Santiago de Compostela and The Way

For many the first awareness of this ancient pilgrimage trail in Spain came from viewing the movie “The Way,” directed by Emilio Estevez and starring his father Martin Sheen. The movie certainly helped popularize it, and there are many versions and ways to “do the Way”.

I just returned from escorting 12 absolutely awesome seniors on an active, but beautiful 10-day journey walking and riding (by van) from Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees Mountains, across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. It is a total of 760km.

We walked an average of 8 miles per day through green forests, open meadows, small villages, hillsides and vineyards. We stayed in charming inns and comfortable hotels, ate delicious food, drank delightful wines, had our baggage transferred from hotel to hotel and had the time of our lives.

This was a vacation not one member of our group will ever forget!

There are many ways and many reasons to walk the Camino. And there are many “Caminos”. I researched many of them before customizing this trip for our group and it was perfect for us.

Spain is a country of great beauty, history, culture and surprises. We did not encounter much English spoken along the Camino, but the friendliness of the people and pre-planning a seamless trip made it easy and enjoyable.

I can’t think of anyone who would not enjoy this trip although it does require a certain level of fitness, and the reasons for walking the Camino range from physical to spiritual to religious and beyond.

Just google St. James Way, or Camino de Santiago de Compostela to learn more, and when you are overwhelmed with information call me.

Contact Vickie Baehner, part of our Santa Barbara Travel Agency, to begin planning your next vacation!