Walk the Camino de Santiago
May 5 to May 20, 2025
Walk León to Sarria
León – Ponferrada
Gather in afternoon TBA for orientation and pilgrim plessing.
León is famous for its tapas, and cathedral with magnificent stained glass. Cross the ancient stone bridge into the rolling countryside toward Astorga. Astorga is known for chocolate, Roman ruins, buttressed cathedral and Gaudi Episcopal Palace. Pause at the Cruz de Ferro to place a stone. Rest day in Ponferrada. Explore the Templar Castle. Walking distances 5-12 miles ( 8-19 km) in this section.
Post-Easter Retreat: Walking into Resurrection with Sacred Art. May 8-10 Flores Del Camino in Castrillo de los Polvazares (FloresDelCamino.com). Artists Bertrand Gamrowski & Basia Goodwin will host and lead us to experience the camino geography as sacred space with this restful pause in place. They will introduce us to the arts of sacred geometry and painting with camino earth. Walk a labyrinth as circular journey, reflect on pilgrimage intentions around the fire, and greet the sunrise at an ancient petroglyphs site. For more information visit Floresdelcamino.com
Ponferrada to Sarria
Over the next 5 days we walk into the mountains and over the border into the Celtic region of Galicia. Walk mountain paths, and miles of vineyards. We will overnight in Samos and tour the site of the Monastery of St Xulián founded around 665. Walk to Sarria where the majority of pilgrims begin their journey into Santiago. Walking distances range from 9-15 miles (14-24 km).
A Note from Host Joyce DeToni-Hill
The Spirit of This Camino
Pilgrimage is our opportunity to re-set our lives, grow our faith, and connect. This is a post-Easter camino. In the 40 days after Easter, tradition tells is that the risen Christ appeared to pilgrims from Jerusalem offering hope and new beginnings. This walk is framed in this spirit. The camino will be bursting with good energy as we share this path with the world’s neighbors. As a faith-based walk in community, we will gather for an hour or so each afternoon to reflect on the day’s walk — what sparkled, what challenged, how were we stretched? Where were the signs of grace? Where did the risen Christ walk with us today? We will review the next day’s walk and check in on how everyone is doing.
This pilgrimage is designed to provide gracious space for everyone to walk their best way. Enjoy supportive companionship of others and/or claim space for yourself to walk in solitude as you need. If you have walking limitations, there are taxis to support you.
Orientation: There will be three sessions by Zoom. We will review training tips, packing list, resources, details, questions, and travel advice. We’ll discuss Spanish culture and camino etiquette as well as suggestions for spiritual preparations. Resources can be provided to use in your local church to send you off with the traditional pilgrim blessing.
Cost Includes:
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Hotel Accommodations Double
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Occupancy (Single Extra)
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Breakfasts and Dinners
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Round Trip Santiago – Finisterre.
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Pilgrim Passport, Sleeve and Shell
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Luggage Transfer Each Day
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24/7 Concierge Service
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Van Support
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Spanish Speaking Guide
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Host Joyce DeToni-Hill
Not Covered: lunches, snacks, airlines, ground travel, and guidebook.
If you are clergy, check into extra support through your local
church or denomination/conference’s continuing ed funds.
Contact
Pilgrim Paths
These trips are by Pilgrim Paths. Go to pilgrimpaths.com to register. They take care of the details so we can enjoy the wonder!