TOUR A - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Excursions
- 65 - 75
- 5 hours
- 2 hours walking/ standing
During the Middle Ages, there were three main places of pilgrimage for Christianity – Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela. A visit to the outside of 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. 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.
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 hours of walking and standing involved on this tour, which will be over cobbled terrain. There will be 20 steps to negotiate at the cathedral (there is however an alternate entrance available for passengers unable to negotiate the steps). 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 half hours each way. Toilet facilities are available at the refreshment stop. Religious practice requires shoulders and knees to be covered when entering the Cathedral.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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