OVIEDO TO SANTIAGO - The Primitive Way
Visiting : Oviedo, Grado, Salas, Tineo, Pola de Allende, La Mesa, San Julián (Grandas de Salime), A Fonsagrada, O Cádavo, Lugo, O Burgo do Negral, Melide, Arzúa, Rúa, Santiago de Compostela
Duration : 16 Days / 15 Nights
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Medium
For avid walkers, prior training highly recommended. Moderately uneven grade, some dirt and stone roads
ITINERARY (Daily departures – no minimum participant requirements)
DAY 1: OVIEDO
Arrival in Oviedo on your own. (Consult with Petrabax for train prices from Madrid to Oviedo). Your information packet containing complete route descriptions, materials and your Pilgrims Passport will be waiting for you at your hotel). This wonderful city located between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Gulf of Vizcaya is the capital of Asturias. You'll want to get lost along the streets of its historic medieval town and you won't leave the city without tasting a good Asturian Cider.VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 2: WALK OVIEDO TO GRADO (25 KM / 15.5 MI)
Breakfast. Embark on a journey beyond the "Vetusta de Clarín", venturing into the serene embrace of a rural landscape. Your final destination for this stage of your adventure will Grado. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 3: WALK GRADO TO SALAS (22 KM / 13.6 MI)
Breakfast. Today you will enjoy a pleasant walk through rural surroundings to reach the beautiful historic town of Salas. Discover the serenity of nature as you head to this charming destination full of history and picturesque architecture. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 4: WALK SALAS TO TINEO (20 KM / 12.5 MI)
Breakfast. After an exciting ascent to La Espina, I invite you to delight in the extraordinary panoramic views that unfold before your eyes when you reach your destination: an exclusive spa hotel located in the picturesque villa of Tineo. Enjoy the majesty of the surrounding landscapes while relaxing and immersing yourself in the serenity that this unique corner offers, where the combination of exuberant nature and the comfort of the spa creates a truly unforgettable experience. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 5: WALK TINEO TO POLA DE ALLANDE (27 KM / 16.7 MI)
Breakfast. On this stage, you will face the challenge of overcoming some high elevations before undertaking the descent to the charming village of Pola de Allande. Here, in this picturesque corner, you will have the place to enjoy two nights of rest, exploring the history and charm that this location has to offer. Immerse yourself in the peaceful life of Pola de Allande and discover the authenticity of its cobbled streets and unique architecture while relaxing and immersing you in the essence of this welcoming destination.. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 6: WALK POLA DE ALLENDE TO LA MESA (22 KM / 13.6 MI)
Breakfast. You will venture deeper into the serene valleys to undertake a fascinating walk between the majestic mountains that will guide you to the picturesque town of La Mesa. Along this crossing, you will witness spectacular views, where the imposing nature unfolds in all its splendor, treating you to landscapes that capture the region's untamed beauty. This route will give you the opportunity to connect with the magnificence of the mountain as you head to La Mesa, a destination that promises charm and serenity amidst the natural grandeur that surrounds you. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 7: WALK LA MESA TO SAN JULIAN (GRANDAS DE SALIME) (21 KM / 13 MI)
Breakfast. From La Mesa, your descent will be gradual, taking you through changing landscapes to reach Grandas de Salime and its impressive embalse. This section marks the culmination of your journey through Asturias, offering you a unique experience as you immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Grandas de Salime and contemplate the majesty of its embalm. Enjoy this last Asturian stretch, where the fusion of nature and history converges on the perfect background screen to conclude your hiking journey with an unforgettable view. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 8: WALK SAN JULIAN (GRANDAS DE SALIME) TO A FONSAGRADA (20 KM / 12.4 MI)
Breakfast. You will rise through a spectacular landscape to reach A Fonsagrada, now in the Galician mountains. This climb will give you impressive views that will immerse you in the changing nature of Galicia. Once in A Fonsagrada, you will have the opportunity to explore the mountain kitchen, where the Gallego bottle stands out, known in Gallego as butelo. Enjoy the rich gastronomic tradition of the region while enjoying this delicious local speciality, which will become an unforgettable culinary experience during your trip. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 9: WALK A FONSAGRADA TO O CADAVO (24 KM / 15 MI)
