural Self-Catering / Vacation Rentals
Galicia Travel Guide
Camino
de Santiago de Compostela: A Modern Pilgrimage
Explore
Northern Galicia
Ferrol
and The Northern Coast of Galicia
Hunting
For Treasures in Pontevedra
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in Southern Galicia
The
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Vigo
- A Tale of Two Cities
Visit
The Rias Baixas Galicias Western Coast
Camino
de Santiago de Compostela: A Modern Pilgrimage by Leslie
Gilmour
The need to go on pilgrimages
has always been a human characteristic. People have long trodden paths
to destinations that promised miracles or penance, or to atone for sins.
And even in this rational age, people are drawn on spiritual quests to
the sacred sites of the world. In the Christian world, few sacred sites
are more famous that Santiago de Compostela in Galacia, northern Spain.
Pilgrims have walked this route for more than 1000 years. And nowadays,
over 100000 pilgrims annually make the journey that ends at the cathedral
in Santiago de Compostela. What draws them there?
| One of the oldest extant
pilgrim routes is the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, or The Way of St
James in English. This way is in fact made up of a collection of old pilgrimage
routes which lead to Santiago de Compostela in Galacia in north west Spain.
Here a cathedral has stood since the 9th century.
According to legend, the
appearance of the remains of the Apostle Saint James led to the construction
of Santiago de Compostela in the ninth century. It soon became a pilgrimage
destination on a par with Jerusalem and Rome.
Of all the many paths that
lead to Santiago de Compostela, the most popular is known as the French
Way. This is a 750 kilometer route that begins in France and crosses the
Pyrenées at either Somport or Roncesvalles. |
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Modern pilgrims make this
journey for a number of reasons, only some of which are spiritual. In fact
over 100,000 pilgrims from over a 100 countries make the journey each year
on foot, bicycle, donkey, or horseback. And that's just official pilgrims
holding a pilgrim's 'passport'. Most conclude however that it is a moving
experience and rewarding in ways they did not anticipate
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So for whatever reason you
may wish to travel this trail, you can do so on foot or bicycle. Here are
some pointers for the journey.
Firstly, you should get a
Pilgrim's "credencial" by registering in a town such as Roncesvalles on
the border with France. This document identifies you as a bona fide pilgrim
and permits you to stay in the small inns known as refugios or albergues
in Spain. These hostels dot the routes along the pilgrim's ways and ofter
cheap or even free accommodation. This usually takes the form of dormitory
beds and accommodation is generally limited to one night.
The credencial is also necessary
for getting your Compostela, the certificate awarded to pilgrims on completing
the way. To earn this you need to walk a minimum of 100 kilometers or cycle
least 200 kilometers on your pilgrimage.
To get your compostela, you
need to have you credencial stamped in the towns you pass though on your
pilgrimage. This proves you've walked the route recognized by the Pilgrim
Association of St James. |
Many take the pilgrimage
for secular reasons. It's a scenic route wending its way through vineyards,
farms, orchards of apples and pears, herbs and vegetable gardens and a
varying landscape marked with with villas and quaint villages set high
in the mountains.
Whatever the reason for the
pilgrimage, finally arriving at the great Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
is a moving experience. True pilgrims embrace the statue of the Saint James
and often break down in tears of happiness. And even those who traveled
for pleasure find themselves affected in ways they can't explain.
So if you're considering
a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostelo, don't hesitate. Whatever your motives,
you'll have a wonderful experience and who knows, it could change your
life.
Featured
Santiago de Compostela Hotels / Top
/ Galicia
Rural Self-Catering / Vacation Rentals
About the Author: Leslie
Gilmour travel and writes about the places he visits for various web sites.
Places of great interest, like Santiago
de Compostela and its famous Camino
de Santiago. |
| GALICIA
FEATURED HOTELS, SPAIN |
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SANTIAGO
DE COMPOSTELA, GALICIA HOTELS
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Santiago de Compostela
reading: Camino
de Santiago de Compostela: A Modern Pilgrimage
More
hotels in Santiago de Compostela
 |
AC
Palacio Del Carmen, Santiago de Compostela
This beautiful 5 star hotel
housed in what used to be the old Convent Las Oblatas has recently been
refurbished maintaining the original architectural and artistic style.
