Name: Sarria to Santiago (Leadership Development A)
SKU: Yeadon-SAR-SAN_Albergue
Availability: OutOfStock

Camino Francés – Sarria to Santiago de Compostela

This stretch of the Camino Francés will earn you the pilgrims’ certificate if you get your pilgrim passport stamped twice a day. You will begin the walk under the sentinel gaze of Sarria Castle on peaceful country roads lined by shady oak woods. Quiet villages host beautiful Romanesque churches such as the one in Eirexe whose beautiful portal features a sculpture of Daniel and animals, as well as Santiago de Peregrino. There are hamlets every few kilometers so you will not have to worry about food or water. At Melide, stop in one of the many restaurants to try the local specialty pulpo before heading to the medieval village of Ribadiso where you can relax on the river bank. Beyond Arzua the Camino will pass through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages like Santa Irene, home to a small chapel with unique statues of Santiago and the Fountain of Eternal Youth which, according to legend, would heal and grant youthfulness to whoever washed in its waters. At the spring in Lavacolla, pilgrims traditionally washed in its waters before presenting themselves before Saint James. Tall eucalyptus trees line the way to Monte del Gozo (the “Mount of Joy”) from where you will see your final goal – the UNESCO World Heritage Site la Catedral de Santiago.

The Experience – this is far more than a mere trekking adventure. This is a retreat that can recalibrate and revitalize your life with God and others. This retreat is primarily for ministry leaders (pastors, elders, missionaries, NGO leaders), limited to 10 people. This intimate, facilitated group experience also builds in private time for you to pray, reflect and process what the Holy Spirit might say to you in this season.

For this pilgrimage you will stay in economical albergues, which are traditional bunk houses typical of the Camino. You will share the room with others. Please read the inclusives tab to the left for other distinctives of this pilgrimage.

Duration
6 nights, 5 days walking
Distance
111 km (69 miles)

Registration Deadline
June 1st
Early Bird Discount Until
April 1st

Program

The program will focus on creating an environment for reflection in order to deepen your connection with God. A typical day will look like this:

Morning: Pilgrims usually rise shortly after daybreak to enjoy the crisp morning air. We will begin the day with a short facilitated meditation on the suggested theme for the day followed by an orientation for the hike ahead. Breakfast will be taken on your own, based on your own needs and desired departure time. The morning will be spent walking, with rests and lunch along the way.

Afternoon: After walking 4-6 hours, you will arrive at your overnight destination sometime in early to mid-afternoon. Everyone is permitted to walk at their own pace, with or without a companion. Afternoons will be spent showering, resting, journaling or doing laundry. Before dinner, you will have the opportunity to debrief the day with the group over drinks and tapas, if desired.

Evening: You may choose to eat dinner with our cohort, a smaller group, or on your own. Dinner in Spain is typically much later than in other countries (after 9 pm). There will be an optional brief meditation in the evening.

The program above describes a typical day and the opportunities that will be available to you. While we hope you will participate in some of the group sessions to enrich the experience of others, it is not required because we realize that every person’s pilgrimage is unique. Each person comes with different questions, hopes and needs. We want to respect and honor where each person is at. The intent of the program is to provide a basic rhythm that pilgrims can follow as desired.

Inclusives

This is an economical package. The registration fee for this walking retreat includes the following:

Reservations in well-regarded bunk houses where you will share the room with others (nightly rate will be paid for by each pilgrim)
an experienced guide who will meet you in Madrid, accompany you by train to Sarria, walk with you, and ensure you get to the airport in Santiago de Compostela
a leadership coach who is available for listening, coaching, debriefing, spiritual companionship or direction (sometimes the same person as the guide)
one-on-one orientation call to aid preparation
training schedule and packing list
carefully selected meditations and devotionals
daily debriefing and sharing sessions
recommended thought-provoking reading or podcasts for inspiration before, during and after the experience
informational kit highlighting points of interest along the way
special pilgrim masses in historic churches where possible
like-minded pilgrims to travel with!

Not included in the price:

Cost of lodging
Breakfast, lunch or dinner
air or ground transportation
personal, medical or trip insurance (recommended)
luggage transfer
laundry services
visa for Spain (if required)

Food & Lodging

Lodging: We will make advance reservations for you in traditional, hand-picked albergues (bunk houses) that are clean and friendly. You will share the room with others. Advance reservations means you won’t have to participate in the notorious daily bed race in which pilgrims get up before dawn and dash through the hike just to ensure a bed in their desired village or albergue. Instead you can have a leisurely morning and walk peacefully at your own pace knowing that your bed is reserved. We will make sure that you get to your destination every night and troubleshoot any complications that may arise.

Santiago de Compostela is worth at least one extra day to appreciate the history and culture. If you can spare the time, we recommend departing one day later than the planned program. Such lodging and sightseeing plans will have to be made separately since they are not included in the price.

Food and Drinks: It is best that each participant make their own arrangements to meet personalized dietary preferences. We want to put the control of when, where and what you eat into your hands, which is why the price listed is not inclusive of breakfast, lunch or dinner. Instead, you will be able to control how much you spend. You will also be able to purchase food that suits your taste and energy requirements; each person will have different caloric requirements based on the rigor of the journey. We will be there to provide you with restaurant recommendations based on our experience.

Dietary restrictions: Please know that due to the nature of this pilgrimage specialized diets can’t be guaranteed. You may want to pack food to supplement local meals.

Breakfast: available from the host or at a local cafe.
Lunch: some hosts are willing to pack a light lunch for you. Otherwise, you will find small eateries in quaint villages along the way.
Dinner: most villages will have several small restaurants.

Food budget guidance:USD $40-60 per day

Budget

The total cost will be determined by your travel preferences, the registration fee and your transportation costs.

Estimate One-time Costs:

Airfare (please use your preferred travel provider)
- International: TBD based on your location
- National:
  - Train from Madrid to Sarria: $35-45
  - One-way airfare from Santiago to Madrid: $60-80
Ground transportation (e.g.; airport transfers): $30-45
Pilgrim Ways registration fee: see price to the right

Estimated Daily Costs:

Between the beginning and end of the trail, your out-of-pocket costs will range from USD $55 – 85 per day, based on your travel preferences:

Lodging: $15-25 per day
Food: $40-60 per day
Miscellaneous (e.g.; laundry, souvenirs, pilgrim’s passport, museums): $0-5 per day

Facilitator-Guide

Mark Yeadon’s passion is to help others thrive in all aspects of life. Recently retired from a 25+ year executive leadership role with an international development organization, Mark is excited about coaching and mentoring others who have also felt the incessant demands of leadership. Mark believes it is possible to hold demanding roles and still thrive in life. He studied Accounting and International Development and is in the process of completing a Certificate in Spiritual Formation through the Apprentice Institute at Friends University. Mark lived in numerous Latin American countries and is fluent in Spanish, English and is conversant in Portuguese. Throughout his career he hosted and led teams in many countries around the world and used every free moment to hike them as well. Mark currently lives in Colorado with his wife of over 40 years, 4 adult children and 10 grandchildren.

Date

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SKU: Yeadon-SAR-SAN_Albergue Category: Spain

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