Breakfast. You will draw some high ones as you gradually descend until you reach the peaceful village of O Cádavo. Enjoy the serenity of the trail, allowing you to absorb the changing views as you approach this charming corner. Cádavo will welcome you with its welcoming atmosphere and the authenticity of a small town, offering you a peaceful break during your journey. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 10: WALK O CADAVO TO LUGO (30 KM / 18.6 MI)
Breakfast. This exciting stage will take you to the captivating city of Lugo. Once there, you will have time to visit its imposing Roman wall, recognized as a World Heritage Site. Discover the rich history that surrounds this monument, which has endured for a long time with grace and elegance. Furthermore, we encourage you to enjoy Lugo's renowned tapas, a culinary experience that reveals the gastronomic authenticity of the region. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the interior of the Lugo Cathedral, immersing yourself in the spirituality and architectural magnificence that this historic jewel has to offer. The city of Lugo offers you a memorable experience for your journey, combining history, culture and unforgettable flavors.VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 11: WALK LUGO TO O BURGO DO NEGRAL (FRIOL) (22 KM / 13.6 MI)
Breakfast. Embark on a captivating walking journey from the historic town of Lugo to the enchanting O Burgo do Negral in Spain. Traverse the picturesque landscapes that unfold between these two charming destinations, revealing the beauty of the Spanish countryside along the way. As you step into Lugo's ancient streets, adorned with a UNESCO-listed Roman wall, you'll set the stage for a historical and cultural exploration. The route takes you through quaint villages, where time seems to stand still, and into the heart of nature, providing a peaceful respite from the everyday hustle. Each step unveils a new chapter of Spain's heritage, from Lugo's medieval architecture to the tranquility of O Burgo do Negral's scenic surroundings. Whether you're drawn to the rich history, natural beauty, or the authentic charm of small-town Spain, this walking expedition promises an immersive experience. Immerse yourself in the essence of the Spanish countryside, where every path tells a story and every village invites you to embrace the warmth of local hospitality. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 12: WALK O BURGO DO NEGRAL TO MELIDE (25 KM / 15.5 MI)
Breakfast. Deaprt on a captivating journey from O Burgo do Negral to the lively town of Melide in Spain. Traverse picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and the tranquil Galician countryside. Experience the warmth of local hospitality and immerse yourself in Melide's vibrant culture, marked by historic streets and renowned culinary delights, such as the celebrated octopus dish. This Camino de Santiago leg offers a seamless blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER AT YOUR HOTEL THIS EVENING.
DAY 13: WALK MELIDE TO ARZUA (15 KM / 9.3 MI)
Breakfast at your hotel. After departing Melide you will cross rural paths and a few asphalted roads until you reach charming Ribadiso, a good place for a stop to relax. Afterwards, continue your Camino to the town of Arzua, famous for its delicious cheeses. Overnight in Arzua. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER TONIGHT.
DAY 14: WALK ARZUA TO RUA (19 KM / 11.5 MI)
Breakfast at your hotel. In today’s penultimate stage the green foothills of Galicia will by your travel companion during this walk until you reach the town of Rua. Here you will find the Ermita de Santa Irene. Free time in Rua to explore the town on your own. Overnight in Rua. VALUE PACKAGE INCLUDES DINNER TONIGHT.
DAY 15: WALK RUA TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (20 KM / 12.4 MI)
Breakfast at your hotel. Begin your final stage of the Camino behind the town of Pedrouzo, ascend past the village of Amenal and descend to Lavacolla to later ascend again to the appropriately named Monte do Gozo (Mountain of Joy). From here you will see the Towers of the Cathedral of Santiago for the first time. You will reach Santiago after a short 4 additional kms. Arrive to Santiago through the charming streets of the city until finally reaching the city’s spectacular medieval center and the cathedral located on the Plaza do Obradoiro. Your Camino ends upon arrival at the Cathedral. SUPERIOR CLASS INCLUDES LODGING AT THE PARADOR DOS REIS CATOLICOS.
DAY 16: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Your journey ends this morning after breakfast at your hotel.
