|
|
|
Today the pilgrim route through southern France and northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre is the most recognized Camino de Santiago or Way of St James, and is continually gaining in popularity with walkers, cyclists and pilgrims. But in reality there were, and still are, many Caminos de Santiago, bringing pilgrims from all over Europe. Whilst some are not known or written about as much as the French route, they all form part of the rich and diverse history of the Camino de Santiago.
Three of these less known Caminos pass through the province of Soria in Northern Spain and it is believed that Santiago (St James) himself traveled via Soria on his way from Galicia to Zaragoza, stopping to preach in the Roman settlements of Uxama and Numancia. So you could say Soria is on the original ‘Way of St James’. On our Camino de Santiago in Soria holiday, explore a number of the key locations important to pilgrims on their journey through the province to Santiago de Compostela.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Almazan, Myths and Legends of Santiago (St James). Welcome to Soria. The historical town of Almazan is our first stop on the Camino de Santiago. Almazan was a stopover on one of the Caminos del Duero (The River Duero Ways) which pilgrims took from Zaragoza to Santiago de Compostela. After lunch explore Almazan the town which was the Catholic Kings, Isabel and Ferdnand’s court in 1496. Relax and enjoy your unique surrounds whilst discovering the myths and legends of Santiago’s appearances. Tonight we have arranged a welcome dinner, a great introduction to Soria’s wonderful cuisine and a fantastic chance to get to know your travel companions. Overnight: Estacion La Dehesa, Almazán. Includes: (L), (D).
Day 2: Medinaceli, Cistercian Monastery. Today uncover the history of the Camino throughout the southern part of Soria. We travel to the village of Medinaceli, it’s Roman Arch unique in Spain. After wandering the narrow irregular streets that conceal a wealth of history, we will continue along this Camino de Duero, to the magnificent Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria de Huerta, a masterpiece of architectural styles from throughout the centuries. Take your time to marvel at the Gothic refectory, the 12th century kitchen and the ‘Knights’ cloisters. Overnight: Estacion La Dehesa, Almazán. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 3: Medieval Frescos, Berlanga de Duero, El Burgo de Osma. After breakfast we resume our exploration along one of Soria’s Caminos stopping first at the small remote 11th century hermitage church of San Baudelio, which contains one of the most important examples of ‘Mozarabe’ art. Its colorful detailed frescoes painted between the 11th and 12th centuries are of Christian and Arab influences. Our next stop is Berlanga de Duero, the original gate into the once walled town contains the easily recognizable Camino symbol, the scallop shell. Berlanga’s place in history is diverse, as well as the remains of a Pilgrims Hospital, it has a prominent castle and its first mayor was none other than El Cid, the famous Castilian hero.
After lunch continue on to El Burgo de Osma, a central axis and major stopover for all pilgrims traveling through the province. Its grand cathedral one of Spain’s most important. This afternoon we vist the remains of the Roman settlement of Uxama. Sitting on the hill above El Burgo de Osma, Uxama leads us into another chapter of history as it is said that after visiting Galicia, Santiago (St James) preached here before traveling on to Zaragoza, where the Virgin Mary appeared before him. Overnight: Hospederia El Fielato, El Burgo de Osma. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 4: Knights Templar, Nature, Canyon Rio Lobos. Spend the morning in the Canyon Rio Lobos. The 9500 hectares (23400 acres) of pristine wilderness was declared a Nature Park in 1985, for its natural beauty and variety of flora and fauna. Follow an ancient pilgrim route to the isolated Knights Templar hermitage of San Bartolome, the scene is a photographers’ delight and the sight of another Santiago legend. There are few buildings that provoke such admiration and controversy as the mysterious Hermitage of San Bartolome. Lunch will be enjoyed near the village of Ucero, the gateway to the canyon, its Templar castle, one of the many in this province that give Castile its name. This afternoon is at your leisure to explore El Burgo de Osma further or simply relax.
Overnight: Hospederia El Fielato, El Burgo de Osma. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 5: Calatanazor. On our journey into Soria’s capital we stop by the medieval hilltop village of Calatanzor, declared a national monument for its historic and artistic beauty. It was through this picturesque village with its adobe facades, conical chimneys and narrow lanes that pilgrims lodged on route to El Burgo de Osma. Entering this small village is like stepping back in time and provides an opportunity to visit a traditional adobe house. Overnight: Hosteria Solar de Tejada, Soria Capital. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 6: Santo Domingo, San Juan Cloisters. Explore more of Soria’s Camino connections. The cloisters of San Juan de Duero are one of the most original and most visited Romanesque National Monuments in Spain. The 12th century church and wonderful cloister show a mixture of Romanesque and Arabic influences. The name derived from San Juan de Hospitalarios (The Order of St John of Jerusalem), who constructed numerous hospitals along the Camino de Santiago. There is also the Knights Templar enclave of ‘San Polo’, on the banks of the River Duero, which leads to the Hermitage of San Saturio, Soria’s Patron Saint.
On the outskirts of Soria, near the village of Garray is one of Spain’s most important Celt Iberian sites in Spain, Numancia. Another site of Santiago’s (St James’s) preaching on his journey to Zaragoza. Stroll along the ancient streets of this hilltop settlement whilst enjoying spectacular panoramic views across the plains. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner of typical Sorian cuisine and Spanish wine. A fitting end to a memorable journey. Overnight: Hosteria Solar de Tejada, Soria Capital. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Today after breakfast your journey ends. It’s time to say "Hasta Pronto", until the next time! Includes: (B).
Notes:
- Please note this tour is for the province of Soria only
- Our company practices responsible travel. Therefore we only email brochures, we do not post them.
Price:
Minimum Per Person Price: 899 Euro (EUR)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1109 Euro (EUR)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 6 Nights accommodation. Double occupancy room with en suite
- 6 Continental breakfasts
- 6 Lunches. Lunches are either gourmet picnics or a varying selection of superb regional tapas
- 2 Dinners with wine - a welcome dinner in Almazan and a farewell dinner on our last night in Soria
- Exclusive Transport throughout the journey from the designated start point to the end point of the tour, Soria Capital
- Luggage Transfers. Your luggage will be transferred between hotels
- Assistance and Advice with regard to arranging ground travel within Spain, to and from Soria
- All entry fees to attractions included in the itinerary
- Services of your hosts, Alfredo and Louise, founders of Spanish Footsteps. We will provide you with all you need to know about this unique corner of Spain, including its history, culture, fiestas, nature and gastronomy.
Also see tour packages in:
Spain
Archeology/History
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
Europe
|
|
|
|