Located a few meters away from the Obradoiro Square, this building is part
of the historic part and artistic heritage of Santiago de Compostela. It
has maintained the style and the charm of another era, without leaving
aside the comfort and services of a hotel. The restaurant offers innovative
cuisine, enhanced by its unique location. In a stylish atmosphere, customers
enjoy an exquisite balance between traditional Galician cooking and a delicate
variety of «haute cuisine» with the individual flair of top
chefs. The hotel provides a free Fitness Centre, where you
will find bodybuilding equipment, exercise benches, Turkish bath, sauna
and mini Hi-Fi system, as well as a selection of mineral waters, all offered
free of charge. |
 |
Hotel
Congreso, Santiago de Compostela
The Hotel Congreso is located
in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, five kilometres from the Old Town, a
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Santiago train station is four kilometres
away. There is an outdoor seasonal swimming pool, with a separate
pool for children. There is also a gym. Wireless Internet access is available
throughout, and onsite complimentary parking is offered. A complimentary
buffet breakfast is served daily to guests of the Congreso. Local and regional
Galician dishes are served at the Orballo restaurant, and the Citania cafeteria
offers local and regional tapas. The hotel Congreso offers 15 meeting
rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 800 persons. The
120 air-conditioned guestrooms are decorated in caramel-and-chocolate tones,
with dark wood contemporary furnishings. |
 |
Hotel
CV Monte do Gozo, 3 kms from Santiago de Compostela
The Monte Do Gozo hotel
and holiday complex is located three kilometers from Santiago de Compostela,
on the final stretch of the pilgrimage route at the point where pilgrims
catch their first glimpse of Santiago's magnificent Cathedral. Those wishing
to explore the area can enjoy a range of sporting and cultural activities
organized by the hotel, from horseriding, rafting and quadbiking, to tours
of nearby towns and beautiful Galician countryside. A twenty minute walk
takes guests to Santiago and the awe-inspiring cathedral.Guests can dine
in the onsite self-service restaurant or cafeteria. Entertainment
is frequently offered, and guests can relax by one of the swimming pools
or by the artificial lake, or take a stroll through the ample 650,000 m2
grounds. |
 |
Hotel
San Carlos, Santiago de Compostela
The Hotel San Carlos is
located in Sanitago de Compostela, Spain. The cathedral is 400 metres away,
and Pontevedra is at a 60-kilometre distance. Santiago Airport is 10 kilometres
from the hotel, and the train station is 50 metres away. Set opposite the
Parliament of Galicia, the Hotel San Carlos occupies a modern property
spread over three storeys, which are accessible by elevator, and opens
to a lobby area finished with cool marble. The hotel houses a coffee shop
and a lounge area, and further amenities include complimentary wireless
Internet access, onsite parking (surcharge), and room service. The
hotel houses a business corner and meeting space is available. The 21 guestrooms
have smart, modern decor with crisp, white linen, and dark wood furnishing. |
 |
Husa
Ciudad de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela
The modern Husa Ciudad de
Compostela hotel is located in the town centre, one kilometre from Saint
Jacques Cathedral, Alameda Parque and Obradoiro Square. Guests can enjoy
drinks in the bar and browse the complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
The hotel offers public Internet access facilities (surcharge), and guests
can ask the concierge for advice on sightseeing opportunities in the area.
Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can exchange currency, arrange
medical services and look after valuables in the safe-deposit box. Motorists
will find garage-parking facilities on site. The 30 light, modern guestrooms
are decorated with beige fabrics and simple furnishings. All include cable
television, direct-dial phones, Internet connections, minibars, sewing
kits and complimentary toiletries. |
 |
Husa
Universal, Santiago de Compostela
The Husa Universal is located
in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, 200 metres from the Santiago de Compostela
Cathedral. Shopping at Rua Nova is 300 metres from the hotel. Casco Antiguo
and the nightclubs and bars of Plaza Roja are 400 metres away. Real Aero
Club de Santiago, featuring 18 holes of golf, is 12 kilometres from the
hotel. The Husa Universal offers buffet-style breakfasts. A social
room with television is on site. Safe-deposit boxes are available at the
reception desk. Complimentary newspapers are offered in the lobby.
the 54 air-conditioned guestrooms feature dark wooden furniture. Blue-and-white
décor adds accent. Each room features a private bathroom with complimentary
toiletries. |
 |
Melia
Araguaney Hotel, Santiago de Compostela
The boutique Melia Araguaney
is located in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The Old Town is 400 metres
away, and the gothic cathedral is 800 metres away. Set in the city centre,
the Melia Araguaney occupies a modern property spread over six storeys
accessible by elevator, and opens to public areas characterised by fresco-painted
walls, plush leather seating, and richly patterned rugs. The hotel extends
to a seasonal outdoor pool, and houses a health club with fitness room,
sauna, and steam room. Further amenities include complimentary
wireless Internet, 24-hour room service, and laundry facilities. The Melia
Araguaney houses the Restaurant Araguaney serving international dishes
and the Restaurant Caney offering traditional tapas and Galician specialities.
There is an onsite cafeteria. |
 |
Parador
de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela
Mixture of history, art
and tradition, the dream of pilgrims and an emblem of Santiago, the 'Hostal
Reyes Católicos', located in the Plaza do Obradoiro, forms a magnificent
golden corner with the cathedral, imparting beauty on one of the most visited
regional capitals of the world. The 'Hostal', which originated as a Royal
Hospital in 1499 to give shelter to the numerous travellers making their
way to Santiago, today continues to invite the traveller to enjoy a universal
and fascinating city. Considered to be the oldest hotel in the world, it
is also one of the most luxurious and beautiful. It has four cloisters
of immense beauty, elegant living rooms, spectacular bedrooms and a luxurious
dining room which offers fish and meat dishes cooked 'a la gallega', in
addition to the classical caramelized apple 'filloas' (crepes) and cream. |
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