OVIEDO
Oviedo es la capital del Principado de Asturias y el centro geográfico, político y administrativo de la región. Es una ciudad que guarda verdaderas joyas artísticas enmarcadas en un amplio valle, lo que la convierte en un lugar turístico y de esparcimiento digno de mención. Oviedo es poseedora de valiosísimas muestras del arte Prerrománico en Asturias, como San Miguel de Lillo, Santa María del Naranco, la iglesia de San Julián de los Prados, la Cámara Santa y la fuente de la Foncalada. La mayoría de las calles del casco antiguo de Oviedo se pueden recorrer a pie y albergan numerosos edificios de interés histórico artístico como la Catedral o varias casas nobiliarias. Otro de los atractivos de Oviedo es que se ha convertido en un gran museo al aire libre, gracias a las numerosas esculturas de arte moderno que embellecen sus calles y plazas. Además de ser una población con una gran actividad comercial y financiera, se abre al mundo cultural de muy diversas maneras. Tiene una gran tradición musical, que se manifiesta en los numerosos acontecimientos que se programan cada año (conciertos de piano, opera). Tampoco hay que olvidar la entrega de Premios Príncipe de Asturias en el teatro Campoamor como una muestra más de su preocupación por las artes y la ciencia. Además, Oviedo ha sido galardonada con el premio de la Escoba de Oro, por ser la ciudad más limpia de Europa. Este es uno de sus mayores atractivos, pues es una ciudad en la que se puede pasear tranquilamente sin los agobios de la contaminación, los ruidos, coches y basuras esparcidas por doquier. Desde la capital se pueden realizar varios recorridos que descubrirán al visitante numerosos lugares de interés, como por ejemplo, la excursión hacia el Monte Naranco, situado a unos cuatro kilómetros de Oviedo. Este lugar, además de conservar joyas de arte prerrománicas, ofrece la posibilidad de realizar deportes en contacto con la naturaleza.
GRADO
Grado tiene muchas atracciones populares, incluido el Real Monasterio de San Salvador de Cornellana, por lo que bien merece una visita. El pequeño pueblo de Grado es un cruce de caminos, fértiles huertas, minería, arquitectura medieval, palaciega e india, mercados, festivales, dulces, comerciantes y gente maravillosa y amigable. Grado te sorprenderá en todos los sentidos, no sólo por la gran cantidad de monumentos y casas pintorescas para visitar, sino también por el buen ambiente y la calidez de su gente.
SALAS
Salas es un pueblo encantador con esencia medieval en el que se puede contemplar una torre del siglo XIV que está construida sobre los cimientos de la iglesia prerrománica de San Martín y también el Palacio de Valdés Salas del siglo XVI. También merece una visita la Colegiata gótica de Santa María la Mayor del siglo XVII con un impresionante Mausoleo de alabastro del Arzobispo Fernando Valdés Salas fundador de la Universidad de Oviedo y diseñado por el escultor italiano Pompeyo Leoni.
TINEO
Tineo, un pueblo que cautiva por sus impresionantes paisajes, pueblos pintorescos, ricas tradiciones y la cálida hospitalidad de su gente, todo ello contribuyendo a un patrimonio de inmenso valor. Llena de historia, la importancia de Tineo se remonta a la época del Imperio Romano, pero alcanzó su apogeo en 1222 cuando Alfonso IX le concedió Carta de Villa, designándola como parada obligatoria del Camino Primitivo a Santiago de Compostela. En su tapiz histórico son evidentes los restos de un castillo medieval, un monasterio franciscano y el antiguo hospital de peregrinos, "Mater Christi". La presencia de la Ermita de San Roque subraya aún más el papel fundamental de la localidad en el Camino de los Peregrinos. Al recorrer las calles, seguirás las huellas de siglos de historia, lo que hace de Tineo no sólo una parada de una peregrinación, sino un testimonio vivo de la riqueza cultural que ha definido a esta ciudad a lo largo de los siglos.
POLA DE ALLENDE
Pola de Allande tiene un aire muy colonial con muchas construcciones indianas de su pasado emigrante, especialmente de Santo Domingo y Puerto Rico. Asturias sufrió una emigración a gran escala a finales del siglo XIX y principios del XX hacia América, especialmente Cuba, México, Argentina, Venezuela y Estados Unidos. Después de que los emigrantes se instalaron en sus nuevos hogares y se hicieron ricos, no olvidaron sus raíces y decidieron construir estas magníficas casas para mostrar su nuevo estatus como hombres ricos. Este estilo de arquitectura muy distintiva y característica casi siempre iba acompañado de grandes jardines ornamentados de palmeras como parte de su identidad.
LA MESA
La Mesa is a small village that is part of the Asturian council of Grandas de Salime. It is located in the valley guarded by the Berducedo mountain range and crowned by the Buspol Peak. A charming village of stone houses and slate roofs that offers pilgrims the most complete disconnection from the world. Due to its altitude, La Mesa has very low temperatures, even in summer. Parish Church of Santa María dominates the Mesa, which sits on top of a burial mound several millennia old. It was built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Curiously, its apse is at the back of the Camino.
