Walking Tour of Spain, SPAIN
Airing Date: Dec 9th, 2002
In medieval times the faithful used the path to make the 700 kilometre pilgrimage from Northern Europe to Spain.
The trek became tradition in the Asturias region of northern Spain 900 years ago, when the Pope declared that everyone who visited the tomb of St James in Santiago would be freed of their sins.
Walking the entire path today takes about two months, but there is a mini-version; an eight day self guided expedition.
Each day walkers trek an average of about 15 kilometres over terrain ranging in intensity from easy to moderate.
Tour company Ibertours can pre-arrange your accommodation and organise both start and finish points for each day, and even transport your luggage to your accommodation each night.
The trek along St James' Way is just as fascinating as the destination. Along the route there are many opportunities to explore the local countryside.
Pay a visit to The San Salvador Church, which is over 1000 years old. No matter what time you arrive, Father Daniel is happy to give a personally guided tour of his church.
The architecture of the buildings in this region is particularly interesting, featuring little grain stores called horreos, with stairs that don't connect to the building, to prevent mice from getting at the grain.
Further into the journey is a fascinating stop at the small village of Amandi with all its big houses.
Just outside the village stands another reminder of the pilgrim way of life - a 13th century bridge spanning the Valdedios River.
From here you can enter the apple orchids of Valdedios, home to some of Spain's finest cider. In Spain cider is such a big part of life that there are actually national pouring competitions.
After a day's sight seeing, finish with a stop over at Santa Maria de Valdedios monastery. Originally an overnight shelter for penniless pilgrims, the monastery is now a hotel with 15 double rooms to choose from.
The walking tour culminates in Oviedo. From here, you can explore the many sights the city has to offer, including the beautiful San Salvador Cathedral.
The facts:
Thai Airways International flies to Madrid three times a week. Prices start from $1944 ex Sydney, $1927 ex Melbourne, $1926 ex Brisbane and $1824 ex Perth. This includes $200 travellers cheques. Price includes taxes and subject to exchange rates. Conditions apply.
Thai Airways
Tel: 1300 651 960
Iber Tours 8 day walking tours start from $980 per person twin share including transfers, luggage handling, 7 nights bed and breakfast plus 5 dinners.
Ibertours
Tel: 1800 500 016
The San Salvador Cathedral is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.
National Tourist Office of Spain
Tel: 0011 65 73 73 008 (international)
