Taste of the Camino
The last 100 kilometers

Europe’s legendary pilgrimage takes us through the e Spanish countryside, showing us its people, its food, its past and present until we reach Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Add to this journey a Yoga mat and an extraordinary instructor and you have the ultimate Camino de Santiago!

Each day begins with an all levels yoga practice. Using the breath as our guide, vinyasa yoga transitions us smoothly from one posture to the next in a meditative seamless flow, connecting movement with the inhale and the exhale. We will focus on poses that complement our hiking….sun salutations, hip openers, arm balances and core strengtheners. Evenings may find us winding down with yin yoga, restorative poses, gentle inversions and perhaps a guided meditation.

Our practice will open your mind and body to the events the day will bring. We than embark on our adventure through meadows and forests which will take us closer to our destination. At the end of the day we stretch and then dine in old world charm, in the company of our friends and other pilgrims.

Our Walks
Average miles per day: 16.3
Route Description: Varying terrain, narrow paths
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Limited to 14 people
Fully Van Supported

Tour details: Arrive Leon, Depart Santiago
What’s included: All breakfasts, “brown bag lunch” each day, 5 dinners, snacks and water.
You should Know: There are a few good climbs on this journey, but the van is always nearby, with water, snacks and a ride should the need arise! So don’t let the mileage or kilometers scare you!
Recommendations: You should arrive in Leon a day earlier so that you are well rested for the 1st day’s activities. We will take care of all optional arrangements for you.
Best way to reach Leon: Fly to Madrid and then take the train to Leon

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in the beautiful city of León, once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Spain. You will be greeted by your Spain Adventures specialists and after a welcome lunch and brief presentation, the adventure begins. This afternoon you will visit the Cathedral of León and San Isidoro. Our first Yoga session takes place early this evening, a much needed event after all that travel! We begin with a restorative practice incorporating both active and passive poses to refresh, restore and rejuvenate the body.

Night in Leon

Day 2 This morning we shuttle to El Bierzo. We begin our walk in the Bierzo wine region and make our way up to O’Cebreiro a beautiful little hamlet of Celtic houses and a church from the 14th century. Our Yoga session today will be a slow, reflective class including standing poses, seated forward bends, twists and reclining poses. Our focus will be on facilitating strength, flexibility and stability in the hips. Deepening our connection with nature, we will be practicing in a setting where the scenery will take your breath away.
Today’s walk: 13.2 kms 8.2 miles

Night in Cebreiro

Day 3 Cebreiro to Sarria. We begin the day by waking up the morning body with sun salutations and a gentle, introspective flow sequence. And then it’s a short shuttle in our van to where we start a very pleasant walk over rolling hills and winding roads. Today’s walk 16- 23 miles We’ll wind down the day with a cooling Yin practice to soothe the body and quiet the mind.

Night in Sarria

Day 4 Sarria to Portomarin Wake up and flow! We begin our day with a dynamic yet moderately paced vinyasa flow practice. Through a simple, energizing sequence of standing and seated postures we will focus on the breath to help strengthen the bodies’ energetic system. This morning in Sarria we stop to pick-up our Pilgrim’s Credenciales in which you will collect the stamps that will mark your journey along the Camino. Our destination today is Portomarín, a town rebuilt stone by stone exactly as it was in 993 A.D. Today the roads will take us through lush green forests and primitive farms still worked as they were a thousand years ago. Tonight we dine with our friend and host Mario and watch wide-eyed as he offers his special quiemada a tradition of Galicia , which conjures up tales of witches and spirits. Today’s walk: 21.5 kms 13 miles A relaxing evening stretch followed by a chakra meditation in the vineyard will wind us down for a restful evening.

Night in Portomarin

Day 5 Portomarin to Palas de Rei Our journey to Palas del Rei is marked by cruceiros and many historical remnants along the way. Our shuttle waits at the end of our walk to take us to our accommodations for this evening, a traditional, magical, pazo owned by the same family for 300 years. Our hosts Elena and her mother are incredible chefs and attention to detail is evident everywhere. Prepare to dine as Kings and Queens. Today’s walk: 23.9 kms 14.8 miles This evening, in a room of total glass which faces green meadows, we will explore the practice of Yin Yoga. The Yin tradition consists of passive postures held for lengthy amounts of time allowing the connective tissues of the body to release. A deeply meditative and restorative practice, this will be the perfect complement to the days hiking.

Night in Arzua

Day 6 Arzua-Santiago Walking through eucalyptus forests we ascend the Monte de Gozo where, from the top of the mountain we see Santiago de Compostela. We enter the city and continue to follow the familiar yellow arrows that have guided us for many days until we see the cathedral before us. We visit the cathedral and shop in the lovely silver and azabache shops. We return to the pazo for an evening yoga session which will incorporate hip and shoulder openers to revitalize the body and clarify the mind.
Today’s walk: 16 miles

Day 7 Santiago Get inspired through an uplifting morning yoga practice that balances body, mind and spirit. Todays class will focus on toning and stretching the body through a meditative flow of postures incorporating balance, breath and intention. We return to Santiago one last time to enjoy this city, visit the market place and shop the silver shops. This afternoon we have a cooking class with our cooks at the manor house. You will take home some great recipes and enjoy an exceptional gourmet meal which you prepared. After dinner, weather permitting we go star gazing with our favorite astronomer.

Day 8 Departures back to the US from Santiago.
OR Add the extended stay of two nights in Madrid

Day 8 Fly back to Madrid in the early morning so that you arrive with a full day to enjoy this magical city. Upon our arrival in Madrid we attend this afternoons Yin/Yang yoga class. This session will combine passive and active postures with breathwork and meditation for a deeply satisfying practice. Afterwards, we are off to see the sights. We’ll show you where to shop or where to sit and people watch.

Day 9 No visit to Madrid is complete without a visit to the Prado Museum. The afternoon is yours to explore, shop for last minute treasures or just relax. This evening we head for all the best Tapas Bars in Madrid and take in the magic that is this city by night.

Day 10 Departures back to the States. Transfers to Airport

8 day/7 night Camino with Yoga

$3,100.00 with 12 or less

10 day/9 nights Camino with Yoga and Madrid

$3,400.00 with 12 or less

Prices do not include airfare to and from Spain or from Santiago to Madrid