GRANDAS DE SALIME
Grandas de Salime is home many family crests most of them belong to Names such as Casa Roman, Casas de Rubiera and Niño, Casona de los Robledo, Casona de Vicente etc. Also, the collegiate church is worth a visit as well as the impressive industrial architecture of the hydroelectric power station with its beautiful murals designed by local artists Joaquin Vaquero Palacios and Joaquin Vaquero Turcios. The reservoir of Grandas de Salime is a magnificent engineering feat. Here you can practice sailing and all kind of water sports. Also, you can enjoy several walking Routes such as “The Archaeological Route” or “The Route of the Surroundings of Grandas de Salime”. The Gastronomy of the area is mainly traditional Asturias cuisine with some Galician influence. It is mainly based on Casseroles, Asturian reared beef, fresh fish from their rivers, cheeses and desserts from the area. Images supplied by Ayto de Illano, Ayto de Pesoz, Ayto de Grandas de Salime and Parque Historico del Navia.
O CADAVO
The small village of O Cádavo is the capital of the concello of Baleira. It is a rural municipality, surrounded by a beautiful natural environment in which nature is the undisputed protagonist. O Cádavo remains a largely agricultural town and is a checkpoint for travelers heading uphill in the opposite direction as its slightly lower altitude makes for a substantial difference in snowfall. The industry here is cows, both for dairy and for meat, and you are bound to see more than one dairy tanker cross your path. The town itself is otherwise rather unremarkable but for the vistas.
Lugo
O BURGO DO NEGRAL
Ubicado en el corazón de España, O Burgo do Negral le invita a descubrir su encantadora combinación de historia y belleza natural. Camine por calles adoquinadas bordeadas de arquitectura centenaria, cada edificio refleja el rico pasado de la ciudad. Este pintoresco destino ofrece una escapada tranquila, rodeado de paisajes exuberantes y una cálida comunidad local. Ya sea que esté explorando monumentos históricos o sumergiéndose en la naturaleza, O Burgo do Negral promete una auténtica experiencia española, perfecta para aquellos que buscan un retiro tranquilo fuera de lo común.
Melide
Arzua
Rua
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Dicen que Santiago es el pueblo más grande del mundo y, al mismo tiempo, la ciudad más pequeña del planeta. Esta capital gallega combina las comodidades de las pequeñas localidades y las ventajas de las grandes ciudades sofisticadas. Se puede recorrer de una punta a otra en un tranquilo paseo y goza de las comodidades de las grandes capitales. Rincones solitarios y tranquilos y calles bulliciosas de bares de vinos comparten el mismo escenario. El centro histórico, declarado patrimonio de la humanidad por la UNESCO, es la joya de la corona. Construida piedra a piedra alrededor de su majestuosa catedral. El descubrimiento de la tumba del apóstol en el siglo IX transformó este lugar sagrado para siempre.
HOTELS COMFORT
Hotel Fruela, Oviedo
Hotel Areces, Grado
Casa Sueño, Salas
Hotel Palacio de Meras, Tineo
Albergue Miguelín, La Mesa
Casa Rural San Julián, San Julian
Hotel Moneda, O Cádavo
Hotel Mendez Nuñez, Lugo
Hotel Rural O Cruce do Burgo, O Burgo de Negral
Hotel Lux Melide, Melide
1930 Boutique Hotel, Arzua
Alojamientos Rurales O Acivro, Rúa
Virxe da Cerca, Santiago de Compostela
HOTELS SUPERIOR
Hotel Fruela, Oviedo
Hotel Areces, Grado
Casa Sueño, Salas
Hotel Palacio de Meras, Tineo
Albergue Miguelín, La Mesa
Casa Rural San Julián, San Julian
Hotel Moneda, O Cádavo
Hotel Mendez Nuñez, Lugo
Hotel Rural O Cruce do Burgo, O Burgo de Negral
Hotel Lux Melide, Melide
Alojamientos Rurales O Acivro, Rúa
Parador de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago Compostela
- Your choice of accommodations in COMFORT CATEGORY: best available 1 to 3-star hotels, guest houses or rural tourism manor houses with private bath; or in SUPERIOR CATEGORY: Same as Comfort Category except in the city of Santiago where accommodations will be at the deluxe Parador Reis Catolicos or in a hotel of similar category.
- Breakfast daily
- Luggage transportation from city to city while you walk (1 piece, maximum 44 Lbs per person)
- Protection and medical insurance while on tour
- Complete route descriptions and materials
- Includes your "Pilgrim Passport"
- Local 24 hour telephone assistance while on tour
Petrabax
Petrabax is also a leader in Spanish language escorted tours of Europe, Middle East and the Orient.
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