Santiago de Compostela
Iberia Excursions
- £65-£75
- 5 hours
- Hard
LA CORUNA, SPAIN
During the Middle Ages, there were three main places of pilgrimage for Christianity: Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela. A visit to the shrine of St James (Santiago), Patron Saint of Spain, entitles us to wear the cockleshell emblem in the company of perhaps half a million pilgrims a year.Upon arrival in Santiago, we begin with a panoramic drive of the city, before proceeding on foot to the focal point, which is the Cathedral at Plaza del Obradoiro. To one side lies the Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos, a former hospital, which is now a hotel. We will stop here for refreshments prior to viewing the Cathedral.
The Cathedral offers a unique range of architectural styles – Romanesque, Baroque and Ogival Gothic are combined with the most elegant Plateresque throughout its vast confines. It contains the silver urn containing the ashes of St James, the Apostle of Santiago, which is kept in a small crypt immediately under the ornate high altar, dominated by a carved image of the patron saint.
Our guide will highlight points of interest from the outside of the Cathedral (an inside visit will not be possible due to religious services), before we enjoy some free time to explore the town of Santiago independently.
Following our visit, we re-board our tour coach for the return journey to the quayside.
TOUR NOTES: Please note that as 2010 is the Year of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, the town is likely to be very busy. Additional masses will be given at the Cathedral, therefore it will not be possible to make an inside visit. Our guide will provide us with a detailed explanation outside the Cathedral, and then passengers will have free time to browse Santiago independently. If more services are scheduled, it is not guaranteed that individuals will be able to enter the Cathedral independently. The majority of our tour in Santiago is on foot, as coaches are not allowed into the old town. Approximately two hours of walking and standing is involved on this tour, over cobbled terrain, and there may be some steps to negotiate. There will be around 30 minutes of free time, where walking is at the discretion of the individual. For reference, the drive from the quayside to Santiago de Compostela takes approximately one and a quarter hours each way. Toilet facilities are available at the refreshment stop.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
The Cathedral offers a unique range of architectural styles – Romanesque, Baroque and Ogival Gothic are combined with the most elegant Plateresque throughout its vast confines. It contains the silver urn containing the ashes of St James, the Apostle of Santiago, which is kept in a small crypt immediately under the ornate high altar, dominated by a carved image of the patron saint.
Our guide will highlight points of interest from the outside of the Cathedral (an inside visit will not be possible due to religious services), before we enjoy some free time to explore the town of Santiago independently.
Following our visit, we re-board our tour coach for the return journey to the quayside.
TOUR NOTES: Please note that as 2010 is the Year of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, the town is likely to be very busy. Additional masses will be given at the Cathedral, therefore it will not be possible to make an inside visit. Our guide will provide us with a detailed explanation outside the Cathedral, and then passengers will have free time to browse Santiago independently. If more services are scheduled, it is not guaranteed that individuals will be able to enter the Cathedral independently. The majority of our tour in Santiago is on foot, as coaches are not allowed into the old town. Approximately two hours of walking and standing is involved on this tour, over cobbled terrain, and there may be some steps to negotiate. There will be around 30 minutes of free time, where walking is at the discretion of the individual. For reference, the drive from the quayside to Santiago de Compostela takes approximately one and a quarter hours each way. Toilet facilities are available at the refreshment stop.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
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Snack or meal provided
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Refreshments available
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Free time
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Shopping opportunity
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Wheelchair access
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Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
