EL FERROL, 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.

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 will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city. We continue on foot to the centre, where we will see the famous Cathedral at Plaza del Obradoiro. To one side lies the well-known Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos, a former hospital, which is now a luxurious hotel. We will stop here for refreshments prior to visiting the cathedral.

The cathedral offers a unique range of architectural styles – Romanesque, Baroque and Ogival Gothic are combined with the most elegant Plateresque throughout the vast confines of the cathedral. Our guide will highlight points of interest, such as 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 the carved image of the patron saint. We can admire the ancient door of the cathedral, ‘Portico de la Gloria’, which is perhaps the finest creation of the 12th century European sculptor Maestro Mateo. There is also the possibility of watching the giant incensory known as the ‘Botafumeiro’ being swung.

Following our visit of the cathedral, we re-board our tour coach and return to the quayside.

TOUR NOTES: Please note that the majority of our tour in Santiago is on foot, as coaches are not allowed into the old town. There is approximately two to two and a quarter hours of walking involved on this tour, which will be over cobbled terrain. There will be 20 steps to negotiate at the cathedral, however a ramp is available at another entrance. We cannot guarantee that the Botafumeiro display will be seen, as it is only swung at certain times of the day. For reference, the drive to Santiago de Compostela takes approximately one and a quarter hours. Toilet facilities are available at the refreshment stop.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES