SPRING TOUR TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA AND GALICIA

21st April - 26th April, 2008

Report and photos by Ruth and Jonathan Lucas

Santiago de Compostela - for centuries the goal for tens of thousands of pilgrims every year. They came from all over Europe along the pilgrim route - like a river through the mountains of northern Spain, with tributaries from France to the north, from Italy and beyond to the east, and from Spain itself to the south.

The focal point for the pilgrims was of course the Cathedral. For us, not pilgrims but tourists from Nerja, our trip was in two parts. Santiago was the first destination, the Cathedral and City and the legend of St James and how it shaped the City.

Our second destination was the Atlantic coast of Galicia, a remote and relatively wild landscape with the Atlantic on two sides and Portugal to the south, and a language and culture distinct from the rest of Spain.

A busy trip, brilliant planning and organization, an excellent guide and as much as all of us could take in five days of Galicia and Santiago de Compestela.

Our thanks to those who worked so hard to make it happen.

Comments from participants:
"Very well organised, the whole trip went swimmingly"
"The trip was memorable for the guide Claudio, the beautifully simple hotel, excellent buffet breakfast, good excursions and happy society."
"A brilliant trip, running so well and smoothly"
"A wonderful experience, so memorable"
"The guide was superb, top quality"
"Lovely, classy hotel, excellent hotel"